Succession - The Tragedy of Kendall Roy

[@paulkingdesign5928]

There's a really dark and subtle moment in one of the episodes in the first or second season where Kendall is on top of the company skyscraper and considers jumping off. The next time he goes up there it is surrounded by high glass panels so he can no longer jump off or escape. It's incredibly ominous.

[@Shutupdede]

such a sad moment. left me with a pit in my stomach

[@paulkingdesign5928]

@@Shutupdede yeah it really gave you a sense of just how controlling their father is.

[@BlyGuy]

Yea, I don't see Kendall making it to the end of this amazing shows run. It's going to be devastating

[@carolinavaz395]

It's in season 2! When they go on lockdown because someone fired a gun just to realize it was someone from atn committing suicide. I dont think kendall was considering jumping early in the episode when there were no safety bars, but I definently think he thought he missed his chance, as he rests his forehead against the glass

[@EJD339]

@Bly Guy I didn't use to think that but i feel that way now. I'd imagine he'll die of an OD. I can't imagine this series going on for more than 2 season. I love this show.

[@MakelliStudio]

Jeremy Strong is a hell of an actor. It's amazing how complex and deep his character is. He embodies every emotion perfectly.

[@MarkieDonnie]

Loved him in The Big Short

[@Kintaku]

Yeah this is the first thing I’ve seen him in but it’s one of the most emotionally moving roles I’ve ever seen. When he broke down talking to Siov and Rome, I almost cried.

[@slyb7193]

@@Kintaku I did cry....hell of an actor

[@sambarrett871]

Love him and feel bad for at times other times he is just the biggest douche every

[@RAWNERVZ]

I think the opposite his character is a shallow narcissist. He's what I hate about the modern world just my opinion But if I get that annoyed w a character they must be doing something right

[@kimberlyklaus7296]

The one scene where I genuinely felt sad for him was when he was frantically digging through the massive pile of gifts at his party, trying to find the present from his children, and he ultimately collapses in defeat.

[@mbag3266]

It's amazing how I went from hating him the eposides before to crying for him in that birthday episode. Such a roller coaster of a show

[@shytguy]

@@mbag3266 yeah sometimes he makes me cringe so hard. When he realizes how ridiculous his birthday party is and just wants love it really makes me sad.

[@Aura33322]

He was the one character actually made me cry

[@margarethmichelina5146]

He was frantic because either: -He didn't remember how his children's gift look like even though Rava clearly told him with Rabbit pattern -He accidentally killed his daughter's rabbit with bagel due to his negligence (the rabbit is confirmed to be death) and feel guilty -He couldn't find the gift -He was still mad that all of his siblings came on his birthday party when he didn't invite them and all of them drove him mad: A. Connor refused to take his coat despite being told many times to hide his injured hand B. Roman crashed to the treehouse VIP and meet Mattson personally and then pushed him and laughed C. Shiv was bored and then dance to the dance floor, having fun -The envelope that he got from his dad : A Warrant Regardless what caused his frantic, Kendall was totally not being himself on his birthday party

[@rini6]

Kendall is the character I have the most sympathy for. But he is truly flawed. Watching him is like watching a car accident in slow motion.

[@nicanornunez9787]

The more relatable billionaire in fiction or reality that I've seen. The sentimental reasons, the need for connection, the social distancing that capitalism puts between him and other humans.

[@galehunter2519]

Trainwreck you can’t look away from

[@jamesq5831]

especially season 3 you watch him fall apart in three time

[@rusamene]

Well goddamn that's a good description of kiddo.

[@annrodriguez2891]

His performance after the car crash was mind blowing

[@straight-uppodcast3834]

I’m not sure if it’s intended but every season I find myself rooting for Kendall and yet every time he disappoints and you can just feel his agony. Kendall is the most accurate depiction of depression, insecurity, and yet somehow narcissism I’ve ever seen. He’s an emotional wreck that just wants to be loved and everytime he tries to do the right thing he fails. I really hope he doesn’t wind up changing for the worst, he’s much better than the rest despite his douche persona

[@aaronmusic07]

Only other character I can think of that accurately depicts what you talked about is BoJack Horseman, and Kendall even eluded to the writers of that show early in S3. Great point

[@hacorn96]

I hope he becomes worse to deal with Logan. Logan has always been adversarial. He deserves that from his children as well. No matter how off putting it might be.

[@laopaokmj]

I feel the same.

[@Frosting1000]

He’s someone with a lot of potential. He’ll be so incompetent most of the time and then you a see a glimmer of hope. Like when he outed his dad about the cruises scandal in s2. That takes intelligence and balls! But then he’ll always return back to his vices (drugs, insecurities, narcissism) and fuck it up

[@KD-ou2np]

I think he it caught between not wanting to be the terrible person that his father is, but still kind of sees him as a role model. Everytime we see him in business interactions he tries to be crude and tough like his dad but he also doesn't want them to think hes an asshole and a bad person. And he can't have both. His dad is so ruthless as to not care if he hurts people or not. And just like the other kids, because he is so deeply invested in family politics, his understanding of how people work and how people see his behavior is totally skewed. He seems so confused when people hate him and his fathers company for what it represents because every single person close to him in his life values money over everything else and treats morality and ethics as just an act to trick people, not real things people believe in.

[@jaystedman4819]

I think a really telling scene is Kendall’s phone call with the banker about company debt in season 1. He’s rude and uses bad language because he wants to be perceived to be the tough businessman that his father is rather than giving thought as how to best navigate the situation to get the outcome he wants, which is what Logan would have done. It shows his poor judgment and how is all about image rather than outcome.

[@donniedarko464]

may I ask what do you mean by image? is it, the attitude of not giving a f**k is what makes Logan win and although Ken acts like he doesn’t care and try to show this through his bad language he can’t pull it off and lose in the end?

[@KD-ou2np]

​@donniedarko464 kendall is trying to imitate his image of his dad more than anything, and doesn't truly know how to cruelly manipulate people like his dad does. As much as he tries to emulate his dad, he cares about peoples feelings and what they think of him. Logan does not.

[@margarethmichelina5146]

Not only just Kendall, Shiv is also rude and even casually cursing even in serious conversation. Roman also likes to curse but when in serious conversation especially on negotiation, he mostly listen to them, look at them eye to eye and then act friendly towards them until they get the fair deal. He also barely curse when makes a deal unless the person pissed him off like Mattson.

[@Rose-hh7mk]

Another sign that Logan was an abusive dad is when Logan hits Roman when he tells a harmless joke and Kendall yells at Logan and checks to see if Roman is okay. The siblings aren't usually very protective of each other, so this stood out.

[@TESkyrimizer]

massive respect to Kendall for that. He responded similarly when Logan hit Iverson.

[@Ikaros23]

It’s a typical dysfuctional family. With narcissists, enablers, victims.

[@annrodriguez2891]

Logan is the most evil man in Succession

[@peterwang5660]

@@annrodriguez2891 Fucking piece of shit, so unlike his actor too lmao.

[@prestowitch]

yeah i think kendall shouted “you don’t touch him!” i loved him for that

[@TrulyMadlyShallowly]

I think it's important to note that Kendall's 'flaw' of being emotional and needing validation is only a flaw in this particular world. In the 'normal' one, it's perfectly natural human behavior. The real problem for Kendall is who he needs validation *from* - his father, which is also natural human behavior, but in this case is someone who will never ever give him what he needs.

[@whatyouwaitingfor1027]

I disagree, overcoming need for validation is a goal in the normal world, breaking from parental chains. it's where freedom lays, and is focal point of many western and eastern philosophy. It is partly why Kendall is so relatable.

[@melissathwaites415]

Everyone needs parental validation since we are not born knowing how to understand our own emotions.

[@TrulyMadlyShallowly]

Sure it is a measure of adulthood, but that doesn't mean needing parental validation in itself is a flaw. Children from arents whose validation was unreliable or lacking - especially when they were abusive - will struggle with this more and longer. Even in the animal world it is observed that unreliable parental attention leads to especially clinging children. It's a human trait that varies among people with circumstance and character, but I disagree that it's a flaw.

[@TheSkaOreo]

@@TrulyMadlyShallowly It's a flaw when you don't have self-respect, or you tie that self-respect entirely on how people perceive you. Everyone needs to be loved, to have a support system that reminds them that they are not alone. But in order to maintain healthy relationships, you have to have love for yourself.

[@melissathwaites415]

It doesn't really have much to do with loving yourself. In a healthy relationship you should not have to choose between having a 'killer instinct' as Logan calls it or remaining loyal to your family. Logan is unable to separate business from family and his children paid the price.

[@FleccaRobinson]

Dude, I wish a camera crew followed me around 24/7 so you could analyze me and tell me whats wrong with me 😂😂😂

[@MotokoBlaugrana]

Count me in! How f-ing awesome would that be!

[@cloudsurfer73]

so much lol. the way people analyze these characters, analyze me dammit.

[@esperanzagonzalezmoreno3118]

go to therapy maybe

[@jeviosoorishas181]

I think another major tragedy is really Shiv and Roman realizing too late, that they should've backed Kendall all along. Shiv and Roman both know Kendall is the only one qualified to succeed his father, but because of his massive insecurities and his weaknesses, they believe they can take his place. If however, they actually just help him with his problems and support him, they can give him what he needs to protect them all...something HE ALWAYS WANTED TO DO. It's not until when they realize that they're going to lose and that it's no longer a game, that they stop screwing around and they actually help him, and you can see how quickly he maneuvers and comes up with a brilliant strategy that none of them could ever come to on their own.

[@rafinha7081]

That's the end game baby. It would be the best twist ever on television.

[@kajamiletic3223]

I'd say that they all have unique strengths but none of them can do it on their own. Like Siobhan is actually the one most equipped to deal with actual intelligentsia who deal in principles, small contractual details, public image, etc, while Ken just defaults to "okay, but let's talk numbers" and loses everyone's trust. And Roman is the one who's best with people, feeling the room, and also the most practical of the three by S4, but he clearly doesn't know the industry like Ken does, nor does he care about the actual boring ins and outs of running a company. The problem is that, instead of encouraging them to cooperate and learn from each other and support each other, Logan is literally turning them against each other until they become crabs in a bucket, forced to abandon all their actual good ideas or principles just to get any sort of power or authority. And yes, Ken too, Ken is willing to give his sibs a slice of the pie as long as he remains boss, which is the attitude each one of them has, because Logan has destroyed any trust they may have in each other.

[@akcoady]

They realize, too late, that if they banded together & each use their individual strengths, they can beat Logan & lead the company.

[@TheSuperNats]

Gosh I disagree with this so much. Each time Kendall appeals to them, he reveals how not up to task he is. He immediately goes on an ego trip and they see that and disagree with him. What does Kendall do each time? Starts ripping into them like a child with a tantrum showing how he really isn’t the guy to follow.

[@hofhofandaway]

That’s exactly the point though. Logan always pitted his kids against each other so they wouldn’t succeed him.

[@vivalapalestine7235]

Anyone else feel a strong connection to Kendall because of your own personal struggles on life that mirror some of his ?

[@Dapryor]

For sure. I’m a recovering addict and I think his character does a great job of showing some of the more embarrassing sides of addiction and how you can so easily lie to yourself.

[@JerekBilbar]

Somebody do a hit and run?

[@OwnYourBaldSpot]

As someone who lived both with addiction and an emotionally abusive and manipulative parent, I find his portrayal incredibly well done. Definitely brought up old stuff for me watching him, which made its way to therapy ha!

[@msa565]

I don't even have siblings but him as a "older brother" and the struggle to make his father proud, have some similarities to me as an only child, plus his whole struggle with suicidal thoughts and always trying to have a normal relationship with his siblings (me with friendships growing up)

[@krzysztofolszewski9477]

Unfortunately I have more in common with Logan than with Kendall

[@emmanuelmondesir1314]

Kendall has to potential to be better than his dad but is so affected by the trauma that he can only express himself when on drugs. The idea of overthrowing Logan is always floating in his head but he can never bring himself to do it because he doesn't want to be as bad as Logan and still hope for him to have some good in him.

[@butterPancake21]

He’s also deeply insecure and to fill his father’s shoes he’d have to no room for that. He’d have to be as hard as his father to get the respect he desires and he’s not capable of that because of how emotional he is. I think he tries to overthrow his father because of how he wants to be but he can’t succeed because of who he actually is. And everyone close to him knows that and that’s why his siblings aren’t even competing with anymore.

[@X5J2UY]

I only disagree on one point. Kendall avoiding conflict. I'd argue that he is, repeatedly, the only one who dares to confront his father and take over. But his low self-esteem and personal issues always fail him at the end. His siblings are much bigger cowards than him, barely taking any risks and conforming to everything. Shiv tried a bit in S1 and that was it

[@exxy1444]

I think he confronted him because he wanted to prove he’s worthy first, and then maybe because of the legacy.

[@TheSuperNats]

Shiv literally led them to confront Logan in the finale of s3 what’re you talking about

[@X5J2UY]

After v

[@brennaleeann213]

i agree with both of you, he seems pretty non-confrontational by nature but is constantly pushing himself into conflicts to try to be more like logan

[@margarethmichelina5146]

Also, in Karaoke scene, Kendall and Shiv keep confronting Logan while Roman and Connor mostly being quiet. Ironically, those two got the most bad ending, Kendall is all alone and Shiv becomes Trophy Wife with miserable marriage with Tom, continuing her parent's marriage. While Roman is free and can do whatever he wants with no pressures but he needs to fix himself first and Connor is continuing to expanse his business on Slovenia.

[@Lizzie-ve7kt]

I feel the worst for Kendall. He’s always the one who gets ganged up on by Roman and Shiv, he incurs his father’s wrath the most, and he does at least try to be a better father than his own dad and shield his children from his personal pain rather than taking it out on them the way that Logan does.

[@angelaholmes8888]

You are right kendall does protect his kids from his pain

[@nothajzl]

They’re not his (real) children though😉.

[@RaoYiLan]

Meh. Kendall is mostly an absent father, which creates its own set of issues.

[@qjames0077]

Kendal was born into failure Logan, his father, is such a force of nature that anyone trying to fill his shoes wouldn't be able to measure up. Ken's own posh upbringing was the opposite of Logan's disparate childhood. Logan had the NEED to succeed, but his son's motivation is more of an OBLIGATION to succeed. The question still remains however, will Logan find a more worthy successor, or will Kendal rise to the occasion and become better than his father?

[@kimberlyklaus7296]

In Logan's defense, he did try to give all his kids- except Connor, who was never really interested in being CEO- a fair shake at being his successor. Kendall's continuing substance abuse issues have made it next to impossible. He laid out a perfectly reasonable plan for Shiv to take over; she wanted to take over without ANY training whatsoever or gaining any familiarity with the company. I think he had real hopes for Roman, but Roman blew it in the end.

[@damazywlodarczyk]

They destroyed Kendall in season 3. He was a baby. Logan was always strong, but Kendall also in places, but he was pathetic this time around. Thats why this season was terrible.

[@justasciencelover8175]

@@damazywlodarczyk i thought Kendall's oppression and plans wasn't that better Like The Logan vs Kendall thing wasn't good from Kendall side I hoped more out of Kendall Although my boy Kendall fucked up but still the season was better

[@FTualist]

@@justasciencelover8175 ikr! He gives us hope everytime he does something bold and then continues to be a loser 💀

[@henryclamore4791]

@@damazywlodarczyk What are you talking about? This season was amazing, in no small part due to Kendals character arc, but he did show himself to be a pretty pathetic person without to many redeeming qualities, but I still think he is a relatable and basically somewhat decent person, but with some truly loathsome character traits, which is what made it easy to see his downfall and disgrace throughout the series so far.

[@memento81]

I read that first scene with Kendall differently. He didn't reward being disrespected by offering a better deal. He just saw through the bs and decided to ignore it, because in the end it was all posturing and everyone has a price. Which is very in character given how he grew up. Everything is a transaction and insults don't really mean anything to them, because the Roy family constantly hazes each other with twisted cruelties ranging in sizes from poisoned needle to sausage. A pig doesn't care if you fling mud at it. Kendall just brushed all those insults away, because he knew he would win, and therefore the tantrum meant nothing to him.

[@happygucci5094]

Nicely done ✅ 💯👌🏽

[@ellicel]

Many viewers have complained that season three was more of the same-Kendall trying and failing. I wish they could all see this very insightful breakdown to understand how the show has deepened the character study and given Kendall an arc that is not often portrayed in the media. This is why the show is so often compared with the first few seasons of Game of Thrones-the focus on dialogue and internal struggles, the slow development, the study of power-and I’m here for it all! I really hope these writers are not swayed by popular opinion and end up ruining what we love about the show in order to pander to a larger audience who desires more plot-driven forward movement and “big” moments

[@000msk000]

The comparison with the earlier seasons of Game of Thrones is absolutely spot on and I wonder why I haven't seen this connection before. The chess-like power play between the well-written, deeply-flawed characters is mainly what kept me watching Succession.

[@katana2k]

"Our company is a declining empire in a declining empire" He starts off strong. But then... "People are killing themselves with guns, or dope, so fast that we're losing pace" Kendall's problem isn't that he is stupid or wrong, it's that he doesn't have any kind of follow-through. He doesn't believe in himself. He has the pitch, but he needs others to validate it. When they don't, he falls apart. If he were more confident, he could develop a real plan and actually make things happen, but he's stuck in a constant reactive state because he's so insecure.

[@nuttyflakes3912]

That's what caused him to lose the board takeover in season 1. He had to get that validation from Iloana although he already had the majority vote. Didn't make it to the meeting and lost everything. That moment when he's walking back out on the streets to see all the traffic has eased, knowing he have been out foxed was amazing.

[@notmwangi]

Same thing with sn 3 He abandoned the strategy of his team, fired his lawyer second guessing himself always

[@Adx___]

This hits so much harder after the season finale 😓😓

[@scottdrew3313]

The whole show really is the Tragedy of Kendall Roy...

[@PurgPurg]

Great video essay, one complaint: you imply that the two reasons for Kendall’s drug problem are “people associate doing drugs with feeling good, therefore people might associate feeling good with being around Kendall, making him feel less lonely“ and “it makes him come off as more relatable“ like, dude. He has a crippling substance abuse problem. It clearly stems from a lot more than a desire to be relatable and liked by other people, that’s ridiculous. I realize you’re probably not trying to say that, but that’s what was said, I know it’s hard to keep all your thoughts together in a long video essay. His substance abuse problems stem from trying to escape his depression. That should’ve at least been mentioned. You don’t go to rehab because you’re trying to make people like you more by doing drugs

[@whatyouwaitingfor1027]

Another aspect of Kendall's character the writers nail, is his addictions leading to him being utterly self absorbed . Kendall is a terrible father, for example, and if that was pointed out, Kendall would be oblivious and hurt. The Rabbit, the bagel and the Doctor, all in one episode encapsulates this.

[@margarethmichelina5146]

I found Kendall's birthday party theme is totally weird. You can see he has a hospital theme on the entrance, a room of mocking magazines of his siblings, a dance floor and a bar, a garden of compliment which full of people whom he hired to give the guests compliment and full of pictures of Kendall everywhere. Okay, that's totally fitting Kendall about who he is. But, probably the most sad thing of his birthday party is a VIP room on treehouse form. What kind of 40 year old man has a treehouse on his birthday? It is implied from Shiv and Rome that Kendall used to hang out on treehouse a lot on their childhood but putting on your 40th birthday is just.... weird. It's like Kendall wants to go back in time to have his treehouse back, to have his childhood memory back but the execution is just sad.

[@sankarchaya]

At times he seems bipolar in his self-destructive cycle between manic states and soul-crushing depression. The contrast between Kendall on the yacht and Kendall at the news conference is stark

[@mbag3266]

100% bipolar though he will never admit or seek the proper help

[@margarethmichelina5146]

​@@mbag3266In the pilot episode, Kendall mentioned that he went to rehab to recover from his drug addict only for Logan to get him out while he's still in recovery. Even Logan called the rehab a nuthouse. Logan was so selfish, he didn't let his son to recover from his addiction.

[@margarethmichelina5146]

Also, noticed every time he's having breakdown or angry, his eyes are bigger? Like a junkie who just consummed a drug. Yes, Kendall is a junkie himself but his real drug is his ambition, it's like he just wakes up and realize that the world around him is crumble and he will left alone if he doesn't do anything.

[@colechapman6976]

The way the show introduces this character is really well done and explains Kendall's character. He looks successful and confident, singing loudly to a Beastie Boys song. The next scene then shows how he actually looks on the outside, making a fool of himself and singing softly in a hushed tone. It is a great introduction because it is so true to the real character of Kendall. Every time he tries to be successful, he fails spectacularly.

[@demi9196]

agree except for the stewy bit, there's clearly real friendship underneath all the grandstanding the both of them do. the scene where they meet after kendall betrays stewy in season 2 is brutal because you can tell stewy is hurt and knows that something is going on, he sees his friend has once again been beaten by the father that has ruled over his whole life. "we had the whole world in our hands" that's not something to say to someone you're being fake too, that's raw betrayal

[@TheMeatyUrologist]

This is something I bet 95% of viewers missed. Stewie is actually a good friend to Ken (and I would argue, maybe the most competent businessman on the show). When Stewie is wearing his “business” hat, he’s all cold realism: he evaluates every situation purely for financial benefit, and he acts as a responsible fiduciary to his partners. Emotional conflicts simply do not feature. Notice that Stewie actually listens when spoken to, takes a beat before responding, and never raises his voice. At Tom’s bachelor party, Ken privately badmouths Stewie to Sandy Furness, saying Stewie “will follow the money like a dog in a cartoon.” But Ken is always at his least self-aware when judging others. (I about fell out of my chair in Season 2, when Ken assesses Frank-possibly his only other true friend/parent figure in the world-as “avaricious and status-obsessed.” Really, Ken?) In any case, Stewie regularly expresses genuine concern for Ken. (“There is a ‘friend’ card you can play here.”) Arian Moayed does a great job of regularly searching Ken’s face with his eyes. Even at Shiv’s wedding, when Ken enters their hotel room flustered and asks if he has any c*ke, noted drug-lover Stewie snows him, knowing that the last thing Ken should be doing is more drugs. Sadly, this is exactly what leads to Ken’s accident. But despite on-and-off snipes and confrontations, Stewie still shows up. To the point where I actually found it touching that-in the finale’s board scene-Stewie looks across the table at the long odds facing Kendall’s bid and declares, “I’m Team Ken, all the way.”

[@first9_yt]

Here after finale and... The strees will never forget Kendall Roy!!!

[@simonclarke9254]

The thing about him feeling undeserving of his wealth is so true. Maybe I'm reading too much into it but there's a scene in season 1 where he's heading into the Waystsr offices and he sees one of the workers putting rubbish in a bin and the camera lingers on for a few seconds to show its what he's looking at. He looks really sad when he's doing it like that should really be me but I was just born into a wealthy family. And when he has his breakdown and confesses about the car accident to Shiv and Roman he does it right after seeing the workers at his mums wedding putting rubbish in the bin again. It's sort of like a there but for the grace of god go I thing. He doesn't have any real self-confidence or belief and deep down thinks he should just be a binman

[@ParanoidOwlet]

great observation, l missed that

[@ddevvnnull198]

Wow. This analysis truly demonstrates how tragic Kendall's story is. It feels suffocating. Excellent job. I got goosebumps and actually sympathy for him. Hats off to you.

[@MrLlurati]

This is becoming one of my favorite channels on KZbin. Your videos analyzing Succession, as well as The Sopranos and Breaking Bad, are excellent and further deepen my understanding of the show. I binge watched Succession back this last November, and was hooked. Kendall is probably this least unlikeable of all the characters. He has addiction problems and feels like he will never measure up to his father, who is a bully and a tyrant. It will be interesting to see what happens in Season 4, especially after Tom betrayed Shiv and exposed the children’s revolt.

[@originaozz]

This was a great analysis. I would love to see further breakdown on Shiv and Roman too.

[@JustanObservation]

I think their biggest moments are still to come so I’m waiting for Season 4

[@4dultw1thj0b]

Tbh I feel like it's pretty rare to see good takes on Shiv and Roman as characters, particularly Shiv. It's easy to reduce them just to a surface level reading of being evil and power-hungry and whatever, when they're just as damaged by Logan's abuse as Kendall is and it manifests differently for them.

[@clairecai404]

@@JustanObservation I really like your analysis on Kendall!! Also about Shiv, it is very strange that although I am happy to see a woman succeed in career as a female myself, all my female friends and I really don’t like Shiv.

[@neburarieiv]

​@@clairecai404 you're not supposed to like Shiv.

[@ellicel]

@@clairecai404 I think this show has a lot to say about the destructive nature of “the game,” the win-at-all-cost mentality fueled only by self-interest. As such, while we see plenty of women at or near the top, none are portrayed as loving or supportive. Even Gerri, who steps into somewhat of a mentoring role for Roman, lets us know this season that she is always thinking “how does this serve my needs?” and acts accordingly. It’s rare for me to get so invested in characters I don’t like, but the show has created compelling and nuanced individuals that are fascinating in their many layers. I don’t root for Shiv, but I CAN empathize with the unique challenges she has as Logan’s only daughter. I’m in the field of education and have a chance to know many female leaders-many are wonderful, compassionate people but some have gotten to the top by ruthlessly squashing anyone in their way. Shiv reminds me of the latter group. It’s really important for our children to have female role models who are good leaders AND decent human beings.

[@futbolusa]

I’ve heard a number of people saying that he killed the waiter but from what I remember Kendall was driving straight and the waiter panicked when he say the deer and grabbed the steering wheel causing the car to fall into the river. It was an accident and Kendall was involved in the accident but it clearly wasn’t his fault.

[@annkey4091]

Kendall was high, speeding and not paying attention to the road. The waiter grabbed the wheel to avoid hitting the deer. It's called negligence.

[@xavierriv41]

Coming back after the series finale and just wanted to say these are by far the most insightful videos about the show. Really thoughtful. Well done.

[@danielemondmusic]

Kendall’s story feels Camus-ian, an updated take on the myth of Sisyphus. Each time his boulder gets to the top, some self-sabotage sends it right back down again.

[@jacobguerrero519]

And now the tragedy comes full circle

[@simonclarke9254]

After watching the final episode I actually feel sorry for Kendall, despite the fact he's had the most materialistically privileged life possible. He had an emotionally abusive dad who simultaneously tore down his self worth then berated him for not being confident enough. Logan constantly reminded him how privileged he was and how he'd never achieve what he had but then wouldn't allow him any other path. Logan's bodyguard following him through the park after the takeover went through just highlighted how he can never escape his dad and his legacy

[@goldenflower3182]

I really don’t have the bleak outlook of Kendall and his future outside the company. He plays like a tragic figure so it stands to reason shit could still go south, but I don’t think love, friendship, or success is out of the question. He’s stuck in a cycle of abuse, so ESCAPING Logan, would be a win in itself. Rejecting Logan’s worldview? A win. Getting his siblings back? A win. Getting Logan to sell the company, the one thing he never wanted to do? A win. Reforming a relationship with his kids? That will be a win. Kendall tackling the trauma of killing the waiter and a lifetime of abuse, could really open the doors for him to succeed in many areas.

[@sota2729]

It's what I want for him! He still has an exit out of this vicious circle of misery, but he needs to break from his father completely. There is still a good person in Kendall, unlike Logan, Kendall posses the ability to self-reflect and there is a deep empathy in him. But being raised by wolves is still halting him. It's really hard to escape your abuser.

[@goldenflower3182]

@@sota2729 Exactly! He wanted out and is now going to get paid even more than he initially asked for. He’s got his siblings back, re-contextualized the accident, came to terms with being a Roy & that he will never be the ‘good guy’. In a show in which everyone is stuck in a cycle of abuse and no one is getting help, is there a chance he could regress? Absolutely. If he ever pulls away (like James Murdoch) he has a strong chance at significantly improving his life, even if the trauma remains. Being a multibillionare 100% means *someone* will always take his phone calls. He might have trouble reading people, especially when he’s running ego first, but when he’s in business mode people do tend to listen. He was Logan’s first choice to be heir, people were willing to join his coup attempt, he helped set the stage for two major business deals (Pierce & Furness). He’s not incapable in business or relationships. Like the other children, being under Logan is basically kryptonite. Fighting his siblings is also not something he’s capable of. The idea Kendall is destined to flop outside of Logan, doesn’t really ring true to me.

[@melissathwaites415]

Agree, but Kendal would most likely have to cut contact with his whole lifestyle to reject Logan's worldview.

[@drgonz0id]

I really hope we can get another ep like Austerlitz....but honest and without Logan this time. The only way Kendall will ever break free of addiction is by cutting out the family. A season with the Roy kids working from the outside will be beneficial to all. Of course, Ken knew this too as exhibited during the 3rd season dinner scene with Logan. Narratively I believe this will also be more satisfying than Ken (and the other siblings) trying to re-enter the game.

[@goldenflower3182]

@@melissathwaites415 This is true. I should have been more specific on what I meant with that. A rejection of the idea he needs to live his life like it’s a fight for a knife in the mud, and or that love = abusive mind games, is a win. Safe to say, unless they completely rejects the money, his hands will still always be a bit dirty - even if his politics/moral compass doesn’t entirely align.

[@jamesrella763]

I love the shot of Logan above Kendall sitting on the chair , his hands above his shoulders like puppeteering a puppet

[@nope_no_nunya.]

Astute.

[@lukewilliam3601]

Kendell is one of the most compelling characters on TV today. This video does a great job explaining why.

[@antherstarkly2647]

Such a fantastic analysis. Love your videos. Almost as much as I love Succession. Your ability to pick out all the little nuances of scenes and characters and apply them to the bigger picture of the story is top notch. I reckon Jesse Armstrong would be delighted to watch this analysis of the masterpiece he made.

[@Narokkurai]

The knowledge that the show was originally intended to be an adaptation (and in some ways still is) of King Lear is very revealing. It's not just a soap opera about incredibly wealthy jerks, it's trying to be a meditation on the nature of power itself. What does it mean to have power? To want it? To *take* it? I think Kendall and Greg are perfect foils for each other because each one quests for power in diametrically opposed ways, and I think the series is setting up a major confrontation between the two. Greg is almost like a political genius, despite his total inexperience, he learns very quickly how to use the right leverage at the right time to advance himself, and he is basically the only character in the series who has done nothing but move up the entire time. Ken on the other hand has had a much more difficult time. He has had to learn every lesson the hard way, through painful failure and humiliating crawls back. He has had his ego torn up, smashed in front of him, and thrown back in his face. I think Ken is on the path to becoming a very cold and dangerous person, and I think if he and Greg stay on the trajectories they've been on, they will become mortal enemies. They may literally destroy one another.

[@dylanrhodes8377]

O Aliados con Greg traicionando a Tom para volver unirse a Kendall

[@KD-ou2np]

Its amazing how little ego greg ever shows in any situation, yet clearly he still lusts for power and feels entitled to it.

[@lalat5899]

I can see that happening

[@chimchimgirlz]

That’s an interesting thought. Greg is sneaky for sure. I’d like to know more about his upbringing. It may resemble Logan’s more than anyone else gunning for the throne.

[@Narokkurai]

@@chimchimgirlz I think so too. I think Logan recognizes that Greg really is the most similar to him. He didn't come from wealth. From all we've seen of his family life, it doesn't look good. He's naturally charming and unpretentious (mostly), and he has little respect for the rules of high society, if only because he's so ignorant of them. And--importantly--he knows how to use a knife to get what he wants. All things Logan respects, for better or worse.

[@bigcheech1937]

Kendall can be King if he can forge an identity beyond his father…he fluctuates between utmost devotion for his father on one hand and intense hatred on the other. It’s clear that the guiding principle in his life is either pleasing his father or defeating his father…once he can cultivate the proper amount of indifference and walk away from the game that his father has rigged, then his latent untapped potential will flourish.

[@t221000]

Jeremy Strong gives such a brilliant acting job. It's amazing how this show makes you sympathize with a spoiled rich kid. It's because of the way that Logan is such a tyrant that you connect with all 4 siblings so much. Kendall practically had an emotional breakdown in all 3 seasons.

[@rosariorob6954]

It's amazing how well this video holds up after last night's episode (season 4 episode) Wonderful analysis

[@fluffywolfo3663]

So I did some reading on what the names mean (cause I'm curious). It's obvious that Roy means "king," but Logan also means "Hollow." But "Kendall" means, according to google "Royal valley." And that seems pretty fitting - He's a bit of territory that his father has staked out, something that exists under his father's shadow.

[@George-io3ks]

Greg Hirsch has such a good meaning too, with the irony of hirsch meaning deer, which is what caused the accident with the waiter

[@henryk.5192]

I like how at the end of season 2 Logan tells Kendall that he’s not a “killer”. But Kendall, in his mind, feels he’s a killer because of what happened at the end of season 1.

[@gretaenglish3519]

I'm very late to the party. Just finished watching this masterpiece series and I'm loving your analyses. Kendall is the most tragic of the kids imo. It was hard to like these characters, but in the end, I totally empathized with them

[@daediaz186]

I hope you update this character study with whatever happens in season 4. It's one of the best I've seen of Kendall.

[@alexsutton5382]

“The boy who can’t be king” Great video mate.

[@kiratherenegade1561]

Kendall has always felt like the guy who can redeem himself in the end. Roman's uninterested in redemption, Shiv doesn't believe she needs redeemed & Connor avoidant style has led him into a house of cards dependant entirely on cash.

[@mariakrauszowska3786]

Great comment!!!

[@jakec9522]

The background music in this video is just perfect. It's like the soundtrack to Kendall Roy's entire life.

[@Sinner987]

i can relate to ken a lot(except the ultra rich part).. im rootin for him TEAM KEN!!!

[@HollyHargreaves]

I LOVE your Succession breakdowns.

[@judeannethecandorchannel2153]

Excellent video essay. Kendall is a very tragic character, the most overtly tragic character in the show. It's a testament to both the writing and Jeremy Strong's performance that in the first scene Kendel seemed obnoxious and foolish, a character I would never particularly like, but soon I began to feel for him, and now, though he isn't always a good person, I really care about this character's wounded and thwarted, almost ruined life. I think the reasons presented here for Kendall's problems are insightful and help us better understand the character. A very unique protagonist in an Amazing show.

[@cordyone]

Great analysis, only thing missing is kendall as an absent father.

[@angiebedford]

Brilliant analysis as always, thank you

[@danitzm]

This video leaves out Kendall’s obvious bi-polar disorder. Something his sister sees and mentions in the series. The great tragedy is his early release from rehab at the beginning of season 2 and the lack of psychiatric help especially in season 3 with his obvious mania and the reversal into depression during his 40th birthday party.

[@jones2277]

yes, i got that too or BPD.

[@droughdough]

Very obvious. As someone with bipolar disorder I see myself in Kendall.

[@Sofiarango.psicologa]

I think we must be very carefull when diagnosing characters or even real people that we see portrayed in media. I can see the point where Kendall can display some of the symptoms someone with bipolar disorder, but we must also take into account the context and environment where the person in question lives... His reactions and behavior might be a natural response to is circumstances rather than a mood disorder. It is possible that he has Bipolar, but it. is not the only answer- I am saying this because we often see people diagnosing others in social media with "narcissims" or other psychological disorders, which can lead to others misdiagnosing themselves when reading these kinds of assumptions online. A diagnosis is not something easy to determine even for psychiatrists and psychologists, and it is a topic we must be very carefull about because we can be contributing to a culture of wrongly putting people in a boxes that can become self-fulfilling prophecies.

[@jimiboi87]

@@Sofiarango.psicologa💯knocked it out of the park. Everyone’s a freaking psychologist these days….it does get old

[@friedkeenan]

I like how at the start of the first season when Kendall temporarily takes over, he thinks he should be rude to everyone and curse at them and all that, because that's what his dad would do. Except later, we see Logan being perfectly polite and cordial and able to do the corporate flirting to good effect, and we realize that Kendall thought that he should be "the hulk" to people because that's all _he's_ ever gotten from his dad. Logan knows that if he's horrible to Kendall, it'll be okay, but when it comes to people that Logan actually wants to like him or otherwise knows he can't be "the hulk" with, he puts on his polite facade.

[@pewpew192]

Dude, your channel is excellent. Keep up the great work!

[@Gemisnotmyname]

Out of all the characters in this serie, I find myself liking Kendall the most, his ability to look so self confident then in the next minute look defeated and helpless little child is so relatable

[@keyboardevangelist]

Awesome video as always.

[@nykia31]

I think Kendall under the right guidance could have been an effective leader. He has a human element to him that the others lack and he truly seems to want what he thinks is best for the business and the family (He views them as one and the same). I think Logan knows that he is the best suited of his siblings to lead, but Logan is such a sociopath, he can't imagine a world that moves on without him. As a result, he constantly cuts Kendall's legs out from under him. It's no wonder he acts as if he's on eggshells all of the time. He busts his ass trying to keep the company together yet is constantly on edge of the chair being taken out from underneath him, at any moment by his dad or sabotaged by his siblings.

[@micahesquibel448]

Watching Jeremy Strong in Season 2 was quite an experience

[@jones2277]

yes, i found him so attractive in his broken most vulnerable state. and absolutely insufferable in every other scene.

[@Torus2112]

Connor may be the eldest son, but Kendall is the number one boy.

[@alexcoyg3281]

Kendall had me when i first saw him singing rap in his Bose headphones.

[@ggoty]

Another excellent Succession analysis. Looking forward to watching your analysis on Gandolfini next

[@Tomow20]

I’m going to be so disappointed if Kendall’s new big thing isn’t crypto and NFT’s in season 4

[@4dultw1thj0b]

That seems to be more Connor's thing, being the libertarian and all lol

[@drgonz0id]

I could watch these video analyses every week until the next season starts. We're not worthy! Keep it up -- don't forget about the eldest son!

[@aubreymiller0728]

Connor Roy was interested in politics from a young age

[@robingronwald7993]

Successions cast is just amazing. This whole family consists out of top tier performances

[@cahyasatixoxo7207]

I always thought it was interesting how often they brought up Oedipus in the show when if you understand how Freud’s misinterpreted idea of the oedipus complex works in real life you can see Kendal’s relationship in particular with his dad is very much how that would unfold in real life it’s essentially perpetually infantilizing your children so they never completely grow up. And Roman has the more classic conceptualization where he really does fetishize maternal figures.

[@hyejinkim7440]

I just love your analysis! Jeremy Strong as Kendall and the writers did a hell of a job in this show!

[@J4ww44d]

This is a fucking great video and exactly the kind of content I wish there was more of. Well done man!

[@TheOtherGuy021]

Kendall Roy “the Prince who can’t be King” Succession is amazingly written

[@thedogs3467]

You’re channel is going to be massive one day. Don’t stop grinding man!

[@JustanObservation]

Thank you!

[@caragous]

@@JustanObservation Please please do a deep dive on Connor. The fact that almost every Succession reviewer ignores his story line is a traversty. There's sooo much material to be mined with that character for example how he the only Roy kid Logan has some kind of genuine empathy (pity/guilt?) for.

[@derinergun3954]

This hits different after the final season.

[@CollinThomasEverett]

Love this video essay so much. Brilliant.

[@maxonyoutube3854]

His character has so many nuances it’s amazing that 1 single actor pulls them off in such subtle ways that really makes me think this is a totally real person. I think one Kendall’s main conflicts having to do with his contrast from his father is that he wants to be good, and even though he’s right he can’t win because his father despite being immoral, is absolutely correct in that the way to win is to fuck people over. I think what this arch is leading to is Kendall maybe being given a chance to be the successor but turning it down because he realizes that he thinks being a good person is more important than business success. And he needs to feel like a good person if he wants to continue living. It seems like he can’t live with himself sometimes in the show.

[@johnthebaptist9828]

All your videos are so well made, keep it up

[@iamakshatpandey]

You being a Breaking Bad enthusiast and the final season of Better Call Saul premiering next month, a Better Call Saul analysis is very much awaited from this channel.

[@kdaddy310]

I don’t think I agree that Kendall avoids conflict, he’s the only one amongst the siblings that does stand up to his father.

[@KD-ou2np]

Maybe not conflict but confrontation.

[@therogue1542]

Tom Greg Logan and now Kendall Are Shiv and Roman vids coming up 👀? Possibly a Gerri or Connor? Whatever comes next, keep up the great analyses!

[@sholas2088]

I’ve always seen Kendall as the HSP of the family, he’s not intrinsically sociopathic like the rest but he can mask to be so by conforming to the nature of the family, however from time to time that mask slips due to the harsh nature of the business/family dynamic he’s been raised in. Therefore we see him breakdown numerous times, not just because of his poor decision making but because he’s more empathetic than the rest. He also seems to dull his emotional sensitivity down with drugs and alcohol a lot, I think it’s might be because he can fuel his facade with those vices (notice he is the only one with addiction issues). He doesn’t fit in his family dynamic naturally, and requires a healthy amount of emotional support that his circle can’t give to him.

[@mrinalrohilla2654]

Wow. He literally can't be King

[@frantisekplzak2774]

The fact that Logan only respects people that are a threat to him reminded me of the moment Kendall unexpectedly turns on him at the end of season 2 and for a brief moment Logan smiles with (what I would call) pride. My guess is that that's also what made Logan underlines Kendall's name in his will. Thoughts?

[@yasminejouini7403]

Great video as always ! way underrated youtube channel any way..i wonder if the show is going to give us Logan original story.

[@000msk000]

Excellent analysis. Kendall is a relatable character to so many men out there, including me, in one side or another. I personally know some men who’d be very quick to deny that but they are actually still in denial.

[@demonseed360]

Kendall actually had plenty of opportunities to really prove himself worthy of the position of CEO during the many times he was temporarily put in power throughout the course of the show, though he failed time and time again. I really felt for him in season 1, though. His biggest mistakes were the way he conducted himself around possible business partners and the fact that he blindly trusted Stewy without doing his due diligence, which let Sandy worm his way into the company. With that being said, he managed to solve the billion dollar debt problem that his dad created, but was still branded an idiot after genuinely trying his hardest to fix the problem. He was insulted by his father long before he even knew about the whole Sandy thing, as well.

[@RonFilm]

Kendall did NOT kill the waiter. The waiter was high, as was Kendall. Neither had a good judgment. The waiter was the driver so if anyone is to be held responsible it's him. Kendall even tried to save him and went after him a few times but couldn't.

[@amazza6907]

Yeah it's always the coverup they get you for. I think they should do a Succession What If? where he actually saves the guy. He'd then pull off the takeover, kick the drugs once and for all, fight off the inevitable Stewie/Sandy betrayal, and turn Waystar/Royco into a benevolent super-corporation that makes everything perfect forever.

[@damazywlodarczyk]

You have no grasp on morality. Kendall convinced the high waiter to drive and to go buy drugs. Also he didn't do shit to save the waiter, moreover he covered this up.

[@JustanObservation]

I explain it’s an accident at 8:00, I just don’t repeat it the same way later as it would be repetitive. He is partly responsible as if he never approached the waiter for drugs he would still be alive. The media would also blame him so the full “truth” is muddled as his reality is based on perception

[@drgonz0id]

@@damazywlodarczyk It's been a minute since I've seen the episode (1.10), but I believe Kendall did make an effort to save the waiter initially. Ken is culpable of involuntary manslaughter, mainly for forcing the stoned waiter to drive. Still, the coverup is far, far worse.

[@alessiodileonardo9662]

Guys but why do you keep saying that Kendal made the waiter drive the car? Kendal was driving! It's in England you drive on the right! The waiter caused the accident turning the wheel out of the blue

[@mollycocodrilo]

This video was beyond good. Thank you so much!

[@melissagarrick.3288]

There's something so frustrating about watching Kendall's character, because there's such a fundamental understanding of why he's the way he is, but he can just be such an awful person sometimes. Kendall is the only child who ever really tries to take his father on, but it always just falls apart. It's frustrating how realistic and real it feels.

[@AliFareedMC]

“He who makes a beast of himself gets rid of the pain of being a man.” - Dr Johnson

[@henrikanchelia64]

I'm a simple man, i see a succession video essay, i click.

[@travis3430]

The best character, most complex & flawed. Id end up like him with his upbringing & situation

[@futbolusa]

One thing I didn’t like about Kendall’s character is when he’s on drugs he comes off as confident, cocky and actually pretty charismatic. He did the rap on drugs, got with Naomi Pierce on drugs, and overall just seemed way happier. I might have missed when he got off of them but they didn’t show him going through an intense rehab again

[@NikhitaPrabhudesai]

Beautifully analyzed.

[@whatyouwaitingfor1027]

Roman's character has shown the most growth over the 3 seasons. Roman's avoidant nature comes from being the youngest, 'the observer'. Watching the dynamics of his older siblings and his parents, that's why he navigates the world how he does. Roman is the character that has grown on me the most.

[@andrewstephens5885]

One of the worst first impressions a character gave lmao, was on the money though but man the first episode of the show feels like drinking black coffee

[@surplusrevenge2013]

he is not the youngest. Shiv is.

[@whatyouwaitingfor1027]

@@surplusrevenge2013 ok same as above just remove 'youngest'. The observer and avoidant still applies.

[@goldenflower3182]

I definitely don’t get the impression Stewy only likes him for ‘business’ purposes. I feel likes been honest from the jump. His friendship doesn’t equate to loyalty in business. He will follow the money every time. Even if Stewy isn’t the greatest or most loyal friend, at least Kendall is loved by his siblings at least. Something about Kendall strikes me that he’s the most likely to turn into Logan 2.0 under the right set of circumstances. If he ever gets out from under Logan and accepts accountability for the waiter’s death, he will probably be much happier.

[@tedtawk2783]

Stewy wasn’t even at Kendall’s birthday, he ain’t no friend

[@goldenflower3182]

@@tedtawk2783 Well, yeah. He clearly hasn’t completely forgiven Kendall.

[@4dultw1thj0b]

@@tedtawk2783 Stewy didn't go to his birthday most likely because he knows Kendall too well and he knew it was gonna just be a self-destructive shitshow.

[@WojocoleShorts]

One hell of an analysis. Instant sub

[@HolySerbia]

Brilliant observation! 👏👏👏

[@annaleathompson2702]

He is truly the most tragic character. His narcissistic parents made him this way.

[@4321i]

Amazing analysis, keep the good work!