AceShowbiz - Hacks returns with its fifth season’s second episode, “Number One Fan,” delivering a sharp exploration of fame, fandom, and ambition as Deborah sets her sights on Madison Square Garden.

The episode opens with a clear signal of its New York-centric theme as the iconic song “New York Groove” blares while our characters stride confidently through the city streets. The energy of NYC is palpable, highlighted by a classic “I’m walkin’ here!” scene with a yellow cab cutting through the bustling crowd. The city is vibrant and alive, setting the stage for Deborah’s big ambitions.

The primary focus lands on Deborah’s bold move to book a show at Madison Square Garden (MSG), a venue synonymous with cultural prestige. She and her team arrive at the office of Amanda, the MSG booker, bearing a pile of gifts—fruit baskets, no less—ostensibly not bribes, despite suspicions to the contrary. Jimmy tries to deflect any notions of underhanded tactics by citing low blood sugar as his excuse for the enormous fruit basket.

However, Amanda is unimpressed by Deborah’s unannounced MSG plans. Unlike the common saying that it’s better to beg forgiveness than ask permission, Amanda insists that Deborah’s approach is misguided. She bluntly tells Deborah she’s not the right fit for MSG, suggesting instead that Radio City Music Hall or Webster Hall are more appropriate venues. Amanda emphasizes that MSG represents the pinnacle of cultural conversation and can’t be handed over to just anyone, even if the upcoming performance is technically a true-crime podcast event.

Deborah’s impassioned promises of delivering a historic night that speaks truth to power fall flat, and her last-ditch attempt at a bribe fails to sway Amanda. The group quickly recognizes Amanda’s savvy and wealth, with Ava conceding, “FINE, she’s rich, cool, and ruining our lives!” This realization prompts Deborah to activate a new strategy: mobilizing her loyal fans, the “Little Debbies,” into a grassroots campaign to push for her MSG date.

This move opens a fascinating narrative about the complex dynamics between celebrities and their fans. Deborah’s belief that she can command her fandom like an army feels dated, reflecting an outdated understanding of fame and fan engagement. Her fans, feeling somewhat neglected, desire a deeper connection and accessibility that clashes with the level of success Deborah aims to achieve. The episode captures this tension with nuance, illustrating how increased fame inevitably creates distance from the very people who helped build it—a timeless Hollywood dilemma.

The plot then shifts to a convention in Las Vegas, set to occur in three weeks, which Deborah immediately notes conflicts with Ava’s birthday. This personal conflict brings to light the fragile state of Deborah and Ava’s friendship, especially when Ava awkwardly references a drunken insult Deborah made about Ava being her “only friend” during a recent trip to Singapore. This moment adds emotional depth by hinting at unresolved tensions beneath their united front, prompting viewers to wonder about the sincerity of their relationship and how they reconcile such moments.

A subtle but significant character moment follows when Ava nearly retrieves a discarded hot dog from the trash but ultimately refrains, signaling small but meaningful personal growth.

At the convention, Ava turns 30 amidst a gathering of niche celebrities. One of the highlights is Jimmy completing the script for Ava’s project, Mall Girl, which humorously mirrors Ava’s own life. Jimmy’s enthusiasm for sending the script out signals genuine support beyond mere professional obligation. Meanwhile, Randi, the ever-efficient and dedicated assistant, impresses with a custom coffee tray equipped with heaters, underscoring her indispensable role in the team’s success and hinting at her potential rise to leadership.

Deborah’s attempt to rally her fanbase at the convention backfires spectacularly. Once an engaged presence on her own message boards, she has since neglected the Little Debbies, many of whom are now vocal with complaints rather than support. Ezekiel, the longtime president of the fan club, surprises everyone by resigning in frustration. Fans share grievances about Deborah’s failure to send out rules, neglecting her puzzles and books, and even entertain bizarre rumors about her being a lizard, fueled by her intensive skincare habits.

Feeling lost and overwhelmed, Deborah contemplates starting fresh with new fans, acknowledging that “babies are born every second.” This low point is interrupted by a heartfelt encounter with a sincere fan who presents Deborah with a dried-bean portrait made alongside her late mother. This deeply personal gift moves Deborah profoundly, leading her to step outside for a moment of reflection.

In a surreal yet touching sequence, Deborah receives a pep talk from a wise blue alien, portrayed by Ann Dowd, who stands as the only entity capable of truly reaching her. The alien confronts Deborah about abandoning her fandom and validates the fans’ anger as justified. Yet, the alien offers hope, advising Deborah that she can be forgiven if she openly communicates her needs. The alien explains that fans primarily want to feel needed and included, along with the coveted exclusivity of merchandise like limited-edition T-shirts.

This exchange underscores the complexities and sometimes darker aspects of modern fandoms, where boundaries blur, and fans seek to control or possess their beloved celebrities in intimate, sometimes unhealthy ways.

Meanwhile, Jimmy navigates his own experiences at the convention, engaging with notable figures like Billy Baldwin, who expresses gratitude for annual invitations to Deborah’s Fourth of July party despite never attending. Jimmy also meets his childhood idol, Renee O’Connor, famously known as Gabrielle from Xena: Warrior Princess. Although Randi is unfamiliar with the show, still immersed in movies, Jimmy bravely approaches O’Connor without a beta blocker and impressively holds his own.

Jimmy encourages O’Connor to launch a rewatch podcast. By the episode’s end, she not only agrees but has already contacted Lucy Lawless, who is interested in joining. O’Connor also asks Jimmy to represent her and gifts him and Kayla 10 percent of her day’s earnings in cash—a successful day’s work for the team.

Emboldened by the alien’s advice, Deborah returns to her fanbase to honestly reveal that MSG has denied her booking request, declaring she’s not yet big enough. This revelation sparks indignation among the Little Debbies, who rally against what they perceive as misogynistic gatekeeping, highlighting the irony that the Knicks can play at MSG but Deborah cannot.

In a poignant subplot, a woman seeking Ava’s attention turns out to be a devoted Little Debbie who had been feigning friendship with Ava to learn how to supplant her. This twist emphasizes the precarious nature of parasocial relationships, where fans blur the lines between admiration and competition, sometimes with painful consequences.

Despite setbacks and challenges, the episode closes on a note that suggests growth, both personal and professional, for Deborah, Ava, and their team. The blend of humor, emotional complexity, and sharp commentary on celebrity culture and fandom dynamics makes “Number One Fan” a standout episode that deepens the narrative of Hacks’ fifth season.