The original post: /r/television by /u/factdropmedia on 2024-06-28 15:28:29.
I am recovering from surgery and decided to finish two shows I swore to wait until they were over before starting – Yellowstone and Succession. I’m bored as hell, so I’m writing reviews. I did Yellowstone already so wanted to move on to Succession. I watched this with while on many painkillers so forgive me if I got some details slightly wrong.
Also, it’s pretty wild that these two shows were running at the same time. They have so many similarities. I mean I know there wasn’t any collaboration since Jesse Armstrong has been quite vocal about his views on Taylor Sheriden. Maybe that makes it more interesting.
The Blue Chips: Consistently High-Quality Aspects of Succession
The return on your time you get from watching Succession is pretty damn good. The show consistently delivering high-quality elements that make it a standout in modern television.
The writing is superb. Jesse Armstrong and his team have crafted a narrative that balances dark comedy with intense drama, creating a story that’s as compelling as it is entertaining. The dialogue crackles with wit and insight, capturing the ruthless world of corporate power struggles and family dynamics with precision and nuance. Each episode is meticulously constructed, with plots that weave together seamlessly, keeping us hooked from start to finish. I don’t show if any Emmys were awarded for writing here, but there really should have been.
Logan Roy terrifies me as a son, a man, and a human. Brian Cox’s portrayal is nothing short of iconic. He embodies the ruthless patriarch with a blend of gravitas and menace that makes him both terrifying and fascinating. I hate every ounce of him and see in him what I’ve seen in horrible bosses, family members and friends. It was some of finest acting I’ve ever seen. Jeremy Strong, as Kendall Roy, delivers a performance of staggering depth, capturing his character’s inner turmoil and desperate need for approval. The supporting cast is equally strong, with standout performances from Sarah Snook, Kieran Culkin, and Matthew Macfadyen, each bringing their characters to life with authenticity and complexity. But thank the lord for Alan Ruck. Without Conrad’s comedic relief, this show might have buckled under its own absurdist dramatic elements. Conheads unite! Lol And talk about predicting the future? I feel like RFK Jr is doing a shameless of him.
The cinematography and direction were amazing, even if they played the pockets of already filthy rich people through the use of some of the most opulent locations humans have created. The visual style of Succession is both sleek and sophisticated, reflecting the opulent world of the Roy family. The camera work often employs a documentary-like approach, lending a sense of immediacy and realism to the scenes. Directors like Adam McKay and Mark Mylod have crafted episodes that are stunning and resonant, ensuring that each moment carries weight. I wouldn’t change a thing here.
Moreover, the show’s thematic depth sets it apart as a blue-chip show in the world of television. Succession explores themes of power, loyalty, and betrayal with a keen eye, delving into the psychological complexities of its characters. The show doesn’t shy away from depicting the moral ambiguity and ethical compromises inherent in the pursuit of power, making it a thought-provoking and often unsettling watch. I’ve needed my share of cannabis and lavender tea to get through some of the more tense endings. This thematic richness adds layers to the narrative, inviting us to ponder the implications of the characters’ actions long after the episode has ended.
The show’s ability to blend humour with drama is another high-quality aspect. The darkly comedic tone counterbalances the intense, often brutal corporate machinations. This balance is exemplified in scenes like the infamous boar on the floor game, which is as horrifying as it is absurdly funny. It brought me back to the days of corporate team building that often resulted in similar levels of humiliation for some. This tonal balance ensures that Succession never becomes too heavy, maintaining an engaging and dynamic narrative rhythm.
The Emerging Markets: New or Surprising Elements That Add Value
I think this is probably one of the strongest parts of Succession. The show has continually introduced new and surprising elements that add significant value to the show, keeping it fresh and engaging across its seasons. One such element is the character development and unexpected story arcs. Characters like Tom Wambsgans and Cousin Greg, who initially seemed like support characters aimed at providing some laughs, have grown into central players with complex narratives. Tom’s evolution from a sycophantic outsider to a more cunning and ambitious player in the Roy family’s power dynamics is a surprising and rewarding development. His relationship with Shiv Roy, fraught with tension and betrayal, adds layers of intrigue and emotional complexity to the series.
Another very surprising element is the show’s exploration of mental health, particularly through Kendall’s character. I love that shows like The Bear and Succession have talked about these issues – especially as someone who has suffered from mental health issues in the past. This shit matters. Kendall’s struggles with addiction, depression, and his quest for redemption provide a raw and humanizing counterpoint to the otherwise cold and calculating world of corporate power. His vulnerability and moments of breakdown, such as his haunting performance at the corporate retreat or his confrontation with Logan in the finale of Season 2, are both shocking and poignant, adding emotional weight to the narrative. These moments often left me in periods of deep personal reflection about my own life and how I’ve dealt with similar struggles – less all the billions of dollars.
Market Volatility: The Unpredictable and Controversial Moments
As good as Succession is, it’s not without its faults, and those faults are pretty glaring. The decision-making and logic of the characters can be sometimes…well… inhuman? The character of Logan Roy is a prime example, with his ruthless and often morally questionable decisions. Logan’s willingness to sacrifice anyone, including his own children, for the sake of maintaining power and control creates numerous shocking and contentious moments. His actions, such as manipulating Kendall into taking the fall for the cruise scandal or his brutal treatment of Roman, spark intense reactions and debate among viewers. All the characters, in fact, make such morally bankrupt choices that I imagine many viewers were alienated. Prospective viewers? Even worse. They could find the show completely inaccessible. You’ve got to love at least something about one of the characters.
The show’s portrayal of corporate politics and media manipulation also adds to its crypto-like volatility. Choices are made that are clearly for the benefit of drama and can be pretty detached from reality. The Roy family’s attempts to navigate scandals, manage public perception and outmaneuver rivals often lead to sudden and dramatic turns, but they are usually unrealistic and sometimes heavy-handed. And without any spoilers… the ending? I think that puts a fine point on this…
Another area where Succession falters is in its pacing. While the show’s deliberate pacing allows for deep character exploration and tension-building, there are moments where it feels sluggish, particularly in the mid-season of each installment. Some episodes linger too long on certain plot points, creating a sense of stagnation that can momentarily disengage viewers. This uneven pacing occasionally hampers the show’s momentum, making it feel like it’s treading water instead of progressing. Overall, this is a relatively minor problem.
Overall, Succession is undeniably elevated TV, offering a return on your time with consistently high-quality elements. Jesse Armstrong’s superb writing blends dark comedy and intense drama seamlessly, creating a compelling narrative that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking. The performances, particularly Brian Cox’s terrifying portrayal of Logan Roy and Jeremy Strong’s profound portrayal of Kendall Roy, are standout examples of exceptional acting. The show’s cinematography and direction enhance its opulent setting, while its thematic depth explores power dynamics and moral ambiguity with precision.
The show is exceptionally good at balancing humour with its intense corporate drama, maintaining an engaging narrative rhythm. It continuously introduces surprising elements, like character development and unexpected story arcs, which add significant value and keep the series fresh. However, the show could be more flawless; its characters’ sometimes inhuman decision-making and occasional pacing issues detract from its overall impact.
While Succession currently sits atop television excellence, its lasting impact on the pop culture ethos remains uncertain compared to iconic predecessors like The Sopranos, The Wire, or Mad Men. I worry in the long run, it could be relegated to the ranks of a melodramatic, soapy relic with comparative notes to shows like Yellowstone, Sex and the City or Desperate Housewives – which are strong in their own right but at the apex of elevated TV? I think not. Its blend of brilliance and flaws makes it a compelling watch but raises questions about its enduring legacy. (7.5/10)