S03.E09: Bulletproof

[peachmangosteen]

Airs May 30th.

[TakomaSnark]

There must be a lot on the editing room floor, because Marcus' departure was practically a footnote (though I loved Damian begging him not to leave).

I wasn't sure I'd buy Deborah's betrayal (I knew about it from an early recap) but framing it as her fears leading her to fall back into safe spaces was great.

I can't recall if Paul Downs has submitted himself in prior seasons for acting consideration but he nailed it so well. I almost felt sorry for Kayla (I still find Stalter and the character exceptionally unfunny but at least in this outing, Jimmy sold it for why she is needed).

Edited May 30 by TakomaSnark

[sskrill]

Another great episode and a solid tone throughout.  

Damien is my least favorite character on this show but the scene with Marcus was great - he knows what he's in for and doesn't like what he sees.

Hannah was great this episode. It was nice seeing a different range from her.  And the emotion they both put in to that scene was great.  It was fucked up of Deborah to offer it to her, then rescind it, and think Ava was going to be ok with it. I'm not sure I like seeing Ava play that way, but I guess she's learning how to prosper in a shitty business.

Are mausoleums ashes or coffins? I honestly don't know this, but if it was coffins and Deborah moved the parents without Kathy's knowledge or consent, thats fucked up. I mean, is she going to move them to LA now?

I liked the opener with Marty and the key card - the NGC is no joke, and everybody in town knows it.

Kayla's character doesn't work when she's too loud and over the top. When she's really trying to be a good partner to Jimmy she's fine. 

Edited May 30 by sskrill

[txhorns79]

7 hours ago, sskrill said:

 

Hannah was great this episode. It was nice seeing a different range from her.  And the emotion they both put in to that scene was great.  It was fucked up of Deborah to offer it to her, then rescind it, and think Ava was going to be ok with it. I'm not sure I like seeing Ava play that way, but I guess she's learning how to prosper in a shitty business.

It was beyond messed up for Deborah to offer Ava the job, rescind the offer, lie about the reasons for the rescission, then think Ava would be happy as the "woman behind the man behind the woman." 

 

7 hours ago, sskrill said:

Are mausoleums ashes or coffins? I honestly don't know this, but if it was coffins and Deborah moved the parents without Kathy's knowledge or consent, thats fucked up.

I think they can be either.  And yeah, it is seriously messed up to move the remains or bodies, while letting your sister continue to go to the site to mourn them.

I loved the entire plane scene, complete with the woman behind Kayla interjecting every few minutes, thinking it was a proposal, then thinking Jimmy was a woman, then yelling for he and Kayla to kiss.

9 hours ago, TakomaSnark said:

because Marcus' departure was practically a footnote (though I loved Damian begging him not to leave).

I agree.  It felt like he had an entire storyline they just dumped.  We never saw him actually quit his job with Deborah, or any discussion between them over his yelling at her in the last episode. 

[Blakeston]

What an ending! I was thrilled for Ava. Deb was being incredibly shitty, and was screwing over Ava the same way she got screwed over in the '70s when she lost the show.

Watching this episode, I was wondering what the point was of Deb's storyline with the affair with the network big shot. It certainly ended up mattering in the end!

 

[tljgator]

1 hour ago, txhorns79 said:

I loved the entire plane scene, complete with the woman behind Kayla interjecting every few minutes, thinking it was a proposal, then thinking Jimmy was a woman, then yelling for he and Kayla to kiss.

They got me with a fake out here -- I thought Jimmy using real names & saying what went down would go viral and be the scandal that might cost Deb the job. Instead, we got that fabulous dark twist from Ava using Chekhov's hookup as blackmail. 

Loved it. 

[incandescent]

Loooove this shakeup to their dynamic! It becomes extra fascinating when you remember the reason Ava ended up working for Deborah in the first place is that she showed constant selfishness that made all her industry peers hate her and then had one scandal that took her down because she wasn't bulletproof.

[JeanJean]

The thing is, even though it made for great dramedy, Ava kind of ruined the victory Deborah spent a grueling 50 years trying to get to.

I'm  a tiny bit on Deborah's team because of that.

(In fairness, though, Deborah DID leave Ava stranded in the desert...)

But good TV!

Why is Marcus leaving? Or is he just going to LA with Deborah and the others?

Edited May 31 by JeanJean

[maggiegil]

If Ava had presumed she was getting the head writer job and then blackmailed Deborah when she didn't get the job, I wouldn't be on her side but given Deborah did offer the job when presumably she knew all along Ava wouldn't be getting it, then to my mind what Ava did was fair play.

I was sure Ava would go back to the other job and find the head writer slot there gone and have to go back to Deborah with her tail between her legs.

Hannah Einbinders acting in the last scene was really excellent.

I'm with everyone else who felt the Marcus storyline was unfinished. I thought he needed a heart to heart with Deborah about him having to move on or that he needed to confront her about leaving him in the lurch skipping pride. In the previous seasons they've shown us how much they mean to each other but this season it felt like they were just disinterested colleagues

[aghst]

This show is SO awesome, so much pathos.

When she first offered her the head writer job, it seemed off that they wouldn't have a hug, instead Deb kind of brushed or squeezed Ava's arm a bit.

I don't know if Deborah knew right there that she was going to renege on the offer or later.

But it seemed like a letdown considering how close they were to end up with each other again and how at different times they've shown vulnerability to each other this season and in previous seasons.  For instance, when Deborah implored Ava not to leave her behind in the woods when Ava suggested she go ahead and try to find help, a rare moment of vulnerability from Deborah.

In general the writers don't want to make their relationship become too emotional, too touchy-feely.

The other thing too was that even head writer doesn't seem like enough, considering what Ava had done for her -- in general what they've done for each other but especially this season, Ava agreeing to try to help her get the show.

I would have thought an executive producer title would be more appropriate, considering how closely they worked together, how Deborah needed Ava for the creative direction of the show, as she proved when they put together the guest host show.

An EP position, besides the power and more compensation, would underline that theirs was a partnership, not just employer and employee, mentor and protege.

As Ava was talking to Winnie, who was just listening to Ava's long ramble, I realized Winnie was going to tell her that it was Deborah's decision to make the other guy the head writer.

Then Ava confronting Deborah was just raw and real, not even the hint of a joke there, a departure for this show to demonstrate how angry and hurt Ava felt.

They did multiple takes of this scene and in one of the takes, Deborah shows a lot more emotion than the single tear rolling down her cheek.  Jean Smart was rubbing her eyes afterwards in the clip they showed in Inside the Episode.

Then the adversarial blackmail scene at the conference room, was the show shifting back into the normal mode of these two great characters who were going to parry and riposte, as they've often done.

Turns out Ava can be a shark.  But in Inside the episode they showed like a half dozen scenes from the previous seasons of Deborah telling Ava how she has to be tough, fierce, ruthless even.

 

The Jimmy and Kayla scenes were great, showed that her character was going to evolve beyond a comic character and ultimately their loyalty to each other.  They've come a long way since she was mainly a nuisance to Jimmy, doing and saying inappropriate things to make him discomfited.

They have outtakes from the airplane scene, where Megan Stalter improvises and they were cracking up.

 

 

Edited May 31 by aghst

[Irlandesa]

2 hours ago, incandescent said:

Loooove this shakeup to their dynamic! It becomes extra fascinating when you remember the reason Ava ended up working for Deborah in the first place is that she showed constant selfishness that made all her industry peers hate her and then had one scandal that took her down because she wasn't bulletproof.

Oooh.  Thanks for reminding me of that.  This show is so well constructed.  Be a shark. I don't want to be a shark. 

I half expected Deborah to appreciate what Ava did at the end.

[Badlands]

Hannah Einbinder should win an Emmy for this episode (yes, over Meryl Streep). She was incredible, particularly in the confrontation with Deborah.

I think Deborah really did mean it when she offered Ava the job, but her conversation with Barney Miller made her think she couldn't take any risks.

The blackmail at the end was out of character for Ava, but she just did what Deborah had been espousing about being a shark. In the moment, Deborah is probably both pretty mad and also respectful of the move.

[Starchild]

The impression I got was that Deborah was fully intending to have Ava be her head writer (I mean why wouldn't she). But after speaking to Biff Cliff and coming away from that with the message that you don't shake things up and give "them" a reason to say no, she got cold feet and felt she needed to play it safe.

But since she already made the offer she wanted to save face with Ava so she said it was the network forcing her hand. Ava running into Winnie and finding out the truth was a fluke.

[Blakeston]

3 hours ago, Badlands said:

Hannah Einbinder should win an Emmy for this episode (yes, over Meryl Streep). She was incredible, particularly in the confrontation with Deborah.

Hannah really was incredible, but I can't support her winning anything in the supporting category, when she's so clearly a co-lead.

The guest acting categories will be interesting. There were a ton of great guest stars this season. I suppose J. Smith-Cameron is the frontrunner, though, as Kathy had memorable scenes in more than one episode.

Speaking of guest stars...ever since the episode with Christopher Lloyd as Fatty Arbuckle's grandson, I've been waiting for someone to mention how Jack Danby is way too thin to play Fatty. I guess it was just a commentary on how badly stars want to do "transformative" roles and wear prosthetics and fatsuits.

[JeanJean]

The last scene reminded me of this Police song:

"I will turn your skin to alabaster
When you find your servant is your master"

Edited May 31 by JeanJean

[MicheleinPhilly]

3 hours ago, Blakeston said:

Hannah really was incredible, but I can't support her winning anything in the supporting category, when she's so clearly a co-lead.

The guest acting categories will be interesting. There were a ton of great guest stars this season. I suppose J. Smith-Cameron is the frontrunner, though, as Kathy had memorable scenes in more than one episode.

Speaking of guest stars...ever since the episode with Christopher Lloyd as Fatty Arbuckle's grandson, I've been waiting for someone to mention how Jack Danby is way too thin to play Fatty. I guess it was just a commentary on how badly stars want to do "transformative" roles and wear prosthetics and fatsuits.

If The Bear can win Emmys in Comedy Series, I have no problem with Hannah being nominated/winning in Supporting. Category shenanigans drive me bonkers but that's the game. 

Speaking of, if anyone other than Jamie Lee Curtis wins for Guest Actress in a Comedy Series this year, I'll eat my hat. 

But I digress. 😊

I loved everything about this episode. Seeing Ava finally exhibiting a bit of backbone was immensely satisfying for me and I can't wait to see how this impacts their dynamic going forward. I 100% saw a bit of "Good for you" on Deborah's face in that meeting. Their chemistry is just off the charts and I'm excited for the next chapter. 

[kitkat343]

On 5/30/2024 at 11:51 PM, JeanJean said:

 

Why is Marcus leaving? Or is he just going to LA with Deborah and the others?

Marcus has made helping support Deborah's sales be the primary focus of his life.  And the network basically told them if she hosts late night, she can't sell schlock on QVC (or anywhere else) because it could potentially interfere with advertising sales for the late night show (no product is going to want to advertise on a show with a host who might be hawking a competing product).  I think he took the QVC meeting before she officially took that job, but the fact that she was considering the show knowing it would mean the end the empire of sales he'd spent his life building combined with how she treats him (mostly taking him for granted) was enough for him to consider QVC's offer.  Undoubtably when she took the late night offer, he knew there wouldn't be much for him to do moving forward.  I think it goes back to what Kiki said when she explained to Ava that she needed to set boundaries - that Deborah used to call her at all hours, expecting her to drop everything to come to her house and  deal blackjack at all hours.  After she had her daughter, she told Deborah she needed 24 hours notice to arrange a babysitter.  Deborah offered to pay for Luna's school tuition, and the private school for showgirl, acrobat and Raiders wives' moms has amazing aftercare so now Kiki can help Deborah "whenever" and Luna learned to play the French Horn.  The people in Deborah's inner orbit need to be prepared to give up everything else to deal with her needs full time.  Remember Marcus saying they send gift baskets to the accountant so he picks up Deborah's calls late at night.  My guess is that Deborah is pretty lonely and mostly has only her staff for support.  

 

I'll miss Marcus and Marcus's mom and her friend but I hope this would pave the way for Marcus to build a better life in which he can succeed in business and have a personal life.

 

I also missed seeing Kiki only once this season (she was amazing in her only scene).  Kiki was a great character, and I'd be sad to lose her moving forward (not sure a blackjack dealer will follow Deborah to LA, although Deborah could afford it if she really wanted to). 

 

I'm not always the world's biggest Kayla fan, but her voice mail was hysterical, and it really nailed the character

 

ETA:  I forgot one more reason why Marcus was so upset - the showcase was specifically marketed towards gay men.  As a gay man who didn't have an easy time coming out (he mentioned his mom being unsupportive until his dad died) I could understand Marcus being more annoyed at Deborah missing an event specifically marketed for her gay fans.   Otherwise, you'd expect him to be more annoyed at Kayla, who was the one who was actually responsible for double booking Deborah for the weekend. 

Edited June 1 by kitkat343

[JeanJean]

Thanks, Kitkat343!!!

[chaifan]

It's been said, but I'll say it again - watch the "behind the episode", as it gives a great breakdown of how Ava has followed Deborah's playbook, and it really puts Ava's blackmailing in a much different light.

Wow!  What a great episode, and a great way to wrap up this season.  I can't wait for Season 4!

I totally agree Marcus' storyline did not get the wrap up it deserved.  And it wasn't even mentioned in the behind the episode clip.  Weird. 

I love Ava's progression over the 3 seasons.  Not just her career, but HE does such a great job with Ava physically.  She holds herself differently, talks differently, she really is a different person.  Same with wardrobe, hair, etc. 

Jimmy & Kayla on the plane cracked me up.  I hate to say it, but no, I don't think Kayla is management material.  Yeah, she had a few good ideas, but you'd expect that considering she grew up in the business.  She had to have picked up a few things here and there.  They're going to have to transform her a bit out of airhead category for me to buy her as Jimmy's equal next season. 

And I'm on the fence about how Jimmy was put down after standing up for Kayla.  OK, sure, she didn't ask for him to defend her.  But I do think it's the right thing for any business owner/exec to do if a client is being so horribly disrespectful to one of their employees.  It's his call as to who he wants to represent, and the Mean Girl gave him a really good reason to not want to represent her.  It's not just that she's Mean to Kayla, but you have to wonder how she treats everyone else, and figure that she'd be a nightmare to represent. 

I am so glad they didn't have Deborah going back to Marty.  The tango scene was fun, and I'm really happy they just left it as that.  I don't understand the issue with the key card, the gaming commission, etc.  Can someone explain?

 

 

 

[Blakeston]

59 minutes ago, MicheleinPhilly said:

Speaking of, if anyone other than Jamie Lee Curtis wins for Guest Actress in a Comedy Series this year, I'll eat my hat. 

I forgot about Jamie Lee Curtis! Yeah, no one from Hacks is winning that category.

[txhorns79]

3 hours ago, chaifan said:

But I do think it's the right thing for any business owner/exec to do if a client is being so horribly disrespectful to one of their employees.  It's his call as to who he wants to represent, and the Mean Girl gave him a really good reason to not want to represent her.  It's not just that she's Mean to Kayla, but you have to wonder how she treats everyone else, and figure that she'd be a nightmare to represent. 

I think you made Kayla's point.  She isn't Jimmy's employee.  From what I recall, she helped fund their agency and is a partner in the business.  He didn't even give Kayla the benefit of discussing the situation with her before acting.  Instead, he blew up the meeting and walked off. 

 

3 hours ago, chaifan said:

Can someone explain?

My understanding is the gaming commission keeps a tight leash on the casinos, particularly on who has the ability to access certain areas, like where money is being counted and/or stored.  That Deborah appears to have had that access without the gaming commission knowing can put the casino in violation of state regs, and get things shut down while the situation is corrected.  If I am wrong in my understanding, please feel free to correct me.   

[peachmangosteen]

11 hours ago, Badlands said:

Hannah Einbinder should win an Emmy for this episode (yes, over Meryl Streep). She was incredible, particularly in the confrontation with Deborah.

She has been absolutely pitch perfect all season. I really want her to win but I don't see it. I hope she's at least nommed!

4 hours ago, kitkat343 said:

I'll miss Marcus and Marcus's mom and her friend but I hope this would pave the way for Marcus to build a better life in which he can succeed in business and have a personal life.

I think Marcus will probably still be in season 4. They mentioned him in the after episode bts thing for the finale. Plus, I am assuming he just hasn't told Deborah yet. In the scene with Damian, Damian asked and he said he didn't tell her. Damian said Deborah will lose it. I highly doubt they'd keep us from seeing that. 

[LuvMyShows]

21 hours ago, Blakeston said:

Watching this episode, I was wondering what the point was of Deb's storyline with the affair with the network big shot. It certainly ended up mattering in the end!

Interestingly, the BTS portion of the episode mentioned that the writers had thought of the Hannah-blackmail twist while they were writing the beginning of the third season. Good for them for not tipping their hand early as to why that affair was there! 

17 hours ago, Irlandesa said:

I half expected Deborah to appreciate what Ava did at the end.

6 hours ago, MicheleinPhilly said:

I 100% saw a bit of "Good for you" on Deborah's face in that meeting. 

Yes, I think that at the very end at the conference table, when Ava says, "Shall we begin?" and Debra replies "Let's", the slight smirk on Debra's face was very much indicative of "well played" and transitioning to "bring it on".

10 hours ago, Starchild said:

Ava running into Winnie and finding out the truth was a fluke.

And this occurred shortly after Debra's meeting with Biff, where the concept of luck was mentioned.

6 hours ago, MicheleinPhilly said:

Their chemistry is just off the charts and I'm excited for the next chapter. 

I am always fascinated by this. In one of the BTS episodes, they said that Hannah basically had no acting experience, but just nailed it in the auditions because of the chemistry with Jean. What the chemistry actually is, especially in purely platonic relationships, and why it's there or why not, is elusive and amazing.

[aghst]

Still think Ava should have demanded an EP title, which is more money and connotes more of a partnership.

I think even the old school late night hosts had a boss type as well as writers including head writers.

Rip Torn in the Larry Sanders Show but his character probably was modeled on what Gary Shandling saw when he guest-hosted or just appeared as guest multiple times on the Tonight Show.

Deborah leaned on Ava when they were guest hosting the show and they had to come up with material right away.  So creatively, they're more equal than they are boss and employee.

[tljgator]

2 hours ago, aghst said:

Still think Ava should have demanded an EP title, which is more money and connotes more of a partnership.

Headwriters / showrunners are EPs -- Executive Producer is actually a writing credit, most often, because of Guild Rules. There's no way she won't be credited as such.

The actual "Producer" gets a "Produced by" credit, which she wouldn't merit since she's not doing actual production work.

[chaifan]

12 hours ago, LuvMyShows said:

Good for them for not tipping their hand early as to why that affair was there! 

I think they disguised it well as being tied in to Deborah's relationship with Kathy, and leading to that reconciliation.  And, at that time, the other guy had been selected for the host job, so it didn't seem work-improper, just married guy improper.  But because of the connection with Kathy, it had immediate purpose, and I didn't even think of Ava using it down the line against Deborah.

Again, this show is incredibly well written! 

[pasdetrois]

On 5/30/2024 at 1:51 PM, sskrill said:

Hannah was great this episode. It was nice seeing a different range from her. 

I really needed that change, because at times the show veers towards formula.

Quote

Ava kind of ruined the victory Deborah spent a grueling 50 years trying to get to.

I'm  a tiny bit on Deborah's team because of that.

I understand Deborah here. She has struggled and suffered, and lost the gig twice, and she's aging, and she's desperate. She knows someone could yank it away from her again. So she was jumping through hoops. On the other hand, insisting on Ava as head writer shows Deborah is finally in a power position (at least as long as the ratings are good).

Quote

Hannah Einbinder should win an Emmy for this episode (yes, over Meryl Streep).

ABMS. Anybody But Meryl Streep. I love that any aging female actor continues to get work. But I like seeing younger talent get their breaks.

I love writers so I'm looking forward to next season.

Edited June 1 by pasdetrois

[juno]

14 hours ago, LuvMyShows said:

Yes, I think that at the very end at the conference table, when Ava says, "Shall we begin?" and Debra replies "Let's", the slight smirk on Debra's face was very much indicative of "well played" and transitioning to "bring it on".

There is a level in malevolence that Ava needed to ascend to, to make that play. I don't think Deb will try to hurt Ava as a result because if she hurts her head writer, she hurts her own show. But even if there is a hint of respect in Deb for Ava, Deb may also feel that Ava had wronged her and that she will get her revenge.

Deb has consistently been a dark character on this show and somehow I don't believe that this will end well for Ava.

Ava should have packed and left with a really good resume, and hopefully a new agent, and I think she would finding really good jobs in no time.

[Irlandesa]

4 hours ago, chaifan said:

I think they disguised it well as being tied in to Deborah's relationship with Kathy, and leading to that reconciliation.  And, at that time, the other guy had been selected for the host job, so it didn't seem work-improper, just married guy improper.  But because of the connection with Kathy, it had immediate purpose, and I didn't even think of Ava using it down the line against Deborah.

Again, this show is incredibly well written! 

It did cross my mind that Deborah could try a #metoo play during the episode where she slept with him even though everything was out in the open before they had sex.  I at least expected it to be brought up, even if I don't think it's something old-school Deborah would lean on.

The way they used it was much better. 

Edited June 1 by Irlandesa

[sskrill]

23 hours ago, chaifan said:

I don't understand the issue with the key card, the gaming commission, etc.  Can someone explain?

 

The Nevada Gaming Control Board is the most powerful entity in the state.  Literally. There's a reason a President of the United States could not get a gaming license, even by handing over control of the property to the ex.  There's a reason Steve Wynn had to give his voting power to his ex-wife.  Even the Governor doesn't f with them.  They can prevent casinos from making certain hires, etc. 

My bro-in-law moved a trailer of slot machines for them once.  He had to consent to a background check and agree to allow the NGC to follow him in another vehicle. He had to consent to their rules, for example, drive in the slow lane, never exceed X mph, he was allowed one stop at a designated rest stop for the 5 hour drive, etc.  

Marty knew he couldn't just shred the key card and pretend that it didn't exist - they would find out at some point and it would cost him.

 

Kayla - her delivery of "I was eating it" made me LOL. And that whole scene with the "friend" was an interesting scene for her.  It's the first time we've seen her defer to someone. 

I don't think we're done with Marcus - I think they set that up for a showdown for the season 4 premiere.  I like his character and I'd like to see him stay but not sure how they'd make that happen unless they partner in real estate or something.

I'd like to see Kiki come back too. She brings a lightness to the scenes and she is a good balance to Ava's personality. 

 

 

 

[ofmd]

OK, that ending was downright sexy!

Normally I'd advise Ava to stay away from that toxic relationship, but we know that doesn't work. The minute Deborah was in trouble, Ava would come crawling back. D. wouldn't even have to ask. Deborah would and does eff everyone over when it suits her. I guess it's time Ava plays by her rules. So yeah, bring it on, b*tches!

Also normally, the platonic airplane scene would have been funny, but nothing can make Kayla work for me, nothing.

Great acting by Jean and Hannah. And great writing... I was absolutely surprised by Ava's final move.

I'll miss Marcus. His successor begging him to stay was hilarious.

Ironically, I think Deborah now looks at Ava with more respect than before. Which is kind of messed up, but still.

Edited June 2 by ofmd

[Souris]

Damian yelling at Marcus "I don't want to talk to VENDORS!" had me in stitches.

[ahpny]

On 5/31/2024 at 5:28 PM, peachmangosteen said:

Damian said Deborah will lose it. I highly doubt they'd keep us from seeing that. 

I had thought the writters we ramping up the loneliness factor for Debra. Ava's "die alone" comment was rough, though called for. Debra's sister blew her off, then Marcus leaves, and finally after the latest Debra-betrayal, Ava was poised to take a walk. Debra has finally succeeded - but now has no one to share the glory with - seemed to be where they were heading. I interpretted Debra initial glee at spotting her named "host" parking space and then taking a pic, and her nearly immediate remorseful tone transformation, as recognition that she doesn't really have anyone she really cares about to receive that pic. But none of that ended up being quite right. As far as we know, Marcus hasn't yet announced his departure, and of course Ava's back. So my theories proved wrong.

I also thought that video clip shot on the plane where Jimmy expressly confessed to their machinations to get Debra the late night spot will come back to bite someone. Maybe that theory will prove right. We'll see. Jimmy is pretty savy and careful. Spouting off like while knowingly being video'd seemed out of character for him.

Edited June 2 by ahpny

[chaifan]

1 hour ago, ahpny said:

I also thought that video clip shot on the plane where Jimmy expressly confessed to their machinations to get Debra the late night spot will come back to bite someone.

oooh, I didn't even think of that!  I really hope you're wrong on that.  I want that scene to be just what it was, and nothing more. 

[txhorns79]

On 6/2/2024 at 4:11 PM, ahpny said:

I also thought that video clip shot on the plane where Jimmy expressly confessed to their machinations to get Debra the late night spot will come back to bite someone.

I re-watched and all he really says is that Kayla figured out how to get the other comic out of the running and to get face time with the network head.  I'm sure I will easily be proven wrong by whatever they come up with for next season, but nothing they say is really damning.  And honestly, what did they really do that was so awful?  Got the other comic the movie role he was interested in, and joined an expensive club to get a chance to play pickleball with the network head.      

[millennium]

On 5/31/2024 at 5:51 AM, Badlands said:

Hannah Einbinder should win an Emmy for this episode (yes, over Meryl Streep). She was incredible, particularly in the confrontation with Deborah.

I wholeheartedly agree.   The confrontation scene was a gut-wrenching betrayal, and I imagine that what Hannah said to Deborah probably resonated with many, many people who have felt betrayed by friends and people they love.   

My only regret is that Ava didn't walk out for good and let Deborah crash and burn, dooming her to spend her remaining years contemplating how she blew her last great chance to make her dream come true.

But then, we wouldn't get another season, so ...

[ofmd]

On 6/2/2024 at 10:11 PM, ahpny said:

I had thought the writters we ramping up the loneliness factor for Debra. Ava's "die alone" comment was rough, though called for. Debra's sister blew her off, then Marcus leaves, and finally after the latest Debra-betrayal, Ava was poised to take a walk. Debra has finally succeeded - but now has no one to share the glory with - seemed to be where they were heading. I interpretted Debra initial glee at spotting her named "host" parking space and then taking a pic, and her nearly immediate remorseful tone transformation, as recognition that she doesn't really have anyone she really cares about to receive that pic. But none of that ended up being quite right. As far as we know, Marcus hasn't yet announced his departure, and of course Ava's back. So my theories proved wrong.

I also thought that video clip shot on the plane where Jimmy expressly confessed to their machinations to get Debra the late night spot will come back to bite someone. Maybe that theory will prove right. We'll see. Jimmy is pretty savy and careful. Spouting off like while knowingly being video'd seemed out of character for him.

I don't think you're wrong! Just because she thought she still had Marcus doesn't mean she can't realize her loneliness and regrets... briefly! That moment was there.

And the relationship with Ava is now marked by betrayal (and blackmail), and she certainly won't trust her anymore.

As for the airplane scene, no idea if the video will bite them in the backside, but I thought it might it might foreshadow an actual romantic relationship. Which, ugh... but still better than Jimmy and Ava (which I wouldn't like for different reasons). In past seasons, I sometimes thought that's where they're heading.

Edited June 4 by ofmd

[kitkat343]

19 hours ago, txhorns79 said:

I re-watched and all he really says is that Kayla figured out how to get the other comic out of the running and to get face time with the network head.  I'm sure I will easily be proven wrong by whatever they come up with for next season, but nothing they say is really damning.  And honestly, what did they really do that was so awful?  Got the other comic the movie role he was interested in, and joined an expensive club to get a chance to play pickleball with the network head.      

It's a pretty cutthroat industry so I'd imagine they'd get a lot of respect for successfully orchestrating that deal for Deborah.  But I do wonder if the video went public, if Kayla's dad would find himself in the same position as Deborah facing Ava's betrayal, grudgingly respecting Kayla for being ruthless enough to best him at his own game.  Kayla's anger at Jimmy in the elevator after the disastrous potential client meeting over him not respecting her was also influenced by the lack of respect she gets from her dad.  

Edited June 4 by kitkat343

[millennium]

On 6/2/2024 at 4:11 PM, ahpny said:

I also thought that video clip shot on the plane where Jimmy expressly confessed to their machinations to get Debra the late night spot will come back to bite someone. Maybe that theory will prove right.

I'm sickened by the way people today think it's perfectly all right to film disputes they're not part of, as if they have a vested interest/right in what's happening.   Whatever happened to mind your own business?  Goddam "gotcha" culture.   And if you tell the video voyeurs to fuck off, they love that too because they can get more hits posting an angry confrontation.  

[aghst]

They're going to film a lot of things like that in a public place.

People who don't want to be filmed just have to go find a private place.

There are a lot of videos on social media about things happening on planes, like fights, arguments, etc.

 

[Alexander Pope]

On 5/31/2024 at 11:00 AM, Blakeston said:

I forgot about Jamie Lee Curtis! Yeah, no one from Hacks is winning that category.

I am cowering a little as I say this, but I think JLC was a little bit over the top in THE BEAR, and I would rather see someone else win.

[pasdetrois]

13 hours ago, millennium said:

I'm sickened by the way people today think it's perfectly all right to film disputes they're not part of, as if they have a vested interest/right in what's happening.   Whatever happened to mind your own business?  Goddam "gotcha" culture.   And if you tell the video voyeurs to fuck off, they love that too because they can get more hits posting an angry confrontation. 

I'm with you. It's one thing to catch a criminal in the act, it's another to insert yourself into someone's personal business and post it for the world to see. There are those who will cluster around someone in need, more focused on recording than offering to help. There are people who go through checkout lanes and fast food drive throughs, making a scene in order to post drama on their "channels."

[Blakeston]

If Kayla's father hasn't already figured out that Kayla used his inside info to get Jack Danby out of the running, he will eventually. Jimmy is going to be one of the producers of the Fatty Arbuckle biopic.

[TakomaSnark]

On 6/4/2024 at 7:22 PM, aghst said:

People who don't want to be filmed just have to go find a private place.

 

When smartphones started becoming ubiquitous, I started seeing a lot of - sorry but - aholes filming others on public transportation, for giggles. One particularly painful time it was a  couple of teenage girls filming a young man who was overweight. They made no secret of what they were doing and why - and the poor man certainly knew it too. Where was he supposed to go? Why should anyone have to hide? It's rude to film strangers. It's crazy that this is even a debate point.

I stood in front of the girls and opened a newspaper, trying to at least give him a little bit of a shield from their lens.

 

 

[aghst]

6 minutes ago, TakomaSnark said:

When smartphones started becoming ubiquitous, I started seeing a lot of - sorry but - aholes filming others on public transportation, for giggles. One particularly painful time it was a  couple of teenage girls filming a young man who was overweight. They made no secret of what they were doing and why - and the poor man certainly knew it too. Where was he supposed to go? Why should anyone have to hide? It's rude to film strangers. It's crazy that this is even a debate point.

I stood in front of the girls and opened a newspaper, trying to at least give him a little bit of a shield from their lens.

 

 

That's horrible but we've also seen people film events like police misbehaving as well.

Unfortunately, out in public, you have no guarantee of privacy.

All technology have good and bad uses.  The girls who belittled that guy didn't act despicably only because they had phones.  They were terrible people period.

The ubiquitous phone camera let them act out but what are we going to do, ban cameras out in the public?

[TakomaSnark]

23 minutes ago, aghst said:

That's horrible but we've also seen people film events like police misbehaving as well.

Unfortunately, out in public, you have no guarantee of privacy.

All technology have good and bad uses.  The girls who belittled that guy didn't act despicably only because they had phones.  They were terrible people period.

The ubiquitous phone camera let them act out but what are we going to do, ban cameras out in the public?

It's one thing to film misconduct for accountability, it's another to film strangers because... Too bad, no privacy? How about exercising a modicum of respect for the personal space of others? Not asking much and doesn't cost a thing.

[aghst]

Sure you can ask for civility and mutual respect between strangers.

Do you see that happening in 2024?

If you're on a plane and you get into a heated discussion with someone, you will be filmed.

I'm not endorsing the intrusive behavior, just saying what the zeitgeist is.

[TakomaSnark]

17 minutes ago, aghst said:

Sure you can ask for civility and mutual respect between strangers.

Do you see that happening in 2024?

If you're on a plane and you get into a heated discussion with someone, you will be filmed.

I'm not endorsing the intrusive behavior, just saying what the zeitgeist is.

We could at least actively object when we see this conduct but that's clearly a losing argument here. To just say, 'It is what it is' is gross to me and we are beyond off-topic at this point.

[aghst]

What did Jimmy do?  He asked her more than once to stop filming.

Other than physically accost the woman filming them, there isn't much he could have done.

The scene was written to produce comedy and one of the comic elements was him being discomfited by being filmed when he was trying to make a heartfelt plea to Kayla to stay.

The woman filming wasn't doing it to be malicious.  She thought Jimmy was making a romantic gesture and so it was meant to be played for laughs.

Jimmy didn't like being filmed but he realized there was nothing he could do and continued to talk to Kayla.

He didn't say "it is what it is" but that is probably what he believed.

 

 

[millennium]

16 hours ago, pasdetrois said:

I'm with you. It's one thing to catch a criminal in the act, it's another to insert yourself into someone's personal business and post it for the world to see. There are those who will cluster around someone in need, more focused on recording than offering to help. There are people who go through checkout lanes and fast food drive throughs, making a scene in order to post drama on their "channels."

Hell's going to need a whole new set of circles for the smartphone generation.