Don't open Pandora's box - there's just more dicks in there.

Continuing my trip down The Guardian's Top 50 TV Shows of 2021.  

#4 : Succession

For half a season, the third outing of this captivating drama about a dysfunctional media dynasty took things slowly. Then it went supernova, finding a gear that, even by the show’s own impossible standards, it had never found before. It’s not overstating it to say that this was the show’s best ever run of episodes.

So - I've wanted to watch Succession for ages but never even started it, so this is a good thing right?  Well, yes - except that I had to watch seasons 1 and 2 before I could watch season 3, so it was a bit of undertaking which I started on 21st January and finished on 26th March - 29 episodes in 64 days (whilst watching a load of other stuff as well)

And since I had to watch all the seasons, I'm going to briefly write them up - Season 1 introduces us to the Roy family and a right family of unlovable monsters they are too.  But they're a very well written and acted bunch of unlovable monsters and surprisingly funny at the same time.  I can see that some people might think it's slightly rude though - episode 2 is shown on Sky as "Sh*t Show At The F*ck Factory".  The season ends on a very satisfactory season ending episode, both resolving a major plot point and leaving things open for the next season.

Season 2 continues in pretty much the same vein - possibly even more intrigue, craaazy ideas, sibling rivalry and betrayal.  It also has some very strong stand-alone episodes which focus on one particular issue and pretty much run with it as far as they can (which can be a very long way indeed - that rap scene is really something).  And Brian Cox as Logan Roy, the head of the household, is soooo much nastier in this season.  The season as a whole builds nicely throughout and really does focus on succession - and Holly Hunter is a great addition to the cast as well (but just for this season).  And again, it manages a great season finale with a real Greek tragedy feel to it.

Overall thoughts from the first two seasons are that it's brilliantly written - so many clever throw away lines amid large story arcs.  It seems kinda weird that the original idea came from the guy who wrote Peep Show because this is in a whole different league to that show - although you can't help but feel he's had a bit of help along the way.  

It's a great ensemble cast - all the recognisable faces deliver as expected.  I think Jeremy Strong as Kendall Roy takes the plaudits for me, especially the way he reacts (generally badly) to his dad's outrageous bullying - but Kieran Culkin as Roman Roy is definitely having the most fun.  It also has really great theme music as well - you don't notice these things until someone comes along with some top drawer theme music.

Which brings us to where we're supposed to be - season 3.  The general consensus is that it's a slow starter and then just explodes, although Mrs Reed's verdict was "still good, just not as good".  And having watched it, I'd have to say I agree with Mrs Reed (who also binge watched all three seasons in one go) and partially with the general consensus - it is indeed just not as good and it is also a slow starter.  But it's a slow continuer as well - I'm certainly not convinced The Guardian is correct when it says this season features "the show’s best ever run of episodes".  It does end on a strong note though - although not as strong as the previous two seasons and it takes a loooong time to get there.

It seems harsh to compare it to past glories (but that's going to happen when you throw out seasons like 1 & 2) but season 3 lacks an overall arc in the way the others did and some of the season's stories come out of nowhere and don't really go anywhere either.  I think part of the problem is that season 2 ends on such a high point that they weren't entirely sure as to where they should take it.  There are some somewhat odd character developments (eg Roman gets both cleverer and nastier) - I appreciate they're probably trying to grow everyone, but the choices made don't always gel for me.  The exception to this is Kendall Roy who has a very believable reaction to the events of previous seasons and Jeremy Strong plays it really well - this is a really good article on his Succession journey and he's also very good in The Trial Of The Chicago 7 (as is everyone actually).  Season 3 also seems to suffer from "attack of the guest stars" - famous-ish people rock up and have to be given enough to do to make their part sizeable, but they're only there for an episode or two which means that their story arc has to end quicker than it might otherwise do.

I do feel a bit mean because this season is still well written with some very well done sections - for instance, the dick pic storyline is introduced over a long period and could easily have been just dropped, until one thing happens which manages to be both funny and horrifying at the same time and suddenly the whole thing is instantly transformed into a political situation with everyone working the angles (although there's a good argument that it's not resolved).  

There are still a load of real zinging throwaway lines throughout and also it's really well filmed and beautifully shot with some absolutely gorgeous locations (the yacht and the Tuscan villa in particular) .  It's also REALLY well acted - it feels harsh not to give everyone a namecheck, but it wouldn't be fair not to specifically call out Sarah Snook, Nicholas Braun, Matthew Macfadyen, Alan Ruck, Justine Lupe and J. Smith-Cameron for their sterling work across all seasons (in addition to those previously mentioned).  Harriet Walter also deserves a mention for her recurring role - she doesn't appear often but when she does,  she absolutely kills everybody else around her.

If, like me, you've not caught any of Succession then certainly do yourself a favour and watch the first two seasons - then maybe leave it a couple of months and watch the third one (although that's going to be tricky because you're going to want to know what happens after the season two finale).  However, if you can manage it that way then the past glories won't be quite so fresh in your mind and you'll be pleased to see them all again in season 3.  

After all, it's still good - just not as good.

#3 - Up there with the very best
#5 - the mega-smash hit I totally avoided