‘Succession: The Complete Series’ Blu-ray (review)

Succession is a gripping drama that delves into the cutthroat world of the Roy family, whose members are locked in a fierce battle for control of Waystar RoyCo, a global media empire.

Over four seasons, the series masterfully explores themes of power, loyalty, and betrayal, drawing inspiration from real-life media dynasties like the Murdochs and classic Shakespearean tragedies.

It’s a story of ambition and family dysfunction, told through razor-sharp writing and stellar performances from an ensemble cast.

The series begins with Logan Roy (Brian Cox), the iron-fisted patriarch, experiencing a sudden health crisis that sends shockwaves through his family.

His children—Kendall (Jeremy Strong), the ambitious yet self-sabotaging presumed heir; Roman (Kieran Culkin), the flippant younger son hiding deep insecurities; Shiv (Sarah Snook), the politically savvy daughter with aspirations beyond the family business; and Connor (Alan Ruck), the eldest son with eccentric ambitions—are thrust into a chaotic power struggle. Each vies for their father’s approval and the coveted position of successor, while Logan refuses to relinquish control, manipulating his offspring to maintain dominance.

The Roy family’s inner circle includes trusted advisors Frank Vernon (Peter Friedman), a longtime confidant caught between loyalty and self-preservation, and Karl Muller (David Rasche), the company’s sharp CFO who often provides a sardonic perspective on the chaos.

As the series progresses, Logan’s health stabilizes, but his authoritarian grip tightens.

Kendall, emotionally battered by his father’s machinations, oscillates between rebellion and submission, culminating in a shocking betrayal where he publicly accuses Logan of corporate malfeasance. This act fractures the family, forcing every member to choose sides. Roman’s irreverence belies his growing influence, Shiv’s return to the company challenges traditional power structures, and Connor embarks on a quixotic run for president, determined to define himself outside of Waystar’s shadow.

Tom Wambsgans (Matthew Macfadyen), Shiv’s husband, emerges as a pivotal figure. Initially a sycophant desperate for approval, he becomes a calculating player, especially as his marriage to Shiv deteriorates. Greg Hirsch (Nicholas Braun), the bumbling cousin, evolves from a comic outsider to a cunning opportunist, his ambition growing as he navigates the family’s power games.

Gerri Kellman (J. Smith-Cameron), Waystar’s general counsel, is a formidable presence, offering strategic counsel to Logan while forming an unconventional and complicated bond with Roman. Lukas Matsson (Alexander Skarsgård), a visionary tech mogul introduced in the later seasons, challenges the Roys with his disruptive approach to business, threatening their grip on their empire.

The series reaches its zenith in the final season when Logan’s sudden death leaves a power vacuum.

The Roy children, unable to unite, are drawn into a bitter battle for control, each confronting their insecurities and traumas. External forces, including Matsson, seek to reshape Waystar’s future, while internal betrayals, notably from Tom, redefine the dynamics within the family. Connor’s presidential aspirations, dismissed by his siblings, persist as a testament to his determination to carve out an identity separate from his father’s legacy.

At its core, Succession is a meditation on the corrupting influence of power and the fragility of familial bonds.

The series’ themes resonate with Shakespearean tragedy: Logan is a modern Lear, testing his children’s loyalty while struggling with his own mortality. Kendall’s tortured ambition mirrors Hamlet’s inner turmoil, while Shiv’s ruthless pragmatism evokes Lady Macbeth.

The show’s parallels to real-life media empires ground it in contemporary relevance, offering biting social commentary on wealth, influence, and morality.

Extras include featuettes, character recaps, and “inside the episode” shorts.

With its brilliant performances, incisive writing, and layered character studies, Succession is a modern television masterpiece. It captures the human costs of ambition and the relentless pursuit of power, balancing dark humor with moments of profound emotional depth.

By blending timeless Shakespearean themes with sharp critiques of contemporary media dynasties, Succession secures its place as one of the defining dramas of its era.