“Succession” Season 4 Episode 1 review: a bidding war & $10 billion
The most dysfunctional family has finally returned!
The highly anticipated fourth season of "Succession" premiered on HBO this week, and fans of the show were not disappointed. Titled "The Munsters," the episode continues where it left off with the family divided, which sets the stage for what's sure to be another season of power struggles, deals, and plenty of dark humor.
As always, the performances are top-notch. However, the standout performances in this episode go to Nicholas Braun and Sarah Sook, who play Cousin Greg and Shiv Roy. In a surprising occurrence, Cousin Greg, the bumbling and lovable outsider, unwittingly and mistakenly records a sex tape with a random girl who could potentially use information heard as leverage against the Roy family. The revelation is played for both humor and drama, as we see Greg struggle to keep the tape hidden while also navigating his own desires. Nicholas Braun brings a comedic charm to the role of Greg, as he tries to balance his loyalty to the family with his own need for self-preservation. The sex tape subplot also serves as a reminder of the morally questionable nature of the Roy family and their business practices, as they are willing to go to great lengths to protect their reputation and maintain their power. The inclusion of the sex tape adds a new layer of complexity to the show's already rich tapestry of characters and themes and sets the stage for what promises to be a fascinating and unpredictable storyline. Towards the end of the episode Cousin Greg reveals an out-of-character positive interaction with patriarch Logan; which raises the question, will Cousin Greg be The Successor?
The dissolution of Shiv and Tom's marriage has been a long time coming, and the first episode of the new season shows us the beginning of the end. Sarah Snook gives an excellent nuanced and subtle performance as Shiv, as she tries to navigate the delicate balance between her loyalty to her siblings and her own desires. Meanwhile, Matthew Macfadyen portrays Tom's heartbreak and confusion with raw and vulnerable honesty. The unraveling of their marriage is both heartbreaking and poignant, as we see the toll that the Roy family's machinations have taken on their relationship. The show doesn't shy away from the complexities of marriage and the sacrifices that are often required to maintain a facade of power and wealth. The portrayal of Shiv and Tom's marriage ending is just one example of the show's ability to balance comedy and tragedy with precision and depth.
The episode ultimately sets up a high-stakes bidding war between Logan and his children, as they compete for the acquisition of a rival media company. The tension and drama are palpable. The writing is sharp and incisive, as the show delves into the complex power dynamics at play within the family. Brian Cox delivers a commanding performance as Logan, as he tries to outmaneuver his children and maintain his hold on the family business. Meanwhile, Kendall, Shiv, and Roman each bring their own unique perspective and style to the bidding war, showcasing the depth of their characters and their ambitions. Finally (and surprisingly), the children win the bidding war after buying the media company for $10 billion which sets Logan into a rage. The bidding war serves as a microcosm of the larger power struggle within the Roy family and sets the stage for what promises to be a thrilling and unpredictable season.
The first episode is a strong start to what promises to be another gripping and darkly comedic season. With the Roy children finally united against their father, it's clear that there's still plenty of drama and intrigue to come. And with its complex characters, sharp writing, and powerful performances, "Succession" remains one of the most compelling shows on television today.
