Church and State

Wow. This proved to be a shining moment of ensemble acting from the entire cast. However, it was Kieran Culkin and James Cromwell who stole the show with their exemplary performances.

Culkin's portrayal of the troubled Roy sibling, Roman, was once again the highlight of the episode. He showcased his comedic timing and ability to improvise in the most unexpected situations. But he broke down, finally being human.

On the other hand, Cromwell's determined entrance as the intimidating and no-nonsense Ewan Roy, Logan's estranged brother, was huge. The veteran actor brought a gravitas to the role much like his on-screen brother Brian Cox.

Overall, the cast of Succession delivered a tour de force of acting in "Church and State". They will have to compete against each other for the Emmy Awards this year.

For all its fanfare & fame, this episode is a testimony that 'Succession' is as genuine a show as they come - it doesn't engage when it isn't ready. It doesn't subvert expectations for an extra glare. It doesn't act with the conceited grandiosity that a show of its caliber seemingly warrants. Instead, it grants subtle victories that you forgot you were rooting for (just before it dunks on those same victors). This show is a masterful display of patience & story-building & character-wrecking worthy of prestige TV fame & infamy all the same. A giant. I'll miss it almost as much as the Roy sibs clearly miss their patriarch.

One of the best episodes of the show. No question about it. This is just a masterclass in television. This episode is full of big scenes, big speeches, and big twists. And everything is executed perfectly. I have not seen many other groups of people at the peak of their powers come together and create something this perfect.

All the Roy kids' performances are unlike nothing seen before. It feels so very real. You can write a thousand words about Snooks's facial expressions, Culkin's very real breakdown, Strong's nuanced performance and so on. The point is that I don't think I have ever seen so many jaw-dropping performances in the same show. And it's not only the Roy kids who put on a masterclass performance. Let's not even begin with the writing, but the writing is what allows all these actors to shine. What a phenomenal show.

In the age of mediocrity, there is always an exceptional human, who makes an exceptional piece of art that drives people to think about it, consider it, and appreciate it, or maybe help in making it if there is any chance for them to be part of that process, and doing it better than their hearts and minds ever imagined. This is the peak of drama, the peak of TV ,and if you can reach that level ,you are one of the very few unmatched creative minds, that create the top art forms.

Church and state felt like it isn't a single episode, felt like it's many in one, there was a lot to take, in a good way of course. Honestly, it's a perfect episode and my favourite one so far.

Finally, this is one of the few great timeless shows that will always be remembered. I am sure of that In few years people will regret not seeing this show on it's time.

Ahh! The vultures are circling. The tension's flaring. The pieces are falling all around. And yet, unlike the usual kendall who folds during times of duress, we see him get stronger. What a beautiful site to see.

It's a culmination that's been brewing from the very beginning, and if we're all honest: how did we not see it from the start? Maybe we did and just didn't know it yet. Regardless, Jeremy Strong continues to push his character to greater heights. If he doesn't win an Emmy for this season, I'll be severely disappointed!

On another note: Kieran never seems to disappoint or surprise for that matter. Grief is certainly an emotion we haven't witnessed from him to this point and it was good to finally see his vulnerable side for a change. And that last scene. Goose bumps!

One more episode left... i hate that i have to let this show go, but it's been an amazing ride and i have no doubt the finale will not disappoint.