In the two-part special presentation of Hacks that aired on Thursday, comedian hero Deborah Vance is forced to look back at her past while moving forward into her future. As the episodes unfold, the character shares perhaps the most intimate moments with her daughter D.J., and in the final scenes of the second episode, Deborah begins to contemplate not only her own future but also that of her only child. These two episodes, among the strongest of the final season, masterfully blend a playful narrative, especially the Amazing Race crossover in the second episode, transcending cliché reality TV references to bring the two characters back together and advance Deborah's development as a mother.

The fourth episode (technically titled "Episode 5.4") delves into Deborah's past, revealing costumes, props, and decorations from the classic sitcom Who's Making Dinner?. In this groundbreaking sitcom, she had worked alongside her ex-husband Frank, who took credit for the show. In the context of this season, which revolves around legacy and what is left behind, revisiting this point in Deborah's career becomes inevitable. The scene, which today seems like a broad comedy trope (Deborah disguising herself as a man to open a bank account!), was once an innovative form of comedy that pushed boundaries decades ago.

This nostalgic journey also serves as inspiration for Ava; the actress has been searching for her next big idea for years. The reboot of Who's Making Dinner? seems more feasible than a new Wizard of Oz. This is a well-known intellectual property, and Ava has a connection to the rights holder; of course, not Deborah, but her formidable sister, portrayed by J. Smith-Cameron. The writers made a good choice by bringing back the character and the scheming antique dealer Jefferson May's T.L. Gurley. By the end of the night, Ava is locked into a mapped-out path to complete her final sprint.

As Deborah revisits her past with Frank, she casts a bitter glance at their career beginnings. Why has Frank, who took credit for the show, received more honor than she has? There will be nothing named after her in this city, while there is a building named after Frank. While it may seem like another reminder, in a surprising interview extracted from beyond Frank, he recognizes Deborah as the true magic behind his success. Jean Smart, portraying the four-time Emmy-winning character Deborah, shines in these scenes, with decades of sidelining and inner rage evident on her face. Ultimately, when she is arrested after the event, this emotional journey becomes even more poignant as the laughter from her companions in a closed cell takes on deeper meaning.

The hybrid structure of the fifth episode, the one that everyone on social media is talking about, is much better than it deserves. The writers dive straight into the narrative, quickly condensing the entire complex mother-daughter relationship between Deborah and D.J. into a brisk half-hour while still pushing the season forward at its second point. The rich backstory that Smart refers to is effectively distilled here. In the end, while following sharp physical comedy (if there's a better performer than Kaitlin Olson, who would be toppled by a wheel of cheese, I haven't seen them), it becomes clear that Deborah wants to protect D.J. from the ridicule and genuine anger that have shaped her own life. Hacks finds its resolution tightly.