Return

This is a rather sad episode. We see that neither of Kendall's parents is worth a thing. We know what Logan is: a tyrant and a manipulator, willing to sacrifice his own children. The mother is nearly as bad. If there is anything that is the least bit uncomfortable, she turns her back. Logan takes Kendall with him when he goes to see the family of the boy who drowned. Logan had got him fired and berated him because he overfilled a glass of champagne (which wasn't even his fault). Logan tries to come clean with his mother, but she bugs out before he can tell her what happened. Meanwhile Shiv is being used and Logan is bent of bedding the woman representing the Pierces.

So much great dialogue and facial expressions that I truly crave. "Apparently we're in a Simon and Garfunkel song" - Such a great line! Continuously enjoyable show, would very much recommend.

Episode seven, "Return," is a deeply personal installment for Kendall, as the Roy family returns to England to visit Logan's estranged brother, Ewan. This episode shifts the focus away from corporate warfare and toward the intimate, strained relationships within the Roy family. Kendall, still grappling with the emotional toll of his father's manipulation, finds himself torn between his desire for redemption and his loyalty to Logan. The family's visit to Ewan's sprawling estate in the English countryside is filled with tension, as Ewan, played brilliantly by James Cromwell, represents a moral counterpoint to Logan's ruthlessness.

The dynamic between Logan and Ewan is one of the highlights of the episode. Their conversations are laced with decades of unresolved resentment and philosophical differences about wealth and power. Ewan's disdain for Logan's empire is palpable, and the scenes between the two brothers are filled with biting dialogue and unspoken bitterness. Brian Cox delivers one of his best performances of the season, as Logan's icy exterior cracks ever so slightly in the presence of his older brother. The episode masterfully explores themes of family loyalty, guilt, and the price of success.

Kendall's internal struggle comes to a head in this episode as he seeks comfort in his past relationships. His emotional reunion with his mother is a standout moment, as it offers a rare glimpse into the vulnerability he has worked so hard to suppress. The episode's direction captures this emotional intensity, with close-ups emphasizing the discomfort and unease of each interaction. The pacing is slower compared to previous episodes, allowing for deeper character exploration. Despite the lack of corporate scheming, "Return" is a crucial episode for understanding the psychological complexity of the Roy family, particularly Kendall's journey toward self-destruction.

IMO this episode above all others demonstrates the depths of evil that Logan's capable of and pushes his character yet further into "irredeemable monster" territory albeit in more subtle ways than usual. The Roy children have their trauma weaponized against them and oh my god how is Kendall not in a psych ward after this.

Something as simple for Kendall Roy as wanting to talk about a horrible life situation with his mom doesn't fit into her schedule. A rich, privileged guy doesn't have a mother in his life that's willing to forgo some simple pleasures in her life to help her child in need. It tugged at my heart strings.

I didn't grow up with much, but I had a mom that was always there for me through every challenge in life when I needed a shoulder to cry on - and for that I feel blessed.

Would I trade places with Kendall and the problems having billions of dollars brings? Yes... yes I would.

But maybe I say that because I know what it's like to be raised poor, but with a mom who was always there for me... I have no idea what growing without a mom would be like.