Mass in Time of War

Wow! I was a fan of the series and S3 Episode1 was tremendous, starting the new season with a bang. I was expecting episode 2 to be disappointing after the fireworks in episode 1 but I think this episode was the best of the whole 3 seasons so far. The script, the acting, the music - everything just seems to have gone up a level. The character flaws are all coming into focus rather than being annoying, and each character is becoming well-rounded, familiar and likeable in their own way. This show has become very polished in every department and I just hope they can keep this momentum up. What a pleasure to have something to look forward to for a change and to see Brian Cox take over Sean Connery's mantle as one of Scotland's favourite leading men!

In "Mass in Time of War," the Roy family gathers in an isolated vacation home to strategize their next move in the wake of Kendall's public betrayal. The episode is much more introspective than the season premiere, as it delves into the emotional fallout of the family's fractured relationships. Kendall, now firmly positioned as a corporate insurgent, reaches out to his siblings once again, trying to convince them to join his coup against Logan. The episode's title, which alludes to a state of conflict during a time of upheaval, perfectly encapsulates the themes of loyalty, power, and survival that run throughout.

The tension between the siblings is palpable, as they are all torn between their loyalty to their father and their own ambitions. Sarah Snook's Shiv is particularly compelling in this episode, as she grapples with the moral implications of siding with either Kendall or Logan. Shiv's arc in this episode is filled with nuance, as she weighs her options and considers what is best for her own future. Roman, played by Kieran Culkin, provides a lighter, yet still poignant counterbalance, as he tries to navigate the situation with his trademark cynicism and humor. The writing expertly balances these character dynamics, making the family's internal struggles feel as high-stakes as the corporate drama.

One of the standout scenes of the episode is a tense family meeting, where Kendall tries to convince his siblings to stage a full-on revolt. The writing is sharp, with biting exchanges that lay bare the complex, often toxic relationships within the family. The direction here is tight, with close-up shots that capture the intensity of the moment, as each sibling considers their next move. Kendall's desperation is evident, but so is his newfound sense of purpose, as he tries to cast himself as the hero in this power struggle. Meanwhile, Logan, though absent from much of the episode, looms large in the background, pulling strings and biding his time.

The cinematography in "Mass in Time of War" enhances the claustrophobic atmosphere of the Roy family's gathering. The isolated setting, coupled with the dark, moody lighting, creates a sense of foreboding that hangs over the entire episode. The pacing is slower than the premiere, allowing for more character-driven moments that explore the emotional toll of the family's rift. The editing is precise, cutting between moments of familial tension and scenes of the Roys' legal team trying to manage the corporate crisis. In the end, the episode leaves the audience with a sense of dread, as the family's internal war shows no signs of abating.

This show has been a constant build-up of drama/tension since the beginning of its second season, yet we still lack any form of true resolution to Succession's overarching conflicts.

This episode was marginally better due to its stellar writing (one of the only aspects of this show that truly never dips in quality!) particularly in the scenes featuring the Roy children. It is rare that we see them within a room together without the presence of Logan, which was particularly interesting, perhaps even revelatory, to watch.

We gain insight into where their heads are currently at, their drives + motivations, and a LOT of repressed anger towards each other. Succession consistently pushes the boundaries when it comes to the development of its central characters, peeling them back each layer at a time to reveal who they truly are.

Kendall, in particular, showed a side to himself that frighteningly mirrors another character within the show, and it is testament to the show's writing/Strong's performances that the avid viewer should probably have seen this twist coming. It has been embedded within Kendall and the Roy DNA since the dawn of the company, and it may just be the edge that he requires to win this battle against his father.

Another good episode, one that largely focuses on the Roy children, but massively below the mark I expected going into this season.

Kendall wants the family to go against their dad even receives some surprises, Jeremy Strong is awesome! I love the entire family dynamic they all flow exceptionally especially with the clever remarks and clashes. Brian Cox has to be in his 70's he still is riveting, he tends to play villain type characters really well! No matter how the show plays out it's always entertaining.

Greetings from Lithuania.

Just when Succession went further away from "who's Gina take the crown" theme a bit, it return to it as quick as that. First episode was great in season 3 after great ending of season 2. But second episode of season 3 wasn't great in my opinion. It's more or less same stuff again, going round and round about who will be a king. And dialogs starting to be repetitive and honestly boring. It's not that it's bad, it isn't by any means, it's just that it's repetitive.

Overall, there are still plenty of episodes left in season 3 and 4 and do hope they will pick up. So far it's started to get repetitive.