Family intrigue makes 'Succession' an easy choice for binge-watching. But are these three seasons really worth the commitment?
Introducing: Tatler Takes, your weekend guide to movies you must watch—or not. Today, we're asking our Tatler friends about their personal takes on some of the world's most talked-about series. We ask whether they loved it or hate it; and whether we should add it to our own weekend lineups.
This week, we're catching up with Jesse Armstrong's Succession. Starring Brian Cox and Jeremy Strong, Succession is a dramatic series that's been renewed for a fourth season last 2021.
Read more: Pros, Cons, And Membership Costs: Your Ultimate Guide To Streaming Platforms In The PH
Since its HBO premiere in 2018, Succession has gained a steady base of solid fans. The narrative revolves around four siblings all vying for prominence within the family's media conglomerate, Waystar RoyCo.
So is it a yes or a no from our Tatler friends? Let's find out:
Anne Gauthier Das Neves
Did you enjoy the series? Please tell us why yes or no.
I highly enjoyed this series and if you haven’t started watching you should give it a try! Many friends kept talking about it and for some reason, I just never felt that urge to check it out but they insisted and I’m glad they did. The first few episodes can seem slow and it took me a while to really get into it. But once I did it was hard not to binge-watch. It just kept getting better and better.
This family drama is not just about the excessive wealth but addresses abuse in power, trauma, unchecked capitalism and human void. In many ways, at its core, it’s a study of the thirst for power and domination.
The mind games and distorted relationships within dynastic families are exposed in a raw and honest way. It reflects the reality of some wealthy families that seemingly seem so perfect to most people who are on the outside. It shines the light on the dark side of wealth yet this show is written by Jesse Armstrong so there’s comedy sprinkled into these really dark situations. With it being a dark satire about big business and controversial family issues, the characters are constantly throwing jabs at each other like a comedy roast. That’s what I love most about this show, it’s incredibly funny.
As an ensemble, they are all fantastic. The chemistry and banter they have with each other are on point. The cast of actors all stand out on their own as well especially when they deliver their witty one-liners. Each character has its own complexities and nuanced performances. Each one is necessary to the storyline.
If yes, what was your favourite part and why?
I don’t want to give anything away but I especially loved season two. In this particular season, the series [continues to build] tension with each episode. Always finding new ways to top the last. It was so well crafted and the season two finale was even better than the season one finale. What’s interesting with this series is they build up one character that you root for and feel for and make you despise the others. And in just a few episodes, they are able to break the character you were rooting for and build up the one you despised.
Even with the lack of morals, the savage insults and backstabbing between each other you can sometimes sympathize with the Roys’ plight, particularly the children. They may have power, riches and all that most people look for but they remain lost souls; children begging for attention and to be seen by their unloving parents. And no matter how terrible they can all be to each other sometimes there’s this camaraderie that comes out between them.
What do you think needs to be improved?
If I had to choose one thing I did not particularly like it was the camera work. It can be a bit distracting. Some of the scenes are shot like the modern family comedy sitcom or like a documentary with handheld zoom shots. And that sometimes pulled me out of a very heated and interesting scene. I understand the creative choice of it though. The production value is particularly great. Succession is a superbly written, directed and acted masterpiece of TV theatre. A definite must-watch!