One of the best television series in recent years gets a second season, the new run once again following the dealings of the New York-based Roy family, headed by Brian Cox’s fierce patriarch and media tycoon Logan Roy as he continues as head of global media and hospitality multi-national Waystar Royco, and seeking a potential successor for this throne. Spoilers for season one follow.
Season one of Succession was pretty much note-perfect, the hugely original HBO show balancing both drama and dark comedy impeccably across those initial ten episodes. We were left at the end of episode ten with Jeremy Strong’s Kendall Roy weeping in his father’s arms after getting involved in a fatal car crash leaving a wedding party employee dead. Logan cleared everything up for his drug-battling second-oldest, Kendell forced to buckle and give up the mantle of worthy successor to his father at the helm of the company. Season two continues the storyline whilst also branching out into other areas, and introducing new characters. Episode one of the new run sees the hostile takeover attempt – as teased in the final episode of season one – continue, though this time without Kendall spearheading. He has checked himself into rehab in Iceland but isn’t there long, his father calling in one of the favours owed to his huge offering in the dying minutes of S1.
Holly Hunter is a new addition to the cast as Rhea Jarrell, CEO of a rival media firm, while there’s also Danny Huston as Logan’s banker Jamie Laird who he brings on board to help out with the aforementioned, unwanted acquisition by Stewy and Sandy. Fisher Stevens also crops up as Hugo Baker, an executive who is managing the cruise line scandal first plot-pointed in season one. There’s more Eric Bogosian – always a good thing – as senator Gil Eavis stepping up to a potential presidential campaign, and also Cherry Jones as the brilliantly named Nan Pierce, who, while only appearing in two episodes, leaves her mark.
All of the major players from season one return, but again the huge stand-out is Matthew Macfadyen’s brilliant portrayal of Tom Wambsgans, the drippy son-in-law who seems will do just about anything to climb the ladder of Waystar. Cox is effortless as Logan, also, again perfect in every scene, the character really dominating proceedings throughout the new run – particularly as he makes his way back to his hometown of Dundee for two excellently performed episodes towards the end of S2.
While not quite as strong as season one – there are some lulls in the narrative in some episodes, Succession season two is still unmissable, top quality television; a show that manages to hold your attention throughout and one that surprises with its witty dialogue, perfect performances and spot-on tone. It also manages to absolutely pummel you with one hell of a season finale, too and leave you gasping for more. Definitely one of the best things of television at the moment. Bring on season 3.
Succession, season two
Summary
Impeccable television, so devilishly performed and perfectly staged. One of the best shows on television right now.
Succession Season 2 is available to buy now on DVD, courtesy of Warner Bros Home Entertainment.
