Succession

I bore easily. When we steam series, my wife often has to remind me to "let it build" during the first season as the groundwork for the story is being laid out. There were probably 3 times during season 1 where I asked her "another one?" when an episode was over and I'm really glad she encouraged me to be patient. It took me nearly the whole first season to connect to the show but once I did, there was never a point that I was bored again. We have watched a few series with more seasons leading up to this one and I often remarked about how they were dragging things out, but I did not feel that during Succession. The series length was perfect. The episodes were filled with quality without a ton of needless filler and irrelevant dialogue.

On its surface, it's about a billionaire business legend near the end of his career and the impending question of which of his kids are going to take over as CEO. The tension this creates really drives the show.

Underneath, it's really about an incredibly dysfunctional family dynamic. The parents are cold, manipulative, and lack empathy and compassion. The father has mastered the ability to triangulate in order to keep his children divided to prevent them from undercutting him.

The children, who are now adults, at their core are emotionally deprived and traumatized kids who are incapable of dealing with emotions in a productive manner. Yet they find themselves repeatedly getting into intensely emotional situations.

Yes, they are incredibly wealthy and out of touch with the working man. They all have aspects about them that make them easy to dislike at times. BUT if you watch through the lens of understanding what they've been deprived of in terms of love and emotional connection, it gives you an empathic outlook which makes the show what it is.

There is a constant longing for intimacy and zero understanding of HOW to achieve it or what to do with it when they do.

I thought the final episode of the show was awesome. There was so much love, hate, misplaced anger, and self loathing flying around that it really illustrated how unstable they were. The final scene was brilliant. So uncomfortable but so good.

Acting was outstanding. Cox is a beast. I had no clue how good Culkin was but I was blown away by his performance throughout, and his acting in the final episode was gold. Same thing with Jeremy Strong as Ken. My favorite character from start to finish was Tom (Jeremy McFayden), and Greg was a perfect addition to the show.

9 stars. Top 10 all time for me and gets very close to cracking my top 5.

**Review: *Succession***

*Succession*, HBO's critically acclaimed series, has cemented its place as one of the most gripping modern dramas. It offers a brutally honest and darkly humorous look at power dynamics within the fictional Roy family, media moguls whose empire seems boundless, as do their ambitions. The show centers on the family patriarch, Logan Roy (played by Brian Cox), and his adult children-Kendall, Roman, Shiv, and Connor-each vying for approval, inheritance, or power over the empire.

What makes *Succession* compelling is its ability to navigate the darkness of wealth and ambition with sharp satire, creating moments that are equal parts discomforting and hilarious. The writing is razor-sharp, and each character is crafted with layers of dysfunction, insecurity, and ruthlessness. It's refreshing to see a show where there are no clear heroes or villains-each character, while flawed and manipulative, reveals their own vulnerabilities that keep the audience hooked.

The cast performances are phenomenal. Brian Cox brings an unmatched intensity as Logan, whose domineering personality sets the tone for the entire series. Jeremy Strong (Kendall), Sarah Snook (Shiv), Kieran Culkin (Roman), and Alan Ruck (Connor) all offer performances that elevate their characters beyond archetypal rich heirs, adding depth and complexity to each one.

A standout feature of the show is its cinematography and direction. The handheld camera work adds an almost documentary-style feel, making viewers feel like a fly on the wall, witnessing intimate, raw exchanges. The production design also captures the opulence of the ultra-wealthy, contrasted with the characters' often hollow and fractured relationships.

The show's pacing might feel slow to some, especially those who prefer action-driven narratives. However, for viewers who savor character-driven drama, *Succession* is a feast. It peels back the layers of the 1% elite in a way that feels authentic yet horrifying, pulling no punches in exposing their greed, narcissism, and the brutal cost of loyalty.

In conclusion, *Succession* is a masterclass in modern storytelling, blending dark comedy with drama and nuanced social commentary. It's a show that invites viewers to indulge in the chaos of the ultra-rich while also critiquing the ethical void left in their wake. If you haven't watched *Succession* yet, it's a must-see for anyone who appreciates layered characters, intense family drama, and an unfiltered look at power and privilege.

The show notion is deep and unexpected . Casting is so perfect and so professional . Amazing is the ups and downs done in a way that you don't feel it's sometimes enological . Sara Snook ( Chev) was my favorite with her feminine turnovers that made sense even when it didn't !. What was amazing to me are the dialogues .. how can this be written in script with all the arguments , interruptions and F words !!! . Logan Roy is the kind of fathers who loves his children so much that he couldn't accept their failures , we see this model often in real life . From children's side , they loved him back but again couldn't accept his guidance or orders .. so real , emotional and touching .

Bravo.

Succession isn't just a TV show-it's a cultural phenomenon and a masterclass in storytelling. With its razor-sharp writing, impeccable acting, and gripping narrative, it's no wonder this series has become one of the most talked-about shows of the past decade.

At its core, Succession is a Shakespearean family drama wrapped in the ruthless world of corporate power. The Roy family's power struggles are equal parts tragic and absurd, and the show walks this tightrope with perfect balance. The dialogue is biting and darkly funny, delivering laugh-out-loud moments in one scene and gut-wrenching emotional punches in the next.

The performances are nothing short of brilliant. Brian Cox as the towering patriarch Logan Roy commands every scene he's in, while Jeremy Strong as Kendall gives a career-defining portrayal of a man torn apart by ambition, insecurity, and his father's shadow. Sarah Snook, Kieran Culkin, and Matthew Macfadyen are equally outstanding, adding layers of complexity and humanity (or lack thereof) to their deeply flawed characters.

The writing is what truly elevates Succession to greatness. Each episode is packed with tension, twists, and memorable lines, and the show's exploration of power, loyalty, and legacy feels as universal as it is specific. Whether it's a boardroom showdown, a media scandal, or a dysfunctional family gathering, every scene feels meticulously crafted and utterly captivating.

Visually, the series is stunning. The luxurious settings-private jets, opulent apartments, and sprawling estates-serve as a stark backdrop to the ugliness of the characters' behavior. The direction and cinematography pull you into this world, making you feel like a fly on the wall for every backstab and betrayal.

Perhaps the most remarkable thing about Succession is its ability to make you care deeply about such morally bankrupt characters. You find yourself rooting for them, hating them, and even pitying them all at once. It's a testament to the show's nuanced storytelling that these characters feel so human despite their monstrous flaws.

Succession is not just one of the best shows of its time-it's a timeless exploration of family, greed, and the cost of power. It's funny, devastating, and utterly addictive from start to finish.

10/10. A masterpiece.

I'm not sure I can say anything about this television series that hasn't been said. It really is on a completely different level than most shows. It took me awhile to really sit down and get into it - I thought I wouldn't like it or it wouldn't be for me but I was so wrong. You like business? This is for you. You like politics? This is for you. You like rich a-holes? This is for you. You like backstabbing? This is for you. You like relating to characters on a surface level about their family problems? This is for you. HBO continues to be at the forefront of delivering the highest quality of one hour television blocks. Every single person I've talked to about this show has a different favorite character and I think that speaks to how well written not only the show is but the characters as well. Just when you like them, you will hate them and the cycle repeats. Succession truly is a top 5 show of all time and I doubt we ever get anything like it again. "Information is like a bottle of fine wine. You store it, you hoard it, you save it for a special occasion and then you smash someone's f-king face in with it."