This HBO original series is a different kind of family drama, featuring an undercurrent of dark humor and cutting satire. Brian Cox stars as Logan Roy, the 80-year-old patriarch of a family-owned media empire. Logan is on the verge of handing over control to his heir apparent Kendall (Jeremy Strong), a sharp businessman who lacks his father's killer instinct and negotiating skill. But after suffering a stroke that causes concern over his decision-making powers, Logan changes his mind and hangs on to power. As his (third) wife (Hiam Abbass) limits access to the recovering Logan, his four children (along with Kendall is Kieran Culkin as the hedonistic Roman, Alan Ruck as the out-of-touch eldest Connor, and Sarah Snook as savvy political consultant Shiv) rethink their futures through alliances and plots. They are a damaged bunch, from the bullying Logan, to recovering addict Kendall, to irresponsible Roman, and the scramble for power brings out their worst impulses and reveals their vulnerabilities—which is what humanizes this otherwise unlikable bunch. The premise suggests such aging media powerhouse players as Rupert Murdoch and Sumner Redstone, and creator Jesse Armstrong plays it as a mix of corporate satire, family drama, and perverse dark comedy with a savage edge. It takes a few episodes to kick in, but patient viewers will be rewarded with a smart and sophisticated series. Presenting all 10 episodes from the 2018 debut season, extras include a behind-the-scenes featurette. Recommended. (S. Axmaker)
Succession: The Complete First Season
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