Succession (TV Series) Tailgate Party (2023) User Reviews

Ken the Killer?

[rxckne · 9/10 · 8 May 2023]

Kendall is one of the most complex characters I've seen in TV, and while at times I can't stand him when he's at his best he's the real deal. Last episode I had some worries that he was turning back to his season 3 side and getting ahead of himself with his vision for Living+, but with this episode I'm starting to feel the killer Kendall that went for his Dad's crown in season 1. Now that Kendall got the information from Abba that could seriously hurt Mattson, he now has a trump card to turn over people including Frank who wanted nothing to do with Ken's idea at first glance. We could see a reunion of that dynamic from season 1 when Frank was right behind Kendall in the no confidence vote against Logan, and to me as of right now we're seeing a Kendall that is a killer. And if he can somehow pull off buying gojo and making Waystar bigger than it ever was with his father, then that'd make him the ultimate killer his father wanted him to become that we though he was at the end of season 2.

Now it won't be as easy as it's being shaped out to be right now, and there would have to be more people on board like Karl who pretty much threatened Kendall that if he messed up the deal he'd explode. But with this information a lot could change in Kendall and Roman's favor.

Moving on to the performances that stole the show, Sarah Snook and Matthew Macfadyen gave it their all in this episode. Finally after the events of All The Bells Say where Tom finally stood his ground against Shiv, they both let it all out in a conversation that was extremely necessary even if it was ugly. And while I think Tom was in the right to betray Shiv, I can't blame Shiv for having the mindset that Tom might've been with her just for her last name. But even then I still can't stand with Shiv because she's done Tom so much wrong in the series. Pressuring him into an open relationship on their wedding night, not paying much mind into the possibility that he'd go to prison, never being as transparent as she should've been throughout the series, along with much more. Not to say Tom has been a perfect partner but he has done much more for Shiv than anyone in that family and I'm glad he's finally standing his ground.

It's great to see that we will be getting to see the funeral of Logan and as of right now it'll be Roman giving a eulogy it seems. I don't understand why all of the kids can't speak but I'd love for it to happen because I think they all need to finally get out of their dad's leash and let everything out.

It seems that Gerri and Roman are officially done and that bridge has been burned but it's safe to say that's for the best. Roman tried to go on a power trip to the person that would've had his back the most and he got what was coming. Things could get dangerous knowing she's made some big requests and Roman's in a tough position with the things he sent her but he shot himself in the foot, and if things escalate even further then I can't be mad knowing he put himself in that position.

Also it was amazing to see Greg and Mattson bond for a little bit even if it was at the expense of Abba. Kendall looked like a proud father watching from above and while it's not a change for the better, it's hilarious to see the progression of Greg throughout this series as he's fully embraced the lifestyle of being a Roy. In his words, "Who needs a soul anyway?"

It's so difficult to fathom that there are only 3 episodes left after this. Things are about to reach an all time high and this episode showed the things to come. Shiv putting herself in between a rock and a hard place, Kendall potentially becoming the Killer we thought he was at the end of season 2, and Tom might finally be free even though it might've been at the cost of his position in the future. I can't wait to see what's next as we enter the final 3 episodes of Succession.

This show continues to impress

[Candy_Man22 · 10/10 · 8 May 2023]

I'm continually impressed by how much this show is able to maintain its quality. Every single episode manages to build off itself successfully. It really is incredible.

Now onto the actual episode. The acting is some of the best I've simply ever seen. Even the smaller characters that only had one or two scenes this episode were able to keep me continuously engaged and immersed. Every singly actor has seemed to truly embody their character. The standouts REALLY stood out this episode. While Kieran and Jeremy continue to impress me, Matthew and Sarah probably earned their Emmies tonight. Their scene together was not one of the scariest I've ever seen just because of the dialogue, but also because of how real they made it feel.

I really can not wait to see what's in store for the rest of the season, but I'm confident that whatever it is will be incredibly as well.

Intense and dramatic!

[and_mikkelsen · 10/10 · 8 May 2023]

OH man this show keeps getting better as we approach the inevetable finale! This episode just proved that anything can happen and that we should be ready for anything!

Already from this start, this episode promises drama as characters clashes! The show has a habbit of making scenes and characters interacting both intrigueging and uncomfortable cause anyone says whatever they want! This episode has an intense vibe of unpredictability as Matsson crashes the tailgate party and everyone has their own game going on!

The scene with Tom and Shiv was incredible and heartbreaking! Amazing performances and we see just how much they have both build up all this time! Definettely the highlight!

Mindblowing

[mouelaa · 10/10 · 9 May 2023]

So much has happened this episode, a lot of events to drive the plot forward and so many people making moves but the centerpiece definitely is the argument between Shiv and Tom. The episode was great up until that point then out of nowhere the episode exceeded all my expectations.

That fight was absolutely heartbreaking, watching two people that just cannot seem to figure out how to navigate their relationship suddenly destroy their relationship beyond repair. My favorite plotline of the season is the whole will they won't they between the two and after this episode I just don't see them making it work and I actually feel so sad for both of them.

Finally, the plot twist that Ken came up with took me by surprise as I did not see that coming, if he pulls it out then he will finally show that he has what it takes by doing something even his father couldn't.

I Don't Like You

[tristan_19 · 10/10 · 8 May 2023]

Things are falling apart everywhere. Tailgate Party literally feels like Kill List part 2. Shiv and Tom host a little fiesta in their house, but the mood switches real quick.

Kendall and Roman are doing their best to oversee the company. Lukas has skeletons in his closet. He might just be a front after all. Gerri decides to quit on her own terms, not without laying the ground rules, threatening Roman in the process. Connor stands by Willa's side, which makes me so happy.

Turmoil is just beginning when Tom claims he has had enough. Shiv follows him outside and they lay everything on the table. Once again, Matthew and Sarah blew everything out of the park. The dice are thrown and next episode looks like a game changer. Can't wait !

EMMY's all around!

[cgsallee · 10/10 · 9 May 2023]

But specifically. Matthew Macfadyen and Sarah Snook. If you watched the episode, you know. If you haven't, you will know. Both actors, along with the rest of the cast, are phenomenal actors but this episode and the "scene" near the end, should, I predict will, clinch Emmy's for both. The writers deserve an Emmy, directors deserve an Emmy. The best show on TV and in the conversation of best of all time. In my opinion. I watched the first episode of the first season a few years ago and shut it off halfway through. Maybe I was in a weird mood that night, who knows. A friend kept encouraging me to give it another chance and Succession became my #1.

Shiv is an absolutely horrible human

[andrewkempf · 9/10 · 25 July 2023]

Overall, this was a good episode and we are nearing the end, but what stood out to me is how unlikable Shiv has gotten. Poor Tom. None of the characters in this show are not saints by any means, but Shiv has slowly but surely made it clear to the viewers that she is by far the most unlikable, selfish, arrogant person in the show.

She couldn't believe when Tom said she only cares about anyone but herself, and then 2 minutes later she says "I don't like you, I don't care about you, you don't deserve me."

She has been an absolutely horrific cheater, liar, horrible daughter, wife, and sister. I absolutely cannot fathom why a person would enjoy her character.

Total perfection.

[josmth-73283 · 10/10 · 8 May 2023]

I would not have thought, based on the premise of this episode, that this would be my first 10/10 of this season. The entirety of this episode, aside from the first ten minutes, takes place entirely within the confines of Shiv's home, where which she and Tom are both hosting a pre-election party. I will not dare spoil a single thing about this episode, but there are a myriad of plot points that have built up over the past few seasons that come bubbling to the surface here, and they exceed all expectations. I just love so much how rewarding an experience it is to be a fan of this show. We're drawn into this world of corporate hell, but the writers constantly remind us of the humanity that these characters still possess.

I'm Absolutely Amazed!

[Hitchcoc · 10/10 · 9 May 2023]

Just a poor viewer, but I'm amazed that TV can get this good. I may have said the same thing as I watched "Breaking Bad/Better Call Saul." But the intellectual nature of this one is so great. I have to admit that I really don't understand a lot of the deal itself. What are the dynamics that are being thrust out there? What is quite accessible is the give and take of the featured characters as they fight for their financial lives. When someone says the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, one might think that being Logan's children would apply to them. I don't think they are apples and I don't think they have a real clue what they are doing. Each of them knows that they are rife with shortcomings, hence the squabbling, the drinking, the parrying and thrusting. They are mostly guessing at the things that need to be done. And when a united front would be advantageous, they let emotions rule. They simply don't trust each other and yet they have to have each other. The final scene with Tom and Shiv (what a great name--a hidden knife made from contraband) is so hard to watch. Tom wants in, but he is not family. We also have Greg out there. He is heartless specter. Wow--what an episode!

More than just a party

[Adam-09265 · 9/10 · 8 May 2023]

Some more tension in this weeks episode mixed in with mingling and tasteless wine. The party gathered by a load of important leaders set off to a good start with Kendall giving a toast type of speech to the room until Lukas walked in. Lukas looking like a polished turd with his sparkly jacket on hiding his faults that were later revealed. A flaw in his success, it's a hole that could destroy him like a grenade. Nate being invited was also awkward, but truth be done Kendall being told he wasn't his father twitched his ego again. Towards the end with Ken talking to Frank about the flaw in Lukas' numbers after Nate telling him to his face that he's not his father, it's become clear that Ken wants more than that now. He doesn't want to be his father, but better. "One head One Crown", he's willing to cast Roman and Shiv aside. Although will his ego be his downfall? Maybe not but i guess we'll find out.

Tom and Shiv's relationship had it's own grenade, the start of the episode looking promising with them back together then there was the Scorpion gift that to Shiv's face told her what Tom really thinks about her. Although she didn't get the verbal wrath of it until later on. I do think Tom has a point, a little forced but truth hurts. Tom throughout this series has been nothing but a private to the leader of the army being the Roy legacy. I've been on and off with how Shiv has treated people throughout the series, it's a sudden complication. It's like she's only there because of her last name, it's always been that way. Women can make good business leaders but i never saw that in Shiv, to me she's always been just a rich girl living off daddy. She's intelligent but she lacks people skills.

Gerri threatening Roman with a lawsuit reminded me of Karl with Kendall in the previous episode. The snakes have their own podium, it's only Frank but i believe Ken is winning him over. Am i wrong?

A tensional episode with some small truths and hard truths, this series is revealing more into the final fight. It's going to be chaos.

Wow!

[croche-48266 · 10/10 · 9 May 2023]

This show just keeps on delivering and at a consistently high level. I was utterly transfixed by the argument between Tom and Shiv, it was such a powerful and emotive performance! If Sarah and Matthew do not win the emmys for their outstanding performances then I will have no faith left in the emmys. The writing, the score, the attention to detail are just phenomenal. Every alliance between the main characters is now broken and this episode and the preceeding ones are setting up for a fantastic finale. I forsee Roman having a meltdown at the funeral and it all coming out during his eulogy namely the abuse and how he really feels about his father. Such an outstanding series that will be regarded as one of the best television shows ever made.

That was tense!

[kathleen_swales · 4 June 2023]

Wow what an episode! It had it all - bitching, backstabbing and betrayal. Everything we've come to expect and, in a twisted voyeuristic way LOVE!

Firstly that fight between Siobhan and Tom was guttural and heartbreaking. You could almost feel every single blow they landed on each other and boy did it hurt. I honestly thought the pregnancy news was gonna come out and wouldn't that have been the sucker punch? Shiv has always had the upper hand in their relationship but Tom is finally crawling out from under her stiletto heel and give as good as he gets.

Secondly, I've mentioned in a previous review that my feelings towards Kendall swing from episode to episode and in the last one I spent most of it cringing with his pep talks and his reach for the stars enthusiasm but there at the end he came goo. In this episode he proves why he should be number one (which he wrote in the sand next to the ocean). He is becoming what his father wanted him to be and he's taking no prisoners. Bravo to him!

Very confused episode

[professor_of_gamez · 7/10 · 10 October 2023]

I watched this at a watch party with a group from my local MENSA chapter. All found this episode confused and hard to follow.

It didn't help that multiple characters were mentioned multiple times each, in a way that suggested that the viewer should know who they were. However, none was listed in the cast for this or any previous episode. Strange.

The only redeeming part of this episode was the "clearing of the air" between Shiv and Tom.

Our whole group agreed with Shiv when she said "You never deserved me" to Tom. As despite being the often-creepy yes man that he was, he DID deserve someone better than Shiv (though we all suspected that's not what she meant).

Masterful as always

[UniqueParticle · 10/10 · 9 May 2023]

I'll start by saying my sleep isn't always as good as most but damn I love how unfiltered this series is and thoroughly entertaining always! Great how each season has a party episode they are superb and impactful with great drama. More company demotes, great truths poured out, deals made, and amazing vibes! Crazy how there's only 3 more episodes left of Succession this is one of few shows I'll miss a lot most I don't mind but this is packed with more intelligence than most series out there originally felt similar to Billions yet this is much better both have top notch writing that's for sure. Everything with Shiv and Tom was bound to happen too mashed in very well.

Party Tricks

[ossie85 · 9/10 · 8 May 2023]

Yet another addition to the show's incredible streak of episodes, and there are just a few episodes left, to make this one of finest final seasons ever. One of the highlights of this episode was the performance of Sarah Snook and Matthew Macfadyn, both of whom stole the show with their outstanding interactions. Both actors are sure to be in Emmy contention once again.

As expected, Kendall is going all out and pushing himself to the limit, setting himself up for a fall. Meanwhile, Lukas seems to have lost a lot of standing and getting increasibgly desperate. Greg's descent into darkness is also of note, that guy is creepy.

Another great episode, and another example of the show's exceptional quality and consistency. Succession continues to be one of the best shows on television.

Let's clear the air

[Criticalstaff · 9/10 · 13 May 2023]

This could be one of the most interesting episodes yet, because it almost entirely takes place during a party. And because it is a party it gives us an excuse to have all the characters in the same spot at the same time. What is the worst that could happen?

What is immediately great is the unfolding of many plot threads that have been building since the beginning of the season. The whole Gojo acquisition is the main story arc that gets a twist. The deal and how it was presented was something that always felt fake and artificial, at least to me. However the show could always hide behind the excuse of its biting social commentary; see Musk or Zuckerberg, they're far from being business geniuses. They're basically winging it, yet they have enough goodwill and money that their failures are forgotten while their successes are amplified. Matsson is clearly of the same type, and until now the show was presenting him as the eccentric business genius that is always right, everybody wanted to agree with him. Yet I suspect the show will make him look even closer to Elisabeth Holmes and Sam Bankman-Fried. But in-universe you can see that characters are turning against him. Of course mainly for their own selfish reasons, but it replaces the Roy's not as victims waiting to be bought out, but as predators on the hunt. It is a change of dynamic and it will be interesting to see how it plays out, given Logan's absence.

All the other interpersonal relationships get redefined this episode; Roman vis-à-vis Gerri, Connor and the brothers, Shiv and Matsson and of course Shiv and Tom.

Tom Wambsgans has always been a favorite of mine. He might not be the most relatable, but he kinda worked as the moral orthogonal center of the show. He would essentially function as the straight man, the one who would be the audience surrogate. To react to the family's extravagant antics. Yet, the show never misses an opportunity to remind us that he is generally a goofball. He is not good at his job, nor charismatic, he is not particularly smart or cunning. He is just there. In addition, he seems to be more vain and status obsessed than the rest of them. Which makes him truly a pathetic character.

It was tension that was building up a while that got released in the conversation between them. Shiv's problem is that she could not manipulate herself out of her predicament; Tom's problem is that the thing that got him in power was betraying Shiv, it was the only thing he done competently and it went nowhere.

What is funny is that they both were the artisans of their own demise yet they started blaming each other.

It an episode that re-dealt everyone's hand. Yet, it could leas some of our beloved characters into some interesting unexpected journeys. Even this late in the series.

The balcony scene!

[lovinulikea2dollarwhore · 10/10 · 4 January 2024]

This episode had so many smaller conversations and pivitol moments, but at a slower pace, so it didn't hit you with a BAM! The dialogue was so rich and important, with Shiv trying to help Lukas and watching it potentially blow up, Roman trying to repair with Geri, and Ken working all the angles as usual. The balcony scene between Tom and Shiv, was a master class in acting. They both better collect their Emmys for that scene! It was so raw and broken and it really made you understand the pain that their characters have been going through. Especially Tom, who's been my favourite since the beginning. Loved it!

Lets say they are going with a Kendall = Hero Ending how would it go?

[truthbrarian · 10/10 · 13 May 2023]

Something hit for me this episode, it was strange because I never understood what Lukas Matsson does and how he got so rich? Well after I heard the description of what Gojo IS I now believe Lukas is a parody of the CEO of Spotify Daniel Ek. His girlfriend and lady Lukas abuses looks a lot like Daniel's Ek's wife Sofia.

I could see this show IF they were going for a positive Kendall wins the "Game of Thrones" ending like this: in real life Spotify has two big weaknesses. One would be the pay artists receive from the service, often reaches hilariously awful levels like pennies a month. The second is that Spotify COULD be vulnerable to another content creator IF people are given reasons to hate Spotify.

Therefore, Kendall gathers troops and begins rounding up propagandists against Gojo saying how Gojo exploits artists. Kendall uses Tom who runs News who is just wanting to join Kendall's team and divorce Shiv but come out ahead to create a 24 hour news cycle about how corporations like Gojo exploit art. This allows liberal causes to support "The New Progressive Vision Of Waystar News" and gives a small window of opportunity for leftists to support Connor Roy's presidency when Connor brings up a new Social Capitalism.

The next step is to make a competing streaming service which pays its artists a lot more probably too much but this is briefly to just destroy Gojo stock value.

Next, attack Lukas for his bigotry, how can Greg steal the security footage from Shivs apartment (all rich people have security systems). Show the homophobia. People then begin saying Vote of No Confidence in Lukas and then Waystar moves to acquire Gojo for 69 dollars per share.

Roman's reward is getting to look right into the face of the completely broken Lukas as he fires him, saying talk trash on my father now you fake eurotrash loser. Or something. He has security take Lukas off the premises and then Roman is sent to be CEO of Gojo.

So there is an episode of a fast forward finale episode about what is every Roy doing five years later. Connor won the POTUS. Tom runs Waystar News. Shiv sleeps with powerful men and is basically lost in her own cage. SEC doesn't allow Waystar to buy Gojo and Roman is still CEO so just goes against Kendall in a affable rivalry.

Greg ends up finding his father and getting him a job, running Parks division and kinda is that Bob Chapek arc. Everyone else does their thing I can't tell every character.

I just think my weird fanfic is best here if you think this will happen like my post. I will use this as a prediction.

A twist too far

[olilaflamme · 7/10 · 9 May 2023]

I've loved this season so far. The mid season turn, built up very nicely was amazing. I mean, the end of episode 2 when Logan dangles Roman, with the music cue...! The next episode even reinforcing this moment.

But this episode, and even the previous one, feels like the twist too far. Honestly made me take a step back in the immersion. From the first minute of this episode the drama seems a little bit forced and the twist just reinforce it. We take a loop in the visited and revisited flaws of the main kids.

I guess the ending is heading towards a complete turn of the the wheel to back where we started. Resurfacing the superficial evolution of the kids and exposing their vanity and failures. I wish it wasn't done by the business side of things though, makes it forced and creates a lot of jabbering and technical babble that sounds like noise.

It is saved by the Shiv and Tom confrontation.

This season is below par

[NiiBerry · 7/10 · 19 May 2023]

This episode wasn't great. My viewing partner actually fell asleep. It feels like after the Wedding episode scenes and the story has just been stretched. If you split this episode in three parts there is only one essential part.

Acting through the episode is ok, nothing special. I think some scenes are put together just so there is something to talk about. Before the bots started bashing me I have watched all episodes and been reviewing shows and movies for years. Bots please stop the fake 10/10 reviews.

Character development is non existent, which is not the worse thing as they are being consistent. I think that the characters should have learned a thing or two and done things a bit better.

I am hoping the future episodes are better. 7/10.

Pivotal?

[palealien · 6/10 · 28 January 2024]

An episode that was almost too intense for itself. And the viewers, I've seen other reviews here reiterating my feelings here. Been bingeing and it seemed to grind things to if not a halt, a big slowdown. As pointed out elsewhere, the scene between Tom and Shiv was long overdue and as intense as you might expect. I kept waiting for her pregnancy- if it is- to be brought up, and unless I missed her giving Tom the news would almost certainly be a game changer for the two, but she never brought it up, which by itself was mysterious. Is the unborn headed for a freezer, or a vacuum tube? I'm pretty sure it won't be the next Roy heir. Three to go, let's see if they can spin all the loose ends.. mainly Matsson.. into a satisfactory run for the finish line.