Succession 2 x 9-10 | Full-Length Reaction
Added 2025-07-10 03:35:51 +0000 UTC
Comments
Oh and regarding the blaming session, they all went into that knowing it was going to be that sort of blame brainstorming thing, so I don't think anyone really was feeling that hurt, more trying to save their own skin. Greg isn't used to the games so he probably felt hurt, and maybe Tom a little but he's been around long enough, and also a lot of the blame DOES fall on him. She couldn't do that at the table with Tom because she had to make her plea to dad in private. The table discussion was not the place to do it.
Eboe Thrasher
2025-08-15 22:37:00 +0000 UTCI like this a lot
Franklin
2025-08-15 21:49:45 +0000 UTCI think that every time we expect good morality out of these people, we are forgetting the fact that we watch these shows to see these people act terrible... that's kind of the reason these shows exist, to see the rich and how they act, and how they navigate amongst the world, and to see how they might get smacked down, or not, and it can make us feel better about our world, or ourselves. But there is always a moral quandary to everything, some of what they do has understandable motives, Kendall was saying what he said because he had to talk in circles. And Logan doesn't have to tell Kendall what he's apologizing for, it is known between the two of them.
Eboe Thrasher
2025-08-15 19:08:54 +0000 UTCYou’re completely right about the way Tom fights. He’s not rich like the Roys, but he grew up upper middle class in the Midwest…he’d have been rich within his community. And he definitely fights as a privileged white boy: petty, underhanded, and sometimes obnoxious. (He flexes in the oddest ways too.) I see it in the way he snarks at Willa early in the series and “I’ll pay men to break your legs” to Nate, as you noted. You reminded me of a thought I had during your reactions that I didn’t share at the time: Tom had made a similar threat to Greg that if he betrayed Tom “I will break your legs”, it’s interesting how different his comparable threats are to Greg. Power is a big part of how he treats Greg unlike the Roys, but that’s not all of it because he definitely viewed himself as having more power than someone like Willa or Nate back then. Greg gets Tom’s direct threats, and outbursts. He’s not threatening to pay men to break Greg’s legs, I don’t think he would ever let someone hurt Greg FOR him, Tom would more likely do it himself! I kinda think that violence is tied to intimacy in a weird way. The bizarre yet reserved way he stands up to Logan in this finale seems such a strong contrast to how he acts like an animal with Greg, and he’s often emotionally vulnerable in those moments (like the water bottle fight). Idk if I have a solid point but the strangeness in his harassment & fights with Greg stand out to me when rewatching the series with you.
Hannah G0123
2025-07-17 05:36:31 +0000 UTCShiv didn't lie though. The other side won't be there for you either. That lady is on her own. See where Anita Hill is now. She did the right thing saying something about Clarence Thomas and she was treated terribly. Biden and other Democrats left her out there.
NJM
2025-07-15 04:09:23 +0000 UTCI’m curious to hear how your reaction was different from Frank’s, if you’re willing to share!
Valaree
2025-07-10 20:45:14 +0000 UTCThis show is based on the Murdoch family - an Australian billionaire family that founded and operate Fox news in the US. Should tell you all you need to know.
Benjamin
2025-07-10 19:16:38 +0000 UTCyeah people tend to forget that kendall has known everything from the beginning
N
2025-07-10 18:28:32 +0000 UTCI have such a 180 reaction to everything in this show from what you express, it makes me wonder if I should seek therapy immediately. Or maybe write fanfic, ha. That said I agree, everyone is so damaged! Jagged misshapen puzzle pieces that only fit together with each other even if the picture they make as a whole is a grotesque, bloated joke of a family. But I'm not confused by their actions; everything they do makes sense to me, when I think about who they are and how they navigate life. You'd like to see the Roy kids break out of this, and so do I. But I think about The Wire and the way culture and societal expectations, especially over time, creates grooves and unconscious biases that are so hard to escape. It does make me much more understanding, even if I do not like or condone what they're doing. It reminds me of Wallace: the potential, the good of someone being beaten down by the environment in every direction. It reminds me of Stringer and Avon: the maliciousness in the name of business, while whittling away their humanity until they never question their own decisions or feel regret because they tell themselves they can't afford to, as top dog. And Bodie: fighting to climb the ranks of a no-win game, to stay alive as long as you can. You've mentioned Game of Thrones before, which is also apt; being born doesn't mean you inevitably inherit the throne and there's more than one way to become king!
Charlie Ito
2025-07-10 18:18:28 +0000 UTCDamn I love this show!!! Goddamn!!! So many layers, I pick up something new on every watch. Thoroughly enjoying your takes on some of the best-written and -inhabited characters ever.
Cristabel
2025-07-10 16:33:38 +0000 UTCThe Judas kiss! I never noticed it before but you’re absolutely right!!
Valaree
2025-07-10 16:06:55 +0000 UTCI love/hate Kendall just as much as everybody else does, but I think we do have to remember that Kendall was involved in the cruises cover-up in a way that his siblings certainly weren't. In 2x08 it is said that Karl, Frank and Kendall are among the people who know about the historic details, Roman seemingly didn't know much about it based on his ignorance in 2x06 and never being a part of these conversations, and we see Shiv only learn about it in 1x09. If we go back to 1x04 when Tom first learned about it, he went straight to Kendall to talk about it, but was promptly told by him to shut up, do his job, and keep shovelling the shit for him. Tom ordered Greg to do the document destruction, but he only did that because the senior management operating at the time of Kendall and Gerri implicitly told him that if he wants to climb the Waystar ladder then doing the 'right thing' is not how things are done here. Given the ambitious career man that Tom is, he naturally chose the path of the 'sin cake eater'. "How much those of us who executed his wishes bear responsibility is for another day..." Is maybe a fine sentiment in the context of this burgeoning Roy civil war, but it is also a very convenient way for Kendall to slightly yada-yada his own involvement. Kendall may be proving to his father that he is now a killer, and that is great to a point, but as he leaves and rips up the paper the media asks "Mr. Roy do have anything to say to the victims of these crimes?" I suppose we'll have to see if he does... With regards to Shiv and Tom on the beach, I think that conversation is important, but I still think Shiv was trying to save Tom before that too. After the failed threesome, she goes to talk to Logan where she pitches the idea of Kendall holding the can for cruises instead of Tom. She then maintains credibility with her father in the public forum at breakfast, but if you look at her face for the entirety of that scene when pressure is being put on Tom, her expression is one of angst and worry, not disinterest. Her words are certainly callous, but after giving the case against him, Logan actually moves away from Tom, expressing doubt in the idea of him as a compelling enough sacrifice. After Tom expresses frustration to Shiv about their marriage and more, she then goes back to Logan, turns down the idea of her being a senior decision maker, and then pleads as his daughter to save Tom. I understand if people think this is an overly charitable read for Shiv's actions in the finale, but as someone who was basically on Tom's side the entire time I watched the show the first time, in subsequent rewatches I have found looking at their relationship under the assumption that she does actually want to be with Tom to make for a much more dramatically compelling watch. TL;DR Great reaction as always!
Henry Parker
2025-07-10 16:06:23 +0000 UTCSuccession has similar vibes to the sopranos when it comes to family and the idea that we should stick together even tho in a flip of a dime they could betray each other and you can never really be vulnerable with family bc they could literally use it there advantage or see it as a weakness it’s like fight for your own survival in these type of environment
Marv
2025-07-10 16:02:21 +0000 UTCWhen Shiv approaches Logan after she and Tom go to the cove, she says something like, "what about who we talked about before" indicating she had made the Kendall suggestion prior to that event with Tom. I'm pretty sure anyway. Anyone else? Not disputing your comment. These characters are nothing if not self-preservationists.
Melissa
2025-07-10 15:52:27 +0000 UTCBrian Cox does something with his eyes -- they kind of sparkle, like he's smiling with them -- that is so subtle. It's amazing. The corners of his mouth barely move . . . maybe microscopically, but enough.
Melissa
2025-07-10 15:49:51 +0000 UTCThere’s definitely some of the Trumps in there too. Not necessarily in Logan, but the rest of the family.
Valaree
2025-07-10 14:49:44 +0000 UTCI love hearing your theories, Laura!
Valaree
2025-07-10 14:38:18 +0000 UTCSeason 2 finale is the one that sealed the deal for me loving this show above all others 😂
MB
2025-07-10 13:30:23 +0000 UTCYeah by getting attached to the character we tend to forget that they are all horrible people
N
2025-07-10 12:33:24 +0000 UTCThis episode, as it relates to Shiv, really solidified in my mind to never forget who these people are. As if we needed more examples or reminders. I think the writers & the actors pose the question throughout the series “Can people change? Do people change, or do they only become more & more who they always were?”
Paris Hardy
2025-07-10 12:19:35 +0000 UTCI truly have NEVER seen a show that does finales as brilliantly as Succession. 🔥 On my first watch, I was naive and never once thought that it was going to be Kendall. Watching it back way too many times, it is clear all along. Lingering camera shots, editing cuts, character subtleties, and so much more point to the outcome of Logan naming Kendall as fall guy. It's also clear in re-watches that Kendall himself knew it was coming. You can see it in Strong's portrayal. Every moment of this episode is perfection. As always, I have to heap praise on all of the actors, but in this episode Matthew MacFadyen as Tom and Jeremy Strong as Kendall absolutely destroy the field. I've never seen an actor evoke so much emotion in just their eyes as Strong does. I love his decision to stutter when he's nervous or intimidated, how he holds his body to indicate his submission or strength, and so much more. It's no wonder he won an Emmy for this season (and was nominated for, I think, all of the seasons?). And the scene with Tom and Shiv on the beach is one of the series' best IMO. There's been a lot of rumination about when exactly Kendall makes up his mind to "kill" his dad. I see a visible change in Kendall when Logan refers to the waiter as an "NRPI" -- after that, his eyes and posture change. Kendall genuinely feels guilt and sorrow about what happened with the waiter. He has disappeared into himself all season, with heavy suggestions of suicidal thoughts. The episode where his dad takes him to the waiter's family home is excruciating. And THEN for his dad to dismiss it by saying this young man is not a real person??!! After he used the accident to hold Kendall hostage and manipulate him every moment since?? 🤯 Then, Ken leans in and kisses his dad on the cheek a la Judas. I don't think he has his plan yet, but I think that planted the first seed. Then, for them to send Greg as his "babysitter" when we know Greg tucked away some of the evidence?? Immaculate story telling. Even the "you're not a killer, you have to be a killer," always gets me b/c it's both denigrating Kendall as not good enough to take over the company but also laying on the guilt that he is actually a killer (manslaughter) of an innocent young man. The layers. The fucking layers!!! I cannot praise this show enough. Bring on Season 3.
Melissa
2025-07-10 12:13:46 +0000 UTCValaree, have you seen Monica's TED talk? Amazing. Here's the link: https://www.ted.com/talks/monica_lewinsky_the_price_of_shame. I was in my early 20s during that time, and I'm ashamed to admit, I didn't feel sympathy for her. Don't get me wrong . . . I didn't give Clinton a pass, but I was young enough that I was on the train of blaming the woman (or at least not feeling sorry for her, like she deserved it.) Obviously, I grew and learned to understand the toxic beliefs that had been fed to me and all women. Anyway, her TED talk is totally worth watching. Loved it.
Melissa
2025-07-10 10:06:22 +0000 UTC30:31 "I would actually really like for Dave to come" -- that delivery feels very David Rose to me, with less hand dramatization. LOL You should watch all the Inside the Episode clips from here on out. They're fantastic.
Melissa
2025-07-10 09:10:09 +0000 UTCFamilies like this: I've heard Rupert Murdochs' family referenced the most, and it seems the most glaring. Also, the (Sumner) Redstones; (William Randolph) Hearsts; (Andrew) Carnegie who, like Logan, made a fortune and came from nothing; (Michael) Eisners who own Disney; Kennedys, specifically the Chappaquiddick scandal. . . Jesse Armstrong pulled a little from a lot, but bc I remember reading he had previously written something (screenplay or script) about the Murdochs, they seem to be the primary model. There are many articles out there and probably videos, too, but I would AVOID them because depending on when they're written, they might make reference to certain parallels not yet seen in the show that could spoil future events. Anything I mentioned, like Chappaquiddick, has already happened in the show.
Melissa
2025-07-10 08:58:21 +0000 UTCand 100%- that's what that ending face was
amanda_owl
2025-07-10 08:44:26 +0000 UTCBut the writing is chef's kiss!!
Melissa
2025-07-10 08:42:10 +0000 UTCLogan, who asks Shiv to choose between her brother and her husband in the final, and shiv who chooses Tom after the discussion they had on the beach idk it seems to be such a difficult choice I feel bad for her oh and poor Kenny Logan is such a douchebag
N
2025-07-10 08:36:53 +0000 UTCI left this on the wrong video like a doofus--- it's the Injustice verse all right. If you work for fascists and evil people, you get dragged down into the filth even with good intentions And maybe someone already said it but the real life inspiration for the Roy family is the Murdoch family, currently battling over who will take over his companies which include FOX and the Wall Street Journal. His oldest son is the groomed one who is most like him and hated by the younger siblings. They are all Republicans of course but allegedly the other siblings "don't like" Trump, and started pulling away from the brand (but still want to take over control of it) post 2015. Very much the opposite for the oldest son, he is super MAGA. So people have hopes and narratives that the other siblings are less...evil. I'm sure Rupert Murdoch has probably tried to buy CNN (what the other media family is meant to be the owners of.) Like Logan, Rupert has also been married and divorced a gazillion times
amanda_owl
2025-07-10 08:36:19 +0000 UTCGreatest line in tv history!
Dannielle
2025-07-10 07:49:28 +0000 UTCThe last episode was so perfect perfectly orchestrated from Shiva and Tom on the beach, in the bedroom, speaking on his feelings on the wedding day and going forward. On Rome coming out of a hostage situation, truly wanting to connect with his brother and sister and their reaction to him being what it has always been because I know no other way. To Logan and how he treated Kendall and his relationship with someone who truly saw him for who he was yet manipulated him into having her leave only to gaslighting later to say he stated that he told her she could stay,( I personally believe that was a lie) just more of Logan‘s mind screwing up his own child. The entire set up on the boat of who should go and be the face and sacrifice. And I would be lying if I did not say how proud of Kendall I was when he, after hearing his father would be watching ripped his father Logan‘s mask clear off as ship sitting beside Logan, knowing that Roman was to be the CEO of silence between Logan and Shiva spoke volumes of her realization that they were all expendable and always have been. I cannot wait for the next season! One point on Mo. He is now been referenced three times and something inside me tells me that Roman and Mo have some type of trauma bond that has created Romans sexual dysfunction. That is just speculation on my part. If anything I have said rings true to the story please understand I have not seen the story and these are only my thoughts and my thoughts alone. I refuse to continue to delete my statements on my thought processes in order to not quote gives spoilers“ to those who may not have seen it as I have not seen it either. Most people in my understanding would watch the show long before they read anybody’s statements. I’m not being disrespectful, but I’m asking for the space to be able to state how I think the show is or where the twist and turns are leading my thoughts. it is with respect for myself and my participation as a Patreon member to be able to speak my mind without having someone tell me that I’ve given out spoilers when an actuality I’ve never seen this show and I cannot foresee what others have already seen, and if they’ve already seen it, and it cannot be a spoiler to them. And for those who did not see it again cannot be a spoiler as it is only my thought processes.
Laura Thate
2025-07-10 07:04:44 +0000 UTCThat little lunch is Boar on The Floor all over again. This time we’re humiliating each other verbally instead of fighting over sausages but it’s just as awful to watch.
Valaree
2025-07-10 06:33:49 +0000 UTCThe fucked up thing is, Shiv was absolutely right when she told the victim what her life would be like after testifying. Look at what happened to Anita Hill, Monica Lewinsky, and every other woman who has publicly accused powerful men of sexual wrongdoing. They get fucking DRAGGED. They are joked about, reduced to sexual objects, and they receive zero protection from the government or the media. Shiv’s motivations for giving that advice were absolutely corrupt, but damn she was right, and if she is actually able to follow through on her promise to seek justice within the company that would probably be the best outcome possible in this circumstance.
Valaree
2025-07-10 05:27:45 +0000 UTCI have said this before about Rhea and it really solidified it the first episode when she sat down with Logan, how she structured his questions to him was how a prosecutor with structure, open-ended questions that only Logan could say yes or no too in order to catch him lying so they could prosecute him. As you said Franklin, she knew who he was she even bedded that man in my opinion to get his guards down and create tension between him and his wife, so he would be vulnerable and give up information needed. I believe now believe more than ever, Rhea is a double agent, a mole for her first employer, in order to take down Logan’s empire for her original employer please forgive me for not remembering her name.
Laura Thate
2025-07-10 05:18:03 +0000 UTCYou can’t make a Tomlette without breaking some Greggs 😂
Valaree
2025-07-10 04:55:37 +0000 UTCThis is a show where it's so hard to root for anyone, but Tom's "sad" line to Shiv during their beach convo was just.... 💔 What a concise and articulate description of how he feels, and such a banger line.
skoivan
2025-07-10 04:28:46 +0000 UTChehe finale energy!
Franklin
2025-07-10 04:23:45 +0000 UTC3 hours! I'm so stoked.
Melissa
2025-07-10 03:37:56 +0000 UTC
