Two TV shows have united the British Vogue office of late. United meaning: late night Slack messages, endless deskside theorising, and many a hot take published. Who could blame us? Diving head first into pop culture feels like one of the few joys left in life. So imagine our excitement upon learning that a crossover between Hacks – HBO’s sharp, heartwarming comedy following the unlikely pairing of stand-up legend Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) and her twenty-something writing partner, Ava Daniels (Hannah Einbinder) – and The Summer I Turned Pretty – Prime Video’s earnest, often infuriating teen romantic drama chronicling a cursed love triangle – is upon us.
Yes, Christopher Briney, of Connie Baby fame, has joined the cast of Hacks in an unknown role. In a production still from the set of season five, Briney appears with Jean Smart in his arms. They are twinning in Versace silk shirts – delicate temporary tattoos visible on Briney’s chest – whilst Smart sports Deb’s classic glamorous updo. It begs the question: what are they up to? Where are they? Is he a relative of Deborah’s? A toy boy? A new employee at Deborah Vance Inc?
Briney’s character, Conrad, in TSITP didn’t have great luck. Yes, he was the gorgeous, mercurial older brother that Belly (Lola Tung) always loved, but it took them three seasons to actually make it. He was in constant torment, having to be the responsible eldest sibling whilst his problematic mother, Susannah, died of cancer and his cheating father was pretty much absent. He was left to clean up the mess of the beach house being put up for sale (thanks Susannah?!), and got fired from his dream job just days after he started. And did I mention the overarching heartbreak of having to watch Belly and his annoying younger brother, Jeremiah, plan their wedding? It all hurt so much he felt he had to exile himself to the other side of the country to escape.
Of course, it all worked out in the end for our beloved Connie. Still, it’s hard not to hope that Briney has better luck generally in the Hacks universe. Surely Ava and Deb will be able to show him a good time in Las Vegas? Bonne chance, Fisher.
