I Went to Market

There is no way that any of these characters will be redeemed anytime soon. Almost every single character is so dislikable. Kendall, Roman, Shiv and Greg are the most likable, but they're still bad people. I cringe every time Tom tries to be funny and I find myself frustrated every time Logan is on screen.

So far it's expertly crafted, but it's just so difficult to find someone to root for. I don't root for Kendall because I like him - I root for him because I want to see Logan's downfall. How important can this company be for these people? Do they not have anything more meaningful and enjoyable in their lives than being CEO of daddy's company?

Episode 5: The tiny drops of "psycho" behaviors in the family that we are shown in this episode looked realistic, seemed true to its core foundation and that's all thanks to the very good acting of the bright cast.

It is still foggy and after 5 episodes we don't know where we're headed to and that shows good intelligent writing.

Could it get messier?!

Here all the principles are at Logn's home for Thanksgiving. The events match those of any family, but even the most mundane things have an underlying threat to them. As Kendall begins to create a vote of no confidence against Logan, the old man knows there are things in the works. He is slowly recovering from his illness and is taking on things that are merely on the surface. He continues to be a vicious man. At one point, he slaps the face of his autistic grandson. Greg continues to be used for things he will undoubtedly regret. I wonder how one can continue to live a life embedded in such a cesspool.

In Episode 5, "I Went to Market," the family tensions that have been simmering throughout the season finally boil over in a climactic family dinner scene. Logan, having recovered from his stroke, makes his triumphant return to the company, much to Kendall's dismay. The episode is a masterclass in tension, as long-simmering resentments and secrets come to the surface during the dinner. The writing in this episode is exceptional, capturing the emotional complexity of the Roy family's relationships. Each character's motivations and insecurities are laid bare, and the dialogue crackles with tension and dark humor.

The family dinner is the centerpiece of the episode, and the direction in this scene is particularly effective. The camera lingers on each character's reaction, building tension as the conversation shifts from casual banter to outright hostility. Brian Cox's portrayal of Logan is once again commanding, as he effortlessly reasserts his control over the family, while Jeremy Strong's portrayal of Kendall's growing desperation reaches new heights. The ensemble cast also shines, with standout performances from Kieran Culkin as Roman and Sarah Snook as Shiv, whose characters each have their own agendas during the dinner.

The pacing of the episode is impeccable, building to a powerful climax that leaves the audience eager to see how the Roy family's power struggles will continue to unfold. The cinematography and direction continue to emphasize the claustrophobic nature of the Roys' world, with tight, close-up shots that heighten the emotional intensity of the family dinner. The editing is sharp, cutting between the various family members as they react to the unfolding drama. While the episode is emotionally charged, it also offers moments of dark humor, particularly in the interactions between Roman and Greg, which provide a brief respite from the mounting tension.