Succession is centered around the Roy children’s on going family chess game for their father Logan Roy’s approval and reigns to his corporate empire of Waystar Royco. Logan is Scotish immigrant who moved to U.S. to found one of the biggest multimedia conglomerates in the world. Logan’s character is loosely based on a mix of Rupert Murdock, Roger Ailes, Donald Trump, and Others. Last season was met with a lot of scrutiny due to the lack of diversity, representation of class politics, and having several misogamist antagonists on the show. Succession’s storylines have been refined this season to hit home on core issues that are important in the media’s current news cycle such as sexual harassment in the workplace, elites using money to curb law even when it includes wrongful death, and the ruthlessness of family when it comes to legacy. This was done masterfully with subtle character additions, new character arcs, and deeper explanation to the depth of how dark this world is. The show’s producers Will Ferrel and Adam McKay do a good job of creating levity through the tension and back stabbing. The Acting is brilliant, the title score has become iconic, and this season blew the first out of the water. Here are some of the central storylines we loved along with some questions for season three.
Kendall’s Revenge
Season one’s climax ended when Kendall’s corporate bearhug goes awry from the result of his personal demons, forcing him to bend the knee to his egotistical father. Logan Roy in turn uses Kendell during season two as his right hand enforcer while hanging his past sins over his head. The most cruel moment is in Episode Seven where Ken is forced to walk into the home of the parents of the waiter he had inadvertently killed in season one at Shiv’s wedding. The gravity of the moment is portrayed well by Jeremy Strong while in the kitchen. Logan finally asks Kendall to fall on the Cruises Grenade for the sake of him and the family, which he sheepishly accepts. The whole season Kendall was Logan’s bitch up until the last five minutes of the season. He delivers a press conference when instead of falling on sword for his family, he exposes his father’s cynical nature and vows to lead authorities exactly to where they need to go to find answers.
If you want to see the amazing final scene click here!
Cruises Division
I love Tom for his quick one liners and Bro-humor but I do find his story to be the most tragic in Season Two. He is berated by his unfaithful wife, set up to fail professionally, and has dug himself into a mess that may too deep to dig out. In Season One he is cousin Greg’s mentor introducing him to the darkest of Waystar’s secrets. Mainly the Cruise division’s excessive exploitive nature and secretive culture that gets exposed forcing Tom and Greg both to have to testify in front of congress. They both fail miserably and make fools of themselves in-front of the TV cameras for the world to see. This creates a casm between Siobhan (Tom’s Wife/ Logan’s Daughter), because Tom is now suspicious that he is now being set up as the fall guy. Greg on the other hand was given an ultimatum from his Grandfather (Logan’s Brother), either quit Roystar or lose 200 Million in inheritance money or stay working for a company that supports the destruction of the planet. After going to his uncle Logan for guidance he turns down the money and chooses to remain working for Logan to make his own path. Seeing both of these characters turn on each other and lose trust is very dynamic to watch onscreen because of how close they once were. Will they pay for the massive cover up or get away scot-free like most white collar criminals?
Daddy’s Favorite
Shivon Roy canned her politcal advisor gig to secretly work behind the scenes as her father’s choice as successor. The beauty of Logan Roy is I still don’t know if that was an invisible carrot to be dangled in front of her or if he actually though she could do the job. Logan in the end plays Shiv once his relationship with Rhea reaches intimate levels. Her final grandstand is bitter sweet because she realizes she’s just another one of her father’s pawns when she has to do damage control to the woman bringing accusations to the former deceased leader of the cruises division, Lester AKA “Mo” (lester). This monologue is Sarah Snook’s acting grandstand. You see everything you need to know about Shiv, no matter the odds she will protect her family’s empire. When I see this character onscreen it’s almost as if they’re not even trying to hide that she is based on Ivanka Trump. Where she lands after the explosive final episode of season 2, who knows.
Roman
Is the shithead of the family becoming the most levelheaded and likely to succeed his father Logan? After entering the management program Roman becomes acting CFO as well as Logan’s secret proxy to acquire funds from foreign lenders. While overseas Roman is taken hostage by terrorist and negotiates a deal that helps all parties attached while under serious duress. The most redeeming quality I’ve seen with Roman has to be in the final episode when he tells Logan it’s bullshit that Kendall has to fall on the sword and go to jail for the whole family. Logans selfishness is on full display and who knows which way Ro may go in Season Three. Will he be Team Logan or Team Kendall?
Presidential Endorsement
Connor has a rough season. Not only is he the family joke but also his girlfriend’s play that he invested heavily in is an enormous failure. This is partly due to Kendall’s selfish choices with his short time girlfriend (The lead in the play). Conner loses a ton of money on the “investment” and has to kiss his father’s ring for more money. Logan agrees to help his son on one condition, end his presidential candidacy or figure it out on his own. Will Connor stop embarrassing his Dad and end his presidential bid or give the Con-Heads more of what they want? Is that actually Napoleon’s Penis? Will he ever pay his damn taxes?
Who knows what Season Three will hold but due the excellent delivery of this season I will most definitely be watching.
