Don't open Pandora's Box. There's just more dicks in there.
In the last few episodes of Succession one character particularly becomes worse than before and that is Roman. Roman’s behavior wasn’t surprising but still one might think whether there is a line or not as Shiv pointed out last week when Roman was accused of spying on Kendall’s kid. (spoilers ahead) But in this episode, Roman even surpassed that one while he made the point of making her sister his sexy secretary when he becomes the CEO of the company or admitting the fact that he keeps sending unsolicited images of his genitals to Gerri which he refuses to stop doing. But the most unwantedly God-awful incident happens that I guess no one was ready for when Roman accidentally sends a dick pic to his dad. I actually gasped for breath while deciding should I die out of laughter or cringe by this cats-out-the-bag scene. And the awesome thing about this episode is that there are a couple of scenes that are on par with this one being the most epic succession moment ever.
Succession always hits the ball out of the park every time they visit Europe and this episode was no exception. In this penultimate episode, they made sure that all the Roy’s including Tom hit their respective rock bottom. Kendall, Shiv, Roman, Logan & Tom all came to their worst end, divulged to their nightmares or dug their own graves apparently. Despite all the hilarious scenes and creating typical succession uncomfortable moments, this episode remains the most brutal episode of Succession’s history.
Let’s start with the scene between shiv and Catherine. Shiv knew her mother wanted to pinch with this and that but she didn’t expect she will bombard her with this brutal yet shocking reality check. Making the point that dogs would have better than them and some people aren’t made to mothers (in this case it’s shiv), Catherine completely shatters what’s left of shiv’s high image of herself in her mind by leaving only a false aura which she uses to destroy her future endeavors including in this episode also.
And then comes the tensest moment of the episode – the dinner between the king and the prince. It was anticipated since the beginning of the season and since the last mental breakdown of Kendall the stake of this meeting was too high and the director didn’t disappoint. He didn’t use any single score in this whole scene, remained the camera close as they were throwing one harshest thing after another. Logan has been the worst father ever maybe to their kids but testing Kendall's food by offering it to his own grandkid in front of Kendall by far has been the gravest. And as likely when Kendall says, “I don’t wanna be like you”, Logan’s faith shakes up for real. Eventually, they both destroy each other as Logan leaves keeping Kendall in the hanging and mildly threatening.
And last but not the least, the most tragic sequence between Tom and Shiv. Tom has been in doubt but becoming clear about his position in this matrimonial with Shiv since season two. During the season two finale, he confessed how he doesn’t want to be in this congested relation. But after today’s episode, where Shiv openly says (even if it’s a dirty play) that she doesn’t love him but he does anyway, Tom should get the fck away from her even though he fcks like a machine. It’s getting way too tormenting to see Tom suffer this much.
Logan suffers from his son’s truth bombs, or another son’s dirty secrets; Kendall suffers from his continuing mental breakdown where his father does nothing but kicks him even more, Roman suffers from his own mistake while he botched his chance of being the crowned king, Shiv suffers by learning some known fact uttered by her own mother while she uses that to further torture her husband Tom. This episode has been one hell ride for the Roys and a never-ending hour of torture full of banger scenes that will be remembered for the days to come.
And the plot-wise this episode has been important too. The business deal with Gojo seems to be a go although the part with sharing people might have had a double meaning if we look closely as Swedish tends to be. But that and Stewy being involved in the future of Wayster-Royco will be an exciting ride.
Also, apart from the fantastic writing and directing, the acting in this episode was insane. During the meeting with his father, Kendal’s distress was so clearly visible even though he was uttering words to hurt his father. The agony and sadness were just oozing from Jeremy Strong’s eyes. Tom’s arc alongside Matthew’s acting remains the same great this week also. But the most notable act remains from Kiernan Culkin’s part as Roman shivers and hunches and gave the most horrible look one can give after sending nudes to their dad. Kiernan’s facial expression and physical acting were the best here.
Season two’s finale left every audience really appalled with that shocking twist. This season has also been a ride with this episode being one of the best episodes of the series and definitely the most devastating one. But how they ended this episode showing Kendall at the pool for a brief 30 seconds, I simply can’t wait for the season finale.