Ep. 1: “Just For Laughs” with Jean Smart and Pat Regan
May 2, 2024
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Jean Smart and Pat Regan join the creators to discuss Deborah's character development and the challenging writing process. They explore the complex relationships and emotions between characters, hinting at underlying feelings. The conversation also includes insights from Pat Regan on 'Hacks' writing and the humor of securing a Tostitos sponsorship.
Maintaining the unique dynamic between Deborah and Ava is crucial for the show's success.
Bringing back Deborah and Ava with a satisfying yet surprising reunion requires strategic character development.
Deep dives
Overview of Season 3 Premiere: Just for Laughs
In the season 3 premiere of Hacks, Deborah and David have not been in each other's lives, but they reunite at the Just for Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal. The episode explores how Deborah feels after a year and getting back into her character after months of filming. Jean Smart discusses her portrayal of Deborah and how she immediately connected with the character since the first season, maintaining the unique dynamic with Ava.
Maintaining the Dynamic Between Deborah and Ava
The creators discuss the challenge of maintaining the Deborah and Ava dynamic through the seasons. They highlight the importance of the history, shorthand, and inside jokes between the characters, comparing their relationship to a dysfunctional marriage that still works. They mention the need to surprise the audience with familiar dynamics while ensuring that the comedy remains engaging and unexpected.
Challenges of Bringing Deborah and Ava Back Together in Season 3
The creators delve into the process of bringing Deborah and Ava back together in a satisfying yet surprising way in season 3. They discuss the decision to separate the characters temporarily to allow for individual growth, which fuels their eventual reunion. The episode also addresses the complexities of their reunion, emphasizing that the breakup and reconciliation will have lasting consequences on their relationship throughout the season.
Exploring the Network Executive Character Played by Helen Hunt
The podcast episode covers Helen Hunt's portrayal of a network executive in Hacks, highlighting her comedic and dramatic talents. They discuss how Helen Hunt drew from her own experiences with network executives to embody the character effectively. The creators express excitement about guest stars like Christina Hendricks and Christopher Lloyd, teasing future appearances in the season.
In the first episode of The Official Hacks podcast, Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs and Jen Statsky are joined by Jean Smart, who plays Deborah Vance. They talk about stepping back into Deborah’s heels, and her relationship with Ava. Then Hacks writer/actor Pat Regan joins the hosts to recap the episode, talk about why it was a tricky one to write, and Helen Hunt’s guest star turn.