Hannah Einbinder Shines: TVLine Crowns Her Performer of the Week!

The Artist Spotlight: Hannah Einbinder

The Series | Hacks

The Episode | “Mrs. Table” (May 8, 2025)

The Performance | The emotional unraveling of Ava Daniels was inevitable. Throughout Season 4, the accumulation of Deborah’s manipulative games and the stress of being the lead writer set the stage for a dramatic climax in Episode 6. In this pivotal moment, Einbinder gave a performance that was the epitome of comedic brilliance tinged with somber undertones.

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A last-minute change in guests for the late-night show, due to Cher’s unexpected dropout, brought Ava’s former flame, Ruby Rojas, into the spotlight. Einbinder masterfully portrayed Ava’s awkwardness, using both sharp wit and expressive body language to great effect. The situation worsened when Deborah decided to ax one of Ava’s planned segments and encouraged Ruby to recount an awkward proposal story involving Ava on live TV, a cruel twist that visibly devastated Ava, as seen by her tearful reaction offstage.

The narrative continued to provide Einbinder with rich scenes to explore. Beyond the personal blows of her boyfriend and girlfriend ending their relationships with her, the last straw was learning that her staff had been indulging in extravagant meals at her expense. The scene where Ava discovers the costly branzino lunches led to a horror-inspired scream and the comedic hurling of a fish across the room, highlighting Einbinder’s ability to blend humor with despair.

As the episode progressed, a sincere conversation between Deborah and Ava about their strained relationship allowed Einbinder to delve into Ava’s vulnerability. Deborah’s affirmation, “You are my voice,” left Ava conflicted, her response “But I kind of hate you now,” quivered with palpable heartache. It was a relief to see the characters reconcile, and even more so to witness Einbinder continue to excel in a show that showcases her vast acting range.

Scroll down to see who else earned Honorable Mentions this week…

HONORABLE MENTION: Denise Gough and Kyle Soller

In the eighth installment of Andor Season 2, the Ghorman Massacre unfolded dramatically, thanks in part to the compelling performances by Denise Gough and Kyle Soller. From the outset, Soller’s portrayal of Syril Karn depicted a man driven by a mission, albeit somewhat underprepared. In Dedra Meero, a rising star within the ISB, Syril found both inspiration and a sense of purpose. As the Empire’s dark intentions for Ghorman were revealed, Soller adeptly expressed Syril’s disillusionment and disgust, particularly in his confrontations with Cassian. Meanwhile, Gough captured the emotional and career toll on Dedra, especially visible when Syril disappeared into the bustling plaza, and her discreet emotional breakdown at the end of the episode added depth to her complex character. — Matt Webb Mitovich

HONORABLE MENTION: Isabela Merced

The character Dina from The Last of Us, portrayed by Isabela Merced, took a dramatic turn in the latest episode. The distress Merced displayed when Dina believed Ellie had sacrificed herself was profoundly moving, illustrating the deep bond between the characters. The intense scene where Dina, tearfully pointing a gun at Ellie, contemplates ending her life to prevent a transformation was a stark departure from the cheerful young woman we first met. Merced’s portrayal of Dina’s relief and subsequent passionate embrace of Ellie, after realizing the danger had passed, was powerfully executed. With such a dynamic performance in Episode 4, anticipation is high for what Merced will reveal next about Dina’s evolving character. — Kimberly Roots