Review: Hacks, "Number One Fan" | Season 5, Episode 2

Hey free subscribers—just your usual reminder that our reviews of the final season of Hacks are heading behind the paywall.

Fandom is often presented through a lens of extremes, translating enthusiasm into creepy adoration to mock. Just thinking about The West Wing’s dive into message board culture and ensuing hysteria is enough to make me cringe for a lifetime. Luckily, the Little Debbies are shown more respect. These passionate supporters have been integral to Deborah Vance’s story since early in the first season of Hacks, when Ava scoffed at Deborah taking part in a pizza chain opening that was attended by her stans. Little Debbies represent super fans whose history with the star predates social media and parasocial becoming a buzzword. Among the Little Debbie community are plenty of oddballs, eccentrics, and the occasional stalker, and while there have certainly been jokes about the level of dedication, Deborah has always known the value of a loyal audience. “Number One Fan” is a love letter to the Little Debbies, doubling as a chance for Deborah to take stock of what she's taken for granted and set things right.  

The failed attempt to get the Madison Square Garden headlining gig that Deborah has already announced continues the Hacks tradition of having to fight and claw for every victory. I find it hard to believe that MSG booker Amanda Weinberg (Alanna Ubach) would consider Deborah too much of a gamble, given the scandal surrounding Deborah and what she is promising to get into on that very stage about Bob Lipka. That alone puts her at the center of the cultural conversation. Sure, she has been away and off the air for the past eight-plus months, but that reasoning rings hollow no matter how well Ubach sells Deborah’s lack of guaranteed pull. But the base needs to be reignited, and what better way than casting Deborah in a familiar underdog role?