‘Succession’ Season 2, Episode 7: London Calling

“Does Logan not understand how punishing this might be? Or is he just being casually cruel, part of his continuing policy of preventing his children from living their own lives?” Don’t like Logan one bit. But Kendall should come along for that trip; in fact a stronger character would have offered it; it’s the right thing to do.

I'm enjoying this show and its trainwreck of a family. But I have to say: I'm ready for at least one character to show some growth. We've now had one and a half seasons of nasty, corrupt, incompetent rich people trying to get a leg up on each other, and the nastiest one, Logan, manipulating them all. It would be interesting if somebody tried to learn something or better themselves or stand up to Logan. I was hoping that the growth would come from Kendall, but now that Logan holds his secret, he can't do anything but be a good dog.

Might “where’s the protein?” be a threshold question for Logan before he concludes, as he did in this episode, that something is “a nothing burger”?

“Does Logan not understand how punishing this might be? Or is he just being casually cruel, part of his continuing policy of preventing his children from living their own lives?” I would argue none of the above - Logan is being cruel, alright, but there’s nothing “casual” about it. You can see in Logan’s eyes as he studies his son, who is showing subtle signs for the first time in months (or is it years?) of some glimmer of hope and happiness that comes with his connection to Naomi. In that moment, when Kendall jokes about his afternoon being a “Simon and Garfunkel song”, Logan knows that he must nip this newfound happiness in the bud, lest he risk Kendall reconnecting with his humanity and becoming a less effective soulless, reptilian loyal drone. Sometimes Logan is casually cruel; in this instance, his cruelty was strategic and surgical. It was heart wrenching to see Kendall walk through the house with the haunting images of that boy smiling at him, and of course after ripping Ken’s heart out, he sutures the wound with some not-so-subtle taunts about drug addicts in the car ride afterwards. Without his humanity, it’s hard to imagine Kendall will sustain whatever he has with Naomi, and now it really gives meaning and tragic honesty to his advice in episode 5 when he suggested that Naomi take the deal and her freedom - while she’ll always be a Pierce, and carry significant baggage, she can perhaps be “free” in a way Kendall never will be.

A couple of points I haven't seen anyone else mention: First, wouldn't someone in Rhea's position at Pierce have had a contract with a covenant not to compete? They don't yet know how cozy she is with Logan, but surely they will sue her to enforce it if she turns up as an employee, won't they? She must know this. Second, why didn't Greg, the genius of blackmail, scan those incriminating papers onto a flash drive? Third, Argestes. Everyone says it's just like Davos or Squaw Valley, but I finally googled it, and Argestes is an actual dinosaur, Lythronax Argestes, the first of the tyrannosaurids. In light of Shiv's comment that would seem to be worth noting.

I posted a comment here on Sunday night, not long after the show aired. It's still not here. What gives?

I wonder if Marcia's consoling Logan with "I know who you are" is a personal reference to the scars on his back. Was he beaten in Beirut or as a child? We know so little about his early background. I'd also like to know more about Rhea's background. She told Siobhan that her father was an iron forger or monger (indicating fire, possibly little money). I'd like to know more about her soon, because right now she's verging on one-dimensional, despite Holly Hunter's excellent work. Even if Rhea is out to destroy Logan, I see enough commonality to draw them together. Maybe that's enough. Maybe the mystery of their true selves is just part of suspense building, like in real life.

This was the best episode of the season as, outside of all the trappings, and activities of the last episodes, we were able to witness the characters grapple with the fallout of their own personal makings. This introspection made for some sixty minutes of compelling storytelling.

Sorry, Noel Murray -- I can't agree that this is a weak episode. I felt like the curtain was finally drawn back so we could see the full force of the cruelty and narcissism of Logan Roy and his ex-wife; I'm not the first to say that the Roy children never stood a chance. I think this is one of the strongest episodes yet. Each of his children is emotionally kneecapped and brought to heel in this episode, and it's clear this is the way it has been for all their lives. (Sorry about mixed metaphors!) I'm beginning to think that Logan Roy never intended to have any of his children become his successor; he has dangled the idea in front of each of them just to manipulate them and keep them in line. No one in their right mind could think Shiv or Roman could possibly run a massive corporation like Waystar. Logan's children are simply possessions, like his homes, wives, helicopters, etc. Unfortunately they have free will and can threaten to use it -- until he steps in and manipulates them into complete passivity. Jeremy Strong deserves every award available. They all do.

During a rewatch of Tern Haven, I noticed that Marcia got annoyed with Logan and acted out at dinner after he strategized the family game plan to woo the Pierces with Rhea instead of her. She also snapped that he’d hurt his neck when he scanned the crowd for Rhea at the Roy roast in last week’s episode. I was still shocked by “Are you staying over?” This episode was really hard to watch. It was one cringe after another. Poor, poor Kendall. And I can’t believe this show has gotten me to feel sympathy for a character like Roman (Romulus) Roy.

Between Brian Cox and Jeremy Strong, last night was like watching an actor's master class. Logan was so inscrutable in bringing Kendall into that boy's house. Was it intentionally cruel - payback for the headline? Cruelly strategic - a reminder to Kendall of what he owes Logan? Ill-advised but paternally strategic - trying to get Kendall off drugs by forcing him to confront what they led him to do? Or was it just how he was playing it to look, like he didn't even give a thought to how that visit might affect Kendall. And Kendall -- a spoiled, entitled, often cruel himself billionaire who left that boy to die, and somehow I spent much of the episode feeling sorry for him. Seriously impressive stuff.

After distinctly not liking the series following the first few episodes, the glowing reviews for Season 2 compelled me to take a second look. And I'm glad I did. The writing is much improved this season, and the show is coming into its own. This episode, in particular, was a brilliant example, not of the deliciously snarky comebacks and quotable phrases ("Buckle up, f***lehead"), but of the way a seemingly dull-ish episode can move all the chess pieces around to set up the board for an explosive final three episodes. Viewers shouldn't underestimate how difficult this is to accomplish, nor how showrunners struggle to pace out a show to give the audience a bit of breathing room before the inevitable crisis at the end of the season. "Return" may be the low on the Waystar roller coaster, but trust, the highs will be giddy and perhaps vomit inducing by Episode 10.

I seem to have a mind that is at antipodes with media critics. Both Vox and the NYT think this is not a strong episode... I thought it was one of the best of the season. I was very happy to see Logan and Rhea's interactions, not only are Hunter and Cox charming together, but it gave a little more filler to the fairly oneo dimensional character of Logan Roy. I thought the Kendall storyline was heartbreaking, especially when he reaches out to his emotionally unavailable mother, only to be left with a brief note at the breakfast table. Yes the Roys are rich and repulsive, but good storytelling needs dimension. Why must every episode be 60 minutes of explosive, non-stop tension and release?

"What's the protein?" is a line used in Season 1 too. In S1E9, Nate, the presidential candidate's advisor, uses the line to ask Shiv if she has and would provide any ammunition Gil can use against ATN/Logan.

I’m so grateful for the Rhea and Shiv non-fans. Hunter and Snook have created one dimensional characters that leave me cold.

Kudos and a special shout-out to Jesse Armstrong for his Emmy win celebrating outstanding writing in this Drama Series. Armstrong, incidentally, hails from a background in comedy writing. Well done! How cool is it that this episode was shot back in his beloved England, and Scotland. These locations are stunning backdrops to every arc of storytelling. So... Really? I imagine infidelity was on the dessert cart through all three of Logans marriages, but Rhea? Could he be this careless? The $20 billion failed Pierce acquisition is playing into the negative campaign waged by the Proxy fighters against the Roys, and he's having an affair with their fired CEO? Time to see what Marcia's made of. Doesn't she hold 2 seats on the Board?

Anyone else think Rhea may not want to be Waystar's CEO but bring down the entire company as revenge for getting fired from Pierce? Maybe she's in cahoots with Nan. To make a classic lit reference she would appreciate, she's Iago and Logan is her Othello. Or would that be too soap opera for this show?

Has Naomi been setting up Kendall from the beginning, or is the pic request just a red herring to suggest the possibility?

What is Rhea up to? I'm riveted. Hunter and Cox are marvelous together. Marcia the heir to Waystar, perhaps? And Kendal, oh Kendal. He breaks my heart week after week. I just hope Naomi doesn't burn him too. Am liking Gregory's snapping new haircut. He's clearly got a few more tricks up his sleeve ... he'll be the winner of the hapless duo, for sure. And will likely stumble on to something that'll truly bring him above the fray.

I think everything Logan says and does is deliberate. I don't think he has mood-swings, but that he displays "moods" as a means to an end. From forcing Roman to meet with the family of the deceased waiter, to having Rhea around, to pretending that he didn't remember hitting Roman - all said or done deliberately to keep those around him off-balance. Somewhat obviously based on real-life behavior examples we see in the national news on a daily basis. Some interesting reveals last night - Mom apparently no better than Dad when it comes to parenting the Roy children, Greg(ory) becoming more devious by the minute (he physically appeared more confident last night), and that when all is said and done the Roy children actually care somewhat for each other. When Shiv realizes that Rhea may be threat to her and her siblings, she warns Kendall and starts to rally the troops. As despicable as they can sometimes act they do sometimes demonstrate affection (love?) for each other (Kendall standing up for Roman when Logan hits him, Kendall crying on Shiv's shoulder). A strange and complcated family, but many are!

I love the show and all the performance, except Holly Hunter as Rhea. Judging from comments on this episode and others, this is a minority view. Hunter's performance just doesn't ring true for me. She kind of garbles her words, and every line is delivered with an arched eyebrow, knowing smirk, etc. that ventures into parody.

Does Shiv truly think she's qualified to take over for her father? Considering she's never step foot into any office or position within the company. Delusional thinking on her part and so easily swayed by Rhea. A very touching scene with Kendall and his mom, but for me when he is sitting in the kitchen of the family was even more telling. Incredible reaction on his face when he realizes the impact of his actions.

With parents like that, those three kids didn't have a chance. Jeremy Strong deserves every award for his often heartbreaking performance. But Kieran Culken and Sarah Snook have also been outstanding this year, breaking down this strange family dynamic. I think that the luckiest Roy is Connor, detached, oblivious and as we know "interested in politics at a very young age." What a great show. And talk about being up after being so down - Holly Hunter as Rhea is about as conniving as they come. She's Iago in a dress.

Bold theory: Succession is an "Arrested Development" reboot. Both have strong fathers who refuse to give up central role as head of family. Both have mothers who undercut their children. And the children are almost 1 to 1: Michael = Ken Shiv = Lindsey Roman = GOB Tom = Tobias Gregory = George Michael This thought started as a joke but I think I've convinced myself.

Shiv getting shivved by Rhea, her corporate Big Sister, after their second straight “walk in the woods”? Rhea endorsing Roman (swinging by his prehensile tail, belting out “Brown Sugar”) to Logan? I thought necrophilia was as low as this show could go.

One of the reasons I love this series are the rich and complex story lines, seeming to go off in different directions and yet they all return home to Logan like "a Labrador in the car". I frankly spit out my coffee when Logan asked Kendall if he was going into that family's home with him to express condolences and visit with the deceased lad's family or remain in the car like a Labrador. I guess I'm kind of dense because I didn't pick up on the nuances of Rhea and Logan sharing a bed. I think the developed of Rhea will be more than intriguing in the third season. Actually, I thought last night's final episode of Season Two plants so many seeds, there will be a plethora of rich and tasty items to nibble. This series continues to grow on me. I was extremely cool towards it in the beginning, and now, my husband knows to not even utter a cough while I'm engrossed in it because things move quickly and I don't want to miss a beat. Thanks for another wonderful recap!!! Can't wait to read the recaps next season.

The Roy siblings were not born that way...they had to be taught, carefully taught. Wow, that scene between Caroline and Kendall, from late night snack to the sight of Kendall at the breakfast table alone waiting for the eggs, was gut wrenching. I think Logan’s cruelty ( bringing Kendall to visit the parents) was not “casual “ but sadistic. Between those two parents those kids had no chance. I thought it was a wonderful episode. The big reveal about Rhea and its implications was done beautifully. The ticking time bomb about the cruises was still adding tensions. Those lawyers conducting the internal investigation were not messing around, and Greg might still have a card to play.

How do we know Rhea, the CEO Who Came In From the Cold, is not a double double agent working for Nan? That whole impromptu firing was rehearsed. Nan is mounting a Trojan Horse takeover of Waystar of her own. Don't underestimate her, afterall, as she told Roy, she took down the Berlin Wall.

Boy was that just...sad. Even the trappings of wealth couldn't assuage the utter insecurity and sadness these "kids" have. The Mother and son scene in the kitchen, combined with Shiv searching for meanings with conversation and Roman in the back of the car made me adjust in my chair too. I am rooting for cousin Greg...he is the only hope, he knows about the protein.

The battle for the Iron Throne is child’s play compared to vying to become Logan Roy’s successor.