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Succession, the critically acclaimed HBO series that has won nine Emmys, returned for its second season on HBO on August 11, 2019. Jesse Armstrong devised the show, which follows the sophisticated and corrupt Roy family, led by Logan Roy (Brian Cox), who controls Waystar RoyCo – an entertainment company that operates businesses ranging from amusement parks to news sites. The four Roy siblings, Connor (Alan Ruck), Kendall (Jeremy Strong), Siobhan “Shiv” (Sarah Snook), and Roman (Kieran Culkin), are contending for leadership of the family business as well as for their father’s love.
Season 2 of Succession begins with Kendall making a TV appearance, forced in front of a camera and mindlessly spouting catchphrases prepared by his managers, all to soothe the investors. It closes with Kendall peering into a lens, being given a screenplay to read, and trying to reassure the board that everything is okay.
He declares that, despite being chosen as the fallen man, everything else from the protection of cruise-ship murders to corporate scandals is Logan’s responsibility. Kendall believes that for anyone who supervises every element of his firm, the idea that the mastermind behind it all is unaware of these crimes is ridiculous. He declares his father’s rule comes to an end.
Succession excels at gradually and steadily elevating its characters to multilevel cruelties: letting Siobhan reveal her true colors, transforming her from the relentless, self-reliant one into more brutal than almost all of her siblings.
The 10-episode season accomplishes what Succession does best – wicked family confrontations and the little political maneuvers that appear harmless until they appear at the center of all of it. It is a cutting comedy, constructed on the basis of a family drama and strengthened by each aspect.
Top Cast
From season one, the entire main cast reappeared, including Logan Roy (Brian Cox), Kendall Roy (Jeremy Strong), Tom Wambsgans (Matthew Macfadyen), Roman Roy (Kieran Culkin), and Siobhan “Shiv” Roy (Sarah Snook).
In addition, Holly Hunter joined the cast as Rhea Jarrell, the politically astute CEO of a competing media empire, Pierce Media Group, who sides with Logan during the planned takeover.
Season’s Recap & Synopsis
The first season of Succession concluded with a finale in which tensions boiled over at Siobhan and Tom’s wedding.
In the season two opener, the family gathers at one of their opulent country estates to plan their escape from their adversaries. Logan Roy appoints his sons Kendall and Roman as co-chief operating officers, much to the displeasure of the other children, who feel betrayed by Kendall. Later, Siobhan gets hungry as Logan gives her the position of heir, as does Connor. The latter fantasizes about running for president when the family travel to the Tern Haven estate on a quest to acquire the Pierce Global Media (PGM), the family’s delicate connection comes apart at the cracks.
As Logan fiercely seeks a deal with PGM, the entire family travels to Argestes. Greg finally admits to Tom that he kept some of the information he was meant to trash in season one. Roman and Gerri plan a new business venture in order to gain allies at a forthcoming meeting of shareholders. Rhea Jarrell begins to worry Logan’s wife, Marcia, and his children as she becomes closer to him, resulting in Logan’s declaration at a ceremony in his home that she would become the new CEO of Waystar Royco.
The Logan’s family is invited to Washington, D.C., for a Congressional hearing on the cruise incident. Siobhan, for her part, compels a worker who has threatened to expose out into silence. Rhea resigns as CEO because she fears the company will fail. Logan joins his closest group on the family yacht, where he discloses that the cruise ship incident victim must be found. Siobhan and Tom’s already strained marriage suffers a severe setback when she recruits him. Kendall tells the public during the press conference in which he is expected to bear the blame that Logan, his father is a bully and a liar. The family looks on, frightened, from their yacht, while Greg clutches an envelope with the probative documents he saved in the previous season.
Season’s Best Episodes
Succession has a lot of amazing episodes, but which ones stand out the most? With all of the backstabbing and secret businesses within the family members, we get a drama series that is undoubtedly one of the greatest shows in HBO history. The show masterfully mixes business and family drama worlds. The following are some of the top 5 episodes from Season 2 of Succession.
Hunting: S02, E03
In this episode, Logan notifies his management team of his intention to pursue another acquisition of a competing news company. Greg is concerned that his encounter with a Logan biographer would jeopardize his relationship with the Logan family. Logan is irritated by Connor’s presidential announcement.
Safe Room: S02, E04
In “Safe Room”, Roman starts a six-week leadership development program. Connor and Willa attend a funeral of a family member who has a troubled background. Logan and Kendall set up a clandestine meeting with PGM CEO Rhea Jarrell. A prominent anchor is embroiled in controversy.
Tern Haven: S02, E05
Logan tries to consolidate his buyout of PGM over a weekend getaway at the Pierce family home when Shiv, Roman, and Connor stray from their carefully scripted roles. Kendall makes his argument to Naomi Pierce during a drug-fueled night, as the Pierces ponder to see if an alliance with Waystar Royco will ruin their history.
DC: S02, E09
In this episode, Waystar Royco is vulnerable after a whistleblower makes news, just as Logan, Kendall, Gerri, and Tom give testimony to Congress and face harsh questioning from Gil Eavis. Siobhan speaks openly to Kira, a victim who will be a vital witness. Roman’s commercial pitch takes a terrifying turn in Turkey.
This Is Not for Tears: S02, E10
Logan considers if a family member or a top officer must be sacrificed to restore the company’s shattered image in the season two finale. As Kendall recommends a similar option, Roman expresses his reservations about a fresh source of funding.
Summary
Season two of Succession is about one family, one business, as well as the very real world they are attempting to conquer. Its enthusiasm to condemn the country’s dreadful direction, along with its efficiency and skill, is what makes the drama outstanding. The HBO show may not have the massive fan base that other great shows like the Watchmen and GOT do, but it may be the greatest HBO TV show to come up in a long time.
Succession Season Two Review article published on BigCityReview.com© 2022
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