Hacks

[Gideon58]

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First of all, I don't know if there is another thread for this show, but if there is, I'm sure Yoda will relocate it for me. After watching the fabulous Jean Smart win her second Emmy for this show and her funny as hell acceptance speech, I had to check this show out and I am so glad I did. Just watched the pilot for this funny, inventive, and edgy HBOMax comedy where Smart plays Deborah Vance, a show business legend who began her career starring on a CBS sitcom with her ex-husband (who dies in the pilot) but eventually becomes a legend on the stages of Las Vegas. Deborah's career is in its sunset years, but she is in complete denial about that. Deborah's manager hooks her up with a writer named Ava (Hannah Einbinder) who has destroyed her career by tweeting an in appropriate joke and Ava is hired to write jokes for Deborah. This pilot was sparkling entertainment from start to finish and I will be watching both seasons, thanks to the amazing Jean Smart, who makes this appointment television all by herself.

[Yoda]

I've heard good things and I'm looking forward to giving this a try soon. :)

[Stirchley]

I didn’t like this show at all.

[Gideon58]

Just watched ep 2 and am finding this show to be moving in a direction I didn't expect, but it was still all kinds of fun. After the pilot, I thought this show was going to be about Deborah's resistance working with Ava, but it's turning out that Ava is the one really fighting the relationship, almost to the point that she is becoming unlikable. Loved the reveals that Deborah has a soda fountain in her kitchen (and changes the tanks herself) and that she has a private blackjack dealer come to her home. Also loved when Deborah confessed to learning everything about Ava before she got to Vegas. Ava did have me on the floor with her reply to Deborah when Deborah asked he if she was a lesbian. Looking forward to more backstory regarding Deborah's career and her relationship with Marty (Christopher McDonald). Really am enjoying Paul W. Downs , as Ava and Deborah's agent, Jimmy and Megan Stalter is a total scene-stealer as Jimmy's assistant, Kayla. Deborah is no saint either in this battle...that was messed up when she left Ava in the desert, but loved the resolution of the pepper shaker adventure. I also want to applaud Jean Smart's bravery in not having to be wearing tons of makeup in every scene...there aren't a lot of actresses out there who have no qualms about looking their age onscreen, but I think it brings an added richness to Smart's character. This show is knocking it out of the park so far.

[Gideon58]

Just finished ep 3 and I have to ask...do they want us to hate Ava? Because she made all kinds of questionable moves in this episode. She did not try to justify her sending nude selfies of herself in Deborah's basement. What it comes down to is she was on the clock in somebody else's house and that was wrong. And then we learn that the girl she sent them to broke up with her and is with someone else. Loved the scene on the tour bus...that was brilliant. Really like Carl Clemons-Hopkins, who so beautifully underplays as Marcus. This is an actor who definitely understands that sometimes less is more.

[Gideon58]

It's only ep 4, but I totally hate DJ, Deborah's daughter, played by Kaitlen Olsen. Glad Deborah didn't bring her idea to QVC but wondering why Ava would support her. Not buying DJ's side of the story either. Ava's bonding with DJ is going to jeopardize her job I think. The dress that Deborah wore to Marty's party was hideous. Every moment Jean Smart and Christopher McDonald spend onscreen together is gold. Clearly, these two have unresolved issues. Loved that scene with Deborah and Marty's wife...what is she up to? I love thayt Deborah already knew what DJ is doing. And the reason she lets her just earned big brownie points for Deborah in my book. That final scene with Deborah and Ava was lovely.

[Gideon58]

The opening of ep 5 was brilliant. Ava and the toothpaste was cute, but pointless. I'm also starting to dislike Ava as much as I dislike DJ. Ava needs to get over herself. Still don't understand how Deborah blackmailed Marty, but I'm glad it worked. I like George and, believe it or not, I love that they bonded over cocaine instead of instantly falling in bed. Ava and the Mean Girls...priceless. Deborah needs to listen to Marcus more. I like George but I hope he doesn't turn Ava into a junkie. She has enough issues without addiction. Love drunk Deborah, more please. We know Deborah and Ava are going to stay together somehow, but that voicemail resignation was awesome.

[Gideon58]

Ava's dream that opened ep 7 was perfection. "Makeup absolutely has rules." Loved that Deborah thought Marcus bringing Wilson to her party was all about her and it wasn't. Deborah's dress for this party was a HUGE improvement over the one she wore to Marty's party. Loved the story of how Deborah and Marcus met. Was DJ actually wearing glass shoes? Seriously? Who is that woman to ask Damien if everyone could switch seats? This episode also brought up something I hadn't even considered and that is a possible sexual relationship between Ava and Deborah. They also seem to be hinting at something between Ava and Poppy, despite the fact that Ava's bed with George isn't even cold yet. Everything between the kitchen manager and Damien (Mark Indelicato) was gold. Loved Mark on Ugly Betty and am hoping to see his part beefed up a bit. The prenup confrontation between Deborah and DJ was brilliantly executed by Jean Smart and Kaitlen Olsen. Ava really needs to stay out of Deborah and DJ's relationship. Laura Weedman made every moment she had as the Mayor count. Nice to see Blake Clark as the drive thru minister. And there's definitely something I don't trust about DJ's new husband Aiden...I was OK with him until he agreed to marry DJ so quickly.

[Gideon58]

What Marty did at the opening of ep 8 really sucked and I'm glad Deborah is not taking it lying down. Loved seeing the first REAL bonding between Ava and Deborah in this episode. A power play seems to be developing between Marcus and Ava and it will be interesting to see who wins. Anna Maria Horsford remains as annoying as usual. How is Ava's mom such a nut and her dad such a sweetheart? Wilson's bonding with Marcus' mom was hysterical. Wilson is perfection why is Marcus so scared of him? Does Ava realize or even care that she broke her father's heart? And she has the nerve to get in the middle of Deborah's relationship with DJ? I hate that Deborah let that jerk Drew throw her off her game...she's a professional...she's better than that. But BOY did she get him back good...that was so awesome what she did to that guy onstage. Great twist at the end.

[Gideon58]

Cannot believe Ava's trying to get to LA without telling Deborah at the beginning of ep 9. This can't end well. "Will you stay of Web MD? It's bad for your personality." I thought Marcus knew about Ava's interview and I loved the way he played it off when Deborah snapped at him. LOVED the twist behind Ava's new job offer. Smart was brilliant in that final scene.

[Gideon58]

The tension established at the beginning of the season one finale, centering around the naming of Deborah's street and her final show at the Palmetto was quite palatable. LOVED that Deborah asked DJ for permission to do the material about her and said she wouldn't if Deborah didn't approve...did not see that coming. That scene in the limo provided the only likable moments from DJ so far. Kayla is funny as hell and a reveal about her in this ep explained a LOT. Can't tell if Kayla is really crushing on Jimmy or has no idea that he's probably gay. Hannah Einbinder was wonderful in that scene with Deborah where Ava had to tell her she was going to miss the show. Would like to think that what Deborah did for Marcus would have happened whether or not the confrontation with Ava happened, but I doubt it. Glad for Marcus because he totally deserves it. Hate what happened with Wilson. Was really looking forward to hear what Jimmy was going to say to Deborah. Hope he gets the chance to say it some point. Loved Ava's gift to Deborah. DJ is first, but Ava's mother is my second least favorite character on the show...she's nuts..if she didn't return for season two, I would be OK with that. Pleasantly surprised by what happened at Ava's father's funeral...that scene could have been the rest of the episode as far as I'm concerned. "You know, crying gives you wrinkles...you need to learn how to cry without moving your forehead at all." After her confession to Ava, I wish we had seen more of Deborah's final show. Great final cliffhanger into season two. This show rules.

[Gideon58]

Loved what Deborah was wearing during the opening of the first ep of season 2. It was nice to see Kayla's inappropriate behavior from last season actually addressed. The scene in HR with her and Jimmy was hysterical. "OK, name one movie that's not about sex or Nazis." Ava really needs to learn how to engage her brain before actually speaking. "don't psychoanalyze my pot pie, all right? Deborah really just needs to cut DJ out of her life and I hope Ava stops interfering in their relationship, tattered as it is. Love Deborah's Christmas room. Best advice ever: When Jimmy told Ava to throw her phone into the ocean. Ava's mother continues to be the show's hottest mess...can't believe her gift from Ava that came to the hotel. "You know, I don't think I've said this anyone else in my life, but I think you need to read less. DJ's pink track suit with the racing stripes on the side actually made me laugh out loud. Glad to see Marcus hasn't given up on Wilson. Can't believe we had to wait a whole season for the obligatory cameo from Wayne Newton, which I think is law for anything filmed in Las Vegas. "Deborah, I didn't think you'd be here. I know how you hate seeing men's bare feet." LOVED what DJ was wearing at the fight. So over stars saying they don't care about reviews...no matter what they say, ALL stars care about reviews, case closed. The climax of the fight, not exactly steeped in realism, but extremely entertaining. Can't wait to hear all bout Deborah and McLudwig.

[Gideon58]

Loved when that fan recognized Deborah in the store at the opening of ep 2. How could she stand there and proclaim to be Deborah's biggest but not know her name? Loved Deborah's explanation for buying the reusable cup, not that she owed it to Ava. Love Jimmy's new assistant, Silas, but their first meeting went WAY too well for this work, something's going to go terribly wrong. "Betrayal is the worst thing in the world...and I've woken up to a colonoscopy." Great to see Ming-Na on the show, playing the edgiest character I have ever seen her play, hope to see more of her. She was great. Kayla's father is a dick and I should have seen that coming. The scene in the restaurant with the email made anything else in this episode that didn't work irrelevant...Jean Smart gives a master acting class without uttering a word. Can't believe Jimmy still has to go to anger management and has to have Kayla back at his desk. The actress playing the HR person is really funny though. Final scene was fantastic with the perfect song playing in the background.

[Gideon58]

Laurie Metcalf definitely got ep 3 off to a great start. After what we learned in ep 2, I can't understand why Ava is still being such a smart ass. He lips should be firmly planted on Deborah's ass right now. Hated that actress playing Marcus' mom's BFF...she was in Borat. Hated her in that too. Damien and the phones in the lobby was too funny. Loved that Deborah had the bus turned around and that she actually got in the dumpster to help. I wouldn't mind learning why Deborah turned around the bus to let Ava found her dad...maybe something about Deborah's dad? Does Marcus really think he can forget about Wilson with a puppy? He's smarter than that. All of a sudden, I find myself wondering why Deborah continues to bomb? They have her still bombing even with Ava writing for her, so what' the purpose of the entire show if Ava's not helping Deborah? I'm guessing that at some point Deborah is going to drop this lawsuit, but they're sure making us wait for it.

[Gideon58]

Deborah and Ava off on a lesbian cruise to start ep 4? Certainly didn't see that coming. Loved that Deborah accepts her status as a gay man icon but hates lesbians. Why does Ava always feel the need to share her life story with bartenders? loved the reveal that Russell Crowe is in Jimmy's anger management class. I'm over Marcus' mother and her BFF...big waste of screentime. "Over 90 with three hole to go? You sound like Hugh Hefner." That whole conversation between Deborah and Ava regarding sexuality was all kinds of weird...why would Ava think that was an appropriate conversation for them? Deborah was clearly uncomfortable with it but Ava kept pushing for reasons I can't imagine. Loved that lesbian couple Deborah and Ava hooked up with...the bald Asian girl with the tattoos was breathtaking. The piano bar sing-a-long was awesome. The reunion of Marcus and Wilson was a prickly heartbreaker. Jean Smart was great in her onstage scene where the lesbians turn on her...very squirm worthy scene. I hope Joe's going to be all right. Can't believe what they did to Deborah on the cruise and why the hell are the destroying Marcus, the smartest character on the show? Little sad we won't be seeing anymore of Laurie Metcalfe.

[Gideon58]

Marcus' clues to Deborah in the celebrity game gave ep 5 a hilarious start. Broken condom, Robert Mitchum? Would love to hear the rest of that story. That shirt Ava was wearing in the opening scene was really ugly. "They know comedy...they dress like tableware." Great to see Harriet Sansom Harris...I love her. I like that Deborah feels guilty about what she did to Susan...surprised she even remembers it. Kayla's funny but she needs to get a life. Loved Marcus' description of carnival rides. "OK, I don't gamble and you shouldn't joke about clothes." Deborah totally blew her good kharma with that balloon game. Didn't see the bonding between Ava and Marcus coming. Jimmy needs to be very careful with Kayla...there's some underlying evil there I think, along with the crazy. Deborah getting upstaged at the end of was kind of sad. Is Deborah still suing Ava? It hasn't been mention in at least three episodes.

[Gideon58]

OK, why does Deborah need her blackjack dealer so badly? Very odd opening to ep 6. One question from the previous ep actually got answered...very impressive. Loved the scene with Deborah and her stalker, Axel. Not crazy about the return of Ava's cray cray Mom. The character is like fingernails on a blackboard. LOVED that the guy who tried to pickup Deborah in the bar had no idea who she was. Famous people are always complaining about having no privacy and then are crushed when strangers don't recognize them. "Happy people eat steak Ava!" Smart crushed the final 10 minutes of the ep...I actually held my breath when she asked the audience member about bringing his mother back to life...that could have gone either way

[Gideon58]

I feel terrible saying this, but I was halfway through ep 7 before I realized Ava's subletter was a female. I felt so bad for Deborah as she was shopping her special around. Deborah cutting down that treehouse was so Faye Dunaway in Mommie Dearest. I loved that Deborah turned down that offer and decided to sell her special on her own, but I think it's really risky. Loved that Jerry Maguire scene with Jimmy quitting the agency and Kayla following him. Susie Essman was a lot of fun with Elaine. At least I think that was Susie Essman. Great cliffhanging final scene.

[Gideon58]

That auction that started off ep 8 was funny, but i couldn't tell if Deborah really wanted that painting or was she just buying it to stick it to Marty. "Maybe don't make your life worse, to be ten minutes closer to Deborah." Ming-Na's return was way too brief...MUST have more of her. Didn't realize her character was so close to Deborah. Love the relationship between Deborah and Marcus...they have entire conversations without saying anything. "He does well in this business...especially for a man under 6'1''." Can't wait to see Janet and Kayla throw down. I should have known that guy with soda next to Jimmy was there for a reason. Can't believe Jimmy did what he did and I'm sure it's going to come back and bite him in the ass at some point. Loved that burgundy evening gown Deborah wore at the network party. I have serious mixed emotions about the way things ended between Ava and Deborah. How long do I have to wait for season 3?

[Gideon58]

Well, they sure made us wait for it, but I finally got to see the first two episodes of season 3 and they were worth the wait. I initially wanted to throw my shoe at the screen when it was revealed that we had a one year time jump. I usually hate time jumps on TV shows because it allows the writers to rewrite stuff from the previous season that didn't work, gloss over it, or just pretend it didn't happen, but II understand why they did it after watching this episodes. I have to admit I was very pleased to learn that Deborah's television special was a smash and that she is on top again. It was a little disturbing that Deborah was given no clue of anything going on in her personal life, they have her all about her career now and that's OK, but there was this sinking feeling I got as watched Deborah in these two episodes. Everything seems to be going so well for Deborah right now and it seems like they are setting her up for some kind of really serious fall, but I have no idea what it might be. Maybe it might have something to do with her nutty daughter, DJ (Kaitlin Olson) who was conspicuous in her absence from these first two episodes. So glad that Ava (Hannah Einbinder) in employed and loved her reunion with Deborah...the second she was running for that elevator I knew Deborah would be in there. I didn't really understand that long tracking shot that opened ep 1 that appeared to be Deborah from the back and it turned out to be a look-alike. Really didn't understand that. Jean Smart nailed that scene where Deborah was onstage and got frustrated with the audience who was laughing at everything she said without her putting any effort into it. I also loved her trip to her clothes warehouse to pick out that gown and I'm sorry, I'm with Ava on this one, that gown was hideous and loved that they agreed the only impartial judge had to be a gay guy. Loved Jean and Hannah's work in that scene in Deborah's suite with the cake...loved the referencing of cake and Kirsten Dunst and Marie Antoinette. That story of the copyright infringement was interesting and I liked the way Marcus handled it, but as CEO, Marcus should have been on that first, Deborah shouldn't have had to have been bringing that to him, though that the scene with Marcus and obsessed fan where they were quizzing each other about who knew Deborah best had me on the floor. It seems like the writers aren't sure what to do with Jimmy and Kayla this season. Everything they did in this episodes just seemed on the periphery of main story. LOVED Deborah's triumphant guest hosting of the late night show and I knew the minute that Ava found that ring that it wasn't what she thought it was, though Ruby's reaction was a little over the top. Also loved the opening moments of ep 2 where Deborah and Ava were texting each other constantly like girlfriends. Season 3 is off to a solid start, but I'm feeling a big fall for Deborah coming.

[Gideon58]

Watching eps 3 & 4 of season three. The 1987 to 1992 guest suite...seriously? I had a totally different answer for the Mario Cantone joke. I know Danny Collins is a character here, but is there any possibility that he might be the Danny Collins that Al Pacino played in a movie several years ago? The big fall I think that's coming for Deborah is coming in terms of pursuit of this talk show. That scene of Ava firing the new writers was hysterical. Well, I guess we don't have to wait much longer for the return of DJ. This roast is going to be comedic hell. I thought a roast meant that DJ would be making fun of Deborah? Deborah's going to be making fun of the people on the dias? "So you're the one who got my little girl clean, my insurance company owes you a fruit basket." Who was that actress playing DJ's therapist? Deborah can't even make a two minute speech at an NA meeting without having Ava write it for her? "I did set that boundary and now Luna can play the French horn," Deborah was wrong to jump into a routine at DJ's meeting, but not surprising I guess. I hate that Deborah doesn't know what she did was wrong, but DJ's bombshell sort of got her back. DJ's catchphrase is ridiculous. "I don't know anymore funny numbers." Is there a specific reason DJ hasn't mentioned who the father of her baby is? That scene between Deborah and DJ ay DJ's house was a riot. Who is that actor playing Jack Danby? "Deborah Vance is so old she still remembers when Roe and Wade were very good friends." Patton Oswalt was very funny. Hey DJ, 1966 called they want your dress back. I'm glad that DJ totally killed at the roast. Loved what DJ said To Deborah after the show and ;liked that it actually affected Deborah. Knew Deborah wasn't going to get Danny's show, but didn't think it would happen that soon. Can't believe Ava's demands and that Deborah actually agreed to them. Nice to see Mark Indelicato at the center of the opening of ep 4 since his part has been reduced to practically nothing to date. Cat Stoop? Seriously? Ava was really eating dog biscuits? A bisexual gumby named gumbi...that put me on the floor. Loved the scene with Steve Tobolowsky. Ruby ordered food knowing she wasn't going to be home? It's time to give Jimmy and Kayla separate lives. Can't wait to see who's playing the guys at the colonoscopy party. Loved the return of Helen Hunt. She looks like she's had some work done. Hate they brought back that Borat lady was Marcus' mother BFF? I hate her. Was that Joel Brooks as one of the colonoscopy guys? "Look who grew some foreskin, I like it!" Ava should know better than to have her phone visible at trivia night? OK, Ruby needs to get over herself. Dumped over the cell phone, is that worse that being dumped via post-it. Didn't realize Hunt's character decides who gets the late night show. I still think the bar trivia night would have been a much funnier use of screentime. OMG, those guys were playing UNO, I thought they were playing poker. That theory abut bisexuals was news to me. OK, did Deborah just say that Malcom X was bisexual? I hate that Deborah and Ava are falling apart again. I understand where Deborah is coming from regarding the talk show. Cute cameo from Mario Lopez, who's finally starting to look his age. Yeah, this talk show is definitely going to be Deborah's big fall, I just don't see it happening.

[AKA23]

I really enjoy this show. This is my favorite current comedy now that "Curb Your Enthusiasm" has ended.

[Gideon58]

OK, watching eps 5 and 6 now. Loved Deborah unloading herself to be weighed for her physical. Why did Deborah want the blood work before the weigh in? Did she think she would weigh less with less blood? I've decided that the Home Shopping stuff bores me. Love the story of Marcus being offered another job, that could lead to some every entertaining stuff. They need to give Jimmy something legitimate to do, it feels like they don't know what to do with the character. Love Deborah's soda cup, it reminds me of one I saw Jennifer Lopez has that I saw in her documentary. "I'm sorry...I'll be funny now." If Deborah wants to protect her hands, why wear gloves without tips? "Hilarious that you think I don't have a vibrator." Glad to hear that Deborah has no interest in marrying an again. At this point in her life, she would be a terrible wife. She does need to get laid though. That whole nature walk thing wasn't nearly as interesting as the writers seemed to have thought it would be. A star like Deborah doesn't have her phone with her at all times? Seriously? This episode seems to be centering on Deborah's fear of aging. "I don't re-do! I refresh!" Good thing Ava never considered medical school. I didn't know male bees don't sting. Deborah and Ava's conversation about destroying the planet really wasn't that interesting. That shot of them reaching the top of the hill facing the mountains was breathtaking. Was she really rubbing two sticks together? Is that really a thing? "This is the first time I've missed my skin regiment since the Bush administration." "Anything I want to do, I have to do now." Smart's monologue right before they got rescued was lovely, made the rest of the show worth sitting through...ep 5 was definitely on the weaker side, hoping ep 6 will make up for it. OK, the little people playing elves...I see both sides of that issue. Undecided about Mark Indelicato's mustache. "Don't judge a book by her giant fake ****." "Christmas is my holiday...she can have 911." I like DJ's husband. Are we every going to meet the devil incarnate, and by that I mean Deborah's sister? "Philanthropy is just a fancy word for tax evasion." Christopher McDonald is back! Yay! Ava being Deborah's caddy? No good can come of that. Did Ava really need an apron that has the word "caddy" printed on it or is it a policy of the club for all caddies? Marty's marriage is over? I thought that was Tony Goldwyn playing Bob Lipka. Wow, I just had a Shooter McGavin flashback watching Marty on the golf course. That was s o funny watching Deb acting all girly and flirty with Bob. Christina Hendricks!! She hasn't aged a bit since Mad Men. Love hat Deborah is driving Marty insane. Hendricks a possible love interest for Ava? She got Ava totally hot when she told her to get on her knees...brilliantly played Einbinder. I didn't think we were going to learn this quickly that Deborah didn't get Late Night, but I guess this was Deborah's big fall I was seeing coming. Smart was so good in the scene where she told Ava, just heartbreaking. So are we supposed to believe that losing Late Night has made Deb a better golfer? Didn't understand a word Ava said to Marty at the bar. The night practice scene with Smart and Goldwyn was a sizzler. "I was really looking forward to pissing on a caddy." Hendricks and Einbinger's "love scene" was hilarious. Marty had two martinis who was the other one for? Who was he hoping would be there? There's a definite chemistry between Smart and Goldwyn. Goldwyn did a guest shot on Designing Women about a million years ago. Well, we finally met Deborah's sister and it sure looked like J Smith-Cameron from Succession. Ep 6 was a big improvement over 5, though up to this point this show has never totally disappointed and can we just give Jean Smart another Emmy already?

[AKA23]

I think this show is a good example of an actress, Jean Smart, really having her moment. I've seen her in many other things over the years, and before "Hacks", she never made much of an impression on me. I think she's always been a decent and reliable actress, but I never really considered her to be a particularly talented one. For me, "Hacks" showed a side of Jean Smart that I hadn't seen before, and I think that is kind of a fascinating element of TV and movies. I think you need both the talent and the right roles, and some actors and actresses may actually have the talent, but they may not have chosen, or had the opportunities to portray, the right roles. She does such a great job in this part, and I think that it is a perfect match for her skills as an actress and her persona. Her comedic timing is also a revelation. In some ways, it's given her a chance to shine in a way that she hadn't had the opportunity to do before, and the fact that it's happened in her 70s is even more surprising and, to me, impressive.

[Gideon58]

Season 3, Ep 7. Love the title of this episode, "The Deborah Vance Christmas Spectacular." Jimmy and Kayla have become ridiculous and they seem to be doing nothing to help Deborah's career. I cannot believe they've brought Ava's mother bac, I can't stand her. Love Kayla's dad being shocked that she doesn't know who Fatty Arbuckle is. She's actually serving figgy pudding? In all the Xmases I've celebrated, I have never been served figgy pudding in my like? Was the Christopher Lloyd playing Arbuckle's grandson? Loved the machines blowing fake snow on Deborah's house. Deborah made me go through all of their childhood photos and scratch her eyes out." Just learned that J Smith-Cameron is replacing Linda Purl, who apparently played Cathy in season one, which I totally missed. Yes, that is Christopher Lloyd. "The last time I sat on your lap I was eight and you said I had a bony ass." How funny was Jimmy and the hawk? I love that Ava really seems to want to see Deborah and Cathy mend fences. Did Jimmy really think that Arbuckle was going to let him walk out of the house with his screenplay? Convincing Arbuckle to go to Jimmy's house shouldn't have been that easy. I forgot DJ is pregnant. "You used to eat sausage three links at a time." The crib/gingerbread incident was SO awkward. Is that Deidre Hall playing Jimmy's mother? Cannot believe that Cathy planned to come to Xmas dinner and not offer some sort of explanation to Deborah. Jean Smart and J Smith-Cameron were wonderful in that scene outside climaxing with the snowball fight. It's so sad that Deborah can't let go of this anger regarding Cathy. Ava's mom redefines annoying. Love that Jimmy and Arbuckle struck a deal, that means we're going to get more Christopher Lloyd. I hope jimmy isn't getting Deborah's hopes up, doesn't seem like a done deal to me. Despite Ava's mother, a solid episode.

[Gideon58]

Season 3 Ep 8. Loved that dress Deborah was wearing in the opening scene. With all these people working for her, how does Deborah get overbooked? I'm so over Kayla. Is this writer out to do a hatchet job on Deborah? Why does it surprise me that college students recognized Deborah? Good to see Tim Bagley. We're just now learning that Deborah used to do a lot of racist jokes? Loved Deborah calling Zsa Zsa Gabor a slut. "Never apologize for a joke." "Deborah, improv has never made anybody look good. Write that down." I was surprised to see that phone call between Marcus and Jimmy because shouldn't they be working more closely together? The improv class had me on the floor. Not crazy about Deborah trying to buy these college kids but I understand she doesn't want anything coming between her and late night. "I was cancelled before there was even a name for it." Marcus trying to drive Deborah's phone number out of that guy's head was hysterical. "This is why I don't hook up with Little Debbies." That actress playing the dean looked familiar. Loved Marcus reading Deborah. Loved the scene at the bar with Marcus and Tim Bagley. Marcus is right though...she's too old to be blowing off her gay following. I like that Deborah actually went back and looked at her jokes and realized how wrong some of them were. Loved how humbled that town hall made Deborah, have never seen her so humbled and humiliated before. Deborah made jokes about disabled people? Seriously? So happy for Deborah.

[AKA23]

I think it emotionally works for the show and I'm happy for the character, but her getting the late night gig she's been striving for her whole career is incredibly unrealistic. There is no way that a "Tonight Show" type program would select someone who was 72 for this type of job. Longevity in the job would be their number one priority, and someone who is 72 would not be able to satisfy that criteria and would be immediately screened out.

[Gideon58]

OK, watching ep 9, which I just learned is the season finale. Not happy that this season only had nine episodes. Nice to see Christopher McDonald back as Marty and his dance instructor, Ernesto, is gorgeous. Said it before and I'll say it again. would love to see Mark Indelicato's role as Damian beefed up. He's a very talented actor who stole every scene he had on Ugly Betty.and this show is wasting him. "Biff Cliff...was your show produced by a cartoon duck?" Marcus already got another job? I knew he had an interview. Why is he quitting again? Is the character still going to be part of the show? Deborah's sister looked crushed when Deborah had to alter their plans. Am I the only one who doesn't care about Jimmy and Kayla anymore. "No, he's alive...men like him live hundreds and hundreds of years." Loved Kayla's suit in the second scene with her and Jimmy. Loved when Deborah's phone kept ringing at the mausoleum. I do not believe Deborah had her parents' bodies moved and never told anyone. J Smith Cameron was wonderful in that fight with Deborah. I think she overreacted regarding the phone. Deborah is a big star preparing her own show, she can't always control phone calls. Kayla never takes any crap from anyone why does she let this girl walk all over her? I like that Jimmy took up for Kayla and she should have seen it and appreciated it. What happened to the bulldozer Kayla from season one, why is she being turned into such a cry baby? She's quitting? Off the show? I can live with that. Lovely to see Hal Linden as Biff Cliff. Very wise of Deborah to try and find out what went wrong the first time. What bad publicity was Biff talking about? Deborah and her sister? Loved that the makeup girl felt she had to start over when she learned Ava was a writer. How cool is this, all these people working for Deborah. Deborah is not allowed to choose her own head writer? I don't think Deborah pushed back as hard as she told Ava she did. Jimmy was terrific in that scene where he begged Kayla to stay, though for the life of me, I can't imagine why. I do not believe Deborah screwed Ava over like that. Deborah was wrong for that. "It'll just be the same sh*t in a dress." Hannah Einbinder nailed that fight scene with Jean Smart. Cannot believe Deborah did that. Wow, what an ugly way to end these two. How can Jimmy afford an office like that? I understand what Jimmy was saying, but for Ava to crawl back to Deborah after what she did...I don't know. I did like Deborah taking a picture of her parking space. Wow, nice parry, Ava, did not see that coming. Solid season finale, ;looking fo5ward to season 4.

[Gideon58]

It’s been a long wait but the fourth season opener finally dropped last night. It felt like Ava might be feeling guilty about the way she got her new job. Deborah is definitely not taking this lying down. “Once she had someone removed from an organ donor’s list.” Deb destroying her kitchen was so Faye Dunaway in Mommie Dearest. Who sent that underwear? Loved Dan Bucatinsky denying his sexual orientation. Ava was hysterical in that sexual harassment workshop. Love Deborah donating Ava’s clothes to goodwill. Helen Hunt looks terrible. Jean nailed that press conference scene. “I don’t like that word we’re not in London.” Deborah’s tactics are a little juvenile expected better from her. Marcus looks like he’s lost weight since last season. He played that scene with Deborah beautifully. I love that Deborah’s tantrums still roll off Marcus. I’m so over Kayla this show could definitely live without her. Loved Jean’s red dress. I never thought I’d say this but those port a potties were gorgeous. Okay, I’m an idiot didn’t know you could unsend an email. Loved Jimmy putting Deb and Ava in their place. That final Deb/Ava moment redefined “icy”. This show hasn’t lost any of its bite.

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Season 4, Ep 2. It was no shock that article did not turn out to bee everything that Deborah wanted nor was it a shock that she blamed Ava for it. That conference call between Deborah, Jimmy, and Ava was a riot. These women are tearing Jimmy apart and I hope it doesn't come to a point where he's going to have to choose between them. Why the hell would Deborah hire her psychic to be a producer on her show? Nothing good can come of that. That whole thing with Kayla bringing all those animals in the office was stupid, only trumped by the new assistant she hired, who just might be even more annoying than Kayla, if that's possible. Was very glad that Winnie (Helen Hunt) laid down the law with Deborah and Ava. Loved when Ava tried to run back up the escalator when she saw Deborah at the bottom of it. The final scene with Deborah and Marcus was absolutely lovely. I'm really hoping that his leaving Deborah is re-thought because Carl Clemons-Hopkins and Jean Smart are magical together. Didn't really get that whole thing at the end with Deborah and the dog in the middle of the road...I guess it was symbolic of something, but I'm not sure what.

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Season Four, Ep 3. Deborah and Ava need to find common ground quickly. That shot of Deb and Ava with the Vegas skyline behind them was gorgeous l. Loved the Hamilton shout out. “How do we make millions of people go to bed with me?” Telling the staff of the show has to be number one in three months was a bad move because realistically it would never happen. Some of the writers’ ideas were funny but they were just bouncing off Deborah. Deborah is expecting instant miracles from the writers. The stock car racing just felt like filler. What was with the drug dealer with the briefcase? Loved the dealer refusing Deb’s job offer. Just realized that’s Deb’s private dealer from Season 1. It feels like Ava is the one alienating the writers. “I coined that phrase I’ve been saying LOL since 1991.” Deborah getting a lap dance was dumb. Arguing over the firing of that writer was silly. Deborah is headed for a meltdown of some kind. Can’t believe Deborah tried to refuse a breathalyzer. “They can’t write for me because they’re not me.” The scene in the back of the cop car was excellent. The mayor of Las Vegas carries a handgun? Loved that final idea the writers came up with. “Who told I’m going to beat their ass!”

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Season Four, Ep 4. That opening montage was a little busy and felt like filler. A heart attack on her premiere? That’s just mean. Ava implying stage fright was like stabbing Deborah in the heart. “You gotta be available for three day weekends in both directions.” Deborah’s blue gown she was getting altered was breathtaking. Carol Burnett! What a pleasant surprise. Loved Carol’s advice about stage fright. How long will this wall between Deborah and Ava remain intact? “Oh you’re going to know when I go full gorilla mode.” Scribes? Did Jimmy actually use the word scribes? Did Deborah really need to know that her mic was picking up her heartbeat? Loved the brown suit with the glitter lapels. Who was that playing Deborah’s pianist? Kate Hudson looks great. Is the writing staff just tired or are they nervous? Deborah was stood up for her after at restaurant. At least Damian showed up. Ava in the sex shop what was that about? Deborah and Damian have been together for a minute so.why was that dinner scene so awkward? Did he just use Deborah to score points at the club and Deborah just let him? Deborah and the poppers? That was funny until it put her in the hospital? Loved Deborah watching herself on television.