Hack It Up

Since it’s Pride and we’re gay and we want to celebrate by watching gay stuff, here’s another suggestion. Have you checked out the second season of HBO Max’s “Hacks?” I mean, I’m assuming you already watched the first season because, come on, JEAN FREAKING SMART. The second season continues the show’s excellence, while leaning into its vulnerability and heart. Also, it’s a lot more gay.

That is to say out bi actor Hannah Einbinder’s out bi character Ava gets to smooch and flirt with ladies. And there are just more queer ladies, period. Did I mention there’s an episode set on a lesbian cruise with a cameo from Margaret Cho? Honestly, for parts of that episode you’ll think you’ve died and gone to lesbian heaven. The look on Ava’s face sure thought so too.

And, while some may say the show doesn’t have the hard, ugly edges needed to be great (though, come on, it is in no way bad), I think that’s bullshit. Things don’t need to hurt to be good. Indeed, one of the things I enjoy most about Hacks is its undercurrent of sweetness. Ava in particular in the new season is less of a jerk and more of a young person trying to find herself. We also aren’t given nearly enough shows about female mentorship and generational friendships that aren’t familial. (I mean, really, try to think of like two more shows with that kind of dynamic. I’m waiting.)

Truly, anything that gives us maximum Jean Smart and much more general gaiety is well worth the watch. Also, somebody give Ming-Na Wen her own show immediately because she was smoking this season. Smoking.