Julianne Nicholson: "Hacks"

Many TV shows use a procedural case-of-the-week structure: "The Good Wife," "SVU," "Justified," "Evil," "The Good Fight," "Elsbeth."

Often, there is a series-long story that runs alongside the procedural format. With "The Good Wife," in any given week, we may be wondering if Julianna Margulies will defeat Michael J. Fox. But the *big* question--the question that eats up approximately four years--is whether or not JM will end up with Josh Charles.

"Hacks," like "The Good Wife," has one big question: the will-they-or-won't-they of Ava and DV. And there is also a procedural element; though the women aren't solving mysteries, they *are* tackling one problem per week. How do I organize a writers' room? How do I stage a first show? How do I respond to a focus group?

I enjoyed "Clickable Face." There is a fundamental disagreement. Ava wants to aim for a Peabody Award; DV wants dollar signs. Neither is making art for the joy of making art. By contrast, their new associate, Dance Mom, really does take pleasure in what she is doing. So--although Dance Mom is less sophisticated than her LA counterparts--she is the one and only artist in the episode. This is a neat observation, and Dance Mom is portrayed brilliantly, without winking or condescension.

Hoping we'll see the dances again.

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