I think it's worth mentioning that Tom didn't specifically tell Greg to announce it; all he said on the phone in the previous scene was "We're gonna call it. Yeah, we're calling for Mencken... Tell 'em I'm coming". He didn't say "Tell them to call it". I read this scene as Greg being delighted with the responsibilty, eager to get to do it but nervous as he always is when given a task. He even ignored Jess' suggestion to wait a couple of minutes (not that it would have mattered anyway, seeing as Tom broke the news seconds later). I really liked this scene, your breakdown of it is great.
I like that you rightly pointed out that Greg is distancing himself from personal responsibility here. He knows that he literally just swayed the election toward this man he knows is bad, and he did it for totally selfish reasons of self promotion and revenge/spite. But he doesn't want to take responsibility so he acts like this decision he gets to deliver, "isn't really his fault" and portrays himself as the messenger. Keep in mind that Jess doesn't know what Greg has done to put himself in this position. She doesn't know that he literally just told Kendall about Shiv and threw her under a bus in order to cement Mencken as the choice and spite her.
Some writer in the room definitely knew about the Milgram Experiment. ‘I’m not pressing the button - just doing what the guy in the white lab-coat told me to do.’
I thought about that idea too, how Greg feels like Tom and the Roys are the ones with the responsibility, not him. So he can kind of distance himself for that reason. I think it goes with the idea of the banality of evil because often times evil things won’t happen if it isn’t for all the assistants in the world (Greg) and all the bureaucracy or “paperwork” that needs to be done that helps in actually getting those evil things done.
@@francescaa8331 Thank you! Even so Greg is actually my next favorite character after Kendall. And I wouldn’t really call any of the characters evil exactly other than Logan. Greg’s decisions to tell people certain information or to do what the Roy’s want him to do is always at the center of some of the biggest turning points in the show and I love him for that and so many other reasons. He also provides much of the comedic moments on the show with Roman.
@@emerald7259 Greg was a lot of fun to watch. The fool that could insert himself, often an important plot element - as you said Tom and Greg together - incredible scenes that everyone will remember. We are reminded constantly that these are damaged children - that there are hurting human beings under there. We also realize that they should not be given power for any reason. Many parallels between the program and things we have observed in real life. The timing of the show was excellent.
Good content man, keep it up. I read on Reddit that Jeremy Strong wanted Jess to be a more involved character - and she really provides a great deal of contrast. In the episode where Kendall wants to screen the movie to try and ruin the deal, and Jess just agrees to take care of the task; even though she's tired and she'd have to probably stay up all night to get the job done.
Watching Greg's machinations is like watching a young Iago. This is how true evil becomes itself because, no, the Devil doesn't necessarily introduce himself and ask permission. I really love this conversation and you're articulation of the gathering disaster. I believe it will be Greg who does the most damage and gets the biggest payoff. He is the most insidious character--and that's really saying something!
When I saw this scene I questioned the reason for Jess's reaction. I now think it was to express the horrible decision made and to show the perspective from a POC. I think her reaction was confirmed in Ep 9 when she told Kendall she was moving on. This whole interaction with Jess was very important because her reaction represented what was probably the only opposing views to the conservative movement that this show is about. When she tells Kendall about her intentions, it was a big slap in the face to Waystar and their policies. Very big moment.
Which is only reinforced by Kendall's very big freak out and how he made Jess' quitting about him. But if he's not going to protect his own marginalized daughter, of course he'd have no thought to why Jess would really want to leave..
“Conservative movement?” This is about corruption not conservatism. This kind of corruption is in all media from FOX to CNN, MSNBC, etc. Both the Republican Party and the Democrat Party. Not a conservative movement.
This scene did something else. It broke fast paced rhythm and escalating suspense. It allowed us to stop, take a pause and think about the situation. And yes, the banality of it all. It was a great scene and it even made me feel guilty just watching the scene seeing that there was, in fact, a moment for us all to reflect. I wish Greg decided to go rogue and tell the newsmakers not to call it. But, I suppose that would be too simple for the plot.
Excellent observation. I was also fascinated by this little scene. The follow-up is in episode #9 when Jess tells Ken that she is moving on in her career. It is unsaid, but anybody paying attention to this scene understands why she is moving away from Ken and Waystar and maybe has a little more respect from this person who has been little more than a obedient "gal-Friday" up to this point.
wait I thought she meant like "you're gonna promote me because I know y'all called the election before the right moment", no? because why would Kendall be so pissed if she was simply leaving, he can get hundreds of assistants right away. but maybe something got lost in the subtext for me, I'm not american.
@@cWjkL8ysxOkrH66 She's leaving altogether because of the election and wanting no more part of this world. Kendall is pissed because she's the one stable and loyal person in his life. Think about when he found out she wants to leave, as he's asking her to set up a call with lawyers for full custody of his children. He lost his wife, his kids are scared to be near him, he's about to eulogize his father, and now that one constant, Jess, tells him she's abandoning ship.
@@jolieluc 🎯🎯🎯💯🙏 Well said! If one watches closely thru out the series, she's VERY crucial in his daily life. And he knows _exactly_ why she's leaving 😁 I say, GOOD... you got what's coming to ya. I'd been pulling for Kendall most of the show cause Strong's performance makes him so sympathetic but after episode 8, I hope they all crash & burn, and if any of the kids get CEO, I hope it's Shiv.
I’m so glad you focused on this scene because it immediately struck me as a pivotal moment. This episode triggered me in so many ways because it was (intentionally) reminiscent of New York the night of the 2016 election. I was a freshman in college at NYU and it was my first time voting. The entire city was in shock. I shook uncontrollably for days and could barely speak, but my white male friends and classmates just shrugged it off or tried to make jokes about it. They knew that no matter who was president, their lives would not be affected in any direct way. But my life, as a Black Latina woman, was shattered almost instantly. This dynamic between Greg and Jess is so perfect and I’m glad the writers put it in.
Wow, 2016 vs 2020. All I know is I feel much less safe now, much less successful now, much less free now, must less trustful now, much less proud now, much less American now, all in the span of less than 3 years.
And then she resigns it’s really amazing how this show tells such layered stories within the narrative I need a rewatch of this show to track stuff better
I’m so jaded and cynical. I didn’t think he was trying to distance himself. I thought he was lowkey bragging in front of Jess. He was expressing faux humility. He understood the gravity of what he was doing and wanted to amplify it. He PLAYS the harmless bumbling lackey. But he doesn’t really wanna be viewed as such.
My impression is that it's both. He's thrilled that he's going to press the button, but he also wants to distance himself from the guilt. I think he's bragging but also being like, "this is ok right?" he's a little psychopath lol
Not jaded and cynical, you’re totally right. He was only directed to tell them Tom was coming down but will take anything to inflate his stance - esp in front of women and esp Jess. Lowkey bragging while feigning remorse for his task and the situation. He giddily goes off to tell the staff they’re calling it for Mencken before Tom enters the room.
I'm pretty sure this is the conclusive beat in Greg's character arch in the context of the entire show, it's crazy how he went from the stoner nephew to the guy pushing the nuclear button, I keep thinking about his self astonishment at his own situation when he says: "Wild!"
It's funny bc as a POC, this scene stood out to me right away. Every scenes carries weight in a series like this. It made me pause to think "what do the creators want to say here." I had my suspicions (obviously) but it was confirmed once Jess quit in episode 9. Which is even more interesting, bc you could also look at is as -- Jess cosigned so much evil stuff (like everyone else) until it reached a point where her interests were put in danger.
Bro I swear this scene stuck with me too, for a split second I thought Greg is going to the room and not call Mencken and tell them the other candidate won. Which I thought it was a good plot twist since Greg is the underdog who makes an important call like this one.
Greg's grandfather served as his positive conscience and his mother is his negative conscience. Greg's mom is behind the scenes on the phone pushing Greg to get inside deeper in the Roy Empire. She is the hidden hand. His grandfather warned him several times to distance himself from the Roys and told Greg that he's becoming unethical like the Roys. That's why Greg was eventually written out of his will and his inheritance was donated to Green Peace instead. That move actually pushed Greg to join the Darkside 100% with the Roys and he was willing to do ANYTHING and EVERYTHING to climb up the ladder of power with the Roys after his financial safety net was gone. This season is pivotal because Greg is starting to learn how to play the game. Greg sees that Tom is on thin ice & is tired of being his lackey. He's trying to learn how to unthrone Tom and take his spot. I don't think any of the election moves were accidentally done. He intentionally released the nomination news early to hurt Tom's credibility. Greg isn't viewed as a threat and is in the ears of ALL the players. He has no true loyalty and is trying to land on the winning team when the smoke clears...
@@Pistodog I haven't liked Greg since S01E01. I cannot even imagine turning away a $250M to be in that snake pit, and yet even on the periphery he seemed to revel in the darkness of that pit.
Great analysis. Completely agree. At this point Greg is just trading favours to try and climb a little higher up his ladder of success. Maybe from the point in season 3 onwards, in "All the bells say" when he effectively sells his soul to Tom /Logan /the devil. "What am I going to do with a soul anyway?"
Thank you so much for pointing that scene out, I’ve watched this episode many times, and I’ve realized each time I saw this how much it really stuck out to me with these characters saying so much through so little words in so little time
God, that whole episode brought up so much from 2016, to 2000, to 2020, for me! I hope all the kids get what they deserve tonight (I can't believe it's ending tonight!)... if any of them gets control of Waystar, I hope it's Shiv. Better not be Roman!
I always thought that there is some more meaning about this scene. I mean, we almost never had those two together. And I guess this was the longest time Jess talk to someone. And both Greg and Jess let it all out their thought about the election. You give me more insight about that. I like that.
I think he was taking in the moment. The episode showed everyone wants to do good to a point. Greg was throwing up in a mascot costume a little while ago and now he gets to call the election. That smile was him trying to enjoy the present
Greg is the only character on the show who has true upward mobility. The Roy siblings talk and talk about doing things yet their deals never come through, while Greg is the one who is advancing, getting toward the "bottom of the top."
@@LittleYoki lol that made me think of a child. “wrong, wrong,Nope,No.” I love when people disagree about scenes in the show. That’s what makes this show great because it can change how you see scenes... not just “that’s completely wrong”. You mind giving your opinion?
I'm still not convinced. Was this just Greg being his usual indecisive, self-questioning self? / As for Jess: compared to other subordinates in this show, Jess is treated with a modicum of respect. Kendall even asks her opinion at some points. Roman ignores, insults and physically pushes aside subordinates and servants, but he never treats Jess that way.
I dont think its really that deep but I do think that jess is gonna leak the info and that's gonna cause some trouble. They even keep the camera on her as she gets on her phone as soon as greg leaves.
I think it’s interesting because you can tell, subtly, that they’re on opposite ends on believing what the right call is. However neither is able to express that fact in an articulate way, as they’re both also somewhat crippled by shock. That’s why it feels like she’s kind of empathizing with him on his tough responsibility…they literally are both sharing an overwhelming feeling of shock. It’s important to remember that these two are probably in their mid 20s, and are both essentially simply assistants attached to a huge entity. It’s like it takes both of them together to really comprehend what is happening.
Great video! Just wanted to clarify, there are two other characters of color who have lines in the episode: Kendall's ex-wife Rava and Daniel Jimenez, the democratic presidential candidate
Yes, almost nothing at all these days gets critiqued about the amount of race and power that it portrays (*should* portray as determined by our new state woke religion). lol
@@BronzeBullBalls you have paraded around this comment section talking about “wokeness” it just shows your lack of media literacy and a total lack of empathy or intelligence. You’re not smart and you shouldn’t vote
Yes, exactly. He and Jess are having basically two different reactions. He knows for one OK this is gonna be bad for the country and two he knows that if I hadn’t gone in there and said that to Kendall things might be different and he’s very clearly realizing that and for Jess, it’s like oh wow it’s basically Trump, no more explanation needed lmao yeah, great great analysis man.
Spot on. Also I would add that the chemistry between Greg and Jess was interesting, they really were feeling around each other on how to connect, almost as if they had something going on between them as well.
Reminds me of the story of how the Cuban missile crisis was ended by the Russian captain refusing to obey orders and not starting WW3. There’s always an option to do right even if you are just a “messenger.”
this season has done a great job of showing that Greg still can be just as greedy and pathetic as the rest of them. I think the writers haven't liked how fans always saw Greg as "the good one", but that's letting him off the hook.
Ultimately, Jess makes the choice to leave. This scene was clearly foreshadowing how each of them will choose to play a part in, or be a part of, what's to come. Greg wants to be assured of a position in new leadership. Jess cannot see a future for herself with the changes ahead.
A white man kind of distancing himself from personal responsibility while also being a little excited by the terrifying idea of what his asking that room to do, in front of a woman of colour, who indeed facilitated horrible things but without much of a voice, facing the direct concequences of what is about to unfold when that room 'press the button'. The scene is genious. I can't believe they almost cut it from the episode. I'm glad they didn't.
he seemed pretty upset by the decision but really what was he supposed to do in that moment. She seemed to also be upset by it.. but what could they do? besides quit.
The scene reminds me of the famous experiment where men in white coats got unsuspecting volunteers to deliver successively stronger shocks (actually simulated) on actors who were in on the experiment. Because a person in authority was ordering it, they kept “pushing the button” despite the actors howling in pain and begging them to stop. This is the dynamic that allows fascists to carry out evil. How close are you to the vulnerable parties? How removed from decision making do you see yourself?
I’d love to know your background because your analysis is always interesting and thought provoking! I disagree here slightly, though… To me, this scene serves as a flashback of sorts to the old Greg… thinking he has more power than he does and *almost* struggling with a moral crisis, which is comical because he’s ultimately a powerless lackey. As such, this scene is a stark contrast to the later scene in which Greg actually does have power-and quite a bit of it-when he spills his secrets on Shiv and Mattson.
This scene definitely stuck out,her reaction really reflected the impact of the result more so than any of the Roy's and more so really showed rather than the importance of any of the children succeeding there father or "winning" that the money always wins
Рік тому
And It’s almost close to her resign to Kendall, wow I didin’t see that
Great segment. I've subscribed! What fascinates me about Succession is not only it's scathingly accurate portrayal of one percenters, but its characters who are so supremely detestable. Jess is complicit in that she does nothing to avert the impending disaster.
Why does it feel like Greg will be the one coming out of this on top? 🤨🧐 Everyone has some sort of entanglement with Waystar and Roy the father, except him. Whether it be the “Old Guard”, employees, offspring, ex wives, mistresses, or a son in law, Greg is the only one who isn’t that emotionally tied to anybody. He learned from the best on how to become the worst person he can be as well! 💪🙀😆🤣
Even when he walks away from her she gets blurry (I know it could be just because the camera was focusing on Greg but who knows) it might have a meaning as well like all those lives which will be forgotten due to the new power focusing on let’s say “Greg people” people interested on themselves, people who only follow others and just walk away from things that really matter
When the season is over, I have to watch from the beginning again if only to follow Greg's character arc. We'll soon know how the series ends and who triumphs, but I want to go back to episode one to determine if Greg's "guileless country cousin" persona has been an act all along. Do we ever see him act like a doofus when he's alone? Or has it all been performative...
I have a feeling succession is Greg s story ascending to the throne . His arch is the most complex and fleshed out. I’m still intrigued by the night of partying he had w Mardsen . And the seeds he planted that night. He also showed he was a stone cold » killer » a quality Logan had been actively looking for in his potential successor as he has been saying again and again
He is sort of Hamlet-like character who pretends to be less clever than he really is. This makes him underestimated and gives a possibility to sneak and gather valuable information in a non-suspicious way.
Yes the scene stuck out in what was already a classic episode. It provided the voice of doubt in the face of a clearly wrongful act, and voiced from Jess who likely shall be significantly disadvantaged if America returns to its violent right wing ways.
For Jess to take a pause in this scene made we realize how little of a pause this family has for how their actions reflect upon marginalized voices like Jess. Very dynamic and thanks for the video.
Absolutely love this show been watching since season 1 but I do hate how even though ATN is right winged the entire show the writers are just pretty munch saying “because he’s GOP he’s bad” while winking at the camera the whole time. Very obviously the people who made this show are liberals who think if u don’t think like they do you’re wrong and bad. That’s the end of democracy in my eyes
i GAVE THIS VIDEO A LIKE BECAUSE THIS GUY KEEPS IT SHORT AND HAS THE PRECISE REFERENCING LKE THE QUOTE FROM POLITICAL THEORIST. GUD 1 FRIEND . AND ON PAR IF NOT MORE THAN THAT THE OTHER REACTIONARY CINEMATIC CHANNELS ARE DOING IS JUST SEEING BEHIND THE SCENES PODCASTS AND INTERVIEWS AND DRAW UP CONCLUSION RATHER THAN A GOOD BASED WORK LIKE THIS GUY. KEEP IT UP.
To me it stuck out. When have we ever heard Jess get to speak on anything other than as a functionary of Kendall?
gotta say its amazing to hear Jess talk for once
Ikr! She's barely gotten any lines this season
@@MalikSmith774 episode 9 she's got more lines woooooooo!!
@@tshepomolibeli Yaaaaayyyyy!
I think it's worth mentioning that Tom didn't specifically tell Greg to announce it; all he said on the phone in the previous scene was "We're gonna call it. Yeah, we're calling for Mencken... Tell 'em I'm coming". He didn't say "Tell them to call it". I read this scene as Greg being delighted with the responsibilty, eager to get to do it but nervous as he always is when given a task. He even ignored Jess' suggestion to wait a couple of minutes (not that it would have mattered anyway, seeing as Tom broke the news seconds later). I really liked this scene, your breakdown of it is great.
That's a great point! Thanks so much for your comment.
I was surprise that Greg actually did it. WHAT IS HAPPENING!!!!!! (from Poltergeist)
As usual I was too eager to comment and didn’t read comments but you point out what I wanted to say WAY BETTER than I could express it
I think Greg was also trying to impress Jess that he had this powerful task that had such a large impact. He's always trying to impress everybody.
greg was 'showing off' to jess... she's beautiful, he wants her admiration... he's lying ...
I like that you rightly pointed out that Greg is distancing himself from personal responsibility here. He knows that he literally just swayed the election toward this man he knows is bad, and he did it for totally selfish reasons of self promotion and revenge/spite. But he doesn't want to take responsibility so he acts like this decision he gets to deliver, "isn't really his fault" and portrays himself as the messenger. Keep in mind that Jess doesn't know what Greg has done to put himself in this position. She doesn't know that he literally just told Kendall about Shiv and threw her under a bus in order to cement Mencken as the choice and spite her.
So telling the truth is bad?
@@wojtektygrys7739 because it’s not ‘their’ truth therefore it’s bad
@@wojtektygrys7739 also because nazis are bad and this amazing corrupt establishment is portrayed as good
And because you shouldn’t question anything and taking it like good little boys who won’t werewolf
@@wojtektygrys7739 you know damn well that we're not talking about just telling the truth here.
this has a little more meaning now that we know she's quitting
Definitely a great, subtle scene with a lot of subtext. Greg’s arc in this show might actually have the most range out of all of the characters.
Some writer in the room definitely knew about the Milgram Experiment. ‘I’m not pressing the button - just doing what the guy in the white lab-coat told me to do.’
To be fair, every liberal arts undergraduate in the world knows about the Milgram experiment. And the Zimbardo experiment.
I thought about that idea too, how Greg feels like Tom and the Roys are the ones with the responsibility, not him. So he can kind of distance himself for that reason. I think it goes with the idea of the banality of evil because often times evil things won’t happen if it isn’t for all the assistants in the world (Greg) and all the bureaucracy or “paperwork” that needs to be done that helps in actually getting those evil things done.
@@emerald7259 great observation.
@@francescaa8331 Thank you! Even so Greg is actually my next favorite character after Kendall. And I wouldn’t really call any of the characters evil exactly other than Logan. Greg’s decisions to tell people certain information or to do what the Roy’s want him to do is always at the center of some of the biggest turning points in the show and I love him for that and so many other reasons. He also provides much of the comedic moments on the show with Roman.
@@emerald7259 Greg was a lot of fun to watch. The fool that could insert himself, often an important plot element - as you said
Tom and Greg together - incredible scenes that everyone will remember.
We are reminded constantly that these are damaged children - that there are hurting human beings under there. We also realize that they should not be given power for any reason.
Many parallels between the program and things we have observed in real life. The timing of the show was excellent.
Good content man, keep it up. I read on Reddit that Jeremy Strong wanted Jess to be a more involved character - and she really provides a great deal of contrast. In the episode where Kendall wants to screen the movie to try and ruin the deal, and Jess just agrees to take care of the task; even though she's tired and she'd have to probably stay up all night to get the job done.
Watching Greg's machinations is like watching a young Iago. This is how true evil becomes itself because, no, the Devil doesn't necessarily introduce himself and ask permission. I really love this conversation and you're articulation of the gathering disaster. I believe it will be Greg who does the most damage and gets the biggest payoff. He is the most insidious character--and that's really saying something!
When I saw this scene I questioned the reason for Jess's reaction. I now think it was to express the horrible decision made and to show the perspective from a POC. I think her reaction was confirmed in Ep 9 when she told Kendall she was moving on. This whole interaction with Jess was very important because her reaction represented what was probably the only opposing views to the conservative movement that this show is about. When she tells Kendall about her intentions, it was a big slap in the face to Waystar and their policies. Very big moment.
Which is only reinforced by Kendall's very big freak out and how he made Jess' quitting about him. But if he's not going to protect his own marginalized daughter, of course he'd have no thought to why Jess would really want to leave..
“Conservative movement?” This is about corruption not conservatism. This kind of corruption is in all media from FOX to CNN, MSNBC, etc. Both the Republican Party and the Democrat Party. Not a conservative movement.
@@thatsmynamesowhat2949 That's exactly what a republican would say. Corruption, conservatism and republican are all synonymous..
This scene did something else. It broke fast paced rhythm and escalating suspense. It allowed us to stop, take a pause and think about the situation. And yes, the banality of it all. It was a great scene and it even made me feel guilty just watching the scene seeing that there was, in fact, a moment for us all to reflect. I wish Greg decided to go rogue and tell the newsmakers not to call it. But, I suppose that would be too simple for the plot.
Excellent observation. I was also fascinated by this little scene. The follow-up is in episode #9 when Jess tells Ken that she is moving on in her career. It is unsaid, but anybody paying attention to this scene understands why she is moving away from Ken and Waystar and maybe has a little more respect from this person who has been little more than a obedient "gal-Friday" up to this point.
wait I thought she meant like "you're gonna promote me because I know y'all called the election before the right moment", no? because why would Kendall be so pissed if she was simply leaving, he can get hundreds of assistants right away.
but maybe something got lost in the subtext for me, I'm not american.
@@cWjkL8ysxOkrH66 She's leaving altogether because of the election and wanting no more part of this world. Kendall is pissed because she's the one stable and loyal person in his life. Think about when he found out she wants to leave, as he's asking her to set up a call with lawyers for full custody of his children. He lost his wife, his kids are scared to be near him, he's about to eulogize his father, and now that one constant, Jess, tells him she's abandoning ship.
@@jolieluc 🎯🎯🎯💯🙏 Well said! If one watches closely thru out the series, she's VERY crucial in his daily life.
And he knows _exactly_ why she's leaving 😁
I say, GOOD... you got what's coming to ya. I'd been pulling for Kendall most of the show cause Strong's performance makes him so sympathetic but after episode 8, I hope they all crash & burn, and if any of the kids get CEO, I hope it's Shiv.
I’m so glad you focused on this scene because it immediately struck me as a pivotal moment. This episode triggered me in so many ways because it was (intentionally) reminiscent of New York the night of the 2016 election. I was a freshman in college at NYU and it was my first time voting. The entire city was in shock. I shook uncontrollably for days and could barely speak, but my white male friends and classmates just shrugged it off or tried to make jokes about it. They knew that no matter who was president, their lives would not be affected in any direct way. But my life, as a Black Latina woman, was shattered almost instantly. This dynamic between Greg and Jess is so perfect and I’m glad the writers put it in.
Give me a break. 🤮
@@toddgaak422 you give us a break toddgaak422, you ma'am should respect someone else's opinion
@@toddgaak422 people are allowed to express their opinions on matters that affect them.
Wow, 2016 vs 2020. All I know is I feel much less safe now, much less successful now, much less free now, must less trustful now, much less proud now, much less American now, all in the span of less than 3 years.
Americans am I right 🤣🤣🤣 Freaking delusional, you people. Thinking a dude getting elected ruins your life forever 🤪
"The banality of evil" should've been the title of the episode.
And then she resigns it’s really amazing how this show tells such layered stories within the narrative I need a rewatch of this show to track stuff better
I’m so jaded and cynical. I didn’t think he was trying to distance himself. I thought he was lowkey bragging in front of Jess. He was expressing faux humility. He understood the gravity of what he was doing and wanted to amplify it. He PLAYS the harmless bumbling lackey. But he doesn’t really wanna be viewed as such.
My impression is that it's both. He's thrilled that he's going to press the button, but he also wants to distance himself from the guilt. I think he's bragging but also being like, "this is ok right?"
he's a little psychopath lol
Not jaded and cynical, you’re totally right. He was only directed to tell them Tom was coming down but will take anything to inflate his stance - esp in front of women and esp Jess. Lowkey bragging while feigning remorse for his task and the situation. He giddily goes off to tell the staff they’re calling it for Mencken before Tom enters the room.
I'm pretty sure this is the conclusive beat in Greg's character arch in the context of the entire show, it's crazy how he went from the stoner nephew to the guy pushing the nuclear button, I keep thinking about his self astonishment at his own situation when he says: "Wild!"
You call it a short scene, but it was so tense, it felt at least an hour long.
thats also a perfect exemple of how far Greg has come since the first episode in terms of not being a normal person anymore but a Roy
"If you always make yourself the victim, you can justify being a horrible person"
- south park
It's funny bc as a POC, this scene stood out to me right away. Every scenes carries weight in a series like this. It made me pause to think "what do the creators want to say here." I had my suspicions (obviously) but it was confirmed once Jess quit in episode 9. Which is even more interesting, bc you could also look at is as -- Jess cosigned so much evil stuff (like everyone else) until it reached a point where her interests were put in danger.
Bro I swear this scene stuck with me too, for a split second I thought Greg is going to the room and not call Mencken and tell them the other candidate won. Which I thought it was a good plot twist since Greg is the underdog who makes an important call like this one.
Greg's grandfather served as his positive conscience and his mother is his negative conscience. Greg's mom is behind the scenes on the phone pushing Greg to get inside deeper in the Roy Empire. She is the hidden hand. His grandfather warned him several times to distance himself from the Roys and told Greg that he's becoming unethical like the Roys. That's why Greg was eventually written out of his will and his inheritance was donated to Green Peace instead. That move actually pushed Greg to join the Darkside 100% with the Roys and he was willing to do ANYTHING and EVERYTHING to climb up the ladder of power with the Roys after his financial safety net was gone. This season is pivotal because Greg is starting to learn how to play the game. Greg sees that Tom is on thin ice & is tired of being his lackey. He's trying to learn how to unthrone Tom and take his spot. I don't think any of the election moves were accidentally done. He intentionally released the nomination news early to hurt Tom's credibility. Greg isn't viewed as a threat and is in the ears of ALL the players. He has no true loyalty and is trying to land on the winning team when the smoke clears...
Can you imagine suing your grandfather because he cut you of his will? The entitlement!
@@Pistodog I haven't liked Greg since S01E01. I cannot even imagine turning away a $250M to be in that snake pit, and yet even on the periphery he seemed to revel in the darkness of that pit.
After the first time seeing this scene I had to rewind and watch it again, there was something that urged me to watch it again.
Great analysis. This scene stuck out to me as well as most likely having some deeper meanings/implications. Thanks for breaking it down!
Great analysis. Completely agree. At this point Greg is just trading favours to try and climb a little higher up his ladder of success. Maybe from the point in season 3 onwards, in "All the bells say" when he effectively sells his soul to Tom /Logan /the devil. "What am I going to do with a soul anyway?"
Thank you so much for pointing that scene out, I’ve watched this episode many times, and I’ve realized each time I saw this how much it really stuck out to me with these characters saying so much through so little words in so little time
5 seconds later, she Jess phones someone . Who is that someone..? Ep 9 she tell Kendall she want to move on.
Jess's eyes convey some request, in my opinion... like she's hoping against hope he won't "push that button"... she knows better, though. It's sad.
i felt this way too
God, that whole episode brought up so much from 2016, to 2000, to 2020, for me! I hope all the kids get what they deserve tonight (I can't believe it's ending tonight!)... if any of them gets control of Waystar, I hope it's Shiv.
Better not be Roman!
I always thought that there is some more meaning about this scene. I mean, we almost never had those two together. And I guess this was the longest time Jess talk to someone. And both Greg and Jess let it all out their thought about the election. You give me more insight about that. I like that.
Good analysis, it never crossed my mind. Thanks man!
Awesome comments. That last scene caught my attention, too.
Keen analysis. I loved this small scene, so much subtext.
"THERE'S WASABI IN MY EYES???"
loving all your succession content, you just won yourself a new subscriber. Keep up the great work!
I think he was taking in the moment. The episode showed everyone wants to do good to a point. Greg was throwing up in a mascot costume a little while ago and now he gets to call the election. That smile was him trying to enjoy the present
Greg is the only character on the show who has true upward mobility. The Roy siblings talk and talk about doing things yet their deals never come through, while Greg is the one who is advancing, getting toward the "bottom of the top."
That’s completely wrong
@@LittleYoki lol that made me think of a child. “wrong, wrong,Nope,No.” I love when people disagree about scenes in the show. That’s what makes this show great because it can change how you see scenes... not just “that’s completely wrong”. You mind giving your opinion?
I'm still not convinced. Was this just Greg being his usual indecisive, self-questioning self? / As for Jess: compared to other subordinates in this show, Jess is treated with a modicum of respect. Kendall even asks her opinion at some points. Roman ignores, insults and physically pushes aside subordinates and servants, but he never treats Jess that way.
I dont think its really that deep but I do think that jess is gonna leak the info and that's gonna cause some trouble. They even keep the camera on her as she gets on her phone as soon as greg leaves.
I loved that scene. So powerful and so telling about BOTH characters.
I think it’s interesting because you can tell, subtly, that they’re on opposite ends on believing what the right call is. However neither is able to express that fact in an articulate way, as they’re both also somewhat crippled by shock. That’s why it feels like she’s kind of empathizing with him on his tough responsibility…they literally are both sharing an overwhelming feeling of shock.
It’s important to remember that these two are probably in their mid 20s, and are both essentially simply assistants attached to a huge entity. It’s like it takes both of them together to really comprehend what is happening.
Great video! Just wanted to clarify, there are two other characters of color who have lines in the episode: Kendall's ex-wife Rava and Daniel Jimenez, the democratic presidential candidate
Thank you, you are correct! :)
Rava is white Jewish, no? I might be wrong
Rava is a whole cracker barrel
Greg really didn't give a shit because he is a Canadian. Left the mess to y'all.
Your assessment is spot on. I was thinking this entire time this scene played out, don't get me started on Kendall.
Wow! Really good observation.
I had forgotten about this scene in an epic few. episodes but yes you’re spot on. Greg is like a corporate Jez from Peepshow
Jimenez speaks at one point - he's a person of color (I believe?)
He is indeed
Love Jess , so glad she finally jumped ship from Ken. She is the ONLY person I find remotely likable
The banality of Greg...
Good analysis regarding race and power, which is often absent. Please keep posting videos!
Thank you! Lots more videos to come if people enjoy them.
Thought that was a great point too
Yes, almost nothing at all these days gets critiqued about the amount of race and power that it portrays (*should* portray as determined by our new state woke religion). lol
@@BronzeBullBalls you have paraded around this comment section talking about “wokeness” it just shows your lack of media literacy and a total lack of empathy or intelligence. You’re not smart and you shouldn’t vote
Yes, exactly. He and Jess are having basically two different reactions. He knows for one OK this is gonna be bad for the country and two he knows that if I hadn’t gone in there and said that to Kendall things might be different and he’s very clearly realizing that and for Jess, it’s like oh wow it’s basically Trump, no more explanation needed lmao yeah, great great analysis man.
Spot on. Also I would add that the chemistry between Greg and Jess was interesting, they really were feeling around each other on how to connect, almost as if they had something going on between them as well.
I think you nailed it!!
any thoughts on who Jess immediately contacted via phone after the interaction with Greg?
Para revelar la información que sale al final del episodio en dónde se responsabiliza a Tom por anunciar antes de tiempo al Presidente 😂.
Great observation. "Banality of Evil' totally exposing Greg who always plays such a banal character, so innocent and yet...he is so evil.
Reminds me of the story of how the Cuban missile crisis was ended by the Russian captain refusing to obey orders and not starting WW3.
There’s always an option to do right even if you are just a “messenger.”
When I first saw this scene I was thinking they were gonna alter the message or something haha.
I love this scene, I also dont think it's insignificant
Modern Pontius Pilatus
Jessie Armstrong wrote Peep Show. He knows all about writing characters who personify the banality of evil.
I'm so in love with her. She's so freaking gorgeous.
I don’t understand this episode at all, this idea that ATN chose the president? They just reported on it…
this season has done a great job of showing that Greg still can be just as greedy and pathetic as the rest of them. I think the writers haven't liked how fans always saw Greg as "the good one", but that's letting him off the hook.
Ultimately, Jess makes the choice to leave. This scene was clearly foreshadowing how each of them will choose to play a part in, or be a part of, what's to come. Greg wants to be assured of a position in new leadership. Jess cannot see a future for herself with the changes ahead.
This video is riding the line between "interesting insight" and "praising the emperor's clothes"
Thank you. It was good.
I’m gonna sub cuz I like your takes, however your content is too short. I’d love another 10 minutes of analysis from you.
great vid
A white man kind of distancing himself from personal responsibility while also being a little excited by the terrifying idea of what his asking that room to do, in front of a woman of colour, who indeed facilitated horrible things but without much of a voice, facing the direct concequences of what is about to unfold when that room 'press the button'. The scene is genious. I can't believe they almost cut it from the episode. I'm glad they didn't.
I didn’t and wouldn’t give the white/colour thing a thought
@@lotlot and that's precisely why you don't get subtext from works of art, everything needs to be spelled out to you
thats racist
@@govardhanposina17 not hes just not racist
@@roshinvarghese6879 lol okay
he seemed pretty upset by the decision but really what was he supposed to do in that moment. She seemed to also be upset by it.. but what could they do? besides quit.
What interview is it that you mentioned that Jesse Armstrong said it was his favorite scene?
The scene reminds me of the famous experiment where men in white coats got unsuspecting volunteers to deliver successively stronger shocks (actually simulated) on actors who were in on the experiment. Because a person in authority was ordering it, they kept “pushing the button” despite the actors howling in pain and begging them to stop. This is the dynamic that allows fascists to carry out evil. How close are you to the vulnerable parties? How removed from decision making do you see yourself?
I’d love to know your background because your analysis is always interesting and thought provoking! I disagree here slightly, though…
To me, this scene serves as a flashback of sorts to the old Greg… thinking he has more power than he does and *almost* struggling with a moral crisis, which is comical because he’s ultimately a powerless lackey. As such, this scene is a stark contrast to the later scene in which Greg actually does have power-and quite a bit of it-when he spills his secrets on Shiv and Mattson.
And you managed to make the video exactly 4:08 long, impressive
A black woman shaken by the prospect of an incoming fascist regime tracks. Both actors handled it fantastically.
This scene definitely stuck out,her reaction really reflected the impact of the result more so than any of the Roy's and more so really showed rather than the importance of any of the children succeeding there father or "winning" that the money always wins
And It’s almost close to her resign to Kendall, wow I didin’t see that
Great segment. I've subscribed! What fascinates me about Succession is not only it's scathingly accurate portrayal of one percenters, but its characters who are so supremely detestable. Jess is complicit in that she does nothing to avert the impending disaster.
Why does it feel like Greg will be the one coming out of this on top? 🤨🧐 Everyone has some sort of entanglement with Waystar and Roy the father, except him. Whether it be the “Old Guard”, employees, offspring, ex wives, mistresses, or a son in law, Greg is the only one who isn’t that emotionally tied to anybody. He learned from the best on how to become the worst person he can be as well! 💪🙀😆🤣
Even when he walks away from her she gets blurry (I know it could be just because the camera was focusing on Greg but who knows) it might have a meaning as well like all those lives which will be forgotten due to the new power focusing on let’s say “Greg people” people interested on themselves, people who only follow others and just walk away from things that really matter
👏👏👏
great analysis. funny to see the people who would support mencken completely miss the point of the episode and show itself
When the season is over, I have to watch from the beginning again if only to follow Greg's character arc. We'll soon know how the series ends and who triumphs, but I want to go back to episode one to determine if Greg's "guileless country cousin" persona has been an act all along. Do we ever see him act like a doofus when he's alone? Or has it all been performative...
I have a feeling succession is Greg s story ascending to the throne . His arch is the most complex and fleshed out. I’m still intrigued by the night of partying he had w Mardsen . And the seeds he planted that night. He also showed he was a stone cold » killer » a quality Logan had been actively looking for in his potential successor as he has been saying again and again
I wouldn’t call this scene subtle, it was pretty on the nose
Greg will end up puppet US CEO for Mattsson and win, sort of
And Tom will be his assistant
bro just ask her out!
I'm just glad the series is over.
"The only person of color that gets to speak in this episode" hahaa
A little over the top dude
The Greg character is a clown. Makes no sense that the sibs keep him hanging around when they all thing's useless.
He is sort of Hamlet-like character who pretends to be less clever than he really is. This makes him underestimated and gives a possibility to sneak and gather valuable information in a non-suspicious way.
Greg will win the game of Succession and Jess will be his right hand (like the "Game of Thrones" references?)
Honest question - Why are you comparing the election results to Arendt's The Banality of Evil?
Greg is doing something bad but he refuses to take responsability for it saying "it was just an order" , just like in the banality of evil
Wouldn’t surprise me if Greg wins succession
Little over the top with the candidate. Sticks with the state propaganda
Jess just might end up as CEO. Anything could happen. I can’t imagine who will fill Logan’s seat on the board?
Typical white british guy calling the woman a person of colour.....she could be Italian heritage for all we know.
Yes the scene stuck out in what was already a classic episode. It provided the voice of doubt in the face of a clearly wrongful act, and voiced from Jess who likely shall be significantly disadvantaged if America returns to its violent right wing ways.
For Jess to take a pause in this scene made we realize how little of a pause this family has for how their actions reflect upon marginalized voices like Jess. Very dynamic and thanks for the video.
Absolutely love this show been watching since season 1 but I do hate how even though ATN is right winged the entire show the writers are just pretty munch saying “because he’s GOP he’s bad” while winking at the camera the whole time. Very obviously the people who made this show are liberals who think if u don’t think like they do you’re wrong and bad. That’s the end of democracy in my eyes
Mencken is based
i GAVE THIS VIDEO A LIKE BECAUSE THIS GUY KEEPS IT SHORT AND HAS THE PRECISE REFERENCING LKE THE QUOTE FROM POLITICAL THEORIST. GUD 1 FRIEND . AND ON PAR IF NOT MORE THAN THAT THE OTHER REACTIONARY CINEMATIC CHANNELS ARE DOING IS JUST SEEING BEHIND THE SCENES PODCASTS AND INTERVIEWS AND DRAW UP CONCLUSION RATHER THAN A GOOD BASED WORK LIKE THIS GUY. KEEP IT UP.