The idea of a witch is double-edged. In the film "The Wizard of Oz," Margaret Hamilton seems crazed and greedy--imprisoning Dorothy just because of a fight over a pair of footwear. By contrast, the musical "Wicked" gives Margaret Hamilton an emotional life; we understand the sisterly bond that MH is mourning. We have seen Nessarose; we have seen the two young women helping and coaching each other. So we have a firmer grasp on motivations.
"Hacks" plays with the "witch" concept in entertaining ways. Jimmy believes that Ava is living in a constant state of white-hot rage, such that any knife on any lunch table could quickly become "a weapon." In fact, Jimmy is utterly wrong. (It's unsettling to notice how little Jimmy matters to Ava--and I wonder if we'll return to this issue at the end of the season.)
A second "witch" is Madam Mayor, who has been caught in an orgy on a Vegas zamboni. The writers correctly observe that Madam Mayor has not stolen public funds, has not betrayed her oath, has not in any way demonstrated professional incompetence. (In fact, if she were a man, her moment of conquest might be celebrated.) Shrewdly, Madam Mayor appears on DV's show and jokes about herself. She goes on to say, "My people are the people of Vegas. We are Sin City. We pursue the things we want....." Through these calculations, the "witch" resurrects her own career.
What I really love in this hour is the ending. We've just seen DV at her best--helping a friend. On the other hand, DV can be petty. She hates that her boss, Winnie, is being needy and demanding. Instead of having an adult face-to-face conversation, DV contacts a CEO (a man) and uses sex to orchestrate a coup. Winnie is "disappeared" before the final credits.
I like that this show doesn't take one "position" on DV. She is complicated. Like any number of real people, she is *not* someone you can "count on" in any setting and at all times. This is why the show remains so watchable.
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