Succession: This Is Not for Tears
October 14, 2019 1:29 AM - Season 2, Episode 10 - Subscribe
Season Two Finale. On the Roys' grand Mediterranean yacht, Logan weighs whether a member of the family, or a top lieutenant, will need to be sacrificed to salvage the company's tarnished reputation. Roman shares his hesitations about a new source of financing, as Kendall suggests a familiar alternative. Shiv proposes taking her open marriage with Tom to another level.
I guess it was Shiv that got the kiss from Daddy.
posted by tofu_crouton at 4:48 AM on October 14, 2019 [3 favorites]
posted by tofu_crouton at 4:48 AM on October 14, 2019 [3 favorites]
I thought the episode, and the ending, were perfectly executed.
Logan giving Ken the go-ahead for what needs to happen were beautifully done -- very Logan-esque. I did think Greg's involvement was slightly left-field. Buyable, but could have been better set up.
Roman felt like genuinely the good choice for CEO?
Roman was not made CEO, he was made COO. Ken will become CEO next season, imo.
posted by dobbs at 5:19 AM on October 14, 2019 [3 favorites]
Logan giving Ken the go-ahead for what needs to happen were beautifully done -- very Logan-esque. I did think Greg's involvement was slightly left-field. Buyable, but could have been better set up.
Roman felt like genuinely the good choice for CEO?
Roman was not made CEO, he was made COO. Ken will become CEO next season, imo.
posted by dobbs at 5:19 AM on October 14, 2019 [3 favorites]
Wait, dobbs: you think Logan gave Kendall the go-ahead for betraying him? I don't see that at all.
Logan's slight smile at the end, when he realizes how beautifully Kendall played him and can't help feeling proud of his "killer," was perfect.
posted by mediareport at 5:23 AM on October 14, 2019 [18 favorites]
Logan's slight smile at the end, when he realizes how beautifully Kendall played him and can't help feeling proud of his "killer," was perfect.
posted by mediareport at 5:23 AM on October 14, 2019 [18 favorites]
I didn't see it coming until this episode, but the double cross was very clearly about to come once Logan asked Ken to take the fall. I thought Shiv refusing to name one of her brothers was interesting, and I'm unsure it was in character. Not wanting Tom to leave her (even as she is partway out the door) made sense. Roman could be good if he weren't always playing too cool to care.
posted by jeather at 5:53 AM on October 14, 2019
posted by jeather at 5:53 AM on October 14, 2019
Wait, dobbs: you think Logan gave Kendall the go-ahead for betraying him? I don't see that at all.
I do.
I think he's "You're not a killer" comment, coming right after his "they won't take me" is the clincher, but it started earlier with him telling him to get rid of his guest. He couldn't have him fucked up on drugs because something important was going to happen and he needs him to be present.
Then, when Ken is making his speech, there is no outrage from him. Fingers to lips, he wants to hear that he's played his cards right, and the smile is affirmation that things will go as he predicted: Siobh will be out, Ken has what it takes, the shareholders will be pleased.
Remember, his phone call with Philippe did not end with a post-hang-up "fucking cunts!," but contemplation. He knows what has to happen and took steps to get there.
posted by dobbs at 6:14 AM on October 14, 2019 [7 favorites]
I do.
I think he's "You're not a killer" comment, coming right after his "they won't take me" is the clincher, but it started earlier with him telling him to get rid of his guest. He couldn't have him fucked up on drugs because something important was going to happen and he needs him to be present.
Then, when Ken is making his speech, there is no outrage from him. Fingers to lips, he wants to hear that he's played his cards right, and the smile is affirmation that things will go as he predicted: Siobh will be out, Ken has what it takes, the shareholders will be pleased.
Remember, his phone call with Philippe did not end with a post-hang-up "fucking cunts!," but contemplation. He knows what has to happen and took steps to get there.
posted by dobbs at 6:14 AM on October 14, 2019 [7 favorites]
Predictable? Speak for yourself, bruh! I was surprisedpikachuface.gif for the final 2 minutes of the episode. I mean, it all made sense but I had no predictions for what was going to happen going in.
I am shocking myself in how much I've come around to Roman. Maybe because of all the kids he's the most self-aware. Shiv thinks her shit don't stink, Kendall has this nagging conscience that he is constantly trying to kill by any means necessary, but Roman just puts it all on front street. They're all so awful but at least he's honest.
Sails out, nails out! (Also the existence of privately owned superyachts like that should definitely be illegal.)
posted by soren_lorensen at 6:20 AM on October 14, 2019 [11 favorites]
I am shocking myself in how much I've come around to Roman. Maybe because of all the kids he's the most self-aware. Shiv thinks her shit don't stink, Kendall has this nagging conscience that he is constantly trying to kill by any means necessary, but Roman just puts it all on front street. They're all so awful but at least he's honest.
Sails out, nails out! (Also the existence of privately owned superyachts like that should definitely be illegal.)
posted by soren_lorensen at 6:20 AM on October 14, 2019 [11 favorites]
I'm unsure whether Logan really planned all of this out, but regardless, there's no doubt he's impressed and perhaps even pleased by Ken's turnabout at the end.
As for the superyacht, I feel like there's an inverse correlation between the swankiness of venue and the happiness of the Roys contained within it. Even moreso than private jets, superyachts are the perfect symbol of excessive wealth, and the misery of the Roys was appropriately at new heights.
posted by adrianhon at 6:25 AM on October 14, 2019 [4 favorites]
As for the superyacht, I feel like there's an inverse correlation between the swankiness of venue and the happiness of the Roys contained within it. Even moreso than private jets, superyachts are the perfect symbol of excessive wealth, and the misery of the Roys was appropriately at new heights.
posted by adrianhon at 6:25 AM on October 14, 2019 [4 favorites]
In the middle of weathering a cruises scandal primarily about sexually harassing one's employees, Shiv researches and "befriends" and employee in hopes of having sex with her on a yacht! And never even notices how unhappy her husband is at the prospect! (It took a bit for me to realize it, but "she's cool" didn't mean "I know someone in Como who wants to have a threesome with us." It meant "I found someone who works for us who seems like she'll do what I want." Contrast that with Kendall's chagrin in S1 when he realized he'd effectively pressured an employee into being his date. GROSS, SHIV.) I'm glad Logan brought up NRPI at the end, because I think that's ultimately how she "gets it." Kendall has been successfully trained in basic business school sociopathy, and Roman is always able to foreground his own desires despite feeling guilty sometimes. But to Shiv...you are a person, or an NRPI. Possibly her Ivanka power move at the end (I can't choose between my brother and my husband/but daddy, for me, don't make it my husband) was the result of feeling guilty about treating Tom like an NRPI.
Somebody on twitter posted Logan's brainstorming list on who to take the fall. His first column was about everyone who could take the fall, with a special box and stars highlighting the non-family members. The second column rearranges them. It can't be in order of guilt, because Gerri is at the bottom of the list, and she is clearly guilty as sin. But as head of legal, Gerri knows or suspects alllll the crimes. It would be be very bad for her to flip. I wonder if the second column is in order of who Logan could trust to minimize further financial damage or legal action. (Me/Tom?/Kendall?)
Sadly, Logan's calm acceptance of Kendall's press conference makes me think Logan wanted this to happen. This seems absolutely crazy to me -- because even if he's taking the blame, they could surely find a better way to minimize it than this very dramatic press conference with actual proof of Logan's wrongdoing -- but again, this is Logan. He is living, breathing grievance. If his firstborn (glances at Connor)....uh, secondborn son betrayed him again, surely we'd see him rage? And what is Greg doing? He seemed suspiciously unsurprised, would he really sign on with Kendall against Logan? Hmm. I don't want this to be a ploy, because it's such a great moment, but I'm afraid it might be.
I don't buy Roman's sudden competence, either, but the show at least seems committed to it. Gerri's explanation of their purpose on the boat was great (get the blood on all our hands). It's interesting that no one at the table actually mentioned Kendall as fall guy at that awkward breakfast, though it must have been in the back of their minds the whole time.
posted by grandiloquiet at 6:33 AM on October 14, 2019 [6 favorites]
Somebody on twitter posted Logan's brainstorming list on who to take the fall. His first column was about everyone who could take the fall, with a special box and stars highlighting the non-family members. The second column rearranges them. It can't be in order of guilt, because Gerri is at the bottom of the list, and she is clearly guilty as sin. But as head of legal, Gerri knows or suspects alllll the crimes. It would be be very bad for her to flip. I wonder if the second column is in order of who Logan could trust to minimize further financial damage or legal action. (Me/Tom?/Kendall?)
Sadly, Logan's calm acceptance of Kendall's press conference makes me think Logan wanted this to happen. This seems absolutely crazy to me -- because even if he's taking the blame, they could surely find a better way to minimize it than this very dramatic press conference with actual proof of Logan's wrongdoing -- but again, this is Logan. He is living, breathing grievance. If his firstborn (glances at Connor)....uh, secondborn son betrayed him again, surely we'd see him rage? And what is Greg doing? He seemed suspiciously unsurprised, would he really sign on with Kendall against Logan? Hmm. I don't want this to be a ploy, because it's such a great moment, but I'm afraid it might be.
I don't buy Roman's sudden competence, either, but the show at least seems committed to it. Gerri's explanation of their purpose on the boat was great (get the blood on all our hands). It's interesting that no one at the table actually mentioned Kendall as fall guy at that awkward breakfast, though it must have been in the back of their minds the whole time.
posted by grandiloquiet at 6:33 AM on October 14, 2019 [6 favorites]
As for the superyacht, I feel like there's an inverse correlation between the swankiness of venue and the happiness of the Roys contained within it. Even moreso than private jets, superyachts are the perfect symbol of excessive wealth, and the misery of the Roys was appropriately at new heights.
Sure, but the siblings were so friendly with each other before Logan landed! Genuinely concerned about Roman's mental state! Happy! It was freaking me out! (Tom and Greg were already miserable, despite the yacht. I love the contrast between Greg's genuine excitement over Kendall's "bad" penthouse at the beginning of the season and his complaint this episode that the champagne he's drinking is not his favorite.)
Also, I just realized that (I think) Connor's mother is dead, so he's already probably inherited whatever she got from Logan in the divorce. He's richer than his siblings. I wonder if that's one reason he never joined the company; he never felt like he needed to.
posted by grandiloquiet at 6:44 AM on October 14, 2019 [5 favorites]
Sure, but the siblings were so friendly with each other before Logan landed! Genuinely concerned about Roman's mental state! Happy! It was freaking me out! (Tom and Greg were already miserable, despite the yacht. I love the contrast between Greg's genuine excitement over Kendall's "bad" penthouse at the beginning of the season and his complaint this episode that the champagne he's drinking is not his favorite.)
Also, I just realized that (I think) Connor's mother is dead, so he's already probably inherited whatever she got from Logan in the divorce. He's richer than his siblings. I wonder if that's one reason he never joined the company; he never felt like he needed to.
posted by grandiloquiet at 6:44 AM on October 14, 2019 [5 favorites]
Here's how I piece together what happened:
* Kendall knew about Greg's papers and maybe already floated the idea of using them.
* Logan gets call from shareholder telling him that they will only accept Logan as the sacrifice.
* Logan floats the idea of himself as sacrifice and everyone agrees it won't work. Logan doesn't mention previous call with shareholder.
* Logan perturbs Kendall into wanting revenge. He spends an evening getting everyone to consider why other people would be inadequate sacrifices.
* Logan tells Kendall he's on the block, Kendall goes to Greg and tells him to execute plan B.
When Greg balked about taking off his shoes, I thought he had the papers in his socks again.
posted by tofu_crouton at 7:43 AM on October 14, 2019 [3 favorites]
* Kendall knew about Greg's papers and maybe already floated the idea of using them.
* Logan gets call from shareholder telling him that they will only accept Logan as the sacrifice.
* Logan floats the idea of himself as sacrifice and everyone agrees it won't work. Logan doesn't mention previous call with shareholder.
* Logan perturbs Kendall into wanting revenge. He spends an evening getting everyone to consider why other people would be inadequate sacrifices.
* Logan tells Kendall he's on the block, Kendall goes to Greg and tells him to execute plan B.
When Greg balked about taking off his shoes, I thought he had the papers in his socks again.
posted by tofu_crouton at 7:43 AM on October 14, 2019 [3 favorites]
I guess the question of whether or not Logan planned this turns on who you think Logan Roy is. If he's a strategic genius thinking four moves ahead of everyone else, it's certainly possible that he set all this into motion and expertly played his son to make it happen.
I don't, however, think that that's who Logan Roy is. My sense of him, after spending 20 hours observing him, is that he is impulsive and petty, and pointlessly cruel even when his interests would better be served by being kind. His immense wealth largely insulates him from the consequences of his own temperament, which would have long ago ruined him if he were, say, the manager of a suburban Applebee's. I suppose it's possible that he poked Kendall's wounds in order to provoke him to a particular action, but it seems more likely to me that he poked Kendall's wounds because that's what Logan Roy does. He can't do anything else.
posted by Ragged Richard at 7:58 AM on October 14, 2019 [32 favorites]
I don't, however, think that that's who Logan Roy is. My sense of him, after spending 20 hours observing him, is that he is impulsive and petty, and pointlessly cruel even when his interests would better be served by being kind. His immense wealth largely insulates him from the consequences of his own temperament, which would have long ago ruined him if he were, say, the manager of a suburban Applebee's. I suppose it's possible that he poked Kendall's wounds in order to provoke him to a particular action, but it seems more likely to me that he poked Kendall's wounds because that's what Logan Roy does. He can't do anything else.
posted by Ragged Richard at 7:58 AM on October 14, 2019 [32 favorites]
Well that was delicious. I totally didn't see Kendall's turn at the end coming, right until the speech started. Kendall's been such a zombie and daddy's boy for so much of this season. I'm with mediareport; I saw Logan's smile at the end as just appreciating his son finally showed some killer instinct, nothing more. No master plan enacted.
I am confused about Greg's role though. tofu_crouton's theory works for me except for one thing; how did Kendall know Greg had the papers? I thought Kendall didn't even really know about the original destruction, much less all the drama between Greg and Ted and the bonfire and the few pages saved. Also wish they'd shown us more of Greg's motivations for turning, him working with Kendall. They did a great setup in the previous episode where Greg finally realizes the family is vicious and he's as likely to be a victim of it as anyone. But this episode he seemed to mostly just be playing along, worried about his toenail fungus. I wonder if they wrote a scene of Greg and Kendall plotting, maybe in the jet ride home, then realized the show would land better if they kept the surprise to the last second.
Good ol' Connor, the dumb golden retriever. I laughed out loud when he uselessly offered to sacrifice himself in exchange for a bunch of money.
Roman's due for another fall again. Loved the scene where he admitted the Azeri deal was not reliable, because we like to see Roman succeed. But this show is about how everyone is a failure, Roman included, and it's gonna get boring if he turns into an effective corporate schemer whose only quirk is a humiliation fetish. I mean RoyCo's management training program may be good, but this good? But the wheels will get to turn again in the third season, and maybe this time Roman will be crushed between them.
Still mad there's no Marcia in this season. At least her spirit was there, demanding everyone take their shoes off for her tacky redecoration.
Speaking of that yacht; this show sure blew out its budget on locations, didn't it? The exact same writing could have worked in almost any setting. Generic vacation house in the Hamptons, a lakehouse somewhere upstate, hell: Logan's apartment. But the yacht really heightens the otherness of the Roy's world, the extreme wealth, the misery of it. Every episode this season seems to have been in some fantastic location: New Mexico ranch, deep woods resort, Scottish castle. It's impressive production and it really highlights the basic theme of the show.
posted by Nelson at 8:19 AM on October 14, 2019 [9 favorites]
I am confused about Greg's role though. tofu_crouton's theory works for me except for one thing; how did Kendall know Greg had the papers? I thought Kendall didn't even really know about the original destruction, much less all the drama between Greg and Ted and the bonfire and the few pages saved. Also wish they'd shown us more of Greg's motivations for turning, him working with Kendall. They did a great setup in the previous episode where Greg finally realizes the family is vicious and he's as likely to be a victim of it as anyone. But this episode he seemed to mostly just be playing along, worried about his toenail fungus. I wonder if they wrote a scene of Greg and Kendall plotting, maybe in the jet ride home, then realized the show would land better if they kept the surprise to the last second.
Good ol' Connor, the dumb golden retriever. I laughed out loud when he uselessly offered to sacrifice himself in exchange for a bunch of money.
Roman's due for another fall again. Loved the scene where he admitted the Azeri deal was not reliable, because we like to see Roman succeed. But this show is about how everyone is a failure, Roman included, and it's gonna get boring if he turns into an effective corporate schemer whose only quirk is a humiliation fetish. I mean RoyCo's management training program may be good, but this good? But the wheels will get to turn again in the third season, and maybe this time Roman will be crushed between them.
Still mad there's no Marcia in this season. At least her spirit was there, demanding everyone take their shoes off for her tacky redecoration.
Speaking of that yacht; this show sure blew out its budget on locations, didn't it? The exact same writing could have worked in almost any setting. Generic vacation house in the Hamptons, a lakehouse somewhere upstate, hell: Logan's apartment. But the yacht really heightens the otherness of the Roy's world, the extreme wealth, the misery of it. Every episode this season seems to have been in some fantastic location: New Mexico ranch, deep woods resort, Scottish castle. It's impressive production and it really highlights the basic theme of the show.
posted by Nelson at 8:19 AM on October 14, 2019 [9 favorites]
I am confused about Greg's role though. tofu_crouton's theory works for me except for one thing; how did Kendall know Greg had the papers? I thought Kendall didn't even really know about the original destruction, much less all the drama between Greg and Ted and the bonfire and the few pages saved.
Greg told Kendall about the papers at the end of last season (which is what prompted "Greg the motherfucking Egg"). I'm not sure Kendall knew about the bonfire and Greg's saving of a few pages - I think he just knew that Greg had documents.
posted by Ragged Richard at 8:21 AM on October 14, 2019 [9 favorites]
Greg told Kendall about the papers at the end of last season (which is what prompted "Greg the motherfucking Egg"). I'm not sure Kendall knew about the bonfire and Greg's saving of a few pages - I think he just knew that Greg had documents.
posted by Ragged Richard at 8:21 AM on October 14, 2019 [9 favorites]
I loved how Roman leaped to Gerri’s defense, choked on the why of it, and then came up with something great (that would also work to save Shiv). Later, after the reveal, Roman looks thoughtfully at Kendall and there’s an exchange of glances (around Roman’s asking “Are you ok?” that made me think Roman’s got it figured out. The siblings banter before Logan arrives was so nice, and all season there’s been a growing appreciation for each other’s skills among them, so it will interesting to see Shiv and Roman balance helping Kendall with pleasing Daddy.
Regarding Greg’s engagement in Kendall’s plans, I’m not so sure: he didn’t know on the plane, clearly, and even though the camera zoomed in on his briefcase after Kendall mentioned the documents, he looked surprised and shocked to me. There was also a nice parallel to the first episode of this season, when Kendall is summoned from rehab? Iceland? Finland? (not sure) to intone “I saw both plans and Dad’s was better” while Logan et al worried he couldn’t pull it off.
The slight smile on Logan’s face was perfect. Presuming Logan didn’t manipulate it, Kendall’s betrayal returns Logan to the kind of knife fight he likes best.
posted by carmicha at 8:27 AM on October 14, 2019 [2 favorites]
Regarding Greg’s engagement in Kendall’s plans, I’m not so sure: he didn’t know on the plane, clearly, and even though the camera zoomed in on his briefcase after Kendall mentioned the documents, he looked surprised and shocked to me. There was also a nice parallel to the first episode of this season, when Kendall is summoned from rehab? Iceland? Finland? (not sure) to intone “I saw both plans and Dad’s was better” while Logan et al worried he couldn’t pull it off.
The slight smile on Logan’s face was perfect. Presuming Logan didn’t manipulate it, Kendall’s betrayal returns Logan to the kind of knife fight he likes best.
posted by carmicha at 8:27 AM on October 14, 2019 [2 favorites]
Speaking of that yacht; this show sure blew out its budget on locations, didn't it? The exact same writing could have worked in almost any setting. Generic vacation house in the Hamptons, a lakehouse somewhere upstate, hell: Logan's apartment. But the yacht really heightens the otherness of the Roy's world, the extreme wealth, the misery of it. Every episode this season seems to have been in some fantastic location: New Mexico ranch, deep woods resort, Scottish castle. It's impressive production and it really highlights the basic theme of the show.
It was a good choice! It was set up as the gorgeous "family retreat," except Logan was bringing them all there to suffer. Cult-level stuff! There was something perfectly psychopathic about all of it -- Logan landing in the helicopter after everyone else already boarded, Naomi being sent away on a boat, Greg being bullied into showing his nasty toenails, Willa tossing the ipad into the ocean. When Kendall stepped in front of the cameras in New York and they switched over to Shiv and Logan still on the yacht, I actually winced.
On the plane, Greg said he couldn't believe Logan would do this to Kendall. Was that enough to get him to hand over whatever he saved from Tom's bonfire? I kind of want the first episode of the next season to be 100% Greg...
posted by grandiloquiet at 8:45 AM on October 14, 2019 [5 favorites]
It was a good choice! It was set up as the gorgeous "family retreat," except Logan was bringing them all there to suffer. Cult-level stuff! There was something perfectly psychopathic about all of it -- Logan landing in the helicopter after everyone else already boarded, Naomi being sent away on a boat, Greg being bullied into showing his nasty toenails, Willa tossing the ipad into the ocean. When Kendall stepped in front of the cameras in New York and they switched over to Shiv and Logan still on the yacht, I actually winced.
On the plane, Greg said he couldn't believe Logan would do this to Kendall. Was that enough to get him to hand over whatever he saved from Tom's bonfire? I kind of want the first episode of the next season to be 100% Greg...
posted by grandiloquiet at 8:45 AM on October 14, 2019 [5 favorites]
Speaking of that yacht; this show sure blew out its budget on locations, didn't it?
A little googling turned up the Solandge. At only half the length of the current largest yacht, it's pretty small by billionaire standards, but it's about the biggest one available for charter. A snip at €1,000,000 per week.
Greg being bullied into showing his nasty toenails
I noticed someone (Connor or Kendall?) was wearing sneakers in the next scene.
posted by rhamphorhynchus at 8:50 AM on October 14, 2019 [6 favorites]
A little googling turned up the Solandge. At only half the length of the current largest yacht, it's pretty small by billionaire standards, but it's about the biggest one available for charter. A snip at €1,000,000 per week.
Greg being bullied into showing his nasty toenails
I noticed someone (Connor or Kendall?) was wearing sneakers in the next scene.
posted by rhamphorhynchus at 8:50 AM on October 14, 2019 [6 favorites]
On further reflection, why is Greg sent home on the plane at all? He arrived at the boat with Kendall, yes, and I guess he works for Kendall now, but Logan didn’t seem to be offering up “Greg sprinkles” (neither Greg nor Connor were on his list) and there’s no way Greg would be trusted to ensure that Kendall went through with the plan. So did Kendall insist or was it Logan’s decision? Either way suggests manipulating Greg vis-a-vis the papers.
posted by carmicha at 8:55 AM on October 14, 2019
posted by carmicha at 8:55 AM on October 14, 2019
Regarding the yacht, the moment it glides by the two fisherman standing up in their small boat while disentangling nets summoned up all of the “vast carelessness” of the one percent. The wake would’ve knocked them down. I live in an area that hosts mega yachts now and then, and have experienced that in my little bow rider first hand.
posted by carmicha at 9:02 AM on October 14, 2019 [8 favorites]
posted by carmicha at 9:02 AM on October 14, 2019 [8 favorites]
Regarding the yacht, the moment it glides by the two fisherman standing up in their small boat while disentangling nets summoned up all of the “vast carelessness” of the one percent.
And the modern windmills in the background.... Renewable energy for the proles, superyachts for the shitshow elite.
I don't think Logan knew he was going to get knifed. But he pissed off his crew of evil normals (Rhea, Marcia) and he's off his game. If he had gone with Kendall, there's no way he would have gotten the knife. Greg was sent as his watcher just like he was supposed to keep him off drugs at the bachelor party. But I can't really tell whether Greg and Kendall are working together. Greg just doesn't seem capable. Other than stuffing some random pages (how key could a few pages out of hundreds of documents even be?) down his pants, he has shown very little guile. Of course, just the implication of documents may be enough given that there is knowledge of documents. Perhaps he was standing there to "watch" Kendall but had his supposed security blanket just in case he was actually there for "sprinkles."
posted by amanda at 10:09 AM on October 14, 2019
And the modern windmills in the background.... Renewable energy for the proles, superyachts for the shitshow elite.
I don't think Logan knew he was going to get knifed. But he pissed off his crew of evil normals (Rhea, Marcia) and he's off his game. If he had gone with Kendall, there's no way he would have gotten the knife. Greg was sent as his watcher just like he was supposed to keep him off drugs at the bachelor party. But I can't really tell whether Greg and Kendall are working together. Greg just doesn't seem capable. Other than stuffing some random pages (how key could a few pages out of hundreds of documents even be?) down his pants, he has shown very little guile. Of course, just the implication of documents may be enough given that there is knowledge of documents. Perhaps he was standing there to "watch" Kendall but had his supposed security blanket just in case he was actually there for "sprinkles."
posted by amanda at 10:09 AM on October 14, 2019
We may not know what Jesse Armstrong and the writers intended, but Bryan Cox has a take on Logan Roy's thought process:
posted by Gaz Errant at 1:38 PM on October 14, 2019 [8 favorites]
Logan knew in order to sacrifice himself, he would have to do it through his family. He figured that the one chance he had was to make Kendall into the killer. That’s why, at the end, he smiles.
posted by Gaz Errant at 1:38 PM on October 14, 2019 [8 favorites]
From how they showed Greg holding the envelope/folder in the press conference, I’m going to guess that it’s his docs that Kendall is holding out as evidence of Logan’s involvement. But Kendall did know about the cruises issue beforehand (I’m pretty sure?) and he might have secreted away some Logan-signed docs himself at some point to use as an ace in the hole. In fact, I would expect he did based on how he (and Tom, initially) reacted to Greg taking docs.
I thought the episode was predictable but also really fun. It was only predictable in the sense that a lot of chickens came home to roost.
Logan must have figured that Kendall would betray him again, though, because Kendall does it EVERY time. This is the third time in just the past year or two! And when it did seem initially like Kendall was just going to go accept punishment like a lamb to the slaughter, Logan made sure to goose him by talking about the dead kid as a NRPI case.
Is it better or worse if Kendall is yet again doing what Dad directed? It’s kind of heartwarming that Logan set up this way for Kendall to prove himself a worthy successor, whether it was conscious on Logan’s part or not. Heartwarming and a bit spooky.
Also, as sad and awkward as it was to see Logan kick Naomi off the boat, that he doesn’t want Kendall to be hanging with a fellow off-the-wagon drug addict is legitimate.
Tom broke my heart when he told Shiv he didn’t want the threesome. Also, how gross that she was hitting up an employee for it. Way beyond inappropriate all the way to coercive. At least MoLester’s victims got contracts out of it lol.
I also loved when Tom tried to tell Logan about splitting up with Shiv and ended up frantically devouring a chicken wing instead. And how bewildered Logan was by Tom acting so weird, and how angry he was about the chicken. Hahaha
Roman was communicating really well the whole time. Way better than usual. And he and Gerri really did make a good team. They currently have the best relationship/team out of anyone on this show!
posted by rue72 at 1:38 PM on October 14, 2019 [2 favorites]
I thought the episode was predictable but also really fun. It was only predictable in the sense that a lot of chickens came home to roost.
Logan must have figured that Kendall would betray him again, though, because Kendall does it EVERY time. This is the third time in just the past year or two! And when it did seem initially like Kendall was just going to go accept punishment like a lamb to the slaughter, Logan made sure to goose him by talking about the dead kid as a NRPI case.
Is it better or worse if Kendall is yet again doing what Dad directed? It’s kind of heartwarming that Logan set up this way for Kendall to prove himself a worthy successor, whether it was conscious on Logan’s part or not. Heartwarming and a bit spooky.
Also, as sad and awkward as it was to see Logan kick Naomi off the boat, that he doesn’t want Kendall to be hanging with a fellow off-the-wagon drug addict is legitimate.
Tom broke my heart when he told Shiv he didn’t want the threesome. Also, how gross that she was hitting up an employee for it. Way beyond inappropriate all the way to coercive. At least MoLester’s victims got contracts out of it lol.
I also loved when Tom tried to tell Logan about splitting up with Shiv and ended up frantically devouring a chicken wing instead. And how bewildered Logan was by Tom acting so weird, and how angry he was about the chicken. Hahaha
Roman was communicating really well the whole time. Way better than usual. And he and Gerri really did make a good team. They currently have the best relationship/team out of anyone on this show!
posted by rue72 at 1:38 PM on October 14, 2019 [2 favorites]
Well that link Gaz Errant posted is sure a smoking gun for Logan's Master Plan. Read on for some details about the relationship with Rhea, too.
Reading that also reminded me of one of the nice humanizing lines from Logan this episode, where he says he was a nice Catholic boy who was afraid to take off his undershirt with his wife. That he never sexually abused staff. I believe him when he says it, his sense of outrage that other people's failings are bringing him down. Which doesn't excuse the way he enabled those other people, but it still seemed a way to soften Logan's monstrousness.
posted by Nelson at 2:56 PM on October 14, 2019 [2 favorites]
Reading that also reminded me of one of the nice humanizing lines from Logan this episode, where he says he was a nice Catholic boy who was afraid to take off his undershirt with his wife. That he never sexually abused staff. I believe him when he says it, his sense of outrage that other people's failings are bringing him down. Which doesn't excuse the way he enabled those other people, but it still seemed a way to soften Logan's monstrousness.
posted by Nelson at 2:56 PM on October 14, 2019 [2 favorites]
Only this show could get me literally crying at the emotional pain of a bunch of awful people on a superyacht. (I need more Gerri next season though.)
posted by sallybrown at 7:43 PM on October 14, 2019 [2 favorites]
posted by sallybrown at 7:43 PM on October 14, 2019 [2 favorites]
DAAAAYYYUUUMMMMMMMM!!! 😱
posted by supermedusa at 9:17 PM on October 14, 2019 [2 favorites]
posted by supermedusa at 9:17 PM on October 14, 2019 [2 favorites]
keep in mind, brian cox thought logan was born in canada until this season. his opinion on the character and his motivations may not reflect where the series ends up in the end.
posted by JimBennett at 1:29 AM on October 15, 2019 [3 favorites]
posted by JimBennett at 1:29 AM on October 15, 2019 [3 favorites]
Yeah, the actors have been doing a lot of interviews lately and speculating on their character backgrounds, which is fun but honestly pretty misleading. For example, they had J. Smith-Cameron (Gerri) on the Still Watching podcast talking about what she thought her origin story was, because she needed to privately invent one to help her perform, but she was at pains to say her ideas were not at all canonical and could change instantly at the click of a writer's keyboard. In fact I believe Gerri was originally only meant to be in one or two episodes in Season 1.
It's a testament to the richness of the world and characters that people are desperate to find out more about their past, and so interviewers ask and actors answer to the best of their ability (i.e. not that accurately). As far as I can tell, there isn't a secret 500 page story bible with these answers, and I'm not convinced even the writers have decided what those answers are, but it's obviously working for them really well.
posted by adrianhon at 2:42 AM on October 15, 2019
It's a testament to the richness of the world and characters that people are desperate to find out more about their past, and so interviewers ask and actors answer to the best of their ability (i.e. not that accurately). As far as I can tell, there isn't a secret 500 page story bible with these answers, and I'm not convinced even the writers have decided what those answers are, but it's obviously working for them really well.
posted by adrianhon at 2:42 AM on October 15, 2019
Gerri is one of my favorite characters (I love the whole thing with her and Roman). mr supermedusa listens to the podcast and says that in fact Gerri was only meant to be in an episode or two but was too awesome to leave behind.
posted by supermedusa at 8:19 AM on October 15, 2019 [7 favorites]
posted by supermedusa at 8:19 AM on October 15, 2019 [7 favorites]
I rewatched with a friend. Still an amazing episode. The first time, that Mayan sacrifice story felt like one of those pretentious villain monologues (like the aborted "do you know what a remora fish is?" from Layer Cake). The second time...still a pretentious villain monologue, but sacrifice your son so the sun (son) can rise again is not subtle. Logan didn't want to do what he should (step down himself, or serve up Kendall). Like Shiv, he didn't want to choose. He set up Kendall with a fighting chance and then let him make the choice. I think Logan would've been satisfied with either outcome -- but watching it again, he did seem a little surprised when Kendall offered up documents that showed his wrongdoing.
Also that beautifully shot Eliza Bennett moment with Tom (maybe the sad I'd be without you is less than the sad I feel with you) is peak period drama, reminding us that Matthew Macfadyen has still got it.
posted by grandiloquiet at 8:30 AM on October 15, 2019 [6 favorites]
Also that beautifully shot Eliza Bennett moment with Tom (maybe the sad I'd be without you is less than the sad I feel with you) is peak period drama, reminding us that Matthew Macfadyen has still got it.
posted by grandiloquiet at 8:30 AM on October 15, 2019 [6 favorites]
keep in mind, brian cox thought logan was born in canada until this season. his opinion on the character and his motivations may not reflect where the series ends up in the end.
Yeah, if there's anything the era of peak TV has taught us, it's that the actors often don't know much more than we do about where the characters are heading from season to season. (Hell, or even episode to episode. Some shows dole out scripts just before filming each episode. I wonder if Succession is one of those.)
posted by mediareport at 9:40 AM on October 15, 2019
Yeah, if there's anything the era of peak TV has taught us, it's that the actors often don't know much more than we do about where the characters are heading from season to season. (Hell, or even episode to episode. Some shows dole out scripts just before filming each episode. I wonder if Succession is one of those.)
posted by mediareport at 9:40 AM on October 15, 2019
I don’t think Logan had it planned. This whole season he’s been wavering and second-guessing himself, and when he did make decisions, they were largely impulsive. He’s lost his confidence and his iron grip on the situation. I also don’t buy that he’s entirely pleased with the outcome. Sure, he couldn’t help but feel some pride for Kendall, but I don’t think he saw it coming or that he’s done fighting (also, how boring would it be if he was?).
The scene at the table with everyone taking turns throwing each other under the bus was perfect. Classic Logan strategy of pitting everyone against each other so that no one feels secure and any budding alliances are broken. They don’t need much prodding because they’re all so predictably awful.
I still consider Roman to be largely incompetent, his recent flashes of insight not withstanding. His only real assets are bluster and charm, and maybe the ability to read people (in retrospect, he was the only one to completely blow off Rhea’s flattery). He’s a terrible choice for COO, at least without someone to babysit him. Gerri could do the babysitting, and likely will, but I don’t think he respects her much and I don’t think she’s truly loyal to him. She sees him as an amusing diversion and a useful ally (for now), and probably feels some protective instinct for him because she’s known him since he was a kid and sees how helpless he is. But that doesn’t mean she likes him as a person or trusts him. I fully expect their odd partnership to disintegrate at some point, and I’m hoping it’s because of a shrewd betrayal on Gerri’s part rather than Roman being a selfish prick like usual.
I thought Shiv’s loyalty to Tom was strangely out of character. Has she ever shown anything but bare-minimum affection and thinly-veiled contempt for him? I figured it was inevitable that she would sacrifice him in favor of family and ambition, but then she goes and grows a conscience, putting the final ax to her chances of succession, slim as they were.
posted by dephlogisticated at 7:23 PM on October 16, 2019 [1 favorite]
The scene at the table with everyone taking turns throwing each other under the bus was perfect. Classic Logan strategy of pitting everyone against each other so that no one feels secure and any budding alliances are broken. They don’t need much prodding because they’re all so predictably awful.
I still consider Roman to be largely incompetent, his recent flashes of insight not withstanding. His only real assets are bluster and charm, and maybe the ability to read people (in retrospect, he was the only one to completely blow off Rhea’s flattery). He’s a terrible choice for COO, at least without someone to babysit him. Gerri could do the babysitting, and likely will, but I don’t think he respects her much and I don’t think she’s truly loyal to him. She sees him as an amusing diversion and a useful ally (for now), and probably feels some protective instinct for him because she’s known him since he was a kid and sees how helpless he is. But that doesn’t mean she likes him as a person or trusts him. I fully expect their odd partnership to disintegrate at some point, and I’m hoping it’s because of a shrewd betrayal on Gerri’s part rather than Roman being a selfish prick like usual.
I thought Shiv’s loyalty to Tom was strangely out of character. Has she ever shown anything but bare-minimum affection and thinly-veiled contempt for him? I figured it was inevitable that she would sacrifice him in favor of family and ambition, but then she goes and grows a conscience, putting the final ax to her chances of succession, slim as they were.
posted by dephlogisticated at 7:23 PM on October 16, 2019 [1 favorite]
Shiv might mostly feel contempt for Tom, but she sure as fuck does not want HIM to leave HER.
posted by jeather at 10:28 AM on October 17, 2019 [12 favorites]
posted by jeather at 10:28 AM on October 17, 2019 [12 favorites]
The Succession twist that probably doesn’t exist, explained
This is pretty much what I've been thinking about the storytelling in Succession. Logan may have been a Walter White or Light Yagami type mastermind when he was young, but that's not the Logan we've seen in the show. He's an abusive and manipulative bully, but he's not especially clever about it.
It seems unlikely that Kendall and Logan are working together; however, it could be that Logan threw in the gratuitous digs at Kendall just to see what would happen.
posted by betweenthebars at 10:30 AM on October 17, 2019 [4 favorites]
This is pretty much what I've been thinking about the storytelling in Succession. Logan may have been a Walter White or Light Yagami type mastermind when he was young, but that's not the Logan we've seen in the show. He's an abusive and manipulative bully, but he's not especially clever about it.
It seems unlikely that Kendall and Logan are working together; however, it could be that Logan threw in the gratuitous digs at Kendall just to see what would happen.
posted by betweenthebars at 10:30 AM on October 17, 2019 [4 favorites]
I thought Shiv’s loyalty to Tom was strangely out of character. Has she ever shown anything but bare-minimum affection and thinly-veiled contempt for him? I figured it was inevitable that she would sacrifice him in favor of family and ambition, but then she goes and grows a conscience, putting the final ax to her chances of succession, slim as they were.
Was she just trying to prove to herself that she could get something out of her father's affections?
posted by biffa at 4:32 PM on October 17, 2019
Was she just trying to prove to herself that she could get something out of her father's affections?
posted by biffa at 4:32 PM on October 17, 2019
Every episode this season seems to have been in some fantastic location: New Mexico ranch, deep woods resort, Scottish castle. It's impressive production and it really highlights the basic theme of the show.
Every episode this season, bar the finale, was named after a location: even "Vaulter" and "Safe Room" point to specific places.
And "This is Not for Tears" is a quote from the same poem the s1 finale was named after, so if we want to take bets on the season 3 finale's name, we have a few options.
posted by rorgy at 6:27 AM on October 21, 2019 [1 favorite]
Every episode this season, bar the finale, was named after a location: even "Vaulter" and "Safe Room" point to specific places.
And "This is Not for Tears" is a quote from the same poem the s1 finale was named after, so if we want to take bets on the season 3 finale's name, we have a few options.
posted by rorgy at 6:27 AM on October 21, 2019 [1 favorite]
keep in mind, brian cox thought logan was born in canada until this season.
There are a lot of Scottish Canadians who have moved between the UK and Canada (there's even a province named after Scotland). It would not have perhaps been totally implausible to have a character born in Canada and have grown up in Scotland, as families move back and forth.
posted by They sucked his brains out! at 3:40 PM on October 21, 2019
There are a lot of Scottish Canadians who have moved between the UK and Canada (there's even a province named after Scotland). It would not have perhaps been totally implausible to have a character born in Canada and have grown up in Scotland, as families move back and forth.
posted by They sucked his brains out! at 3:40 PM on October 21, 2019
There's a great interview on slate money with J Smith-Cameron (Gerri) that has a lot of interesting details about filming the show. My favorite: the actors often ad lib in the final take and those parts sometimes make it into the show. (Slime puppy!)
posted by grandiloquiet at 10:08 AM on October 22, 2019 [2 favorites]
posted by grandiloquiet at 10:08 AM on October 22, 2019 [2 favorites]
There's a great interview on slate money with J Smith-Cameron (Gerri) that has a lot of interesting details about filming the show.
Oh wow, that is awesome! And with Taffy Brodesser-Akner, too.
posted by BibiRose at 1:17 PM on October 22, 2019
Oh wow, that is awesome! And with Taffy Brodesser-Akner, too.
posted by BibiRose at 1:17 PM on October 22, 2019
Associate producer to the whole series: Will Ferrell and Adam McKay (?)
posted by growabrain at 12:59 PM on October 26, 2019
posted by growabrain at 12:59 PM on October 26, 2019
Adam McKay has a stated interest in the warping effect of extreme wealth, and that's reflected in the last decade of his filmography (The Big Short, The Other Guys, The Giant Beast of the Global Economy, etc). It sounds like McKay and Ferrell's production company is shutting down, though.
posted by grandiloquiet at 2:38 PM on October 26, 2019
posted by grandiloquiet at 2:38 PM on October 26, 2019
When Logan interrupted Kendall on the treadmill and Ken took his headphones off - he was listening to North American Scum by LCD Soundsytem. Nice touch.
Also in those last few minutes when he was back in New York, Jeremy Strong is a shoo-in when they need someone to play Syria's al-Assad...
posted by jontyjago at 11:48 AM on November 6, 2019 [1 favorite]
Also in those last few minutes when he was back in New York, Jeremy Strong is a shoo-in when they need someone to play Syria's al-Assad...
posted by jontyjago at 11:48 AM on November 6, 2019 [1 favorite]
(Also the existence of privately owned superyachts like that should definitely be illegal.)
That was barely a yacht, a lower end rental, all a tv show could afford. Paul Allen's boat had two submarines, that's two in addition to who knows what else, well scan the article, and it's not the biggest.
posted by sammyo at 8:04 AM on November 9, 2019 [1 favorite]
That was barely a yacht, a lower end rental, all a tv show could afford. Paul Allen's boat had two submarines, that's two in addition to who knows what else, well scan the article, and it's not the biggest.
posted by sammyo at 8:04 AM on November 9, 2019 [1 favorite]
I also expected Zombie Kendall to kill himself. And Logan sent Naomi away not because he was concerned about drugs or her overhearing secrets but because she would be a support for Kendall when the finger pointing started and Logan wanted Kendall to be vulnerable.
I laughed when Conner offered up himself for sacrificial lamb. It reminded me of the final episode of Game of Thrones when Edmure Tully proposed himself as king.
posted by TWinbrook8 at 6:39 PM on November 16, 2019 [1 favorite]
I laughed when Conner offered up himself for sacrificial lamb. It reminded me of the final episode of Game of Thrones when Edmure Tully proposed himself as king.
posted by TWinbrook8 at 6:39 PM on November 16, 2019 [1 favorite]
Greg now has a means back into his grandfather's good graces. Just sayin'.
posted by No Robots at 12:24 PM on July 21, 2021 [2 favorites]
posted by No Robots at 12:24 PM on July 21, 2021 [2 favorites]
The scene in the middle where they try to come up with a sacrificial lamb was like an Agatha Christie novel in reverse; rather than starting with a corpse, you end up with one. It's a letsdoit instead of a whodunnit.
I'm on team Logan's Plan; I don't think Logan plotted with Kendall, just that he manipulated him into stabbing dad in the back and thinking it was his idea.
posted by chavenet at 10:22 AM on November 20, 2021 [1 favorite]
I'm on team Logan's Plan; I don't think Logan plotted with Kendall, just that he manipulated him into stabbing dad in the back and thinking it was his idea.
posted by chavenet at 10:22 AM on November 20, 2021 [1 favorite]
That's at least the second time that Logan talked about Kendall not having the killer instinct over the course of the show, right? (I searched, and I think I misremembered Shiv's attempt at being Logan's voice in season 1, episode 2.)
For other latecomers, here's the Slate Money episode grandiloquiet mentioned.
posted by Pronoiac at 7:15 PM on December 1, 2021
For other latecomers, here's the Slate Money episode grandiloquiet mentioned.
posted by Pronoiac at 7:15 PM on December 1, 2021
Just to check, who was Logan talking about with the "are we okay?" conversation with Kendall? I parsed it at forgetfulness re: Naomi and sending her away, but I feel like I'm missing something simple and less ominous foreshadowing.
posted by Pronoiac at 6:53 PM on December 4, 2021
posted by Pronoiac at 6:53 PM on December 4, 2021
Checking the dates, this feels like a good place for this video remix: Succession as a Romantic Comedy, for Tom and Greg
posted by Pronoiac at 8:13 PM on December 7, 2021 [2 favorites]
posted by Pronoiac at 8:13 PM on December 7, 2021 [2 favorites]
People working their way through Succession after the fact - might like Nerd Soup’s meticulously edited Season 2 recap. There are no forward looking spoilers.
posted by rongorongo at 12:04 AM on January 7, 2022
posted by rongorongo at 12:04 AM on January 7, 2022
On the plane, Greg said he couldn't believe Logan would do this to Kendall. Was that enough to get him to hand over whatever he saved from Tom's bonfire?
I did wonder myself because it's hard to imagine Greg not making a non-stupid move. But I think it was an easy pitch.. Greg realized that he was disposable, that he was an idiot for trusting Logan. Ken could just tell him: come with me and I'll take care of you -- look how I've already taken care of you, look how I'm the only one who doesn't abuse you.
posted by fleacircus at 4:58 PM on April 20, 2023
I did wonder myself because it's hard to imagine Greg not making a non-stupid move. But I think it was an easy pitch.. Greg realized that he was disposable, that he was an idiot for trusting Logan. Ken could just tell him: come with me and I'll take care of you -- look how I've already taken care of you, look how I'm the only one who doesn't abuse you.
posted by fleacircus at 4:58 PM on April 20, 2023
You are not logged in, either login or create an account to post comments
The Judas kiss from Kendall was a bit on the nose, though.
posted by KTamas at 3:23 AM on October 14, 2019 [1 favorite]