Hacks has taken its final bow.
Following five seasons of characters Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) and Ava Daniels (Hannah Einbinder) oscillating between tension and friendship, the fan-favorite series ended May 28 with a finale befitting of its hilarious, heartwarming and Emmy-winning run.
After the episode began with Ava directing the pilot of her new comedy show and Deborah opening her new casino, the mood suddenly shifted to a more difficult conversation with Deborah revealing she has cancer that has spread.
Instead of seeking treatment, she reveals to Ava that she plans to visit an assisted suicide clinic in Europe. Ava—with an emotional performance—spends the entire episode attempting to dissuade her boss-turned-best-friend from her decision.
Of course, Deborah and Ava have their standard banter, too, which lays the groundwork for the episode’s final twist: Just as they’re about to board their last train to the treatment facility, Deborah changes her mind after realizing Ava makes her joke-writing better.