Succession 4x8

I mean, the whole speech is meant to symbolise it and has symbolism of anti-semitism, racism (especially toward black people), anti-elitism and so on. But regarding fascism, two things especially: "The democracy I believe in is where a leader emerges from the people, willed almost, into being, brought forth by the great sweetness of the virtue of the combined wisdom of the good people of this republic." This is the most fascist thing by far. I mean it is textbook fascism. A sole, strong, leader that rises from the people, that represents a singular and united "will of the people". Democracy has become damaged (as he clearly alludes to previously in the speech) and he and he alone can fix it "Don’t we long sometimes for something clean once in this polluted land? Not something grubby with compromise. Something clean and true and refreshing. Something proud and pure." Harkening back both to something better that has come before, which is very common for fascism. But more than that of course it also reeks of xenophobia. I mean we could replace the words as such to show more of the allusions to white supremacy etc.: "Don't we long sometimes for something clean (white) once in this polluted (diverse) land? Not something grubby (non-white) with compromise (acceptance). Something clean (white) and true (white), and refreshing (white). Something proud (white) and pure (white)." This, coupled with previous scenes in the show (for example when he references "H"... wonder who that could be...) and this guy is clearly a fascist and probably at least very interested in this nazism thing.

Carl Hansson

Quote something specific that is “fascist” as you describe it that he said

Jon Exler

The guy is specifically written to sound like a nazi/fascist. I don't know what to say other than that really.

Carl Hansson

YES! I feel like they missed several nuances constantly focusing on Greg (i find him annoying too) and Greg was also conflicted during this episode. when he was talking to Jess in the hallway you could tell he felt anxious about having to go call it but he had no other choice. plus yea he's a white and rich so of course he wouldn't be has shook as jess but he has compromised his morals. that scene showed the downside of doing so. it's not all just for funsies to get ahead at the company and roy family. i want them to rewatch the episode because there a lot of subtle things that happened which impacts the series finale A LOT.

Megan

YUP! This episodes zoomed out and made you remember all the sibling rivalries truly affect the country and 99% because were so locked into their family drama. And scary to realize their petty fights run our country. It felt like a bucket of cold water being thrown on you. I legit felt some PTSD. Reminded me too much of the 2016 election night. Being put into that emotional state was TOO MUCH. Succession is the best show of all time.

Megan

This episode gave me PTSD; It was too similar to the night of the 2016 election. I literally didn't breath the entire episode and my body hurt after it ended from being so tense.

Megan

Jon Exler

The pure disgust in your eyes every time Greg so much as takes a breath is crazy.

Corncobtv

Great reaction, such a scary episode. Too many implications to even list. I did just want to add though…The Greg hatred is approaching blinding levels. Yeah he’s annoying and hypocritical at times but if you just rage every time he’s on screen you’ll miss plenty of nuance and story context. It’s already happening a bit, and is especially important towards the end of the show here. Just my 2 cents.

Evan

This whole episode felt like the 2016 Election Night playing out in real time.

DTGstl314

This is one of my favorite episodes of any TV show tbh. The way it changes the entire perspective in one episode for us viewers is pretty fucking nuts. The whole GoJo thing becomes fucking stupid and irrellevant in just one episode, when they sacrifice their whole country just for some hackshoot attempt to block the deal. Its just a masterful switchup of perspectives that completely recontexualizes everything in the last season.

fatdabbyeet

This episode is insanely dark for any TV show, let alone Succession. It also cemented it as one of the best shows ever made in my opinion, and the coming episodes do not disappoint either. What is also important to note, is that this is like Jan 6 on fucking steroids. Like this is the middle ground between Jan 6 and fucking 1933. There really are not many shows that can even stand up to Succession. The decision to have such insanely huge, dark consequences to the main characters flaws is such a stroke of genius. Up until around this episode, we have all been watching focusing on the aquisition and Mattson, until this ep rolls around and that suddenly becomes utterly unimportant for everyone but the siblings, including us viewers. Idk I would never have guessed in season 1 that part of the inherent plot to the series was the fascist takeover of America.

fatdabbyeet

Fuches would and has done exactly this lol.

Chad Gloria

Agree, obviously no spoilers but Roman was my favourite this season, just genuinely himself living his real life.

Shahria Chowdhury

this is the one episode where shiv made sense apart from her thing with tom

Futuristic Girl

shiv apologizing so that tom can apologize to her is so funny to me

Futuristic Girl

Roman gains momentum here because he doesn’t need to compromise anything. Where Ken and Shiv are attempting a balancing act, Roman’s political and business incentives line up perfectly. There’s nothing for him to question and nothing to slow him down.

Eric Wall

I think that’s my biggest issue with Shiv, she lacks self awareness for a generalist term to address both her corporate shortcomings and her familial issues too. Kendall has that but he is willing to sacrifice all principles it seems for his destiny. At this moment in time the strongest candidate in my opinion is Roman, making all the right moves and alliances.

Shahria Chowdhury

Yeah, if Shiv had actually made the phone call and been able to turn Nate’s head, her and Ken would’ve basically been in the same place via the acquisition. Both would’ve compromised their business strategy somewhat for the good of the country. It’s simply the fact that neither of them wanted to which brings us here. Character-wise, it reads to me that Ken struggles with having made the selfish decision, while Shiv isn’t even aware that she made it.

Eric Wall

shiv bad doesn't equal ken good. Ken was going Mencken anyway. He only considered going Jimenez if they would block the deal. If shiv lied well enough and Ken didn't make that call he might've gone Jimenez. He was obviously torn about it and i don't think he likes Mencken but if shiv never talked to Ken i think he still would've gone Mencken "for the sake of the company".

420deepthroat

Not you guys going in on Kendall! He's still baby girl! Kendall was thinking about his children and leaning towards Jimenez when talking to Shiv, thats what the convo was about right. He wanted to go Jimenez and asked Shiv if there was anything she could get them to say to block the deal. Shiv isn't as loyal to her political views as she is to her personal aspirations since she feigned the conversation. I think if Shiv did care ultimately more about the country than herself then Mencken would not have won, Kendall only went Mencken in the end because he found out Shiv was plotting with Mattson.

Shahria Chowdhury

Oh btw I think Roman is definitely trying to emulate Logan, Mencken was Logans candidate.

Shahria Chowdhury

Honestly all things considered I think Tom is respected and also competent at his Job, climbed through the Waystar Royco ranks (sure marriage to Shiv played a part) and demonstrated his ability to eat s*** for the company all along the way.

Shahria Chowdhury

I was most dreading rewatching this episode because of how awful it makes me feel lol it’s so good though!

Katie

Honestly this episode is so good, up there with the S2 finale as my favourite episodes of the series!

Shahria Chowdhury