"1.69 Million" is the eigth episode of the television series Hacks. It premiered on June 3, 2021 alongside Tunnel of Love.
Synopsis[]
With a little encouragement from Ava, Deborah's unpolished set at a club in Sacramento sparks a career-defining moment.
Plot[]
The morning after their one-night stand, Marty tells Deborah he is buying out her remaining contract and that her 2,500th show will be her last at the Palmetto. Motivated to attract a new venue and contract, Deborah and Ava begin working on new material for the final performance that will reflect previously untold events about her life.
Marcus expresses his trepidation about the new show material to Ava. Back at his house, his mother accidentally interrupts a date that he is on with Wilson. He and Wilson go out to dinner and Wilson invites Marcus on a bouldering trip. Overcome by the prospect, Marcus briefly leaves the restaurant, but ultimately returns to the date.
Ava's father calls to plan a trip to visit her in Las Vegas, although he is still recovering from his stroke. Later, Ava's mother calls to insist that her father is too unwell to travel. She asks Ava to come home for a week, but Ava says she cannot because of her job. Ava calls her father and says she is too busy for him to visit.
Deborah and Ava fly to a comedy club in Sacramento for Deborah to try out her new material. Deborah shares that she performed there frequently in her early career. Frenchie, a comedian she knew from back then, is at the club and they share memories of those days, including the sexual harassment and assault that women comedians faced at the hands of the club's owner, Ira. Ava expresses anger that Deborah did nothing to stop Ira after her rise to prominence. Deborah angrily insists that her success itself was a worthwhile contribution to women in comedy.
Deborah watches the host of the comedy night, Drew, harass one of the women comedians. Once onstage, she agrees to pay him $1.69 million to quit comedy for the rest of his life. Drew agrees to the terms that if he fails to comply, he will pay Deborah back double. After the show, Deborah's estranged sister, Kathy, approaches them in the parking lot. Deborah tries to run her over with her car. When Ava returns to Vegas, Kayla calls to inform her that she has set up a meeting for her with the co-creators of an in-development television series.
Credits[]
Special Guest Star[]
- Kaitlin Olson as Deborah “DJ” Vance Jr.
Guest Starring[]
- Poppy Liu as Kiki
Angela Elayne Gibbs as Robin Christopher McDonald as Marty Jane Adams as Nina Johnny Sibilly as Wilson Louis Herthum as Dennis Meg Stalter as Kayla Linda Purl as Kathy Adam Ray as Drew Higgins
Anna Maria Horsford as Francine "Frenchie"| Season 1 |
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| There Is No Line • Primm • A Gig's A Gig • D'Jewelry • Falling • New Eyes • Tunnel of Love • 1.69 Million • Interview • I Think She Will |