Is this TV's worst family ever?
In this week's episode of WHO's TV podcast, Binge List, the team are in total agreement about one thing: what a horrible family the Roys are. They're the dynasty at the centre of new Foxtel series Succession and they can afford to be awful, since they control one of the world’s largest media companies.
Our first window into the world of the Roys is seeing a seemingly dazed and confused Logan Roy (Brian Cox), the aging patriarch of the family, having a bathroom-related accident in the middle of night. But appearances can be deceiving because the almost-80-year-old is still at the top of his game - as his children, who are anticipating his retirement following his birthday, are about to discover.
First in line to take over the reins of the family empire is Kendall Roy (Jeremy Strong), a self-absorbed bully who commands little respect despite holding a key position in the business. But he should watch his back, his siblings Roman (Kieran Culkin) and Siobhan (Sarah Snook) might take a backseat when it comes to corporate affairs, but that doesn't mean they don't want their slice of the pie when Daddy steps down. Roman is childish and has a nasty streak, while Siobhan might seem inoffensive, but she's a ruthless operator when she needs to be.
Then there are the various other members of the extended family, including Logan's first son, Connor (Alan Ruck); deceptively naive cousin Greg (Nicholas Braun), Logan's third wife, Marcia (Hiam Abbass); and Siobhan's snivelling fiancé, Tom (Matthew Macfadyen), who wants nothing more than to win Logan's approval, no matter how much he has to demean himself.
Between them all, there's not an admirable, honourable sole. And by the end of Succession's first episode, Logan's various relatives have all shown their true colours. They may be awful, but they’re incredibly watchable.
For more on Succession, listen to this week's Binge List (below) and tune in when the series begins on Fox Showcase on Thurs., Dec. 6 at 8.30pm.
