Succession – Season Three

1. The Roy Family's Power Struggle Intensifies

We’re on fucking saliva and adrenalin till we get on a plane. Alright? No local food. I get the shits, we’re fucked. No illness!

Succession's core theme. The third season of Succession escalates the already intense power struggle within the Roy family, following Kendall's public denunciation of his father, Logan. This act sets off a chain of events that forces each family member to reassess their allegiances and strategize for their own survival and advancement within Waystar RoyCo.

Logan's immediate response. Logan, initially caught off guard, quickly regroups and enters a war footing, seeking to consolidate his power and discredit Kendall. This involves navigating legal challenges, political pressures, and the ever-present threat of a hostile takeover.

Family members' reactions. Shiv, Roman, and Connor each grapple with their own ambitions and loyalties, leading to shifting alliances and betrayals as they navigate the treacherous landscape of their family's empire. The season highlights the complex dynamics of a family bound by blood but driven apart by greed and ambition.

2. Kendall's Quest for Redemption and Control

This – this is Waystar now.

Kendall's transformation. Kendall Roy embarks on a quest for redemption and control, fueled by a desire to expose his father's wrongdoings and reshape Waystar RoyCo in his own image. However, his efforts are often undermined by his own personal demons, erratic behavior, and a tendency towards self-aggrandizement.

Kendall's methods. Kendall employs a variety of tactics, including public pronouncements, legal challenges, and attempts to rally support from within the company and from outside investors. He seeks to position himself as a moral crusader, but his motives are often questioned, and his methods are often seen as reckless and self-serving.

Kendall's internal struggles. Despite his outward confidence, Kendall struggles with addiction, guilt, and a deep-seated need for his father's approval. These internal conflicts often sabotage his efforts and make him a volatile and unpredictable force in the power struggle.

3. Shiv's Navigational Ambitions and Moral Compromises

I want you safe, number one.

Shiv's strategic positioning. Shiv Roy navigates the treacherous waters of her family's power struggle with a keen eye on her own ambitions. She seeks to position herself as a successor to Logan, but her path is fraught with moral compromises and shifting allegiances.

Shiv's challenges. Shiv faces challenges both from within and outside the family. She must contend with her brothers' ambitions, her father's manipulations, and the skepticism of a male-dominated business world. She also grapples with her own moral compass, often sacrificing her principles for the sake of power and influence.

Shiv's complex relationships. Shiv's relationships with her father, her brothers, and her husband, Tom, are all tested as she navigates the complexities of the Roy family's empire. She must constantly balance her personal desires with the demands of her family and her career.

4. Roman's Calculated Chaos and Emotional Turmoil

I still like saying fuck ’em and killing my brother. It just feels so right.

Roman's unpredictable nature. Roman Roy embodies calculated chaos, often using humor and irreverence to mask his own insecurities and ambitions. He seeks to prove himself to his father, but his efforts are often undermined by his own emotional immaturity and a tendency towards self-sabotage.

Roman's business acumen. Despite his often-frivolous demeanor, Roman possesses a keen understanding of business and a willingness to take risks. He identifies and champions emerging trends, such as streaming and international markets, but his ideas are often dismissed or co-opted by others.

Roman's personal struggles. Roman's personal life is marked by a series of unconventional relationships and a deep-seated fear of intimacy. He seeks validation and connection, but his efforts are often thwarted by his own emotional baggage and a tendency to push people away.

5. Tom's Existential Dread and Opportunistic Maneuvering

Are you thinking about life jackets?

Tom's precarious position. Tom Wambsgans finds himself in a precarious position, caught between his loyalty to Shiv and his own self-preservation. He grapples with existential dread, fearing the consequences of his involvement in Waystar RoyCo's scandals.

Tom's survival strategies. Tom employs a variety of strategies to navigate the treacherous landscape of the Roy family's empire, including sucking up to Logan, forming alliances with other power players, and seeking legal counsel. He is constantly assessing his options and positioning himself for survival, even if it means betraying those closest to him.

Tom's marital struggles. Tom's marriage to Shiv is tested as he grapples with his own insecurities and ambitions. He seeks validation and affection from Shiv, but their relationship is often strained by power dynamics and a lack of genuine emotional connection.

6. Logan's Ruthless Pursuit of Dominance and Legacy

It’s war. Fuck off. Good?

Logan's unwavering ambition. Logan Roy remains the central figure in the power struggle, driven by an insatiable desire for dominance and a determination to secure his legacy. He employs ruthless tactics, manipulating his children, undermining his rivals, and exploiting any opportunity to consolidate his control over Waystar RoyCo.

Logan's strategic alliances. Logan forms strategic alliances with political figures, business partners, and even his own children, but these alliances are always conditional and subject to change based on his own self-interest. He is a master manipulator, adept at playing people against each other and exploiting their weaknesses.

Logan's vulnerabilities. Despite his outward strength, Logan is not immune to vulnerabilities. He grapples with health issues, family conflicts, and the ever-present threat of legal and regulatory challenges. These vulnerabilities often drive his actions and make him even more ruthless in his pursuit of power.

7. The Shifting Alliances and Betrayals of the Elite

You’re looking too small. We’ll do a dance – the DOJ will lean on us, Waystar resists … we bide our time until the election.

Fluid dynamics. The season is characterized by shifting alliances and betrayals as the Roy family members and their associates jockey for position. Loyalty is a rare commodity, and self-interest often trumps familial bonds.

Strategic partnerships. Characters form strategic partnerships with one another, seeking to gain an advantage in the power struggle. These partnerships are often short-lived and subject to change based on shifting circumstances.

Backstabbing and double-crossing. Betrayal is a recurring theme, as characters are willing to sacrifice their relationships and principles for the sake of personal gain. The season highlights the cutthroat nature of the elite and the lengths to which they will go to achieve their ambitions.

8. The Corrosive Effects of Wealth and Power on Relationships

I want everyone lawyered up. Set a joint defense meeting with my counsel, and the Waystar lead firm to lock down our list of counsel for individuals.

Distorted family dynamics. The Roy family's immense wealth and power distort their relationships, creating a toxic environment of competition, manipulation, and emotional neglect. Family members are often treated as pawns in a game of corporate warfare, and genuine affection is a rare commodity.

Erosion of trust. The constant betrayals and power plays erode trust within the family, making it difficult for members to form genuine connections or rely on one another. Suspicion and paranoia are rampant, as each character is constantly assessing the motives and allegiances of those around them.

Emotional detachment. The pursuit of wealth and power often comes at the expense of emotional well-being. Characters become detached from their own feelings and the feelings of others, prioritizing their ambitions above all else.

9. The Media Landscape as a Battleground for Influence

I think I want Lisa Arthur as my personal lawyer, but can you call Remi to hit me up with other names?

ATN's role. The Roy family's media empire, ATN, serves as a powerful tool for shaping public opinion and influencing political outcomes. The network's coverage is often biased and sensationalized, reflecting the Roy family's own agenda and priorities.

Political manipulation. The season explores the ways in which the Roy family uses ATN to manipulate political narratives and exert influence over elected officials. They seek to control the flow of information and shape public discourse to their own advantage.

Ethical compromises. The pursuit of ratings and political influence often leads to ethical compromises, as ATN is willing to sacrifice journalistic integrity for the sake of profit and power. The season highlights the dangers of unchecked media consolidation and the erosion of trust in traditional news sources.

10. The Unraveling of Family Bonds Amidst Corporate Warfare

I want you safe, number one.

Fractured relationships. The Roy family's power struggle takes a toll on their relationships, leading to estrangement, resentment, and a deep sense of loss. The bonds of blood are tested as family members are forced to choose between their own ambitions and their loyalty to one another.

Emotional isolation. Despite their immense wealth and power, the Roy family members are often isolated and alone, unable to form genuine connections or find lasting happiness. Their pursuit of success comes at the expense of their personal lives, leaving them emotionally bankrupt and unfulfilled.

Uncertain future. The season ends with the Roy family's future uncertain, as the power struggle continues to escalate and the fate of Waystar RoyCo hangs in the balance. The characters are left to grapple with the consequences of their choices and the realization that their pursuit of power may have come at too high a price.

Last updated: March 31, 2025