Tailgate Party

"Tailgate Party" shifts the focus to Shiv and Tom's relationship, which has been crumbling for some time. The episode is set during the annual political fundraising event hosted by the Roy family, where tensions between the siblings, political figures, and the board escalate to new heights. The episode begins with a veneer of festive frivolity, but as the night progresses, it becomes clear that Tom and Shiv's marriage is in tatters. Their relationship has always been transactional, but this episode strips away the last of the pretense, leading to an explosive confrontation that serves as one of the series' most devastating moments.

The writing in this episode is top-notch, as it carefully balances the broader political and business concerns with the intimate drama between Tom and Shiv. Their argument, which begins as a passive-aggressive exchange, escalates into a brutal, emotionally raw fight where the gloves come off. Matthew Macfadyen and Sarah Snook deliver powerhouse performances, with Macfadyen portraying Tom's quiet resentment and bitterness while Snook embodies Shiv's cold detachment and latent vulnerability. The dialogue is cutting, with each verbal jab landing with the weight of years of emotional neglect and betrayal.

Meanwhile, Kendall continues his aggressive push to take control of the company, this time trying to align political forces with his vision for Waystar Royco. His calculated moves at the tailgate party highlight his growing ruthlessness, a stark contrast to his earlier indecision. The political angle adds an extra layer of intrigue, as the Roy family's influence over media and politics becomes more overt. The way the episode seamlessly weaves together personal betrayals and political maneuvering is a testament to the show's sharp narrative structure.

Visually, the episode captures the opulence of the event, with the lavish setting of the Roys' Manhattan apartment serving as a backdrop to the ugliness of the power struggles within. The cinematography contrasts the polished, glamorous exterior with the underlying rot of the Roy family's relationships, emphasizing the central theme of appearances versus reality.

I'll start by saying my sleep isn't always as good as most but damn I love how unfiltered this series is and thoroughly entertaining always! Great how each season has a party episode they are superb and impactful with great drama. More company demotes, great truths poured out, deals made, and amazing vibes! Crazy how there's only 3 more episodes left of Succession this is one of few shows I'll miss a lot most I don't mind but this is packed with more intelligence than most series out there originally felt similar to Billions yet this is much better both have top notch writing that's for sure. Everything with Shiv and Tom was bound to happen too mashed in very well.

Something hit for me this episode, it was strange because I never understood what Lukas Matsson does and how he got so rich? Well after I heard the description of what Gojo IS I now believe Lukas is a parody of the CEO of Spotify Daniel Ek. His girlfriend and lady Lukas abuses looks a lot like Daniel's Ek's wife Sofia.

I could see this show IF they were going for a positive Kendall wins the "Game of Thrones" ending like this: in real life Spotify has two big weaknesses. One would be the pay artists receive from the service, often reaches hilariously awful levels like pennies a month. The second is that Spotify COULD be vulnerable to another content creator IF people are given reasons to hate Spotify.

Therefore, Kendall gathers troops and begins rounding up propagandists against Gojo saying how Gojo exploits artists. Kendall uses Tom who runs News who is just wanting to join Kendall's team and divorce Shiv but come out ahead to create a 24 hour news cycle about how corporations like Gojo exploit art. This allows liberal causes to support "The New Progressive Vision Of Waystar News" and gives a small window of opportunity for leftists to support Connor Roy's presidency when Connor brings up a new Social Capitalism.

The next step is to make a competing streaming service which pays its artists a lot more probably too much but this is briefly to just destroy Gojo stock value.

Next, attack Lukas for his bigotry, how can Greg steal the security footage from Shivs apartment (all rich people have security systems). Show the homophobia. People then begin saying Vote of No Confidence in Lukas and then Waystar moves to acquire Gojo for 69 dollars per share.

Roman's reward is getting to look right into the face of the completely broken Lukas as he fires him, saying talk trash on my father now you fake eurotrash loser. Or something. He has security take Lukas off the premises and then Roman is sent to be CEO of Gojo.

So there is an episode of a fast forward finale episode about what is every Roy doing five years later. Connor won the POTUS. Tom runs Waystar News. Shiv sleeps with powerful men and is basically lost in her own cage. SEC doesn't allow Waystar to buy Gojo and Roman is still CEO so just goes against Kendall in a affable rivalry.

Greg ends up finding his father and getting him a job, running Parks division and kinda is that Bob Chapek arc. Everyone else does their thing I can't tell every character.

I just think my weird fanfic is best here if you think this will happen like my post. I will use this as a prediction.

Yet another addition to the show's incredible streak of episodes, and there are just a few episodes left, to make this one of finest final seasons ever. One of the highlights of this episode was the performance of Sarah Snook and Matthew Macfadyn, both of whom stole the show with their outstanding interactions. Both actors are sure to be in Emmy contention once again.

As expected, Kendall is going all out and pushing himself to the limit, setting himself up for a fall. Meanwhile, Lukas seems to have lost a lot of standing and getting increasibgly desperate. Greg's descent into darkness is also of note, that guy is creepy.

Another great episode, and another example of the show's exceptional quality and consistency. Succession continues to be one of the best shows on television.

This episode had so many smaller conversations and pivitol moments, but at a slower pace, so it didn't hit you with a BAM! The dialogue was so rich and important, with Shiv trying to help Lukas and watching it potentially blow up, Roman trying to repair with Geri, and Ken working all the angles as usual. The balcony scene between Tom and Shiv, was a master class in acting. They both better collect their Emmys for that scene! It was so raw and broken and it really made you understand the pain that their characters have been going through. Especially Tom, who's been my favourite since the beginning. Loved it!