How SUCCESSION Became Self Aware
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- Опубліковано 23 тра 2023
- In this video essay we examine how the final season of everyone's favourite HBO business show used its longstanding juxtaposition of comedy and drama to pass judgement on its characters.
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I was shocked when Roman in the season premier seemed to briefly grasp the reality of how rich they were. Something like "Guys, do you know much another half a billion dollars is? A million is a thousand....thousand dollars. That's five hundred thousand, thousand dollars that we could spend on real things"
This line sold me on the character development
This one and the "we're bullshit" line in the finale convinced me Roman was the only one of the siblings who actually went through major changes from s3 to s4.
@@thatveryvvitch_Roman ended up exactly where he started at the beginning of the show. The whole thing was like a detour for him lol
"You are not serious people" I agree, this line is pretty much of synopsis of the entire show. These are obviously all extremely traumatized people, which on it's own isn't a bad thing. But when you attach real power and unimaginable wealth to that trauma it devolves into highly consequential shenanigans.
I rewatched Season 1 and Logan actually says that line in the 2nd episode.
The finale confirms this line was the theme this season and directly answers it
that and "maybe the poison drips through". such good writing
To quote Jesse Armstrong: "They’re like Greek gods: the only thing that’s wrong with them is how much they’re able to do to the world."
"These are extremely traumatized people, which on its own isn't a bad thing" lmaoooo
someone on Tumblr made this incredible piece of art of the three main Roys (sorry Connor) basically with the caption "the cage door is open, why won't you leave?" and by GOD have I thought about that EVERY WEEK FOR THE PAST SIX WEEKS. doesnt matter that logan is gone, they're all trapped and doomed to remain bc they can't let go of it all. can't care about your family more than the business when your family IS so heavily deeply intrinsically tied to said business.
anyway kieran culkin for the emmy this year please and thank you also excellent video im gonna continue losing my mind about roman roy
Absolutely. His funeral scene was the first media to make me ball my eyes out since The Elephant Man and The Color Purple. For real.
Amen...For all his "issues", at least Conner somehow managed to try to envision another kind of life. For all their money and privilege, the other three just couldn't or wouldn't.
I know it's just fiction, but the emotional landscape created feels very true. And yes! The Emmy for Kieran!
He is the eldest son, HE IS
@@brandonwhite4992 Also, it's important to remember that he was interested in politics from a very young age.
Also extremely relevant in light of the final episode
i liked the self awareness of roman on the last episode where he tells kendall that the three of them are bullshit, it felt like he was recognizing the three of them are fucked up. it's nice that he is aware of that
Great analysis! Interestingly, when they were bidding for Pierce, Roman was the only one who acknowledged the obscene amount of money they were throwing around, as he tried to conceptualize the enormity of a billion dollars and suggested it would be easier to spend that kind of money on real things like "sushi and snowmobiles".
Roman currently seems to be at rock bottom. Yet it's often at our lowest when some kind of shift occurs that forces us to view things differently and leads to growth.
While fear of his father has kept him emotionally stunted, I see Roman as the one with the greatest capacity for change or growth now that Logan is gone. We saw hints of this when he took Gerri's advice to do the management training program, a decision his siblings mocked him for. Not only was he open-minded enough to learn and benefit from the training program, he made the closet thing to a normal friend while he was there, who later got a job thanks to Roman (too bad we didn't see more of that character).
We saw it again in S2 -- when after navigating a potentially frightening hostage situation in the middle east, Roman tried to connect with his siblings, asking if they could perhaps "talk" more -- a request he was yet again mocked for.
I think Roman was subconsciously looking for a way to break free of the bubble or cage built by his father and that's why he confronted that sea of protestors. Kendall had just admonished him, telling him he tried and failed to be like his father. His brother's harsh words seemed to trigger something in Roman that sent him running out into a world so very different from the world his family represents.
With Logan now gone, I could see Roman walking away from the battle for control of the company, and even away from the company itself, and he'd be happier for it. Maybe he buys that island that Gerri and Carl have alluded to, and/or spends his billions on real things like "sushi and snowmobiles".
Meanwhile, Kendall and Shiv remain stuck like rats battling it out in their father's cage, continuing a vicious, never ending cycle that Roman and Connor manage to break free from.
If Roman survives the finale and walks away from it all that would be the most incredible win; I'm not counting on it but god I hope this happens
great analysis, i always thought of him as a very immature person but you made some points with the growth he has shown. i liked his last scene on the show, it definitely feels like he is relieved.
I just spent 15 minutes listening to an essay about a show I haven't even heard about. It's an excellent essay, at least. This channel definitely deserves more subscribers.
Do yourself a favor and watch the HELL out of it. Biggest show out there right now for a reason.
Had you actually never even heard of "Succession"?
I'm so jealous of you I wish I could go back. You're in for a treat, this is PEAK TV. Will go in the books alongside Breaking Bad, The Wire, and The Sopranos.
@@thomaswschaller Yes, I have actually never heard of Succession. I'm not from an English speaking country, so stuff like popular tv shows don't come up in daily conversation and while I'm enough of an internet denizen to have a decent grasp of English language pop culture I often miss stuff that aren't in my wheelhouse. For example, I was entirely unaware of Game of Thrones until the third season.
@@immaterialspectator4209 Not any kind of judgment - just a curiosity
the ending of this show will be the most depressing hour of television I’ve ever seen
Hour and a half :) hopefully that makes you feel a little better lol
How do you know? 🤔
@@raymondsims7042
? All the terrorism threats, going back to season one --and even during Roman's trip to Turkey/ hostage deal. The show will perhaps "fill more promises" than just Logan's death. Also, the trove Shakespearean allusions.... His tragedies almost always end with "a stage full of dead people" and a regime change/ new order. ?
But you never know! Or, I guess we'll find out in a few days.... 😮
@@rwh1818 idk lad I don’t think succession is that kind of show that really kills characters off. That is until this season when they killed off arguably the most important character in Logan roy. So hey perhaps you’re right. But what’s your prediction on who will become the ceo?🤔
@@raymondsims7042 So hard to say.... Here's a brief (lol) consideration at this moment:
Many like Greg for it. Structurally, that could make sense given the piss and puke juxtapositions of the first episode. Also, he's a real climber- we've all seen these kiss ups do well in the workplace. Still, his performance during the hearings was quite wimpy, memorably so. Firing people in Zoom isn't enough, imo, to say, hey, we've got a leader here! It would need to be Mattson placing a yes man in the re, to satisfy fascist Menken, perhaps.
Opening credits since season 1 really look like Tom in the flashbacks - his back and head in the summer/ ice cream suit. He stood up to Logan with chicken. Logan liked the human furniture deal, I think. Logan told Pinky Tom's a good guy on the wedding day (uncharacteristic praise). Logan said he'd remember Tom's willingness to go to jail for him. Still, he's probably a coo candidate more? Tom went to work rather than to a family event (funeral), though....
Roman can't handle pressure and doesn't seem to be growing.
Shiv should've stayed in politics where she was individuating from her dad's narcissism. She's smart but it's not the same as knowing the organization's insides and outs (compared to Kendall, whom Logan had been grooming for *decades*).
Kendall's actions, words, gestures, and facial expressions all show him becoming a Logan. In a sense he was a killer --or felt like one bc of the car incident. If Logqn didn't think Kendall were a killer, would he have done the food taste test in Italy?
On a cheating note, Mattson looks to scream as if bested- in the finale promo?
It does seem like adding Hugo and Colin to Frank gives Kendall a good team. Karl was sparky before the speech - might he be tamed to heel? Geri still has a soft spot for Roman- perhaps a shame nc ultimately, other than that, she seems to have her stuff together more than most anyone else. lol
Perhaps Kendall. But another sacrifice, too. Kendall celebrates-ODs, with no Jess or Rav to Narcan him? Roman flips out and kills or tries to kill Kendall or himself? Protesters kill Kendall or Roman?
I saw a promo where Tom and Shiv are in an office- skyline is mountainous, not NYC. Both wear wedding bands. She appears still preggers.
Brian Cox has been teasing a Lazarua moment of Logan. As if it's all been a test.
James Cromwell has teased a comparison to 6 Feet Under - which would seem Kendall would die. But he also mentioned a "miracle." Tom was the last one with Logan - Tom didn't go to the funeral.... Connor is hanging out with Logan but not quite as sad.... or is he the real pre-griever....
Or,
Maybe Kerry brings a Logan, Jr to the world..... ??? 🤔
This is a satire, beneath it all. Which outcome would best serve a satire of the uberwealthy and the state of capitalism?
These are swirling thoughts....
What have I missed? What do you think will happen?
If you ask someone what they thought of Ewan's speech at the funeral I can tell you almost everything about them from their response.
Ewan's speech was better than Connor's "when a man dies it is sad" speech. What's my favorite color?
@@whirlwind872 male children of narcissists are typically beta's like Connor and the other two brothers have some degree of. They are eerily Trumplike.
@@whirlwind872 cyan
@@koboldcatgirl I'm mad because it really is cyan
I'd argue Connor could've been serious, but forever depended on daddy's cash. Had he went & got a job early on, that would be Connor having separated himself from Logan entirely. It's maybe why Logan plays soft with Connor. He isn't in that world.
God this hits so much harder after seeing the finale
Rewatching the show, it’s interesting to see certain moments in season 1 mirror moments in season 4 like in Romans introduction where he says to Kendall’s little war room set up “Look at all this bullshit” and Kendall saying to Roman when trying to come up with a plan during Logan’s incapacitation, “You’re not a serious person.”. Those themes and ideas have always been present but the show does a great job in wrapping you up in its drama in the moment where you forget these things for a little, but stepping back from it all, the foundation is there.
this was great!! i've been trying to put my finger on what feels so different this season and you summarize it here very well. this season is no longer only showing a cycle of abuse and misery and general awfulness, but rather a spiral of nihilism and grandiosity. i'm anxiously awaiting the finale tomorrow, and i'll definitely keep your remarks in mind when i'm watching. :)
I like your analysis to a point...but I think it is also important to realize that uber-wealth is not just about dollars, it's about power. Power to swing an election and make huge changes in the real world, for example. That is what they are addicted to. The choice they need to make is not more money v. family, it is between using their power for good (large and small) v. using it for evil (large and small).
This video has aged extremely well in light of the finale. In the end, Roman (and arguable Shiv) realise that they are in fact, idiots who don't actually have the skills to run the company. It was all bullshit and it means nothing. That's Jesse's dark point with the show.
The amazing thing is that we care about the characters so much ... and share in their pain.
You have done an amazing analysis on season 4. I completely agree, especially after seeing the final episode. This is a supposed to remind us that we should not take these characters seriously when it comes to succeeding the empire.
Well it ended well, was shitting tears by the end
it is a very rare and special feeling to think 'wow, i found this person before they got big.' your script, editing, and delivery quality are absolutely fantastic, and i really appreciate that you're not competing in the long video olympics. can't wait to see where your channel goes!
I have often seen the three siblings as trapped by their need to prove themselves to their father. They are so trapped that they take the entire country hostage by promoting a fascist presidential candidate. Great analysis.
Holy crap. Best finale analysis ever
Great video, putting into context with Jesse Armstrong's other work and the shifts within this show. Depending on the finale I think episode 6 of this last season will be where the conclusion was solidified, as Roman truly began to implode at the same time that Kendall took a ridiculous gamble on that Logan hologram, began having a panic attack in front of the shareholders, and somehow pulled it out. Since then he's steadily sacrificed every part of himself and tried to be so much like his father, while also behaving like his mother. The only question I have is whether they will have him "win," after losing everything, or if he will stumble at the final hurdle, as the Roy children often do, and watch as Greg or Tom or Frank/Karl/Gerri take the reins.
hey owen. what the fuck. this was brilliant (as always) and such a great encapsulation of how this season has shifted compared to the others. your read on roman and his deviation from the cycle is just fantastic (so cordelia kinglear of him) and im gonna go fucking cry about it now! thank you love and light and may we both make it through sunday together
if nobody got me i know that riley lungthief got me!!! (i will be passing away during the final credits regardless of what happens but thank you for your thoughts and prayers)
Excellent vid. I notice this isn’t AI voice generated from your script, which is really appreciated as I’ve noticed other succession vids from other UA-cam channels starting to do. Keep up the great work!
This is great! One of the best sum ups of the series, you've gained a new subscriber.
Bro cried at the fresh meat finale?!😂😂😂 (I have literally not heard of this show until watching this video)
This is a great analysis, keep up the good work man ✌️thank you
I'd really like to know if there is a show out there that anyone thinks is better than this one.
i had no idea that you made these type of youtube videos! i know you from ur karl marx x engels tiktoks lmfao. anyway subscribed xoxoxox
Love the video!
ROMANS OUR SON AND NOBODY GETS HIM LIKE WE DO 💪💪💪 YOURE SO REAL FOR THAT
great video
12:42 knocked me dead
Omg Fresh Meat i loved that show so much, time for a rewatch
Good video! You deserve MANY more subscribers!
Well done. But why are so many of the images (and their subtitles) flipped?
To avoid copyright issues I’m pretty sure
Agree, but Succession was self-aware since episode 1.
"Connor is the only serious person--" How did you say that with a straight face!? I did a spit take.
12:46 Subscribed, no more questions ✨️
I fell in love at 9:41 🤣🤣🤣
Thanks
Is love to see a Succession prequel
nailed it
I'm so shocked he did Peep Show, that end Green wing were my favourite shows at university. And I'm not British. My British flatmates didn't understand why I enjoyed that type of humour. But isn't Will Ferrel also an executive producer???
*spoilers for later eps of s4* I loved Roman’s character development & pointing out the ridiculousness of the world the Roy’s live in, when he asks why it’s such a huge sin for him to have cried at his own father’s funeral
Tbh i think Roman is the smartest out of the kids but he is also the most emotional. He understands to an extent that he is highly privilege and enjoys living in it, but at a point he sees what that makes him what he has become. Especially when he throws himself into the protesters hoping that they kill him, that scene was one of the bests of the show. Roman thought he could just play the game and have it all even if it was rigged and evil he controlled the news, the media, he could always be seen as a sleezy slimeball who fucks who he wants but the truth is he never fucks. He cant fuck for whatever reason, he is not the image he projects. Roman is very likely Queer but chooses not to think about it.
amazing video
Kind of a reductive analysis. They're not serious people and that's it? Logan is always right?
The three Roy siblings won the bidding match because they were thinking one step ahead of their father that entire scene. Logan was simply trying to downplay their victory, not sure why you would fall for that.
Logan saying his children aren't serious people was just another mindgame to bring them off balance when they were successfully pressuring him, as a unit. And the line works on Roman because he returns to Logan's side soon after... Doesn't mean Logan was right though.
Connor is obviously the least serious one, come on. His ambitions are literally delusional and a consequence of his unfulfilled desire to please Logan. Him saying "he never even liked me" was intentionally ambiguous from the writers, yes. But it wasn't so much him brushing off his father's death in the moment he hears about it (no human being would do this lol), as it was him expressing regret over not getting any more chances to make his father like him.
Logan could never decide who should become successor. He made promises to all three and eventually picked an outsider. This is essentially what made their efforts to keep the company after Logan's death an uphill battle that eventually broke down in the final episode.
Doesn't matter that they didn't get along, things should never have depended on that. Besides, Logan had been sowing discord between the children their whole lives.
Does the point of the show become more clear when I lay it out like this? The common denominator is Logan being a horribly malignant father. If you believe him you just got gaslit.
Just watched the show for the first time this week and its so moreish. You cant put it down.
Roman already killed himself though right? Like metaphorically. He was human for a second and lost everything.
Like the Sporus myth. Killing in this show is losing at sucession. Shiv didn't die but Tom killed her and married Greg...
Meta post modernism
Recommend some british comedy shows from 2000s
Fresh Meat is fricking top notch TV
first etc etc
I’ve never seen this show, and I probably never will. Still, 10/10, good job laddo
You should. It is hilarious and sad and aggravating and sickening. A lot of fun and not a lot of fun. Really well written characters.
If you won't watch it because it's on a streaming service, it's incredibly easy to find it for free. That's how I watched it, never had HBO.
i want kendall to become his dad and roman to break away
Why would you be bullying them on Twitter? Says more about you pal
Connor need Logan the least, because it seems like Logan enjoyed sibling being dependent on him, you can see it when he talks with one of them alone. He built them up but then he is disappointed in his own work and destroys this work. They aren't serious people because he never let them be on their own fully. Logan manipulated all three to wanting to succeed, otherwise they would've been out just like Connor. Logan wanted kids to success him but also hated this idea.
Voice sounds like AI
I’ll still never fully understand why Kendall didn’t book a helicopter to be there to take over the company, getting stuck in traffic just seams like peasantry.
In season 1? There was a national emergency or whatever that’s why the president didn’t meet with Logan in the beginning of the episode
he tried to, but the helicopters couldn't fly that day despite kendall trying to bribe them because of a national emergency issue
Terrorist threat had air traffic shutdown. To me what's more telling is that Kendall didn't have to go out there in the first place. Frank told him not to but he didn't listen and got stuck
Jeez....he tried to. Watch the episode again.
Nice video! Good premise and conclusion.
All credit to the creator of the show, its production team and actors for a truly fine job, artistically. However watching millions of people empathize with powerful, entitled kajilionaires who are FULL GROWN ADULTS mid 30s to mid 40s and can afford to seek the finest therapies available for the psychological damage that "Daddy" inflicted or walk away from their "horrible" father while still retaining their inheritances gives me pause. I regularly see far less public empathy for an actual child or young adult who displays antisocial or corrupt behavior as the result of having far less in access, material, money and having braved far worse mental, emotional, psychological and physical abuse. Its sad really.
I think Matson will buy it and hire an outside American CEO. The poster has me worried Kendall will die, perhaps a terrorist attack. I think the later because HBO likes to kill main characters and they said the poster had spoilers. I hope I’m wrong. I feel like Shiv and Tom will end up together and Shiv will become a present parent and finally ending the cycle of toxic love she grew up with.
not in the actual show. but also when season 4 dropped brian cox was in a LOT of commercials like i remember a direct tv one and he played the logan character. it made his unceremonious death in episode 3 that much sobering. you got 2 episodes of all the charm you change the channel his face is everywhere logan dying is so not happening until like episodes 7 or 8 and BOOM dead in episode 3. watching tv after that was like seeing his ghost during the living + presentation
Nope. What scenes show that these characters could live off dividends unphased forever? If anything Connor asks to borrow a hundred million dollars and then blows it all on one percent of the vote so that he's struggling to find a place to live for himself and his wife in the next episode. He agrees to buy his dad's apartment on a handshake, but the math doesn't add up. We never see the siblings even try to avoid the tooth and nail. I didn't even notice the missing element until you said it weas there. It isn't. I did notice connors hunndred million, because it's litterally asked of him "You'd still be rich, right? and he replies, yeah, but a hundred million less so. The same hundred million he asks his dad for in an earlier season.
you sound like Glenn from the thick of it. great vid