Rehearsal

The producers assumed fans of the show would take anything they would put on screen... And they might be right.

The shows adds nothing to what we have already seen in season 1 to 3: the kids fighting dad, dad approaching kids to avoid fight, but fighting anyway, etc. If someone would tell me this was written by an AI, I would believe it.

That said, I'm surprised by the high ratings. 8 would have been pretty overestimating, but 10 is just unreal and misleading. Again I can't help but suppose HBO realized, considering the ample catalog available in the streaming era, viewers have to rely on site likes this to decide whether to stream a show or not; and they are spending money on online reputation sites to buy 10/10 ratings. Come on guys, again 8/10 would have been realistic and people would still watch it. 10/10 is a just red flag.

In "Rehearsal," the second episode of the season, tensions within the Roy family continue to escalate. The focus shifts to the impending GoJo sale, with Matsson's acquisition looming larger than ever. The episode introduces a new layer of complexity as the Roy siblings begin to realize just how precarious their position is in the larger scheme of things. Shiv, in particular, is increasingly frustrated by her lack of control, and her deteriorating marriage to Tom Wambsgans adds personal turmoil to her professional frustrations. The episode deftly intertwines these personal and corporate narratives, emphasizing how intertwined the Roys' personal relationships are with their business dealings.

Logan remains the puppet master, though he is noticeably more distant in this episode. His absence from the main action creates a sense of foreboding, as the siblings attempt to strategize without fully understanding their father's endgame. The tension between Logan and his children is less overt here but simmers beneath every conversation, with each of the Roy siblings grappling with the realization that they are no longer central to Logan's plans. The corporate maneuvering takes center stage as they scramble to gain leverage against Matsson and their father, though their efforts often feel futile.

Director Mark Mylod employs tight, intimate framing to capture the escalating emotional stakes, particularly in scenes involving Shiv and Tom. The coldness of their relationship is emphasized in their interactions, with every conversation feeling like a thinly veiled negotiation. The cinematography uses shadows and stark lighting to emphasize the emotional distance between characters, particularly in scenes where they are ostensibly working together but are clearly driven by individual agendas.

One of the episode's standout moments occurs when Kendall, desperate to assert his dominance, tries to rally his siblings into action against their father. His speeches, full of bravado, are met with skepticism and thinly veiled mockery, a reminder of how much his credibility has eroded after the failed coup in Season 2. Jeremy Strong brings a frantic energy to these scenes, imbuing Kendall with a sense of desperation that contrasts with his outward confidence. Shiv, Roman, and even Tom are more cautious, highlighting the growing divisions within the family.

Ultimately, "Rehearsal" deepens the Roys' personal and professional conflicts, laying the groundwork for the explosive confrontations that are sure to follow. The episode's slower pacing allows for more character development, particularly for Shiv and Tom, whose relationship appears to be unraveling completely. While it lacks the fireworks of other episodes, its quiet tension and intricate character work make it a compelling installment.

Wow this episode was actually really.good and certainly shapes things up! Now I realize we are in the final season and every move matters more than ever! I was fully invested and It got more and more exciting until the episode, sadly ended!

Brian Cox delivered in this one! The scenes with Logan remains the best and most memorable, like the speech at ATN and the scene in the karaoke bar! His acting was phenomenal amd we saw sides of Logan that we have not seen before! I really see his character a bit different now!

The other actors delivered as well! I still have no idea what is gonna happen, but I know this season will deliver!

Logan is unwilling to give up control. To sit down and rest. Now that he's cashing out he is looking for another project that'll keep him in control

Conor wants to stand aside and not get in anyone's way. He's okay with being forgotten, being unloved, as long as he can just have his peace.

Kendall is hell bent on screwing Logan. Even if it means his own prospects not working out. There are no limits to his self sabotage.

Shiv is manipulative. She still hides what she knows and who she's talking to. For the first time in her relationship with Tom she has less power and it is freaking her out.

Roman has shown tremendous growth, but his need for Logan's love and approval makes him do things against his self interest. Logan will lure him in again only for him to find that everything is a play, and nothing can be taken at face value.

I expect that unless everyone grows out of their worst instincts, they'll all crash and burn at the end.

This episode had the excitement and authenticity that turned me on to Succession in the first place.

I'm of the opinion that season three was bogged down by a tired storyline that it was able to get away with thanks to the amount of popularity the show gained during the pandemic. Sure there were some good one-liners and emotional moments but it seemed to demand our attention with content that lacked the magic I saw throughout season two.

Finally in this episode they took a break from being self-referential and gave us a story!

Can't wait for this season to unfold. The show has a fresh vibe and I am certain they're going to continue to deliver.