Kiki’s Shocking Insight Could Change Everything for Ava & Deborah in Hacks S4E3

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WARNING: SPOILERS ahead for Hacks season 4, episode 3.

In my opinion, the third episode of Hacks’ fourth season, titled “What Happens In Vegas,” features a compelling guest appearance by Kiki, portrayed brilliantly by Poppy Liu. Kiki, previously a recurring character in the first season and making appearances in various episodes throughout seasons 2 and 3, returns with a significant impact on Ava, who’s grappling with Deborah’s relentless feud and outdated expectations for her new writing team. Kiki offers Ava some valuable insights that help navigate this challenging situation.

In the initial two episodes of season 4, Ava and Deborah found themselves humorously and determinedly at loggerheads, leading to a temporary truce solely for their upcoming late-night show on the network. Ava’s strategic move to threaten Deborah into appointing her as head writer proved to be daring yet successful, with Deborah starting to grudgingly acknowledge this in episode 3. Meanwhile, back in Vegas, Ava rekindles her relationship with Kiki, who knew Ava before she climbed the ranks as Deborah’s preferred writer. Swiftly, Kiki reminds Ava of her true identity and, more pointedly, of what she is not.

Kiki Is Right: Ava Acting Like Deborah To Advance Her Career Isn’t A Good Thing

Ava’s Ambition To Prove Herself To Deborah Has Clouded Her Judgment

Ava explains away her behavior to securing the head writer position on Deborah’s late-night show by stating she simply acted as Deborah would have done. However, Kiki essentially replies “yes, but that’s not you,” and she is correct. Ava appears to be losing her identity amidst this competitive environment and is putting a lot at stake, including Deborah’s friendship, by playing Deborah’s aggressive game. The underlying issue is that Ava assumes Deborah would offer guidance as a mentor, which she isn’t providing, and instead imitates Deborah’s most questionable traits in an attempt to win her admiration and notice.

It’s no secret that Deborah’s methods have often been problematic across all seasons of Hacks, leading to career struggles initially. Yet, she recognizes the necessity of Ava’s suggestions and insights to modernize her comedy and rebrand herself to appeal to a younger demographic.

Deborah overlooks Ava’s importance, perhaps due to a sense of self-protection and pride, thinking she doesn’t need assistance when she actually does. Their mutual stubbornness as top dogs isn’t beneficial for their team dynamics, but it does challenge their power balance appropriately.

Ava Doesn’t Have Anyone Like Kiki In LA To Keep Her In Check

Ava Is Being Personally & Professionally Tested Like Never Before This Season

Given Marcus’ departure and everyone else who understands Ava and Deborah’s relationship dynamics being back in Las Vegas, Ava lacks someone to keep her grounded amidst the hard truths, much like Kiki used to do for her. Jimmy tries to fill that role occasionally, but he must also maintain a delicate balance between his relationships with Ava and Deborah since they are both his clients.

It’s evident from episode 3 of season 4 in Hacks that Ava and Deborah excel when they agree but face trouble when they don’t. For their creative partnership and friendship to recover, Deborah must acknowledge her deception about the head writer position. Meanwhile, Ava needs to understand that emulating Deborah isn’t necessarily the path to her success.

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2025-04-18 23:53