Few shows have positioned themselves as the de facto critical favorite in recent years as deftly as HBO’s satirical dramedy Succession. The show explores the unscrupulous ultra-rich Murdoch-esque Roy family as they compete with one another to seize control of their father’s far-reaching media company. When the show first debuted, audiences seemed hesitant to spend their valuable time subjecting themselves to the lives of such privileged individuals as a form of escapism. It was not until the show neared the end of the first season that the word-of-mouth really started to build in support of the perverse satisfaction you gain from watching these awful characters melting down in the pursuit of spreading their toxicity around to others. When the show returned for this second season, everything started to line up creatively for the show, eventually leading to its recent Emmy Award for Best Drama Series, among other key awards. As we await the COVID-delayed third season, let us take a closer look at the season that truly put the show on the map.
In the first season of Succession, diabolical patriarch of the Roy family, Logan Roy (Brian Cox), upended expectations by foregoing a retirement from his media company and pitting his children against one another to see who is vicious and cunning enough to take the power from him. Logan relishes wielding this power over his family, and they are ambitious and ruthless enough to tear each other apart to get to the top; a product of growing up in this toxic environment. Kendall (Jeremy Strong), the presumed successor of the business, does not take this change of plans really well as he fights to prove his worth to his father while trying to keep a lid on his drug addiction. Shiv (Sarah Snook) is the sharpest member of her generation of Roys with a more liberal outlook on life, but she is steadfast in her convictions as far as it will benefit herself. Roman (Kieran Culkin) is arguably the most useless and incompetent of Logan’s children, and he only becomes more sniveling this season. Let’s not even get into the eldest son, Connor (Alan Ruck), a dimwitted soul who does something anyone with no experience or qualifications would do: makes a bid for president. The first season reveled in delivering a front row seat to dysfunction, but the second season opens up the world to a greater exploration of how such power can corrupt.
The second season opens up just after the events of the season one finale. After Kendall gets into a horrible accident that leaves one person dead, echoing the real-life events of Chappaquiddick, he does what any good billionaire would do; he gets his daddy to cover it up. When you are getting bailed out of something so serious, it does not really give you the leverage to continue your plans for a nasty takeover. Strong won an Emmy for his performance as Kendall this season, and it is easy to see why. The pathetic way in which he has to shrink to back up Logan is beautifully portrayed. Even cocaine can only muster up enough energy to reach a baseline lethargy. He has become his father’s puppet, and watching his evolution throughout the season is fascinating. Kendall is not the only Roy with a change in demeanor in store. Shiv, the standout character in a show full of compelling performances, surprises even herself when she sees how willing she is to engage in the family backbiting once presented with a proposal from her father.
The second season continues the shrewd takedown of the ridiculously rich and powerful while somehow injecting unexpected pathos into the story. That is not to say that you are necessarily rooting for these characters to succeed, but the increased presence of Logan throughout brings about a renewed competition for the affection of this devilish man. This, in turn, brings the Roy family’s various pathologies into sharper focus. They do not garner your sympathy, but they do hold your fascination as an anthropological study of these monstrous personalities. Creator Jesse Armstrong consistently knocks it out of the park throughout the season. Not only are the Roy children put through their paces, but the spouses and extended family are developed even further. Fan favorites cousin Greg (Nicholas Braun) and Tom (Matthew Macfadyen) continue to shine with their radically different demeanors that are equally compelling. This is a show that just continues to get better, and the way in which this season surprises in the end leaves you cursing that you do not have the next season right in that instant. It is easy to disregard the hype when critics are telling you that an unassuming little show is fantastic, but you really do need to pay attention to this venomous masterpiece.
Video Quality
Succession comes to DVD with 10 episodes over 3 discs, which offers a fair amount of room to avoid compression issues. This second season unfortunately does not follow in the footsteps of the first season, which received a Blu-Ray release. Due to the limitations of the format, these episodes are not going to look as good as they do in high definition, but the presentation is top notch within the DVD format. Even without the added definition, this is still a sleek show with fine details easily visible. Skin tones look natural, and close ups look quite good. Black levels are a little more problematic here, as nighttime scenes lose some of the outlines of objects within the shot. Colors are rendered favorably, and there is a whisper of texture in the clothing. This is the type of show that you want to see in the best quality possible, but consumers are increasingly less likely to spring for a Blu-Ray of a television show that is not a big spectacle. If you want to physically own these episodes, this set still offers up a pleasing presentation.
Audio Quality
This DVD comes with a Dolby Digital 5.1 track that sounds great for the type of show that it is. Dialogue is rendered clearly with a focus in the center channel. The wonderful score for Nicholas Britell is presented beautifully here. Amongst all of the arguing and backbiting, sound effects and background chatter never overpower the dialogue causing lost information. The rear speakers create a dynamic atmosphere as the sound of various urban environments envelops you at all of the appropriate times. The mix has a good sense of directionality so that nothing ever feels like it is coming from the wrong place. This track executes all of the key elements of a dialogue-driven drama perfectly.
Special Features
- Invitation To The Set: A two-minute look at where the characters are after the events of last season with insights from the cast and crew. It is quick, but it gets you up to speed on certain character motivations.
- Inside The Episode: All ten episodes are given a two to three-minute featurette in which the cast and crew members break down all of the developments in a particular episode. These do not go super in depth, but it provides a welcome perspective that enhances the enjoyment of the episode.
Final Thoughts
Succession continues its growth into a creative juggernaut with a truly wonderful second season. Every element from the plotting to the acting to the technical construction of each episode is perfectly executed. You may not fall in love with these characters, but you will love watching to see what they get into next. Warner Bros. Home Entertainment has delivered a DVD with a fine A/V presentation for the format and some special features for each episode. If you are looking to get into one of the finest dramas on television, now is your time to catch up. Recommended
Succession: The Complete Second Season is currently available to purchase on DVD.
Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the DVD.
Disclaimer: Warner Bros. Home Entertainment has supplied a copy of this set free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.
Dillon is most comfortable sitting around in a theatre all day watching both big budget and independent movies.
