Succession (Review)

[@trinaq]

The acting was generally incredible all across the board, as per usual, but Kieran Culkin impressed me during Roman's breakdown during the eulogy. Each of the siblings suffered abuse at Logan's hands, and Roman is trauma bonded to his dad, given that no matter how badly Logan treats him, he still tries to win his approval.

[@zerere_]

Hey hey! I see you in almost every section of all my favourite and most watched creators and you always leave additional analysis/comments that add depth so I was wondering if you could disclose if you work in the filmmaking/creative writing industry? I'm just personally interested in that direction and just genuinely curious p

[@trinaq]

@@zerere_ Thank you very much, great minds certainly think alike, right?! No, I don't work in the entertainment industry, but I just have a lot of opinions about pop culture. I wish you well in getting your foot in the door in your current position.

[@zerere_]

@@trinaq They certainly do) Truly it's incredible then, how far can genuine passion and interest bring an individual. Thank you very much)) All fortunes to you too!!

[@cj.17]

@@trinaq i see you everywhere too! and nice pfp--i was morticia in a production last summer😸

[@trinaq]

@@cj.17 Thanks very much, I was a nurse ancestor in that production, and it's my favourite show to date.❤️😁

[@cockroachv]

Connor was by far the greatest non character character that ever existed in cinema. I didn’t even know that existed until Connor came in.

[@littlelordf_ckleroy]

That is the truest statement I’ve ever read.

[@littlelordf_ckleroy]

If he doesn’t win the Emmy?? The world of art and story telling wont make sense anymore.

[@Malverde888]

The Conheads love him

[@HeatherHolt]

He was interested in politics from a very young age.

[@cpcpcp]

Dont forget. He is the eldest son.

[@daaave_]

This show has the greatest cast I have ever seen in a show or movie. Everyone plays their character in this story perfectly, can’t think of anyone in this show who did a genuinely bad job.

[@800Ms-k6n]

Some of the greatest acting in TV alright especially from Matthew MacFadyen

[@ethanfranzen6145]

@@800Ms-k6nwas having a conversation with someone the other day and said Jeremy strong is the strongest actor on the show, and then I thought about some of the stuff Matthew McFadden does and I was like wait… and then I thought about sarah snook… and then Brian cox.. and I was like it really is insane how incredible the cast is in this show.

[@_abracadabra]

@@ethanfranzen6145 Kieran Culkin was the weakest link among the leads, which is not an insult in this context. He was among dramatic heavyweights and still held his own. And he really came into his own in season 4!

[@sobreoqueeugosto4700]

Nah

[@jimin-ssibangtansmind7230]

Probably the weakest link are one or two support characters, i didn't love Lawrence

[@colinmitchell1276]

SO happy to see Connor getting more attention this last season and even though it should go to Matthew MacFadyan, I was glad to see Alan Ruck get an Emmy nod.

[@800Ms-k6n]

Fun Fact : Connor Roy was interested in the Emmys from a very young age

[@sethzimm9678]

Season 4 completely changes how you see him as a character. he was forever a laughing stock to me, he just seemed immature and laughably forgettable (even living out in the desert) But season 4 after his wedding he becomes tragic and beautifully written

[@jking4973]

All of the performances in this show are phenomenal, but the standout for me this season was Sarah Snook, she was absolutely incredible!

[@ethanfranzen6145]

I have a friend who doesn’t watch succession who said something about wanting one of the other actresses to win and I was like buddy, sarah snook had her Emmy engraved months ago

[@benmullins8212]

The Tom and Greg - Kiss to Sticker comparison is so good that it can’t have been intentional but the writers own story infiltrated their conscience to place that there.

[@Elnont]

Kieran Culkin was this shows hidden mvp - I’m glad s4 had everyone realise what a fucking powerhouse he is.

[@wrestlinginfodude2644]

Only in session 4 ,the show whole MVP was Jeremy strong and Brian Cox

[@shiven513]

The final shot with that crescendo is some of the best cinematography on television. That with the fake congratulations, the deranged smile, it all made sense dramaturgically.

[@willmelucci2989]

And yet Wednesday is nominated for Cinematography over Succession and Better Call Saul

[@shiven513]

@@willmelucci2989 Shit

[@jackmclean4120]

​@@andrewstephens5885It's what Jeremy Strong said in an interview.

[@deadenddrive-in3166]

What a stinky rank fart of a comment. Smh

[@HeisenbergFam]

"they spent lives chasing sth they dont want, they're just built to want it" is unironically one of the worst nightmares imaginable, show's got nice actors

[@y3ee3e]

how most people are to be honest. born to be in a hamster just to barely make ends meet.

[@scs2850]

There chasing something they don’t need that’s why they have no real drive they will be rich regardless

[@viridian5maureen853]

I felt that Connor had an important role in the finale because we get to see him have some victories within the family that his siblings didn't. One was that he took first pick of Logan's possessions before anyone else arrived. Two was in that recording of of him at that friendly dinner with their father and business associates, a dinner Kendall, Roman, and Shiv weren't part of and hadn't known happened. They were striving for their dad's attention and approval, but there's Connor as part of an inner circle and joking around with him.

[@ericjames7753]

Every time i come across Succession content I always remember the three just sitting and watching the video of the dinner and just the realisation that Logan really didn't like them or even consider them people worth seeing him relaxed, friendly and happy. Whenever they interacted with the three siblings, its always violence, plots and counter plots but with the rest( Conner as well as his own business associates), he is friends with them. He's gone through life together with Karl and the Old Guard, and just by the fact of Conner wanting mostly nothing to do with succeeding/outdoing/taking down Logan, he is his charismatic self. The three however didn't get to see that, they are outsiders to the life of their father, the man they want to become so much. They never hear his genuine laugh, him making jokes and just dicking around with friends. A part of me always think that the three wanting the company always made him hard on them, that since they wanted the business, they get the business side of him which is ruthless and cold. However i also do realise he made them this way however though it might be because he wanted one of them to inherit hence a vicious cycle. Whenever I remember that scene, I see three children seeing their father as they never knew him and idk why but that makes me emotional

[@AskAW]

The three youngest children are from a time when Logan knew who he was and where he was going. Connor is a placeholder in Logan life when he started his journey. Connor is like a high school reunion whereas the 3 youngest children are a work potluck.

[@jimin-ssibangtansmind7230]

@@ericjames7753 Don't go too crazy either. On their wedding day Connor accepted that his father never really liked him and that he could never make him proud. He had access to Logan's stuff because Marcia was fed up and sold him the apartment. And that memory was probably filmed close to his death since Kerry was there and they seemed close. Remember that in one of his last appearances Logan lost touch with his three kids and he actively tried to reconnect with them. That's why he told the team that if no one was going to laugh or make jokes or contradict him, that's why he sought them out at karaoke personally. The problem with the Roys is that their relationship was tied to the company, that's why the siblings loved it, that's why they betrayed each other all the time. Why do you think Logan ignored Kendall when he wanted to sell his shares, give up his trust fund and everything else? It wasn't just "the world is corrupt just like you, I'm better than you" and blah blah blah, Logan knew that at that point their father-son relationship would be dead, that his authority would be worthless, and that there would be nothing he could give to bring him back to his side. I like Connor, but out of everyone, he was the most snubbed.

[@margarethmichelina5146]

Also, Connor is the only one who has a partner on his side. Although him and Willa's relationship are more controlling at first as he mostly don't want her to go away, they start to grow to realize that they need each other. Most of people thought that the ending throw away their relationships that they start to build as they both are going separate ways (Connor goes to Europe to expand his business while Willa stays at Logan's house for her another crappy play) but for me, they both realize, they need each other's space so they go separate to do their own things happily. Willa also admits to Connor that she married him for his money and security and Connor even said if Willa leaves him for real, he's ready as he's always alone most of his life but at least they have something that the other 3 siblings don't have: Honesty. Meanwhile, Kendall divorces to Rava and abandon his "kids" because he mostly rather hang out with his siblings than his family and also he's a misogynistic as he mostly treat women like trash. Roman can't even have sex or touch his 2 exes as he mostly a pervert and has a huge crush to Gerri. Also, Roman can also be gay, even Logan asked him if he was a queer. Shiv mostly treats Tom like her lapdog and also using another men as her sex toys, she doesn't know how to respect men in general as she grew up with male dominant environment. Also, everyone on that family knows that Shiv is Logan's #1 favorite, that's why Kendall and Roman mostly bully her and Caroline (their mom) resents her. Deep down, she really wants Tom stay with her but since she is an arrogant Spoiled Daddy's Princess who thinks everyone should listen to her, Tom is confused of how to get her love. Tom and Rava are marrying 2 grown children in adult's body. While Rava decided to go away from Kendall, Tom chooses to stay and fight back and crush Shiv's hope and dream to be CEO.

[@benbouffard1793]

Forever reeling from getting to be a background extra in episodes 7 and 9 of Season 4. Unbelievably grateful to be a small part of this legacy.

[@rachel-8636]

Awesome. Did you get to meet the cast

[@benbouffard1793]

@@rachel-8636 Alan Ruck nodded at me once, and I got to shake Alexander Skarsgård's hand. Plus I am in full view behind Jeremy Strong in one scene.

[@Ereh729]

​@@benbouffard1793which scene is it?

[@benbouffard1793]

@@Ereh729 Election party and funeral scenes.

[@Bakedpotatomanforever]

Man, to think that none of this would have happened if cousin Greg hadn’t valiantly saved that hitchhiking child all the way back in episode 1

[@connormedberry4901]

I feel like the shot where Tom holds his hand out is comparable to a king sitting on his throne, showing his queen the amount of power he has over her, and her begrudgingly accepting the role

[@Visplight]

Except she's now a billionaire in her own right, and he's just a millionaire with an unsteady job. He still needs the power and protection that her money gives him.

[@memicoot]

If you read the script notes for the scene, they are two regal nobles taking their thrones, a prince and a queen.

[@Itseightysix]

@@Visplightnah , he’s in a more powerful position than she is now. The company is no longer in the Roy’s control

[@Visplight]

@@Itseightysix Yes, but billions of dollars are now in HER control, so she can do hat she wants with them, and her husband is just a "pain sponge" that needs her money and name to give him legitimacy.

[@anoushkas8726]

​@@Itseightysix Lol, wishful thinking!

[@finngallacher]

That Greg wasabi and lemon water scene has been stuck in my head since it aired

[@vingasoline5068]

It’s not that lemony!

[@edwardgarrity1754]

we really did get sucked in to this King Richard The Third esq narrative that Kendall himself had let himself believe only for it to all fall apart in the end when reality comes flooding in. I think that's incredibly relatable. I myself find myself being seduced by narratives about myself and my purpose all the time only for it to fall in on itself when the bubble bursts.

[@thomasmatthews478]

That last sentence is incredibly articulate. Bit of a weird thing for me to say but thank you for it 😂 sometimes I feel alone with that kind of cycle

[@ritzcrackerz4921]

UGH so true

[@Kardpercent]

I like how this show is like a modern spin on dynastic feudal warfare. The paint is different but the foundation is kinda the same. Humans not knowing the difference between power and love is an endlessly interesting subject. Great video Karsten.

[@spaceocean2530]

Shiv never successfully manipulated Mattson, in my opinion. Mattson very clearly just told her things she wanted to hear. A lot of their conversations is her trying to get solid answers from him, and she never really does. In the end, she only helped Mattson get into waystar, then got cut out and disrepected in return. And she definitely has no leverage now with him or Tom. She is no longer the daughter of the man who owns Waystar. She is the wife to the man who is acting CEO under the man who owns Waystar. She has essentially wrecked her relationship with Tom, and he absolutely does not trust her anymore. It's a sad state of affairs. I'm just kind of baffled at all these weird martyrdom takes. She made the choice she made because if she couldn't be CEO, her brother certainly couldn't. It was a decision that came from sympathetic powerlessness and contemptible spite. White feminisming to close to the sun and all that.

[@foo3268]

the only way she got what she wanted was aligning with people exploiting her. I think she had real heart but got over her head and ended up just worsening the situation of women all around her. a corporate pick me if you will.

[@MJ-py7dm]

That last line 😂😂😂😂

[@chiomawoherem4625]

​@@foo3268shiv saved all the women in the company

[@Visplight]

I think you're ignoring the billion dollars at stake for her, plus her marriage. Tom's made pretty clear that her refusal to support his career aspirations was a dealbreaker, plus, if kendall's CEO, all her money is in Waystar stock that he can crash. By choosing Tom, finally, she keeps her marriage (now with kid) and has a billion in cash that she can use to make her own company or go back to politics and be the next George Soros. It's a safer choice.

[@spaceocean2530]

@Visplight It has never been about money for Shiv, Roman, and Kendall. They are so obscenely rich that it does not matter. For the children of Logan Roy, it's about recognition, validation, and love from one man. Whoever was CEO , they won the Daddy game. Shiv wasn't interested in business. She wanted to be seen, appreciated, and recognized by her father. I dont see how she couldn't go back to being a champagne liberal if Kendall was in charge. Either way, she could go back, but she would have to do a major overhaul in terms of optics because of obvious reasons. None of these men are good at their damn job, and they don't have to be. Matteson is a man who has everyone do the work for him. He doesn't even know how to code! The primary pillar his reputation is based on. He has fraudulent GoJo numbers ( which is highly illegal) , he's off-putting ,terrible at interpersonal relationships, he's a sexual harassment lawsuit waiting to happen( evidenced by Ebba), and he can't be professional. Tom just got to the top by being a yes man. When he has to present to crowds, it's clear the show portrays him as a joke. The old guard hardly hid their distain for him. He was awful at the trial and was absolutely a liability, and he makes Greg do his dirty work all the time. These two men are not better than Kendall. Now to be clear, Kendalls not better than them, but my point is that Shiv didn't choose Tom because she thought that he was better than Kendall and that was afraid that the would ruin the company. She has always had a low view of Tom's skills and value. He's in her words" servile, striving and parochial." She didn't want Kendall to win. Both Shiv and Roman's faces fall when Kendall sat in Logans chair. Roman started to spiral, and so did Shiv. Jessie Armstrong even said in an interview that Shiv did it because she didn't want her brother to win.

[@cowboysonfilm]

gonna throw my hat in the ring re: why shiv decided to kill kendall's ceo dream at the last minute she did it because that's what their dad would do. it's exactly what he did to kendall in the pilot, right as he was getting excited about becoming ceo and it was starting to be publicized (i.e. become _real_ ), logan changed his mind. there's a little moment when shiv is watching kendall squirm after she tells him "I just don't think you'd be good at it" where she does this sort of wild-eyed smirk, it felt like she was feeling how powerful their dad must have felt for the first time. in the pilot, logan says to kendall "I'm staying on". shiv is now the only one of them even tangentially involved with the company. except their father never built a company where a woman could take over, so she'll have to be involved as someone's wife.

[@margarethmichelina5146]

It's also ironic how Shiv wants to determine to not be like her mom but she ends up to be like her mom: A whiny CEO wife.

[@miguelrosado6348]

I was very happy for Alan Ruck's Emmy nomination. He indeed played Connor's character perfectly and even without much to do compared with his siblings, he managed to create a fully fleshed human being as full of contradictions and humour as any character in the show. And that line about how he is plant that grows on rocks and feeds out of insects that dies in him is top ten of the best lines of the show!

[@johnloganlong3982]

The finale left me thinking for days on end. The whole show was all for nothing in the end - a true Shakespearian tragedy. One of the greatest shows of all time.

[@y3ee3e]

kendall looking out into the water to end the show is just symbolic of where his chance of succeeding ended, in the water where the waiter died.

[@entropyme9]

a show that makes me laugh out loud at times and sinks me into deep thought about humanity at other times. will miss it so sorely for sure

[@memicoot]

Roman was such a ride for me. Went from hating his guts in the beginning to feeling so much pity and sadness for him, and then still feeling bad for him but also horrified. Logan went reverse- felt deeply for him in the beginning but grew to dislike him by the end as he chose to shut himself off from growth and straight up pursue the power that was always his deep down goal.

[@malikamaybe]

Still consistently turning on 'Andante Risoluto' to feel something lol. In terms of the finale, Shiv's face when Kendall put his feet on Logan's desk and lounged back like The Big Man just looking back wheW. That entire second act with them actually behaving like family and them 'crowning the king' had me fooled (not that they would remain close *and* get the company; lol I knew better than that, but keep the former and lose the latter was my guess). This show was phenomenal from the beginning and I'm still a bit in awe of it. Def gonna do a rewatch in time.

[@ethanfranzen6145]

I watch that scene with kendall in the water several times a week

[@margarethmichelina5146]

Also when Shiv said to Kendall: "I love you but I cannot fucking stomach you!" Is not only a nod of Logan's "I love you but you are not serious people" but also Shiv's cried for help as she doesn't wanna see another Logan and both of her and Roman noticed that Kendall turns to be Logan 2.0. Also, in Kendall's POV, His family said "I love you but...." makes him realize that his family doesn't love him genuinely anymore and he losts all of their trusts to him. He then double down to show how much petty and childish he is to everyone and acts that he gets it just because he got promised since he was a kid.

[@RuinedStillWetMascara]

I feel vindicated to find people online so obsessed with this show.

[@wrestlinginfodude2644]

Why?

[@Saigeee333]

I hope someday it becomes hugely popular. Like I know it won a bunch of awards but I only know a couple people irl who’ve seen it.

[@Peachy-KeenJewelsOptional]

@@Saigeee333 You might need to broaden your social circle so! ;)

[@heatalldayy]

I think it’s very telling how Marcia is Logan’s last wife and widow who was primed to be a primary contender in the succession of Logan to come out as the winner and ended being cataloged as a side character. Great storytelling by omission.

[@DepravedCoTApologist]

Also, the shot at the funeral of Logan's four "partners" was hilarious. The dude had a type, but they were all interchangeable to him. Once he was done with one, he discarded them and found another. One common praise of the show I've seen is how they never use flashbacks, but you infer what happened in the show's backstory just by watching the events of the show. Logan's "relationship" with Marcia & Kerry told us exactly how he's approached romantic relationships all his life. Although, the fact that each woman has a similar complection, it makes one wonder why he's infatuated by that. Is it simply his own lust, or is there something more sinister beneath the surface? Just another reason why this show is so good. It presents something to the audience, and then actively invites them to look even deeper to find the meaning for themselves

[@Merinkous]

​@@DepravedCoTApologistI can imagine them all resembling his sister that passed away.

[@oftinuvielskin9020]

@@DepravedCoTApologist That scene was amazing! I really love Caroline every time she appears, even if she's a cold almond mom to Shiv

[@jimin-ssibangtansmind7230]

@@Merinkous tf? pretty sure his sister was white and probably a red head.

[@sullivandmitry1416]

She was great, but then she got bitter and angry and started to show dissent in season 2 and Logan realized she was dissenting and cut her out of the game altogether.

[@gracehughes3795]

Karsten, your original video about succession (2 yeas ago??) is what got me to watch it in the first place. I had never heard of it but have a particular soft spot for family dramas. Since then it has become one of my favorite shows ever and I have rewatched it way too many times. The characters, the cinematography, lighting, music, and story just became one of my favorite things to watch over and over again and dive deeper into. This video was excellent and expressed just how depressed I felt when it ended really well. THANK YOU for making videos about this show I owe you one of my all time favorites !!! xx

[@tuxegirls]

I never thought about how much Tom and Kendall parallel each other with the season 2 and season 3 endings. That’s fucking brilliant.

[@tobiastonnerer4837]

Did anyone else notice Ken going from rapping „… from the Battery to the top of Manhattan…“ in his very first scene in episode one to being escorted from the metaphorical „Top of Manhattan“, the Board Room, to the Battery Park

[@TheDkCrew]

Surprised you didn't mention Roman's "is Dad in there? Can we let him out?" breakdown at Logan's funeral. It's my personal fav scene, powerful stuff.

[@villads1238]

If you want an even deeper insight in some of the character relations (especially logan and kendall), you should read John Berryman's "dream song 29". Its the poem that includes all the finale titles: "Ghastly, with open eyes, he attends, blind. All the bells say: too late. This is not for tears (...)" Its a poem about a man being haunted by a ghost of a person that he blames himself for dying. It showcases the most interesting link between Logan and Kendall, the death of Logans sister and the death of the waiter.

[@TheInevitableHulk]

As toxic as Tom and Greg's relationship is, I do think it is improving over time. Greg actually hits Tom back and Tom actually backs down much quicker than previously, then the next and last scene they're together, Tom seems genuinely exicited that he's able to keep Greg. I don't know. Tom definitely wants Greg as an asset but I can't help but think he also cares about him simultaneously.

[@DepravedCoTApologist]

Tom also knows how to separate personal from business. He recognizes that Greg's play in the finale was simply Greg trying to secure his own ends. It's not worth burning the bridge over. That was a fundamental part of why the Sibs could never succeed Logan. The business was personal for them

[@margarethmichelina5146]

Also, Tom always knows that Greg is always switching sides for his own benefit and Tom most of the time isn't mad to Greg, he mostly impressed to him.

[@sam_cantread]

Watching this review had me falling in love with the show all over again. An instant modern classic.

[@patrickkleemann4919]

Great video! Superb review about the season 4 and the series as a whole. But you forgot the most important message we all need to remember, which is that Connor Roy was interested in polics at a very young age!

[@paigeabel32]

It would be a huge undertaking but I would love to see a ranking of every single episode…I just need all the succession content possible

[@Jules2439.5]

I have always tried to explain to people why I think the actors could’ve been siblings IRL, physically. Your thumbnail helped me prove their resemblance so thank you and fantastic job🙏🏻

[@rini6]

This timing was perfect. I had overdosed on Succession videos a few weeks ago. But now it hits the spot. Not to mention that you summarized things perfectly. Succession proves that as Rome was falling some of us saw things clearly. The tragedy is televised.

[@Sasuke-ss1tf]

I always secretly wanted Tom to win in the end but I never in a million years thought that would happen. And now after the finale I half wish Kendall would have won. Such a great show

[@KIager]

Regarding the "crossed out Kendall Roy thing"; you start the line where you intend. It was underlined. Why or when it was underlined, we don't know, so it's still haunting.

[@EthanButler]

Beautifully stated. Made me wanna rewatch the whole thing again. Thanks for the videos you make, Karsten. I've been watching these essays for years and they always inspire me and have allowed me to find a deeper love for the media I consume. This went by so quickly, I must say. I just realized that you didn't even unpack the "a meal fit for a king" scene, which is something else all on its own. Anyway, thanks for this video. Hope you're recovering from editing and everything okay.

[@space_1073]

I love that at the very end, Kendal doesn't get to go in the water, like the business, he can only sit back and spectate from behind a rail. He just doesn't have it.

[@erodiumminer]

I don’t think I’ve ever jaw-dropped or laughed as much from any other show. I’m sad that it’s over but I’m so thankful that it was all so fantastic

[@Arbee1000]

This season was incredible. The election night episode 'America Decides' gave me serious PTSD from the real life election night 2016. I've been listening to the season 4 soundtrack non-stop for the past month.

[@tobyclarkthomson8443]

I didn’t think of the final tom and greg scene in the light you describe in the review, so many details and masterful writings in this show

[@TwoGraves284]

As much as I loved the ending, and think that its much better that it ended while it was still good, and when it needed to, but damn I'm sad to see it go. That "Can you guys win" Scene from Greg was one of my favorite scenes in the entire series.

[@bostongaystoner]

Thank you for uploading this right after YMS reviewed Little Mermaid Karsten 🙏🏻 The true Double Feature

[@tylerpehringer5272]

It's always nice to see someone gush right after watching someone be annoyed

[@russianboss0378]

i'm glad i'm not the only one that watched both of these videos in this order

[@madeofmarble8514]

shiv did it cause she couldn’t handle her brother winning. you can see it in the scene, she’s scrambling to find justification for the reason why she can’t deal with it. there’s that smile on her face as she gets this chance to take something away from her brother. the scorpion and the frog.

[@Visplight]

Well, it'll also probably be the final straw in her marriage if she doesn't vote for Tom, plus all her money would be in Waystar stock that kendall can tank, and her job would be working for Kendall. That's a huge risk for her to take - especially when she now has a kid on the way. It's perfectly logical for her to choose to secure her own money and own marriage rather than entrust everything to her brother with a bad habit of messing up under pressure.

[@madeofmarble8514]

@@Visplight it's logical in a way--but that marriage is not going anywhere good. that kid is gonna be fucked up just like shiv was by caroline and logan. also, i believe the plan was never for shiv to work under kendall, but instead for ATN to be spinned off so shiv could run it. all of these are factors that make her go to tom, but the primary reason, more than any of these, is what she says to kendall: "i love you, but i cannot stomach you."

[@Visplight]

​@@madeofmarble8514 That's not supported by anything in the series, though. Throughout the series she's always acted either 1.) in self interest, 2.) to impress her father, or 3.) in relation to her marriage (either bullying tom or protecting him). She's never cared about sabotaging Kendall "just because." On the other hand she did risk looking weak to her father by asking to keep Tom out of prison (even if that also risked Kendall) and had just told Tom she wanted to save the marriage (even if it's a messed-up marriage, what's the alternative end up like Kendall and Rava?). If she has to choose between Tom and Kendall, she's previously chosen Tom. Plus, how is she supposed to fix ATN? Could you turn Fox into CNN? It's impossible. She's better off getting a billion dollars and going back to politics to be the next George Soros. Remember, at the beginning, rather than work with Kendall at Waystar, she chose politics and pushing Tom forward at Waystar. It's true that she can't stomach Kendall, but that means "so I can't throw away my marriage to trust you with all my money and career," rather than "so I'm sabotaging myself to spite you." She's far safer with the marriage and billion than with her brother and ATN.

[@420howardhamlin]

Would love to see your takes on better call saul! It grew on me to be my preferred of the 2 shows between it and breaking bad, even though BB is also my "first love" in television. They really outdo themselves on the writing and editing, and the cast of characters is that much more colorful. Cant wait for some content of yours on it.

[@UnicornGivesZeroFs]

I genuinely share every one of your “I LOVE IT”, I love it so much I can’t describe 😢 the last words “PLEASE, just go watch Succession” - I say it almost every day to my friends because no one did see it.

[@TheAnimationologist]

I actually don't know if anything will ever match this shows quality.

[@Candyswirl1980]

I'm also obsessed with it. So much that I've watched the entire series on loop every night. Catching some new nuance every time. Glad there are people like me. More videos please! ❤

[@Comicbroe405]

So glad to see a full review of the show from you! It's such a superb show with one of the best casts out there.

[@mariateixeira7363]

hi, i just really wanted to say ive been watching your vids since 2018 and when you droppes succ off in january, it genuinely became the thing i looked forward to everyweek. i was between high school and college without any routine and having something to look forward to every monday made me a little happier everyweek and made it all much easier! im so so thankful for you and christian and ive filled the succession and succ off shaped holes in my heart with your videos and busted business beuereay

[@jolinevdk]

Finally someone else who noticed that Roman ordered a martini, Gerri's drink. To me it feels like he switched his attachment from his dad to her now, by ordering that. Still not free, that's going to take some... work. What a show!

[@deliii395]

This final season's star was Sarah Snook. Shiv's narrative arc ended up being the most visceral of all.

[@alexcoyg3281]

Might be my favorite show ever, top 3 for sure, it has everything, it like someone when into my brain and tailor made a perfectly cast, written, filmed an edited a real masterpiece which brought me so much joy❤

[@raymondsims7042]

Succession is certainly one of the top ten best shows I’ve ever seen. My list in order is 1. The wire 2. Game of thrones 3. Mr robot 4. Dark 5. The boys 6. Breaking bad 7. Succession 8. Stranger things 9. Sopranos 10. Mad men

[@chaseowen2998]

I literally couldn't stop thinking about the finale for like, 2 weeks. That last shot is so perfect and I think we are left with this sense that Kendall is in a terrible spot mentally - su!cidal, even. But my not-so-realistic head canon for Kendall is that he takes this as an opportunity to examine his motivations and really look at what got him to that point. He truly alienated everyone in his life for this hubristic pursuit of power. I don't know if he can repair the damage with Rava or his children, but I like to think that he will try. I think you're right in saying that Shiv kind of set him free, in a way. Now, he has no choice but to find out who he is without Waystar Royco.

[@mariateixeira7363]

hi, i just really wanted to say ive been watching your vids since 2018 and when you droppes succ off in january, it genuinely became the thing i looked forward to everyweek. i was between high school and college without any routine and having something to look forward to every monday made me a little happier everyweek and made it all much easier! im so so thankful for you and christian and ive filled the succession and succ off shaped holes in my heart with your videos and busted business bureau (the funniest thing ive ever watched) !!! so yeah, thank you for sharing your love for this show with us

[@lordfriar8736]

I feel like the best part of Succession Season 4 was the polisihing of all its elements. I mean, the episodes are chunky, but S4 is really polished, tightening all loose ends and providing a fulfilling ending

[@asgerskaning206]

One thing i love about the show is how you never really see them eat. There is always a lot of food for the characters to eat, but they never really dig in. Shows how much luxury they are surrounded by.

[@littlelordf_ckleroy]

This is my own take, but, I think the reason why we never saw them eat- especially around dinner tables- is because those gatherings were always used as business meetings. There was always an agenda when they all sat down together to “eat”. Therefore, they never actually ate. (Hence why we always saw Roman snacking) Which is absolutely tragic. The Roy’s aren’t a family. They’re a business 😢

[@asgerskaning206]

Good take

[@Lena-cw2yd]

apparently in the scripts it's also hinted that most of them have a disordered relationship with food

[@NancyBruning]

“Thanks for the chicken”

[@josefina_c]

same thing with money!! they're never counting money or exchanging it with the exception of shiv asking greg for money in season 1

[@anvisriva1824]

I always thought that Shiv was an amazing portrayal of corporate/white feminism. Shiv believes in women's rights and liberalism like being against Mencken becoming president but when it comes down to it, still priorities her own interests of power and money at other women's expense. She is a victim of misogyny but still chooses to perpetuate it when it can work in her favor like manipulating the SA victim or trying to use Gerri's harassment to push her out of being CEO. Because of this, she can never gain power or let other women do so either. I think it's good commentary on women entering the corporate sphere. The culture is still patriarchal so you end up enforcing it even when you don't want to. I think this also applies to other characters like how Tom first wanted to hold a press conference about what happened on the cruises because he wanted to take accountability only to be told by Gerri not to, which then later causes his own suffering in the next season.

[@alexman378]

Logan did actually name a successor, and he did win in the end. Remember, he wanted Mattson to take over, and that was his final deal. His children tried to stop it, but Mattson did take over in the end, just like Logan wanted it. He’s not a villain either. He’s an antagonist, but it’s clear that Logan finally saw a younger reflection of himself in him, and knew he was the one in their interaction. Mattson was never Shiv’s puppet. He played her like a fiddle throughout the show and tossed her to the side when she started acting out. It’s clear she’s not better at the job than him, he just didn’t want to deal with possible rebellions. That’s what the sex thing was about, he wanted to see Tom’s reaction. When there was none, he knew he was his guy. She’s under Tom by the end, which wouldn’t be the case, if she hadn’t beaten the love out of him.

[@Brandi_.]

It’s been weeks since the show’s ending and I’m still coming to terms with how it ended. However I can’t think of a more satisfying ending. The Roy children will never be happy No matter what took place. I plan to watch the season again through a different lens when I done grieving. Lol. Before the funeral scene and Euwin’s eulogy, I was thinking boy a prequel would be great. But I learned just what I needed to learn about Logan. Chef’s kiss all the way around. 😢

[@AB-cf6oi]

Shiv tried to stop the calling early the presidential race, tried to reach out to Tom for reconciliation when she got pregnant, and stopped her murderous brother from taking over.. she never gets the deeper connections right, but she tried.

[@sullivandmitry1416]

She only reached out to Tom when Tom finally grew a spine and told her he fucking hates how cruel she is to him and, being the person she is with a deep fear of being abandoned, reached out in hopes to not be abandoned by the dog she kept kicking. She also only said no to Ken taking over because she couldn’t accept him “winning.” Ken is responsible for the kids death but the kid grabbed the wheel and sent them into the river. Ken is a prick for leaving him there and not trying to save him, but he didn’t kill him outright. Shiv couldn’t have cared less about the kids death, she was mad she wasn’t going to win in the end. Shiv was only interested out of fear of “losing.”

[@suspiciousinternetfinds4296]

Damn you must be blowing up because I’ve never heard of this channel, but wow. Instant new favorite. Keep it up man!!

[@noor_alam]

Karsten, I'll never forget looking at that striking thumbnail of some dude with headphones in a white void with the text, "my favorite show" above his head. The reason I decided to watch this show was made entirely on that one video you uploaded, pleading to the world to recognize the love you had for something you felt deserved it. I read somewhere a long time ago that the part in your brain that make you feel towards, attach to, and fall in love with people works the same for characters in TV shows. That's why the deaths, arcs, and endings of characters in these shows feel so devastating and beautiful; your brain treats them like they are your own. For a show that is driven entirely by its characters and the silly words that come out of their mouths, this is the epitome of this human experience. Thank you, Karsten.

[@reallyfurious]

Upon a second viewing of the finale I interpreted the hand hold at the end to mean that Shiv's double cross of the boys was premeditated, at least privately, so that Tom would seize the CEO seat as a powerless figurehead being puppeteered from the shadows by Siobhan as this was the only strategy left to "win" against her brothers, even if it was a pyrrhic victory wherein the family loses the company and she it beholden in perpetuity to Tom. That said, I only hold this as my preferred of many possible interpretations of the meaning of the last few scenes.

[@sullivandmitry1416]

I disagree because she seemed truly broken up about the choice but knew she couldn’t let Ken win. If she knew she was going to do it beforehand she would have been more calm. I see it as her choosing to be the wife of the CEO and return to someone she knows will always back her up instead if her brother who she refused to allow to win.

[@memicoot]

I could listent to you talk about Succession for hours

[@memicoot]

Great video and fantastic character analysis. I’ve watched so many videos on Succession but you still managed to present some really nice ideas and perspectives I hadn’t considered. And since you’re not a monster you have Shiv a fair shake too which for some reason people seem to really struggle with.

[@hoverboard]

Excellent cold take and one that makes me want to watch the whole series again from S1 on ❤

[@jr4isawsome]

Matthew Macfadyen is by far the strongest piece of the show. The work he is accomplishing is on an entirely different level to the rest of the (remarkable) cast.

[@zachausler-rawle3773]

Unfair to say “entirely”. He’s the best character and my favourite but the main 3 siblings + Logan are all genuinely top tier characters

[@jr4isawsome]

You’re right, they are superb undoubtedly. However, for my money, Tom is always the most captivating presence in the room.

[@haret0n]

i agree. have you seen the brilliant analysis of macfadyen's acting technique on 'just an observation' ?

[@danejohnson6823]

I feel you missed a reason why Shiv did what she did in the end - it wasnt because she thought Kendall was the wrong choice (although she was trying to portray that was the reason), but it was moreso jealousy, she just didnt want him to be the top sibling

[@aggg12679]

Couldn’t disagree more. I think to her “getting mommed”, being forced to play Caroline’s role, is the opposite of being the top sibling.

[@pimentx3253]

@@aggg12679 But that is the thing, if she could stop Kendall from getting it that was enough. Of course she wanted to be top sibling, but at the end with cards she was dealt, and getting played by Madson, that was the option she went with. Because if she can't have it, no one else will. That is what jealously is.

[@matthewdavis8774]

This is the best Succession video on youtube and ive watched a shit load of them. I have a feeling ill come back to this video a few times a year

[@sopas.closet]

The way I screamed at my phone when this popped up in my feed. I’VE BEEN WAITING FOR YOU TO TALK ABOUT IT.

[@JordanNMovies]

Video as long as a Succession episode…absolutely here for it

[@jackgoodson1708]

Finally!!! This video took longer to come than Roman!

[@siphillis]

Fun fact: in the shooting script, Greg is introduced before any of the siblings. It's possible his rise through the ranks was considered as a through-line for the entire series, especially with Logan being killed off early on.

[@muhammaddost6089]

I know the videos great, but can we all appreciate how perfect the thumbnail is

[@awaydaysfootball]

Can we get a Better Call Saul review now, I'm on the edge of my seat for you to see Odenkirk top any performance in BB

[@Joe_324]

bro this is the definitive succession analysis video. Good stuff

[@eshraqahmad7782]

I cried at the end of the video, I didn't know how much these characters mean to me. Earnestly, thank you for doing this review. I'll also be waiting for the Better Call Saul updates.

[@carisaarellano3653]

I never noticed the parallels between Kendalls and Tom's stories.

[@theworstguys9487]

Personally as a Kendall fan, him losing didn't bother me per se. I liked seeing Tom win. I just hated how he lost. Shivy shiv shiv. Also, I would've loved to see some other setups like Matson's blood stuff, Eba and Gerri's feud with Roman etc used in the finale. Overall still a great show. Definitely needs a rewatch

[@kieranfarrell1656]

Eba had a feud with roman?

[@davidortega3393]

The fact that people were rooting for any of these characters baffles me. This wasn’t a game show. It was a depiction of how power is truly held and taken. It showed that the winners in the corporate world are the ruthless, the sycophants and the useful idiots. Anyone who wanted someone to “win” missed the point of the show.

[@theworstguys9487]

@@kieranfarrell1656 "Eba, and Gerri's feud with Roman". They're separate. Forgot the comma 💀

[@cornpopisabaddude]

They threw away a lot of cool storylines, kind of annoying actually. Still a great show but I don’t think it’s breaking bad or sopranos level

[@nonagrace8172]

going in to the show i thought it was going to be this pretentious drama, but what i didnt expect at all was succession being the funniest show i've seen in a while and possibly ever

[@simonsgaard328]

Definitely top 3 KZbin thumbnails of all time

[@natfllo]

i really hope jeremy strong wins the emmy this year because he made kendall roy one of the best TV characters ever. actors of all generations will be studying what jeremy strong did with this character.

[@shaym2019]

I’ve been binge listening to Succ Off during what has been around a 20 hour drive, split between the past three days. Listening to such a funny and insightful detailed conversation (with an amusing twist that makes me smile every time) about one of my favorite shows made the drive feel like five hours. I cannot recommend it enough, and I usually hate podcasts because they always feel so impersonal (and monotonous). This has a feel like I’m listening to some old friends screwing around and info dumping about an interest we all share. It’s awesome and I love it. Seriously, if Succession is a hyperfixation of yours, and you’re stuck in a car driving for 20 hours, give it a try.

[@ddoober]

i cant find it for some reason ):

[@georgiaboy2023]

Best shiv analysis I’ve seen so far!

[@benbadham03]

In my mind I'd like to think Greg and Gerry will become the new Frank and Karl. Hopefully Tom will allow Greg to grow, the idea of him and Tom losing their connection just pains me too much.

[@tatehildyard5332]

Hahaha……………no. I’m sorry but I seriously doubt Tom will let Greg end up anywhere happy.

[@originaozz]

Man I love Kendall's character, but I cannot stand him. It's crazy how many fans defend his BS especially in season 4 where he only became a shell of a human. I'm sorry, but he's literally the reckless rich boy (in his forties) who killed a man and got away because of his daddy. That sh*t happens too often irl for me to feel ok with him winning. There's a reason why he's most lovable when he's most pitiable. I think Succession greatest strength is how it made us empathize with these not serious people and relate to their pain (hence S04E03). For someone who also came from an F* up family, it just made me aspire not to become like the Roys. Anyways, thanks for this full length review, Succession definitely deserves it!

[@Sympathy_forLadyVengeance]

I think Shiv betrayed Kendall in the end because in a very childish way she just couldn't stand see her big brother win

[@ritzcrackerz4921]

The ending is very requiem for a dream-esque and I love it for that

[@BrazilRonaldinhoFreekick-zm2hv]

Breaking Bad is the empires new clothes, I still don't get why people love it so much. The shows to watch are, the Shield, Sopranos and the wire.

[@gkceu8157]

04:09 THANK YOU for saying Logan is the main character. The finale just confirmed this. So many people say Kendall is the protagonist and he simply isn't

[@indiefairy09]

even in death, his presence looms over every episode and scene thanks to brian cox's masterful portrayal.

[@StuartQuinn]

Hang on, Tom and Greg do have a real connection. It's a real friendship based on abuse, but it's nevertheless real. Tom says he owns Greg, but actions speak louder than words and it's clear Tom has Greg's back. He's always spoken about Greg as if he's Tom's property, yet they have real conversations and go for beers.

[@tocotronicon]

i'm just glad queen gerri stays employed. 😂

[@hayleighjade248]

ive been waiting for your review since it ended, great video and made me want to go back and rewatch for the millionth time❤

[@avah3643]

With the amount of people I've seen that were completely confused by the shoulder hug between Ken and Roman in the finale, I don't think it can be considered too much. Also because it takes place within the last dregs of the show itself, I find it really interesting that the scene is a physical manifestation of the show's themes. Abuse perceived as love, unwitting and unwilling cycles, power imbalances... All in an almost wordless action.

[@sxt4447]

I would disagree about Shiv. At the end of the day, Shiv is the most like Logan out of all her siblings. In the same way that Logan dangled the CEO position over his children’s heads and ultimately planned to give the company away to Mattson because he knew his kids weren’t equipped to handle the weight of such a heavy crown, Shiv knows Kendall just wasn’t the person for the job no matter how much he wants it, and she’d rather risk her relationship with him than watch the company her father built be torn to the ground. Is there a bit of jealousy there, knowing that she’d have a bit more leeway to control the company from behind scenes with Mattson and Tom, definitely! But despite all the men in her family ignoring her because of her sex, she’s the only one who has the ability to put her emotions aside and make good decisions for the sake of the business- not on impulse. What would’ve been impulsive is getting swept up in the lovefest with her siblings and being deluded by Kendall’s speech and regretting it later.

[@HeatherHolt]

I was really hoping to see Willa write the scathing expose of all the horrible things the Roys were doing. Especially when they were talking about the woman who was wanting to do the biography on Logan, while she was talking about her play. I thought for sure that’s where that was going. That would have been her “success…” and money for Connor, instead of him paying for her. Idk.