Editor’s note: The following interview contains spoilers for Hacks Season 4 Episode 6.

The critically acclaimed, Emmy-winning comedy series Hacks navigated numerous intricate storylines and evolving power dynamics in Season 4. One of the most significant threads is the aftermath of Ava’s (Hannah Einbinder) surprising blackmail of Deborah (Jean Smart) to secure the head writer position, a shocking twist that concluded Season 3. Equally compelling is the dynamic relationship between the extraordinary manager Jimmy (Paul W. Downs) and his assistant-turned-manager, Kayla (Megan Stalter), which continues to develop in unexpected ways.

Season 3 of Hacks wrapped up with Jimmy inviting Kayla to become a partner in his new management company (yet to be named), propelling Kayla into her new role. Despite their newfound equality, the wonderfully chaotic dynamic they established in Season 1 remains intact. So far in Season 4, Kayla has been busy carving out her niche as a manager, hiring an assistant (portrayed by comedian Robby Hoffman), and securing a meeting with Canada’s beloved TikTok dance mom sensation, unexpectedly played by Julianne Nicholson, who is typically recognized for her dramatic roles.

In this exclusive interview with Collider, Megan Stalter and Paul W. Downs discuss the exciting new business venture between Kayla and Jimmy, express their admiration for Julianne Nicholson’s comedic talent, and reflect on how Robby Hoffman’s vibrant energy perfectly complements Jimmy and Kayla’s dynamic. Additionally, Downs, who co-created the series alongside Lucia Aniello and Jen Statsky, elaborates on the direction of an emotionally charged scene between Ava and Deborah set on the beach in Episode 6.

COLLIDER: Paul, as a creator, I have to ask: Was there extensive discussion about how long to keep Deborah and Ava apart? The end of Episode 6 features that deeply emotional moment. I was genuinely impressed at how long you maintained their conflict. Was that a significant topic of conversation before the season began?

PAUL W. DOWNS: Absolutely! We are always keen to deliver the tension between them because that’s part of the show’s charm. The evolution of their relationship from clashing to understanding is essential. However, we also wanted to explore something fresh, especially with Ava adopting a slightly different attitude. Her witty comebacks provide a fun writing challenge, as their banter, while at times harsh, is also their unique form of love language.

We discussed this extensively. Nonetheless, we aimed to ensure we were creating something distinct from previous seasons. For example, in Season 2, after Deborah discovers the email, they reconcile rather quickly. This time, we felt that the mounting pressures of the late-night show could keep them at odds for a while longer. Nevertheless, we always balance how much conflict to maintain, as audiences genuinely want to see them together, despite the core theme of their contrasting personalities.

Understanding the Brutal Dynamic Between Ava and Deborah in ‘Hacks’ Season 4

Expanding on your point, they exchange some truly harsh insults and engage in outrageous antics. Was there ever a moment in the writers’ room where you questioned, “Are we crossing a line? Is this too much?”

DOWNS: Surprisingly, no! In fact, there was a moment when we thought, “You know, we should revisit the first five episodes and add even more zingers.” We realized we needed more sharp retorts. The truth is, their dynamic demands it. Especially Deborah, a character who thrives on control; losing that is infuriating for her. We never felt we were pushing it too far.

Julianne Nicholson: The Only Choice for the Dance Mom Role in ‘Hacks’

One of my favorite moments of the season was witnessing Julianne Nicholson embodying the TikTok dancer role. I was thrilled to see her cast in such a humorous character. Megan, could you share your experience working with her? I found the revelation that Kayla is friends with Demi Moore’s daughter absolutely hilarious.

MEGAN STALTER: She is a remarkable actor and incredibly funny. Interacting with her is effortless, and she has this incredible ability to shift emotions in an instant. If you ask her to play a scene more grounded, she can transition to full tears, bringing you into a completely different emotional space. Watching her work is a joy. She excels at comedy, despite her background in dramatic roles, showcasing her versatility with ease. I’m a huge fan, so having her on set was fantastic. The dance scenes are just… I can hardly watch them without bursting into laughter.

Paul, were you surprised by how this quirky character came into play? How did the casting process unfold?

DOWNS: You haven’t even seen the full extent of where it goes. What you’ve witnessed is merely the tip of the iceberg. It delves into something wildly comedic. We felt that the humor would resonate best if portrayed by someone with incredible dramatic chops. Having an actress who can make these outrageous situations feel authentic and relatable amplifies the comedy significantly. We approached her with the role, and there was no one else we considered. We believed she was perfect for it, and she was eager to take on something so different. I can’t wait for viewers to experience it; as Megan said, it gets really surprising.

STALTER: Her commitment is remarkable. Given her background as an award-winning dramatic actor, she can effortlessly dive into any role, embodying a TikTok dance mom in such a grounded manner that it enhances the humor. I’m genuinely impressed by the casting choices in this season, as watching her is a testament to her comedic talent, making her funnier than anyone could expect.

The Dynamic Addition of Jimmy and Kayla’s Shared Assistant in ‘Hacks’ Season 4

It was quite an unconventional reunion from Mare of Easttown. Another fantastic character, Meg, that you interact with a lot, is Robby Hoffman’s Randi. I’m curious about the filming process for those scenes. How did you decide on Speed being the movie they become obsessed with?

DOWNS: Honestly, the inspiration came from our admiration for Sandra Bullock. We are huge fans of hers. I’m not entirely sure how we landed on Speed, but it began with wanting to sign Sandra Bullock. Jimmy remarks, “I think she’s doing just fine. She has great representation.” We knew we wanted that element in the show, which sparked the idea. Robby is incredibly funny, bringing a unique energy to the table.

STALTER: Absolutely, he’s phenomenal.

DOWNS: The dynamic between this new character and Jimmy and Kayla is truly wild, making for an eccentric trio. We had an amazing time collaborating, and Robby makes me laugh endlessly.

STALTER: Robby brings a different energy compared to Kayla and Jimmy, so adding a third person was essential. We needed someone exceptionally funny who also brings a fresh dynamic. I was thrilled when Kayla was assigned an assistant. I thought that was such a hilarious and brilliant storyline. I remember Lucia mentioning, “Oh, we’re considering Robby.” I was ecstatic, knowing he was the perfect fit.

Episode 6 of ‘Hacks’ Showcased Season 4’s Most Challenging Scene to Film

Paul, you directed Episode 6, and it was stunning. Many elements came together seamlessly, particularly the moment when Deborah made a U-turn, mirroring Ava’s earlier action on her way to the hospital.

DOWNS: Great observation! We appreciate that!

What was your experience crafting the conversation on the beach between Ava and Deborah? Did it differ significantly from the script? Did the scene evolve once you were behind the camera?

DOWNS: Writing is an ongoing process for us. We continuously develop the script, making adjustments on set, and even during editing, we refine lines. Writing is integral to every stage of production, but the beach scene remained largely intact from the original script. The challenge was primarily in the setting. We explored many different iterations of how that scene would unfold, aiming to convey Ava’s realization and convincing her to return. It was crucial for her to recognize the toxicity of their relationship and Deborah’s pattern of disappointment.

Having Deborah literally dive into the freezing ocean, risking her second favorite fur coat to save Ava, was a significant moment that illustrated her deep care for Ava. This scene took considerable time to perfect, requiring numerous drafts. Ultimately, we made minimal changes on the day of filming since we had thoroughly conceptualized and refined it beforehand.

New episodes of Hacks Season 4 premiere every Thursday on Max.

[nospin]Here you can find the original article; the photos and images used in our article also come from this source. We are not their authors; they have been used solely for informational purposes with proper attribution to their original source.[/nospin]

Share on Facebook

Post on X

Follow us

Save