Succession, Season 3

By Joanna Langfield

The stakes couldn’t be higher for the embattled Roy family. And, for those of us watching safely from afar, the fun couldn’t be sweeter.

It’s been a while since we watched Kendall throw his father to the wolves (in this case, not just unhappy shareholders but also the SEC). But, unlike The Morning Show, which tried valiantly to incorporate the effects of the past year and a half in their newest season, this ballbuster look at the ruthlessly rich media warlords sticks with their own story, appropriately oblivious to anything else, going for its own jugular, as family members and associates must either pick sides or maneuver opportunities for their own advantage. But what keeps us engaged, vicariously fascinated, is not just the cutthroat brutality, but the continuous reminders that, underneath it all, these are people who do still love one another. And, occasionally, respect, or at least understand, each one’s place in the succession.

The writing is as razor sharp as ever, the ensemble of actors continues to impress, both individually and as a whole. In the episodes provided to the press, we get to see some damn near perfect guest stars (tantalizing work from both Alexander Skarsgard and Adrien Brody) bring some fresh, in all its definitions, air. Hope to see more of them and the havoc they can bring to the masters of what may be a crumbling universe. But, of course, the series regulars are not just bringing but leaving enough destruction to make things interesting. Nice to see Alan Ruck get to play, as well as Nicholas Braun and J. Smith-Cameron. But I still have a hard time taking my eyes off Sarah Snook, Matthew Macfadyen, Brian Cox, Kieran Culkin and Jeremy Strong. Each is given and takes full, beautiful advantage of some glorious moments and I love watching them.