Fans of the popular comedy Hacks have been clamoring for a romantic twist between the show’s central characters, Ava Daniels and Deborah Vance. Now, it seems that one of the show’s stars, Hannah Einbinder, might be just as eager to see these two iconic characters get together. Appearing recently on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Einbinder, who plays Ava, opened up about the possibility of a romantic relationship between her character and Deborah (played by Jean Smart), revealing that she too is rooting for the fan-favorite pairing.
Hacks, the critically acclaimed HBO Max series, follows the dynamic between Ava Daniels, a young, bisexual comedy writer, and Deborah Vance, a legendary stand-up comedian. The two form a complex, often volatile mentor-mentee relationship, with plenty of tension, humor, and heartfelt moments throughout the series. However, it’s the subtle romantic tension between Ava and Deborah that has captured the attention of many fans, sparking a wave of fan fiction and wishful thinking about a potential kiss between the two women.
A Fan’s Wish Come True?
When Colbert asked Einbinder about the fans who have been vocal about wanting Ava and Deborah to become romantically involved, the actress couldn’t help but laugh at the request but also sympathized with their desires.
“I appreciate you giving me a platform to speak about this,” Einbinder started, addressing Colbert’s question. “Girls, you know that I want what you want. Where can I look into a camera?” she joked, leaning into the playful nature of the topic.
She continued, acknowledging the enthusiastic fan base that has rallied behind the idea: “I have heard you, okay? And we want the same things. And I have relayed your message to the powers that be, okay?” Despite her understanding of the fans’ desires, Einbinder had a blunt but humorous reality check: “But, I don’t think it’s gonna happen, and that’s the truth.”
Despite her playful tone, Einbinder was quick to emphasize that while she shares in the fans’ wishes, the reality of the situation is quite different. “And again, like, I want you to express yourself in the fan fiction, and that is beautiful. We’re not gonna get it, and we need to focus up.”
Fans, however, haven’t let up. Einbinder went on to describe how, despite posting about serious topics on her Instagram—like advocating for environmental legislation or climate change—her followers are almost always fixated on one thing. “I’ll get like, sixteen replies that are like, ‘Make them kiss!'” she shared with Colbert. “I’m like, ‘girls, we gotta focus!’ We gotta focus, cause there’s no kissing on a dead planet, you know what I’m saying?”
While Einbinder’s humor and charm clearly shine through in her response, it’s evident that the Hacks star understands the deep connection fans have with her character’s dynamic with Deborah. The pairing, however, remains a figment of fans’ imagination for now, as Einbinder doesn’t see it happening on-screen anytime soon.
A Glimpse of What Could Have Been
While the romantic possibilities between Ava and Deborah might be on the back burner, fans did get a taste of what that relationship might look like during the first season of Hacks. In one memorable scene, Ava dreams that she and Deborah wake up in bed together and share a passionate kiss. However, this fleeting moment was quickly interrupted when Ava wakes up, leaving fans wondering what could have been. Despite this brief on-screen fantasy, the show has largely kept Ava and Deborah’s relationship firmly rooted in the mentor-mentee dynamic, with a deep emotional bond but no explicit romantic gestures.
The lack of a romantic storyline between the two doesn’t diminish the power of their relationship on the show, which has captivated audiences for its sharp wit, complex characters, and emotional depth. Deborah and Ava’s push-and-pull relationship has been a cornerstone of the show’s success, allowing for a delicate balance between comedy and drama.
The Fourth Season of Hacks
As for what’s to come in the fourth season, fans of the show are eager to see how the relationship between Ava and Deborah continues to evolve. The new season of Hacks, which premieres on April 10 on Max, promises more laughs, emotional growth, and of course, more drama between the two women as they continue to navigate their careers and personal lives.
Einbinder, Smart, and the rest of the talented cast will return for another round of laughs and poignant moments. The series has been a critical success, with Smart earning numerous accolades for her portrayal of Deborah, and Einbinder’s performance as Ava earning praise for its sharp humor and emotional complexity.
The fourth season of Hacks is expected to delve deeper into Ava’s personal and professional growth, as well as her complicated relationship with Deborah. However, despite the heartfelt connection between the two characters, fans will likely have to continue imagining the possibility of a romance between them.
Mark Indelicato Joins the Fun
Einbinder’s not the only one who’s shared her thoughts on the potential for an Ava-Deborah romance. Hacks co-star Mark Indelicato, who plays Deborah’s assistant Damien, also chimed in on the discussion. In response to an Instagram post featuring the interview with Colbert, Indelicato humorously commented, “Ok I agree but also KISS.” His playful endorsement of the fan-favorite pairing only further fueled speculation and excitement among fans.
With the return of Hacks on the horizon, fans can expect even more heartwarming moments, hilarious antics, and a deepening of the characters’ relationships. While the romantic kiss fans crave may not be in the cards just yet, there’s no denying the strong bond between Ava and Deborah that continues to captivate audiences.
