Deep within Deborah Vance's heart lies an unfulfilled dream—to helm her own late-night talk show, a goal she narrowly missed making television history in the '70s. Now, it seems like the stars might be aligning for that elusive opportunity in the second episode of "Hacks" season 3, titled "Better Late." A fleeting guest appearance on the show she once aspired to lead transforms into a fleeting chance to sit behind the iconic desk, and she swiftly reaches out to Ava for assistance with her material.
The reunion in the premiere was initially awkward, yet it eventually settled into a cozy familiarity. Now, they've fallen into a comfortable routine of conversing with each other, even if it means ignoring the world around them. Furthermore, Ava's planned three-month respite in Iceland, where her girlfriend Ruby (Lorenza Izzo) is filming a DC TV show, is suddenly threatened by an enticing work opportunity. Meanwhile, Marcus (Carl Clemons-Hopkins) must act swiftly when Deborah discovers unauthorized merchandise being sold on Etsy.
Deborah insists she's too busy to appear on a late-night talk show, but her shrewd manager, Jimmy (Paul W. Downs), knows this isn't true. He reminds her that this is the fourth time they've extended the invitation since her comedy special aired, and the offers will eventually cease. Given that Deborah once spoke candidly about her desire to host the show, it would be a shame if she couldn't even shine in a guest role. Jimmy, a consummate professional, challenges Deborah's excuse and highlights the countless fascinating stories she has to share. Despite her hesitation, she ultimately agrees to the appearance.
Back in Los Angeles, Ava and Ruby are still in the throes of a passionate romance. As Ava makes plans to stay in Iceland, Ruby is elated that her girlfriend will be joining her. Later, while packing, Ava stumbles upon a ring hidden in a box and assumes Ruby plans to propose. With excitement, Ava tries on the ring and practices her surprised expression.
Amidst the stacks of potential late-night anecdotes, Deborah's life in Las Vegas unfolds as per usual. After her performance at El Cortez, she warmly greets her fans gathered outside, joyfully signing their merchandise. However, her serene mood is disrupted by the sight of an unfamiliar candle adorned with an image from her "distant past." Instantly inquisitive, Deborah demands to know its origin, thus igniting her crusade against Etsy sellers.
Subsequently, she holds in her hands a seemingly endless pile of paper printouts, showcasing merchandise she's discovered online—cushions, mugs, and more. She turns to Marcus, remarking, "I appreciate the humor, but that font is truly abominable." Marcus's task is to uncover the identities of those behind these unauthorized products.
Marcus orchestrates a meeting with Ezekiel, a superfan, who reveals the entire saga. It began when Ezekiel couldn't find tour jackets in his size, so he crafted some himself, and they sold out within a day. Now, Ezekiel merely fulfills the market's demands, emphasizing that if he doesn't, someone else will. Marcus seizing this opportunity, expands the House of Vance lines by showcasing these independent sellers on QVC, ensuring Deborah receives a share of the profits.
While Marcus attends to business matters, Deborah dives into her vast collection of potential late-night stories. Unfortunately, most of them are outdated by at least two decades. It's time for a fresh narrative, and Deborah concocts a prank worthy of Punk'd—she hires actors to convince Carrot Top that his home is slated for demolition.
When Deborah arrives at Television City in Los Angeles to record the episode, she's at ease. However, her serenity is shattered when she learns that host Danny Collins has fallen ill with salmonella poisoning, resulting in a rerun airing instead. Despite the setback, Jimmy sees an opening and suggests that Deborah fill in for Danny. With only an hour to craft a monologue, segments, and secure a new guest, she relies on her team's expertise. However, Deborah finds herself at odds with her own writers and the late-night staff. Fortunately, Ava steps in with workshop material, injecting a breath of fresh air into the situation.
