The finale ofHacksSeason 3 specificallythatfinal scene can be summed up as the student has become the master.

However, after a few choice words from Deborah, hes forced to confront Ava about whatactuallyhappened.

Ava brings up a great point to Jimmy: loyalty has become a fickle mistress to Deborah.

Hannah Einbinder’s Ava faces off against Jean Smart’s Deborah in Season 4, Episode 1 of Hacks.

Image via Max

Weirdly, all of this is proof that Ava has blackmail aside matured.

Already,the cracks in Deborah and Ava’s once-impenetrable foundation are starting to form.

The future of the Emmy-winning series is looking bright.

Jean Smart’s Deborah walking down the hall with Hannah Einbinder’s Ava in Hacks Season 4, Episode 1.

Image via Max

Meanwhile,Ava’s insecurities and frustrations are making her incredibly stubborn, which is also not creatively productive.

Another huge hurdle for Deborah to overcome is Marcus (Carl Clemons-Hopkins) leaving.

She doesn’t realize how much someone’s work or companionship means until it’s too late.

Jean Smart’s Deborah Vance awkwardly hugging Hannah Einbinder’s Ava Daniels in Hacks.

He follows Deborah into the bathroom and says how “that night never happened.”

As Winnie puts it, “It’s perfect.

It hits young and old.

Jean Smart’s Deborah Vance putting up with a press conference in Hacks Season 4, Episode 1.

Image via Max

It’s female without beingtoofemale.

It’ll play.”

Icing on the cake?

Helen Hunt’s Winnie smiling with Tony Goldwyn’s Bob in Hacks Season 4, Episode 1.

Image via Max

They want Ava on the magazine cover with her.

Where Do Deborah and Ava Go From Here?

Unsurprisingly, this episode ends with a strong tug on the heartstrings.

Hannah Einbinder’s Ava and Jean Smart’s Deborah at the magazine photoshoot in Hacks Season 4, Episode 1

Image via Max

“You broke mine first,” a sobered Ava admits.

New episodes ofHacksSeason 4 premiere Thursdays on Max.

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Explores a dark mentorship that forms between Deborah Vance, a legendary Las Vegas comedian, and an entitled, outcast 25-year-old.

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Jean Smart