Director: Adam McKay

Featuring: Brian Cox, Kieran Culkin, Sarah Snook, Matthew Macfadyen, Jeremy Strong and J. Smith Cameron

Overview of first episode: 

With Succession coming back soon for their final series, I thought I would do a review of the first episode of the first series as I will be going back to re-watch them all ahead of the new series coming out (recommend you do this too just to enjoy the masterpiece!). 

“Succession” is a drama series that premiered on HBO in 2018. The first episode of the series, “Celebration,” sets the tone for the series with a complex portrayal of a wealthy family and their struggle for power and control.

Takeaway One

The episode opens with the family patriarch, Logan Roy (Brian Cox), celebrating his 80th birthday. Roy is the founder of Waystar Royco, a massive media conglomerate, and his children are all vying for a piece of the pie. The tension between the siblings is palpable, as they jockey for their father’s attention and approval.

Takeaway Two

The first episode of “Succession” is expertly crafted, with each scene and line of dialogue adding to the overall story. The writing is sharp and witty, with a dark undercurrent of cynicism running throughout. The acting is top-notch, with Brian Cox delivering a standout performance as the domineering Logan Roy.

One of the most impressive aspects of the first episode is how it manages to introduce and flesh out each of the main characters without feeling rushed or overwhelming. Each of the Roy siblings is distinct and fully realised, with their own motivations and flaws. The audience is given a glimpse into their individual struggles, and it’s clear that there are no easy answers or solutions to their problems.

Final thoughts

Succession is primarily about a wealthy and powerful family, the Roys, and their struggle for control of the family business, Waystar Royco. The show explores the complicated relationships between family members, as well as their personal and professional struggles, ambitions, and insecurities. While the show also touches on themes of wealth, power, and corporate politics, at its core, Succession is a family drama

Highly recommended!  WATCH WATCH WATCH!! Love this show!