The Daily Think

Season 3 of HBO’s Succession will return March 26, 2023 to bring to you more self-indulgent, boring disconnected inside jargon that requires the lost fans to turn to podcasts to help define what the hell they just watched because frankly the pacing and plodding of the plot can become overly monotonous and pretentious if absorbed.

Succession is an American drama television series that premiered on HBO in 2018. The show follows the Roy family, a dysfunctional media dynasty, as they fight for control of their father’s company. While it has received critical acclaim from major publications like The New York Times, the show is often criticized for being pretentious and inaccessible to the general audience. Additionally, despite being praised by critics, the show’s ratings are significantly lower than other popular HBO shows.

One of the main reasons why Succession is considered pretentious is its writing style. The show uses a lot of jargon, insider terminology, and complex dialogue that can be difficult for the average viewer to follow. While this may be intentional, as it is meant to portray the cutthroat world of media and corporate politics, it can also come off as alienating and pretentious. The show also features a lot of cultural references that are not explained, assuming that the audience is familiar with high culture, literature, and philosophy. Let’s review the cast of characters you will run into if you are taking the show in for the first time:

1. Logan Roy – The patriarch of the Roy family and founder of the media empire Waystar Royco, Logan is a ruthless and cunning businessman who is not afraid to engage in illegal or unethical behavior to maintain his power and influence. Logan’s behavior can be compared to that of a white-collar criminal, using his wealth and influence to skirt the law and exploit others for his own gain.
2. Kendall Roy – The second-oldest son of Logan Roy, Kendall is a recovering drug addict who is desperate to prove himself to his father and win his approval. Kendall’s behavior can be compared to that of a criminal trying to rehabilitate his image and make a fresh start after a life of crime, using his resources and connections to try and turn his life around.
3. Shiv Roy – The only daughter of Logan Roy, Shiv is a political strategist who is married to Tom Wambsgans, a high-ranking executive at Waystar Royco. Shiv’s behavior can be compared to that of a criminal mastermind, using her political skills and influence to manipulate those around her and advance her own agenda.
4. Roman Roy – The youngest son of Logan Roy, Roman is a reckless and impulsive playboy who often acts without thinking about the consequences of his actions. Roman’s behavior can be compared to that of a juvenile delinquent, constantly getting into trouble and causing problems for himself and those around him.
5. Tom Wambsgans – Shiv’s husband and a high-ranking executive at Waystar Royco, Tom is a sycophantic and insecure man who will do whatever it takes to maintain his position of power. Tom’s behavior can be compared to that of a criminal enabler, willing to go along with illegal or unethical behavior to please his superiors and advance his own career.
6. Greg Hirsch – A distant relative of the Roy family and a low-level employee at Waystar Royco, Greg is a timid and inexperienced young man who is often caught up in the family’s machinations. Greg’s behavior can be compared to that of an unwitting accomplice, getting pulled into the family’s schemes without fully understanding the consequences of his actions.

Another reason for the show’s perceived pretentiousness is its characterization. The characters in Succession are all very wealthy, privileged, and often morally corrupt. While this may be a reflection of the real world, it can also come off as elitist and out of touch. The show has been criticized for being overly obsessed with the lifestyles of the rich and famous, which can be difficult for the average viewer to relate to.

The pacing of the show has also been criticized for being slow and meandering, which can make it difficult for some viewers to stay engaged. The show often spends a lot of time on seemingly insignificant details, such as characters having conversations or attending social events, which can feel like a waste of time. While this may be meant to create a sense of realism, it can also come off as self-indulgent and pretentious.

Despite the critical acclaim the show has received, it has relatively low ratings compared to other popular HBO shows like Game of Thrones or The Sopranos. This could be attributed to the show’s pretentiousness and lack of accessibility. While the show may appeal to a niche audience of wealthy media insiders or intellectuals, it may not resonate with the general public, who may be put off by its elitism and slow pacing.

While Succession has been praised by some critics for its sharp writing, excellent performances, and insightful commentary on the media industry, it is also considered pretentious by many viewers. The show’s use of jargon, cultural references, and insider terminology can be alienating and difficult to follow, while its characterization of wealthy elites can come off as elitist and out of touch. Additionally, the show’s slow pacing and lack of accessibility may make it difficult for the general public to engage with. While critical acclaim is important, it is ultimately the viewership that determines a show’s success, and in the case of Succession, the numbers don’t lie.