Succession Season 3 - Why Tom Made The Right Choice

[@davec8153]

Best summarized by the line: "And Logan? I've never seen him get fucked ONCE."

[@77jly]

Epic!

[@portigoza]

best line of season 3

[@daddydoza5164]

Now it’s Toms time to get fucked by Logan…. when will they all learn

[@malayjoshi1098]

Logan is the smartest character of succession horrible human being....he is a killer 🔥

[@monkeydog8681]

@@portigoza I loved the line "I wonder if the sad I’d be without you would be less than the sad I get from being with you". Fucking immortal line right there. Now that's the best I think.

[@TheGoonSquadd]

IMO when Shiv told Logan, "Don't make tom go to jail" Logan realized she chose family over the business and that was it for her ever being CEO. at the end of season 3 Logan witnessed Tom betray his family for the business. Tom is the killer that Logan wanted one of his children to be.

[@adverseinperpetuity]

Underrated comment

[@timowieslander2831]

Which makes his consistent talk about ”everything I do I do for my kids” talk even more bullshit. He doesn’t care about family as much as he cares about having people he can mold.

[@williamhenning4700]

@@timowieslander2831 His main thing is that he wants a worthy successor. Thus the name of the series.

[@kennethhwang3425]

@@timowieslander2831 Logan sees everyone in his life as either an extension of himself or an adversary. Thus he only ever cares about his children when they BECOME like him. The handful of moments they showed independence, he immediately snapped.

[@Sanjanin]

I wouldn't go that far saying that Tom is the killer, because he isn't. Maybe he will play a smart hand now and then, like this.

[@yellowbubblequeen]

Nero was also the adopted son. He succeeds his father to power.

[@rodsalvador3608]

Underrated comment

[@umitbulutt]

This.

[@laminatedhedgehog]

holy shit

[@Francescojg]

Beautifully placed anecdote by the writers for Tom’s character

[@cal-10229]

Oh wow

[@yeeee859]

You didn't mention my favourite part. When they announce in ep7 that nobody will be going to jail and Logan walks past Tom, squeezes his forearm and quietly says "I'll remember" referring to his offer to self sacrifice early in the season. I loved that

[@rogerglaveegeo2023]

fuck i did not even notice. great catch

[@adriancastro3232]

That scene is VERY important, I noticed it as well, and it made question a lot of things

[@anyal1987]

Also the joyous table flip. I laughed so hard.

[@kelly9876]

and Shiv does not even seem happy about the news

[@pjaoobanderasimali]

@@adriancastro3232 YEAH, I DO THINK HE WAS THE ONE WHO TIP OFF IN THE END SHIV, KENDALL AND ROMAN

[@adityareds]

"Tom did nothing wrong because Shiv did nothing right." - Need a T-Shirt of this line.

[@manumaster1990]

100000%

[@terryjp3050]

not really its a stupid thought

[@toinetev]

@@terryjp3050 Are you dumb?

[@meshuggah2]

Oh yeah!!

[@Xavitu86]

Totally

[@ginomo80]

This analysis aged like fine wine 👌🏾

[@ccmraven27]

I saved this and forgot to watch, and I’m glad I accidentally waited. This guy nailed it.

[@lm_b5080]

Tom was the ultimate winner of Succession

[@davidburros8619]

the scene where Tom and Greg cement their alliance at the wedding by Tom telling Greg almost nothing, just offering him a chance to be at the bottom of the top, instead of the endless middle, is one of my favorite scenes of this season. They may be the only two people who have genuine trust, love and affection for each other in this show.

[@yamaniyoussef]

not really greg will betray him in the first ocassion to rise above him and it will happened this season imo! greg has no soul and he is the most ambitious, he went from maskot to number 3 in no time

[@davidburros8619]

@@yamaniyoussef hmmm.....you may be right. while i highly disagree that he's the most ambitious, maybe he will betray Tom the first chance he gets

[@lucaspsm125]

I think that's kind of a stretch because their relationship is very VERY toxic, Tom has genuine affection for Greg but 90% of the time he's bullying him to compensate his frustration regarding work and marriage

[@ollieenger1424]

Genuine? I think not...self preservation and alliance that can be axed in an instant.

[@daediaz186]

This comment didn't age well

[@colinmchugh5319]

What really makes the Tom/Greg dynamic for me is that Tom has this aura of anxiety and insecurity when hes interacting with almost every other character, including Shiv. Greg is the only person he seems truly comfortable and open around.

[@ingridbeatriz3922]

She is doing the same thing that Logan did: "He never saw anything he loved that he didn't want to kick it, just to see if it would still come back."

[@LuCet21]

The only one who was surprised by Tom's betrayal was Shiv. The moment I saw Shiv Call Tom and tell him about their plan I started yelling at her "What are you doing stupid?!" I knew she fucked it. She told him she didn't love him, she won't give him kids and even at the moment, she won't reassure him of his position in the company. She couldn't even lie to him, that's how much she underestimated him.

[@shocktonic]

The minute she told him, I knew he wasn’t gonna keep it a secret. Tom is no longer her punching bag

[@bain.mp4]

To be fair, I don’t think the others realized. Kendall and especially Roman were ti hurt by their father’s betrayal

[@johndahlia2071]

who cares about the spoil brats, make your own money, they just feeding off their fathers success and wealth , they don't have nothing without daddy's money or influence

[@tamiloreisT]

@@johndahlia2071 relax mate. We’re watching a show about these children literally navigating their way through a word of power and wealth using their intellect and limited wit. It’s not like they’re nepotism babies buying fast cars and eating champagne all day. They’re actually doing shit. All of them, except maybe Connor. Your argument is tired

[@bootsncatsndawgs]

Shiv def treats tom like a trophy husband and expects him to stick around but i think her not wanting to get pregnant is sort of justified considering it would jeopardise her chances at CEO especially during such a critical time in her career

[@biglovekisskiss4666]

This Achilles heel of self obsessed narcissists is that they lack self awareness and empathy. Shiv thought she was 'dominating' and 'winning' by consistently undermining Tom. But what it actually achieved was the erosion of loyalty from Tom. Which led to her downfall.

[@DaisyboBaisy1]

She should have let him be the boss in bed while she's the boss at work. Some balance Shiv he is a man after all!

[@iamthewizardwhoknocks2845]

@@DaisyboBaisy1 lol

[@croatkate]

Erosion of loyalty... So good! Too true.

[@ynnojax8860]

you see something similar in game of thrones with the lannisters, which is why the Starks end up winning, although it isn't executed well in the show. But I really love how Ned is a major factor behind massive decisions in every season even though he dies in s1

[@castronator29]

As Logan's ex gf said, Shiv thinks she is way smarter than she actually is, that's why no one respects her and that will ruin her.

[@SARGEHALO666v2]

Season 3 was incredible. The whole show is a masterclass in writing and storytelling. I cannot wait for season 4. Great video as well. Very well done.

[@shawniehoward]

So true, I thought it started off kind of slow but my goodness it picked up and ended in a bang.

[@TitlefightPA]

@@shawniehoward I think it started off so slow because we didn't know the characters yet. I have a feeling that If I rewatched the series then the beginning episodes would make a lot more sense and be more interesting than they were during the first watch.

[@azeezahgoodwin918]

I didn’t like it as much because it wasn’t as funny. It felt pretty serious compared to previous seasons.

[@keithrichardscorpse1230]

My only complaint js that I think they went overboard with the Kendall cringe factor in the first half of the season. It truly became painful to watch at points.

[@Wingedmagician]

And acting

[@MegaShinobi2011]

I'm still amazed at just how much stuff they were able to comfortably cram into this season. The series respecting it's viewers' intelligence and not explicitly explaining what can be understood with subtext alone definitely helped, but they essentially had 3-4 entire character arcs this season that were worthy and deep enough to have recieved their own seasons, and yet all 4 fit well within a relatively shorter season.

[@fabianocaruana8622]

Perfectly put.

[@LuisSierra42]

This is Genius level writing

[@horyalpr]

@callmecatalyst what does she mean by that? Especially the mother speaking...

[@gamecokben]

Anyone whining about this season isn't smart enough to watch this show. They're getting Greek tragedy and Shakespearean drama while begging for the plot contrivance of Game of Thrones. Appreciate the gift of this show, and if you can't, just go binge the Fast and Furious movies.

[@LuisSierra42]

@@gamecokben who's whining in this thread tho?

[@looney1023]

What's tragic to me about Shiv is that I think she DOES love Tom. She loves Tom the way her father loves her, and her mother loves her, and her siblings love her, and her father loved all of his ex wives. Shiv doesn't know what true 'love' feels like and continues the cycle of abuse. Tom knows better.

[@MaRyaYTOfficial]

i don’t think she loves him (because i mean, no) but that the fact that he stays seems like love. he stays in his place and is loyal.

[@fabianocaruana8622]

He is just a guy who works for me - Shiv She does not love him.

[@MegaShinobi2011]

I don't think she loves him either but I don't think she realizes that she doesn't love him. She was raised with a utility=affection parent/child relationship and never got to see a healthy romantic relationship. I think she thinks she loves Tom. I think she may want to actually love him. But I don't think she's even capable of actually loving a human being. Tom just helps her have a sense of power and normalcy. He's a constant for her which is why she'd rather strong-arm him into an open relationship and have a sense eif unwarranted joy st the thought of having freedom once he's sent to prison rather than just leave him. Plus the idea of a healthy relationship is a sense of pride for her so she can compare herself to her siblings and blatantly differentiate herself from Logan. She thinks she's better than them but she doesn't realize that she isn't.

[@MyaB1986]

I don't think she does. In fact I don't think any of the Roy's children can experience love and it all stems from getting none from either parent. Just think about it. Kendall, he craves. He wants, he doesn't love. He tells Rava he loves her but he contacts her when he's most vulnerable and weak. Same with Naomi. Shiv feels inferior so she uses her men to feel superior to them. She openly says to Tom and her ex that she's better than them. And Roman is an open and shut case. I think he suffers from Oedipus complex with some masochism sprinkled in.

[@Sasha0406]

I’ve never ONCE felt that Shiv loved Tom. As a matter of fact, I’m puzzled by why she actually married him in the first place. She likes having him around when she wants him, but that isn’t love…

[@a004]

I can watch succession analysis videos all day everyday, I just can't get enough of this show

[@Septemberizmine]

Same here

[@Septemberizmine]

The Facebook groups are good too

[@aaron-damonkassner4715]

Yep yep^^

[@garettcley]

dudeee sameee

[@mariarohmer2374]

Watching Tom being crushed more each episode by Shiv was palpably painful to watch. MM is such a talented actor that every wince from Tom seemed heavier & heavier until you could just about see his tank was empty. He’s such a d-bag in so many ways but I love him. I have no idea where this is going but I can’t wait for Tom on the main stage in S4. Also do you think Tom was behind the donuts sent to Shiv, Kendall, Roman & Con in I think ep 2? Remember they were all afraid of Logan’s donuts & how he found out they were there? Had to be Tom!

[@lestonthompson8495]

I think Tom is a sleeper, for GOJO he's wierd and talks about the same subjects as Matteson. I think he's been on the inside the whole time, putting up with crap looking for the chance to make his move. Hopefully they'll do an episode on Tom's history.

[@DiegoRamirez-zc7fs]

I read elsewhere that Tom most likely told Logan about the get together at Kendall’s - thus his doughnut message.

[@lestonthompson8495]

@@DiegoRamirez-zc7fs I think you maybe on to something. I would also like to know why Shiv ever agreed to marry Tom, knowing the way she feels about him?

[@mariarohmer2374]

@@lestonthompson8495 That's super interesting. Tom as dark horse, I love it.👍🏽

[@mariarohmer2374]

@@lestonthompson8495 Someone wrote she married someone safe in order to be assured he would never betray her. She was seeking, whether consciously or unconsciously, to minimize pain in her life.

[@m.7484]

the thing about Logan asking tom to take him to the bathroom makes so much sense looking back. when I was watching that, I was laughing because I thought it was supposed to be a joke at toms expense that he's the bathroom boy while everyone else is dealing with way bigger stuff for the company. that's definitely how all the other characters saw it too, meanwhile it was actually an indicator that tom was getting Logans respect.

[@rociovillarreal724]

I remember in the first season, Greg goes to Logan in order to be transfered to another department because Tom was abusing their employees (him specifically) and I recall that Logan's face was kind of joyful about that matter like "he IS one of my people".

[@kimberlyklaus7296]

And Tom went ballistic on Greg in the second season because Greg used the phrase "business open relationship" when proposing a transfer to another department, because it brought his anger with Shiv to the surface and he took it out on Greg.

[@rodsalvador3608]

Beautiful writing. I really enjoyed the misdirection with Kendall's character arc attracting all the attention; while the real developments are occuring almost in Tom's throwaway moments throughout the season.

[@thephilosopher7173]

You hit it on the nail with that one. This show uses comic relief as a tool rather than just a thing in the background. Using it to hide Tom's intent in plain sight was absolute brilliance.

[@imbadigo]

@@thephilosopher7173 in that retrospect.... Connor for the presidency?

[@daze.d5462]

True to that. The show is getting better and better with every season. I was so focused on Kendall's story that I did not realize Tom is playing.

[@tclass99]

Tom’s shown the most loyalty to Logan… he has the executive training and experience… and he doesn’t have a substance abuse problem… He has the total package that each of the siblings lack in some way. Makes sense that he’d become a major player.

[@ThurgoodJenkins1]

this is a good point. Each sibling, even Connor, felt entitled to the throne. Tom is actually qualified.

[@first9299]

He also uses people as furniture.

[@balshb4064]

I disagree. Tom is not smart enough like Logan. He’s a follower not an alpha.

[@Omeruy]

@@balshb4064 let Tom be the ceo and had Logan as his shadow it is just a simple formula

[@DefenestrateYourself]

Tom’s weak and not a killer like Logan. He bombed at the hearing and routinely gets humiliated by keener minds. He’s no leader

[@KingfromKush]

The last scene retroactively made Tom the central character of the season. Masterful direction and writing.

[@JG-kk1mr]

He finally pushed his wife down the stairs. I'm not feeling optimistic it will work out for Tom - Logan never keeps his promises and always fucks people over - but it makes total sense why he made his decision. Sarah Snook's expression in the final shot of the season gives me major chills. I need Season 4 now!

[@KadayiPolokov]

Shiv has always viewed herself as the smartest person in the room. I suspect in large part because she did make her own way for a while separately from her father and was clearly quite successful at it, however she isn't a business person and she doesn't have the wisdom to know when to keep her mouth shut as evinced by the dinner scene in Turnhaven in Season 2 when she blurted out that she was going to be the new CEO much to Logans annoyance and disappointment .

[@chiefinasmith]

Logan looks out for people who are loyal to him. Frank has been around for 30 years. I think Tom will be fine.

[@vivthefree]

@@chiefinasmith He's fired Frank at least twice.

[@chiefinasmith]

@@vivthefree the first time he fired him was fucked up, sure. But the second time he fired him it was because he voted in favor of the no confidence Edit: and even the first time he fired him, it seemed like he still was looking out for him. They made it seem like he got a fat severance.

[@duncanhubbard6913]

Never underestimate his alliance with Greg. I suspect Greg will save him in the future.

[@amartyachatterjee7118]

Seeing Tom making the right decision after episodes of mental abuse, made me feel so good. And as expected, he took the most neglected and humiliated person under his wing, Cousin Greg. Agree or not, Kendall is not Greg's best friend in the family, it is Mr.Tom Wamsgans.

[@castronator29]

Well, that's been clear since the beggining. Tom treats Greg as his Little brother. I act exactly like Tom with my little brothers (yeah, a bit of a douche bag, but its so much fun).

[@malayjoshi1098]

Tom was my character the Roys can fuck off!!!

[@arashnayeb6106]

*wambsgans

[@annkey4091]

Actually, Grandpa Ewan Roy is Greg's best friend. Greg should have listened to Gramps and got out of there.

[@MrTCHOSS]

I forgot that Tom accepted taking responsibility to save Greg. That likely was the motivator for Greg to be Tom's Sporus -- he finally had someone in this family/biz looking out for him

[@nickporter4279]

Interesting to note that even though Tom immediately dreads his decision when he volunteers to be Logan's jail fodder, we never see him struggling to back out of that choice. His turmoil is instead over figuring out how bad prison will be. That's how confident he is that Logan can't be beaten, and that his favour is the #1 asset he can gain. He'll go against what's otherwise his own best interests and endure terror and depression to get it. So really - we should always have seen his action at the end of season 3 coming. It's been foreshadowed for a long time.

[@PoloDavey]

damn nick. when you right you right

[@ToxicTurtleIsMad]

No, he is not confident at all. He is a coward. You are reading whats not there.

[@brandall101]

@@ToxicTurtleIsMad He said confident Logan can't be beaten - that doing whatever it takes to get in Logan's good graces is his best move.

[@itsstans75]

Tom offered to go prison because Shiv told him to and he did it to prove that he loved Shiv. But gradually Tom realized Shiv dosent give a fuck about him at all and even told Tom off when he was ranting about prison life, showing absolutely no sympathy or support for him. It's not the only reason but it was another nail in the coffin for Tom to turn against Shiv.

[@mizuslayer]

this is the 2nd most underrated comment in this forum. the first being that nero was the adopted son (who succeeds his father to power lol)

[@MarcosJury]

"Tom did nothing wrong because Shiv did nothing right". Esa prinche frase estuvo buena, hermano. Me encantó este video, sigue así.

[@aroyalaustralian]

Shiv sowed the seeds of her own downfall. For me, I welcomed this turning of the tables. Their relationship is about to become very complicated if speculation Shiv is pregnant bears out.

[@Gotten1888]

Remember the talk she had with her mother? about what her father did, never meet something he didn't kick to see if it would come back to him? that's what Shiv does, she is her father's child

[@CiaoRooster]

If that pans out. Major leverage! The whiff of abortion should bring Tom to heal. And of course there are always staged miscarriages…

[@JoJoJoker]

Shiv isn’t a weirdo sex creep or drug addict absent father or childish mooch like her siblings. We look at her differently because she’s a woman. Shiv ain’t pregnant but...Logan is making another baby.

[@meghanelaraby277]

@@JoJoJoker That would be a BOMB ! can't wait to see in season 4 Logan welcoming another baby !! The Roy siblings will completely freak out ! And maybe think of kidnapping him/her !! 🤪

[@MyaB1986]

@@meghanelaraby277 this is not a soap opera.

[@2000mipo]

Rewatching this after the season 4 finale, this essay keeps getter better.

[@naimaismail4356]

This made me respect Tom’s moves more. He’s not as pathetic as he comes across. Very excited to see what moves he and Greg make. For them to outsmart the siblings is such a great plot twist.

[@hemashreewesavkar2798]

The siblings want to take what their father build. I mean if Ken can throw money for the birthday party and all other bullshit, why can't he go and build his empire from ground zero. He thinks he is eligible to be CEO but can't build his own business. I mean he have the finances, contacts and knowledge of the corporate

[@naimaismail4356]

@@hemashreewesavkar2798 Great point! Shows either incompetence or laziness.

[@tamiloreisT]

@@naimaismail4356 laziness? Are we watching the same show. Those kids never stop fighting and okay, they want their fathers company but it’s not like they’re just bitching over it, it’s a bloody massacre to even get a nibble. There’s nothing incompetent about them, most ppl in their fictional world would never survive a second of what they try to do. They’re fighting a battle against their father whos had decades to perfect his puppet show, they’re not incompetent…that’s not the word, they’re just below their dept. Even then, they’re still making waves, even Roman but mostly Kendal. Kendal is the only one who has shown any gull worthy of being a CEO. And they have every right to go after their fathers company, they were born into it and he fuc**d their brains up with delusions of being able to attain it.

[@malayjoshi1098]

The moment when Tom protected Greg by not telling Logan about the autobiography stuff in s02 it was clear he has a good heart I feel bad he doesn't fit with the Roys

[@matheusg1473]

The scene where Tom says he would castrate and marry Gregg never fails to make me laugh. It so weird but at the same time emotional, genuine and heartfelt. Also, you pointed something great about Tom character, because in a world filled with betrayal, loyalty is an valuable currency.

[@HiCaballo]

With the show having ended… I think Logan would have been fine with Tom as CEO. The trust from Toms sacrifice, his amazement that Tom “had it in him” to bully Gregg, calling him son, and I believe he mulls over Tom before deciding to go with Gerri for interim CEO.

[@MakelliStudio]

Your videos are always a treat to watch. Criminally underrated channel.

[@JarodJoseph]

There is no rating system. Just enjoy.

[@Glenuig]

Matthew Macfadyen crushed this character and deserved the Emmy. At first you think Tom is meant to just be a comedic character to brighten the mood, but he is so much more. He has so many layers and I am so happy the writers have fleshed out his supporting character with so much depth. One of the best character portrayals on screen in the last few years. The actor should be doing A list films, its great he has committed to this role.

[@Uberkris77]

Shiv could have tried to make him feel anything loving. She really choose violence from day one with him. I was almost a proud of tom at the end of season 3 as I was of kendall end of season 2.

[@ladyd900]

Shiv can’t give what she never got. Think about who her parents are? Think about the conversation she had with her mother. Shiv and her siblings were raised by narcissistic parents and does significant emotional damage. I do agree however that Tom made the right decision for himself. He was in an emotionally abusive relationship

[@muhammadkabeer3719]

Well, she wasn't part of the company in the beginning but she was determined to be at the top forcing her to learn how to fit in and we see her getting better at it, honestly, she showed no commitment in the relationship cos she doesn't care about Tom, she just likes the idea of marriage and stability. No sane man will accept that, if not for Tom's end game he would've walked away.

[@Frosting1000]

I agree. I feel like Tom gave her a lot of chances and searched hard for any reciprocation and she would show she didn’t care every time, and finally telling him to his face that she didn’t love him

[@alyssag.5758]

she was raised by Logan Roy. she's incapable of traditional love.

[@rideofthevalkyries6671]

I really think this is the best show ever made. The writing is impeccable, the character arcs are so interesting.. I can’t get enough of it.

[@pintoacr3800]

come on , no way . only first season was good. 2nd and 3rd they dragged it.

[@kyliahkh]

I agree, I can’t think of one aspect they did wrong. Even shiv’s clothing, the shooting locations, the growth of the characters. It’s just juicy.

[@TalkShowIL]

Watch The Sopranos or even The Wire, and come back

[@jockodubproductions9799]

@@TalkShowIL the wire will always remain the best

[@jamestraceyfilms]

@@jockodubproductions9799 The Wire is not fit to lace The Sopranos boots. Succession is the best since The Sopranos.

[@shemjeffs2953]

You can't make a Tomlette without breaking some Greggs

[@originaozz]

I loved how this moved was foreshadowed all along, where every move from Shiv pushed Tom away from her, and that he'll always picked the winning side. The ending scene is amazing because it doesn't sweep the rug out of you, but because it always meant to happen.

[@AnnClaire]

Tom may be the best actor of the bunch. and that's saying a LOT because they're all amazing.

[@huhhuh364]

He’s an incredible actor, but his accent throws me off a little, same with Shiv. Logan just straight up sounds American

[@redsquirrel1086]

@@huhhuh364 Occasionally you can hear the Scot in Brian Cox.

[@martinkinn]

@@redsquirrel1086 Logan is actually scottish too

[@AnnClaire]

@@huhhuh364 i only found out this week they aren't american. their accents are great. maybe now that i know i'll notice but if you don't know you don't notice.

[@lukeiamurdad9055]

@@martinkinn Brian Cox is the actor playing Logan Roy.

[@HiddenWen]

I like how Tom was always the under-the-radar smart guy. You don't see it because of how the family treats him like dirt, especially his wife. He's often the butt of jokes. But if you look closely, he's been doing his job despite all this, and he's been consistently making smart moves through all of this.

[@nepenthe_gal759]

I've always wanted to know the backstory of how Tom 'rescued' Shiv. She's made a reference about some low point in her life & Tom helping her, which I assumed was how they then got together.

[@mdflorida1233]

Tom helping Logan in the bathroom was one of the few genuinely human and supportive moments between two characters in three seasons.

[@aranyasamaiyar9160]

ThIs video should have aged like a fine wine after what happened in finale.

[@juanfernandez3633]

I was so happy for Tom. He kept getting shit on by Shiv, his own wife and eventually he owned her soul in the final scene in the car. He's the top dog now. Good for him. I agree that Tom and Greg were the best characters and they were so funny and loving to one another.

[@nipunsharma5351]

The foreshadowing of future events by the gestures, statements, coming together and walking away in opposite directions (like Shiv and Tom walking in opposite direction at the airport) are all very laden with hidden meaning. Masterfully crafter series. You’ve done a great job putting in the clips of those exact moments while explaining. It helps us understand the foreshadowing better. Great job!

[@FarzadMediaINC]

This show has a chance to go down as the greatest ever made. The characters and writing are beyond good.

[@earthtrotterjones7835]

The writing is so good even I notice that lol so many well done character writing ✍🏼

[@xlucavi666x]

Insanely good breakdown. I expected to watch 2 mins and ended up sharing it with others instead lol. The whole Sporus angle really grew from something weird that Tom just blurts out to the backbone of the season, and it's some beautiful writing

[@romain3d1]

A good ending is both unpredictable and obvious after the reveal. This show demonstrate it with such talent. Every screenwriter should analyse carefully this show, never seen something so brilantly written since Sopranos, Six feet under and the best episodes of breaking bad. You analyze it prefetcly.

[@Ginosaurus85]

The story about Sporus ties back to "It's no fun being the last eunuch in the forbidden city."

[@demirhanserhan]

This was one of the best "observation" videos i've ever seen. The voice, the music, editing, it's simpleness and it's poetic and clear explanation.. perfect.

[@OrderNary1]

I think Shiv "loves" Tom in the same way a kid loves a puppy. They might think they really, really love their puppy, but once they realize how much work it takes to care for a puppy--they get annoyed they can't just have the fun parts without the responsibility. However, she stubbornly doesn't want to admit she doesn't care cuz then she'd be a "bad" person. The two ppl who "loved" Shiv (her parents) also low-key scare her because she knows they will be cruel and disappointed in her. Tom was a safe way for her to get love without feeling threatened. She loved him because he was the perfect person to give her things like affection, support, admiration, and the occasional laugh but she isn't IN love with him; she's just attached. Or she was attached, now I think she is just incapable of being honest cuz then she would have to face the fact she treated Tom bad. What she really needs or needed was to find someone who was comfortable being open from the start and someone she could be like, "Hey, I might not love you but I appreciate you and I want support in my life". At the same time, I do think it's important to note that Tom did propose to Shiv when she was handling a crisis. So I am sympathetic of the fact that sometimes you do the wrong thing when you're not in the right head space and can't just Ctrl Z so you just go along with things and hope they turn out okay. Bbbbuuuuuutttttt...yeah, all this toxic stuff is not okay. Unfortunately for her, she is seeing how a puppy will grow up to bite you if you treat it wrong 🤷

[@Josep_Hernandez_Lujan]

She loves him like Logan loves his children and wife

[@legzdiamond2356]

In the end, the show was the story of Logan’s ruined soul bringing about the final ruination of the kid’s souls and the end of the Roy dynasty. All the kids are destroyed, completely, by the last scene. They believe their failure to hijack their father’s shitty legacy from each other should be the final arbiter of their value as humans. They judge themselves, and pass sentence. Roman sentences himself to the bottle, Kendal to the sea, and Shiv to a life under the thumb of the guy she once pushed around. None of it needs to be this way. They each have money and resources and health. They’ve been taught that success in their father’s arena is the only success. Without it, there’s only oblivion.

[@strangething7379]

You also have to remember that Logan built himself up from nothing, and seems to respect the members of his circle who aren't apart of the family (Gerri, Frank, Karl, etc.) more than his kids. Tom this season stopped playing the nepotism card and started scheming. He stopped being a member of the Roy family, but instead became a member of Logan's innermost circle.

[@LaManoDelCaos]

Man, this is the kind of analysis I was looking for! Congrats!

[@aizensousuke7170]

Your channel is really cool 😎, after finishing Season 4, it is a blast to go through all your Succession Videos, it is like a deep dive in the series, thank you for that

[@hedgedrisk]

It’s funny, as many times as I’ve watched and rewatched this series…I don’t think I could’ve ever put into words this level of analysis and perfect conveyance of plot, theme, character development as this narrator. This was really something to savor. Thank you

[@kh1386]

Very good points. I've thought through the whole series that Tom was under used as a character, he could be doing so much more. Now we know why, it was a set-up for Season 4 where he takes control, can't wait for next season.

[@gideoncenteno]

Powerful. Have never watched a show like this. So much to unpack. Such a great video, thanks! Keep them coming

[@sofiagimenez8659]

Amazing video!! This is some great analysis on the show’s brilliant writing. I’ve been a big Tom fan since the beginning and seeing him slowly rise and get THAT finale is extremely satisfying. I can’t wait to see what he does on s4 and what direction the show will take.

[@mellowslice4527]

Great video, thank you! The first time I've noticed that Tom is a big player, when Greg blackmailed him about documents and Tom acted like proud father, he offered him a better position and was happy about it.

[@PyroManiac944]

These are really good, man. I enjoy them a lot.

[@sunburntbone]

A+ on this video man, this changed my whole perspective on this show

[@rlgconsulting1195]

Bravo, well analyzed commentary that explains the genius of the writing.

[@mangos2888]

Realizing that season 3 was all about Tom's evolution made me love it even more in rewatch.

[@danika265]

This husk app sounds so useful

[@blahblahboyee]

loved the underscore of beethoven’s seventh around the 9:00 mark, felt like the waterloo context was definitely intended given tom’s backdoor betrayal deal ended up being something of a military defeat for the roy siblings

[@manumaster1990]

The whole show is a masterclass in writing and storytelling. I cannot wait for season 4. Great video as well. Very well done.

[@Zoetherat]

I think this is still the best video essay i've seen about Succession.

[@mjt5576]

That's an excellent analysis! I can't wait for the next season.

[@eyezblack]

I love your observations! They're always on the mark. Great video once again. And that final line perfectly encapsulates the whole analysis. Well done. Well done.

[@soyol88]

what an amazing and thorough explanation. Makes you appreciate even more how great "Succession" is

[@theperegrine3097]

this is one of my all time favorite videos on a character-- greg specifically. the decision was a beautiful pay-off in building up greg's choices and experiences, seemingly in the background

[@stephaniebarneveld5337]

Excellent overview of the development of Tom leading to his actions in the final episode, brilliant, thanks

[@VIVsVeiws]

Your script was incredibly well written! Bravo!

[@andrewbutler9533]

You can't make a Tomelet without breaking any Gregs!

[@chrispariseau7139]

Well done. Thanks for not only allowing me to relive that epic betrayal scene, but also all the betrayals that led up to it. “Who is Tom and what will he do?” is foremost in my mind going into Season 4. Can’t wait.

[@andreaharz5264]

Imagine how good Game of Thrones could have been with these script writers. They’d have taken bones of GRRM’s brilliant story, and turned it into a far more intelligent show.

[@NT-or9wh]

Huh? GOT was amazing for the first 6 seasons. Huge betrayals and twist.

[@Priv007]

@@NT-or9wh nah. GOT was GENUIS for the first 4 seasons up until dumb and dumber ran out of the source material.

[@jonathancarranza6046]

@@Priv007 Indeed. I dont get how people think season 5-7 were good.

[@Reu8enofleon]

@@NT-or9wh That's the problem, they kept aiming for huge. The first few seasons are great because they're well-crafted in spite of spectacle.

[@dumdumbringgumgum2940]

@@NT-or9wh first 4 that's it

[@KatiKosta]

I love that fact that the wedding takes place in Italy with all the Nero references. The writing is brilliant.

[@ryanharris835]

Great video...just wanted to add one point. Tom wasn't the only one that knew the plan..Connor did too. I still agree with everything you said, just wanted to add that nugget as I think Connor plays a role in all of this as well.

[@icebergdl757]

How did Connor know the plan?

[@ryanharris835]

@@icebergdl757 When the 3 siblings were driving to confront Logan, Roman called Connor to loop him in. Im not sure if you are aware..but Connor is the first born Roy child & he was also interested in politics at a very young age.

[@AdAstra78]

Unsubstantiated theory...but a decent one. Conner certainly needs his Dad's money...

[@LarryAlexander]

I've watched several other "explained" videos about the last episode of season 3, but yours is the _only_ one that fully explains the scene that had me scratching my head in confusion. I was wondering why Tom asked Greg if he would join him in the betrayal. I couldn't imagine why Tom would "need" Greg, but the irony here is that although he talks about selling one's soul, he's actually the only character displaying true loyalty because of their bond as outsiders. Thank you!

[@Cherrysmith2809]

Excellent. A beautiful analysis. Thank you 🙏🏼

[@mondspawn1]

Worth a subscription, great content.

[@na0pppa8881]

Not to argue with the main thesis but it's a little bit more complex. Shiv did work, behind the scenes, to stop Tom from going to jail. In season two when Logan asks her who should be sacrificed she tells him please not Tom. She was the one who made the difference and why Kendall was chosen by Logan. Also when having the affair, she really tried to resist, it's not like she was careless about it. Not to make it out good or something, just to say that there is a lot more complexity to the character and to their relationship.

[@media-fiend]

Amazing breakdown. I knew Tom Made the move , but to look back and see the groundwork being laid in this video, makes it all come together. Great job

[@catheriam1945]

I was initially suprised that an actor of Matthew Macfadyen ("Death at a Funeral" and "Any Human Heart" are exceptional at showing his significant acting range) had agred to play such a seemingly bumptious fool, apparently destined to be coupled with Greg as comic relief. It is only now that thanks to this blog that the veil has dropped from my eyes --as it clearly has with his.

[@JazzyChain24646]

amazing analysis and amazing comments to top it, truly one of the biggest (un)expected plot twists

[@JoJoJoker]

Tom is the *only* insider from the outside. Also...Matthew McFayden is an amazing actor. I’ve been a fan since first seeing him in A Death At A Funeral. With the Roys “role playing” meant telling the truth. Tom dumped Shiv for Logan & Gregg. This is an excellent analysis. #TeamTomlette PS - that photo Ken took of Tom will show up later.

[@earthtrotterjones7835]

True but surely he could spin that

[@castronator29]

It Will appear but sincerely, it doesnt really matter. They all scheme on the back, its normal, but Toms loyalty has always been unshakeable with Logan.

[@ianbeach277]

The way this season ended was masterful. I never reconsidered the nero reference Tom made until you mentioned it. At that god father comparison you made is right on the mark lol. I can't wait for season 4! My wife and I finished the season 3 last night. We started the series about a month ago lol

[@HungHoang-ss5cb]

He’s just here to serve

[@devin_leary]

Sure is

[@A91367]

You are really good at these breakdowns. Really good.

[@naimaismail4356]

Interesting how the most ‘normal’ and stable people in the show are Tom and Greg, they seem the most capable to win. The siblings are all train wrecks emotionally. Kendall’s fall off as been sad to watch.

[@kckazcoll1]

this was a really good analysis. Well made, on point and you have a great voice for narration! Thank you! I'm a new subscriber

[@benmccarthy9180]

Binge watched this show in a week, one of the best I’ve seen in a long while

[@percocetplz5754]

Same. Now I have nothing to watch

[@spankytag]

I wouldn’t say Shiv did “nothing” right. She protected Tom at the end of season 2, begging Logan to spare Tom. But, I will absolutely agree that Shiv stabbed Tom so many more times than she’s helped him.

[@mubarakraza9666]

Protected him out of absolute guilt though, once he made her aware of how he felt he had no priority in her life. Too little, too late in my opinion

[@spankytag]

​@@mubarakraza9666 Agreed.

[@travis3430]

She only protected him for her own emotional support, someone in her corner. In the same way every boxer needs a cutman & someone to hold the spit bucket. If Tom did get thrown to the wolves end of season 2, she would have gotten over it pretty quick, we can all agree on that 😆

[@spankytag]

@@travis3430 your comment reminds me of Romans line to Shiv about her hoping Tom went to jail in season 3. Lol… I wonder how Shiv and Tom’s relationship will change in season 4. Any guesses?

[@travis3430]

@@spankytag probably more extremes of what we've already seen (iv no clue though obviously lol). She's much more likely to lash out at Tom. She's lost the chance to take over which will have crushed her. She doesn't respect Tom at all. She'll be lashing out like a feral cat towards him in season 4 I think 😆

[@NewYasmine-nl9jq]

"Greg is like Tom's workwife" I'm keeping this line 😆

[@speeballs9876]

Tom's decisions this season were not exactly about getting power. It was keeping control of his life, which will grant him power if he plays the cards right.

[@nataliaoc2877]

Exactly. He wanted to get her pregnant to achieve that. He couldnt so he betrayed her.

[@futuropasado]

You are wrong. He always wanted top job

[@hachehache]

This is a great video, but above all the Rythm if what sells it the most! Congrats!

[@Tiki3D]

Just watch the finale. Bravo

[@Professional-giraffe]

this is actually the first sponsorship i'm actually interested in

[@GlassesAndCoffeeMugs]

I hope Tom doesn't get burned next season. Logan could use him and toss him aside in a second. But it would be so cool if somehow Greg saved his position at the company, in return for helping him so many times (even though Tom is also a manipulative bastard to him lol)

[@solenya4983]

Greg is going to end up winning everything, calling it now.

[@FM0621]

Greg is not loyal to anyone except himself so I very much doubt he would save Tom. He requested to off load his own misdemeanours on Tom since, at the time, it appeared as though he was going down any way. Tom may be manipulative but he has shown loyalty to Greg on multiple occasions.

[@angelcitystudio]

@@solenya4983 And Connor will end up being POTUS..... This IS the USA after all.

[@megzwifaz]

Really great video! Currently rewatching the show to prep for the new season and this is by far the best story line to follow from episode one to now.