Los Angeles. Ava Daniels, a talented young scriptwriter, threw away her career with a clumsy post on social networks. Las Vegas. Deborah Vance, a legendary Las Vegas-based stand-up comedian, is told that her show has been cancelled by Marty, the owner and her long-time lover. Luckily, Deborah and Ava share the same agent, Jimmy, a good guy who believes in their talent.
He convinces them to work together to breathe new life into Deborah’s jokes, and allow Ava to progress in the business while the bad buzz is forgotten. While this cooperation looks promising, it’s not going to be all plain sailing. Deborah is a haughty star, not open to alternative ideas. Ava is not used to subordinate relationships, or relationships at all for that matter. However, their daily confrontation will give rise to a beautiful friendship.
A story of friendship that eschews all clichés
The series relies on a solid foundation of ingredients: the life of a show business star, comedy, dysfunctional families, irritating colleagues, and a good casting. It’s a very good start, but it wouldn’t have been enough. Add to that good dialogue and a cast of delightful secondary characters – special mention to Jimmy and Kayla! – and you’ve got a successful series.
But the real originality here lies in the relationship between Deborah and Ava, which isn’t a copy/paste of the countless stories about a duo of friends. Of course, because of the age and fame difference, Ava looks up to Deborah, who is having fun at her expense. They are both boss and collaborator, business partners and also rivals. They know they need each other to get out of their impasse, but would like to remain independent. The bond they share is hard to describe, and that’s what makes this unusual series so special.
Of course, there are a few inconsistencies. Ava has chosen to be a vegetarian even though she doesn’t love animals and doesn’t see the ecological scandal that is Las Vegas. So why? But we can forgive these little imperfections and let ourselves be carried along by a touching and funny series.
4 seasons, 37 episodes (30 mn), 2021- , on HBO and Netflix
Created by Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, Jen Statsky,
WITH : Jean Smart as Deborah Vance, Hannah Einbinder as Ava Daniels, Carl Clemons-Hopkins as Marcus, Paul W. Downs as Jimmy LuSaque Jr, Megan Stalter as Kayla Schaefer, Rose Abdoo as Josefina, Mark Indelicato as Damien, Kaitlin Olson as Deborah “DJ” Vance Jr., Christopher McDonald as Marty Ghilain, Poppy Liu (No good deed) as Kiki, Johnny Sibilly as Wilson, Angela Elayne Gibbs as Robin, Jane Adams as Nina Daniels, Lorenza Izzo as Ruby, Luenell as Miss Loretta, Joe Mande as Ray, Lauren Weedman as Madam Mayor Pezzimenti
