Jean Smart’s Superhero Role Before Hacks: A Must-See HBO Series!

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Prior to captivating audiences as the illustrious comic Deborah Vance in the series Hacks, Jean Smart was well on her way to a remarkable career comeback. The series, released in 2021, showcased Smart’s talent to a new audience through her sharp wit, impeccable timing, and deep emotional range. Her Emmy-winning portrayal of the acerbic Las Vegas comedian marked one of her most memorable roles yet. However, Jean Smart was already garnering attention – notably in a standout superhero TV show before Hacks.

Two years prior to “Hacks,” Jean Smart starred in an innovative HBO series, which continued the storyline from a renowned comic-book movie. This 2019 TV show was a sequel to Zack Snyder’s visually striking 2009 film and was based on a groundbreaking graphic novel. Unlike typical superhero shows, this one was anything but conventional. Smart portrayed a jaded former vigilante-turned-government agent, giving a remarkable performance that combined dry wit with deep emotions. The show received critical acclaim, winning numerous Emmys and garnering a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Despite “Hacks” gaining prominence, Jean Smart arguably shone the brightest in “Watchmen.

Jean Smart Played Silk Spectre In Hbo’s 2019 Watchmen Adaptation

The Hacks Star Stole The Show As Laurie Blake In HBO’s Bold Continuation Of The Watchmen Universe

Prior to her role in “Hacks”, Jean Smart delved into the realm of masked crusaders and altered timelines in HBO’s “Watchmen” miniseries from 2019, a production masterminded by Damon Lindelof. This show serves as a spiritual successor to both Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ groundbreaking 1986 graphic novel and Zack Snyder’s 2009 film adaptation. Instead of rehashing the original “Watchmen” narrative, Lindelof’s interpretation unfolds in a revised 2019 America that continues to be influenced by the events depicted in the initial comic book.

Jean Smart portrayed Laurie Blake, previously known as Laurie Juspeczyk (also known as Silk Spectre), a former superhero who once combated crime in tight latex and high boots but now functions as an FBI agent targeting vigilantes. Daughter of the initial Silk Spectre and The Comedian, Laurie carries her own baggage and a cynical outlook on life. In the same vein, Jean Smart showcased her talent in Hacks, particularly in depicting characters who are tough, sarcastic, and emotionally protective, yet remain fundamentally human. Unlike a mere homage to the past, Jean Smart’s portrayal of Laurie is an embodiment of the impact and reality of her history.

The HBO series revolves around Laurie Blake’s story, delving into themes such as trauma, justice, and moral complexity. Unlike Snyder’s Watchmen, which remained faithful to the comic with stylish violence, this show shifts focus towards race, legacy, and the price of power. It presents a bold narrative that combines mystery, politics, and superhero drama, with Smart’s character serving as the central figure. Laurie serves as a link to the original Watchmen, yet she is also a standalone protagonist in her own right.

In a remarkable turn of events, the television series titled Watchmen was hailed as a resounding success on both critical and commercial fronts. It amassed an impressive 11 Emmy awards, including the prestigious Outstanding Limited Series, and boasted a nearly perfect 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, establishing itself among HBO’s most celebrated limited series of the 2010s. While Regina King’s portrayal of Angela Abar garnered well-deserved acclaim, Jean Smart consistently held her own in every scene. Her witty delivery and dry humor not only added a touch of levity but also lent depth to Laurie Blake, making her one of the most memorable characters amidst a cast of unforgettable performances.

Why Jean Smart Was The Perfect Laurie Blake In HBO’s Watchmen

Jean Smart Brought Sarcasm, Sorrow, And Steel To The Role Of A Superhero Disillusioned By The Past

In the HBO series “Watchmen,” Jean Smart’s portrayal of Laurie Blake was particularly impactful due to the depth she added to the character, a level that many other actors might have struggled to achieve. At this stage in her career, Smart had demonstrated her versatility across various genres – dramas and comedies alike. However, what made her performance stand out in “Watchmen” was her ability to seamlessly combine these skillsets into a truly complex and subtle portrayal of Laurie Blake.

In a departure from the original comic character, Laurie Blake has evolved beyond the idealistic Silk Spectre. The weight of her experiences and the loss of many loved ones have given her a cynical edge and a diminished tolerance for theatrics like costumes and superhero antics. Smartly portrayed with a blend of world-weary wisdom and incisive intelligence, she subtly conveys her pain without overt displays, allowing it to smolder just beneath the surface. Whether she’s making witty remarks during interrogations or leaving voicemails for her former partner (Doctor Manhattan), Laurie appears as a character shaped by her past yet retaining her sense of mission.

In the shared scenes with Regina King’s character Angela Abar, Smart demonstrates a captivating tension-filled chemistry that also conveys a hesitant admiration. Instead of aiming to overpower the screen, she effortlessly commands it. Her comedic delivery introduces an unexpected lightness during the series’ somber instances, while her powerful acting abilities serve as the emotional foundation for Laurie’s storyline. One particularly striking scene – found in the episode “She Was Killed by Space Junk” – is almost like a one-woman stage performance, and Smart excels at every moment, hitting each beat perfectly.

In 2019, viewers were already accustomed to Smart’s knack for stealing the spotlight on series like Fargo and Legion. However, Watchmen offered her a chance to showcase her talent even more profoundly. Laurie Blake demanded an actress capable of portraying someone who was simultaneously bitter, brilliant, and shattered – and Jean Smart delivered flawlessly. The role could have easily devolved into a caricature of a jaded hero, but through Smart’s performance, Laurie emerged as one of the most authentic and impactful characters in contemporary superhero TV.

Reflecting on it now, it’s evident that my remarkable portrayal in “Watchmen” paved the way for the indelible Deborah Vance in “Hacks.” Both characters are witty survivors maneuvering through worlds that have left them behind. In these series, Jean Smart once again demonstrates that holding court doesn’t necessarily require superpowers – all it takes is finding the perfect role at the perfect moment to captivate audiences.

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2025-05-31 00:39