Hacks : Episode 35

An entitled young writer and a waning comedy legend must put aside their differences to save their careers.

Deborah tests Ava's limits.

Ava gains insight into Deborah's past.

At DJ's jewelry expo, Ava comes to better understand Deborah and DJ's complicated mother-daughter relationship. Deborah receives an unexpected piece of ammunition against Marty.

Deborah blackmails Marty. Ava has a wild night to remember in Vegas that puts everything in perspective.

While Deborah recovers from surgery, she and Ava have a unique bonding experience when Deborah dispels a major misperception about her past.

DJ's birthday party becomes a surprise dual function. Meanwhile, Deborah and Marty reconnect.

With a little encouragement from Ava, Deborah’s unpolished set sparks a career-defining moment.

Ava tries to keep a secret from Deborah, but someone in Deborah’s inner-circle leverages the truth. Meanwhile, Deborah stares down the barrel of her first radically honest show.

For her final performance at the Palmetto, Deborah must decide between playing it safe and putting her entire career on the line. Meanwhile, Ava deals with a family crisis.

Deborah eagerly anticipates trying out her new material on the road, while Ava dreads the fallout of an explosive email.

Deborah embraces tour life. Ava grapples with the value of honesty. Jimmy learns the harsh realities of Hollywood dealmaking.

Deborah continues to workshop her material on the road, as Ava adapts to a new lifestyle. Marcus is overwhelmed by life without Wilson.

While Deb struggles to connect with her audience on a cruise, Ava finds herself an unexpected hit.

An impromptu detour finds Deborah reckoning with long-held guilt while reconnecting with a former comedian friend.

A girls’ night out finds Ava attempting to connect with her mother – and Deborah embracing some unexpected company.

Deborah and her team head to LA to pitch her new set as a comedy special.

Deborah prepares to take the stage for her taping as Ava deals with a new opportunity.

As Deborah prepares to accept an award in Montreal, Ava does her best to avoid her former employer.

Deborah and Ava struggle to stay out of one another's orbits – especially when Deborah lands an unexpected opportunity.

After learning there's a Late Night vacancy, Deborah makes sure everything – and everyone – is operating at its finest for her roast.

Deborah is invited to hang with some of her favorite comedians, Jimmy finally lands a general meeting with Winnie, and Marcus recruits Ava for trivia.

As Deborah contends with writer’s block and Ava with a broken heart, the pair decide to clear their heads in the woods.

Deborah participates in a golf tournament to get face time with the cable affiliates who could decide her future.

Deborah braces for Kathy's attendance at her Christmas party, while Jimmy and Kayla refuse to call it quits on the comedian's Late Night dreams.

A calendar mix-up finds Deborah double booked ... just as an unfortunate supercut of her most problematic early jokes starts circulating.

As Deborah works to perfect her second run at Late Night, Ava receives a dream offer, and Jimmy and Kayla seek to grow their company.

With Deborah determined to boot her from Late Night, Ava attempts to beat her boss at her own game.

As Deborah and Ava's feud threatens the future of their show, Jimmy and Kayla have their own struggles.

As pressure mounts to craft a perfect first episode, Deborah and Ava continue to clash over creative control on their writers' "retreat" in Vegas.

As the taping of her first Late Night episode approaches, Deborah experiences a shocking "first," while Ava makes a new romantic connection.

Following a focus group, Deborah goes above and beyond to reach a coveted demo, while Ava desperately tries to maintain the show's integrity.

Deborah receives the "Courage in Comedy" award, while Ava reaches a breaking point.

Deborah and Ava return to Vegas for DJ's son's christening. Jimmy and Kayla have their hands full with Dance Mom.

Deborah and Ava struggle as Late Night lands in unwanted controversy. While Jimmy navigates the worst day, Kayla thrives.

Deborah deals with a difficult contract negotiation.

After returning from Singapore to a career further smeared by Bob Lipka, Deborah decides to shift the narrative and focus on achieving EGOT status.

After she's turned down by Madison Square Garden, Deborah's attempt to reignite her fanbase doesn't go as planned. Meanwhile, Jimmy unexpectedly gets to pitch one of his idols, and Ava meets her first fan.

Deborah hits it off with the Palmetto's new artist in residence. Marcus sets out to save a historic casino, and Marty has uninvited wedding guests.

Ava finds inspiration at a 50th anniversary event for Who's Making Dinner?, while Deborah is reminded of painful memories.

When The Amazing Race announces a celebrity edition, DJ holds Deborah to her longstanding promise of partnering up. After Deborah gives her blessing, Ava attempts to secure the rights for her Who's Making Dinner? reboot.

With construction on The Diva heading way over budget, Deborah meets with an AI investor, causing friction between her and Ava. Meanwhile, Jimmy and Kayla head out on a road trip after being tasked with landing the new casino's comic in residence.

After deciding on a very specific outfit for her MSG show, Deborah is forced to grovel for the esteemed suit...only to find herself on an unexpected couple's weekend in Montecito with Ava.

When she's asked to promote her on-sale ticket date, Deborah gets creative with a workaround...only to be stymied by another obstacle. Meanwhile, Kayla and Jimmy find themselves at odds after being served with a lawsuit.

While Ava pitches her reboot to the network, Deborah does final press ahead of her MSG show and fills a key staffing need at The Diva. Then, Deborah prepares to take the stage for the biggest show of her career – which looks much different than she imagined.

As Ava embarks on her next project, Deborah, Marcus, and Marty officially open The Diva, and Jimmy's new role proves fortuitous. Then, on the heels of accomplishing everything she's ever wanted, Deborah reveals her final chapter.