Succession’s Legacy: Ranking the Roy Family’s Most Ruthless Power Plays

Succession’s legacy is defined by the Roy family’s ruthless power plays, each decision leaving lasting consequences on their relationships, Waystar RoyCo, and their individual futures, showcasing a complex web of ambition, betrayal, and familial dysfunction.

The HBO series “Succession” has captivated audiences with its portrayal of the ultra-rich Roy family and their relentless pursuit of power. The **Succession’s legacy: Ranking the Roy Family’s Most Ruthless Power Plays and Their Long-Term Consequences** examines some of the most impactful decisions made by the Roys, charting their ripple effects on the family and the media empire they control. Dive in to see which moves proved most devastating.

The Ruthless Ascent of Logan Roy

Logan Roy, the patriarch of the Roy family, built Waystar RoyCo into the colossal media conglomerate it is today. His ascent to power was paved with ruthless decisions, strategic maneuvers, and a willingness to sacrifice anything – including his children’s happiness – for the sake of his empire.

Logan’s most calculating plays weren’t always the loudest, but rather the most subtly devastating. His long game involved manipulating his children’s desires, insecurities, and ambitions against each other, creating a constant state of competition and dependence.

Early Corporate Raids and Acquisitions

Logan’s early strategies involved aggressive takeovers of smaller media companies. These acquisitions, often hostile, demonstrated his unwavering resolve and set the tone for Waystar’s future.

Marital Sacrifices and Calculated Alliances

Logan’s personal life was as strategic as his business dealings. His marriages and alliances were often calculated to further his ambitions, showcasing his willingness to exploit personal relationships for professional gain.

• Acquisition of PGM: Logan’s acquisition of PGM showcased his understanding of long-term market trends.
• Dismissal of Frank Vernon: The swiftness and justification behind Frank’s dismissal underscore Logan’s intolerance for dissent.
• Rejection of Pierce Offer: Logan’s rejection was rooted in ego and a desire to prove his superiority.

Ultimately, Logan’s ruthlessness solidified his position as a media titan, but at the cost of his family’s cohesion and emotional well-being. His legacy is one of immense power coupled with profound personal tragedy.

Kendall’s Perpetual Struggle for Control

Kendall Roy, the eldest son and once-presumed heir, is characterized by his constant yearning for his father’s approval and his perpetual struggle for control of Waystar RoyCo. His attempts to assert dominance often backfire, revealing his vulnerabilities and impulsive nature.

Kendall’s pursuit of power is marked by a series of strategic missteps and self-sabotaging behaviors. Driven by a complex mix of ambition and insecurity, he often makes decisions that undermine his own position.

The Bear Hug Attempt

Kendall’s attempt to take over Waystar RoyCo with Sandy and Stewy, dubbed “the bear hug,” was a bold but ultimately destabilizing move. It revealed his willingness to betray his family for personal gain, but also his lack of strategic acumen.

His Confession and Subsequent Complicity

After accidentally killing a waiter at Shiv’s wedding, Kendall became entangled in a complex dynamic with his father. Logan used this knowledge to maintain control over Kendall, ensuring his loyalty through blackmail. This moment highlighted the depth of manipulation within the Roy family.

• His Relationship with Naomi Pierce: A volatile partnership, fueled by mutual struggles with addiction.
• Failed Vaulter Acquisition: The acquisition was a disaster, marked by layoffs and diminished morale.
• Livestream Confession: This act was simultaneously a rebellion and a submission.

Kendall’s legacy is one of unfulfilled potential and tragic self-destruction. His power plays often reveal his deep-seated insecurities and his inability to break free from his father’s shadow.

Shiv’s Political Maneuvering and Miscalculations

Siobhan “Shiv” Roy is known for her calculated political maneuvering and strategic alliances. She constantly attempts to position herself as the most capable successor to Logan, often leveraging her political connections and sharp intellect.

Shiv’s ambition is often undermined by her own miscalculations and her tendency to underestimate her siblings’ capabilities. Her political background and modern sensibility clash with Waystar’s traditional culture, leading to conflicts and strategic blunders.

Alliance with Gil Eavis

Shiv’s initial attempt to distance herself from Waystar by working with political strategist Gil Eavis was a strategic misstep. It created a rift between her and her family and ultimately undermined her credibility within the company.

Her Role in the Pierce Acquisition

Shiv played a pivotal role in the acquisition of PGM. However, her handling of the deal was marked by tension and mistrust, showcasing her difficult relationships with both her family and potential allies.

• Her Marriage with Tom Wambsgans: Their complex relationship is both a strategic alliance and a source of emotional turmoil.
• Her Endorsement of Mencken: Shiv’s decision to endorse Jeryd Mencken was based on a cynical calculation.
• Betrayal of her Brothers: Her last-minute decision to betray Logan and Kendall underscored the deeply entrenched familial dysfunction.

Shiv’s legacy is one of untapped potential and self-inflicted wounds. Her attempts to navigate the treacherous waters of Waystar are often thwarted by her own ambition and her inability to form genuine connections.

Roman’s Unconventional and Risky Strategies

Roman Roy, the youngest son, often employs unconventional and risky strategies in his pursuit of power. His unpredictable nature and penchant for dark humor can be both an asset and a liability.

Roman’s approach to business is characterized by his willingness to take risks and his unconventional thinking. However, his lack of discipline and emotional maturity often lead to poor judgment.

His Relationship with Gerri Kellman

Roman’s relationship with Gerri Kellman was a complex mix of mentorship and sexual tension. Their dynamic provided him with invaluable guidance, but also exposed his immaturity and vulnerability.

His Involvement in the GoJo Deal

Roman played a key role in the GoJo deal, initially skeptical but eventually seeing its potential. However, his impulsive decisions and lack of strategic planning often undermined the deal’s progress.

• His Missile Launch Mishap: One of the many examples of Roman’s impulsiveness.
• His Attempt to Impress Logan: Roman is always looking for attention from his father.
• His Emotional Outburst at the Vote: His emotional outburst showcased the depth of Roman’s pain and disillusionment.

Roman’s legacy is one of unrealized potential and stunted growth. His unconventional strategies often backfire due to his emotional immaturity and his inability to form genuine connections.

Tom Wambsgans: From Outsider to Power Player

Tom Wambsgans, initially an outsider to the Roy family, expertly navigates the treacherous landscape of Waystar RoyCo, transforming himself into a significant power player through a combination of ambition, adaptability, and strategic alliances.

Tom’s journey involves a series of calculated moves, often at the expense of his own integrity, to gain favor with the Roys. His understanding of the family dynamics and his willingness to play the game make him a formidable force.

His Marriage to Shiv and its Strategic Implications

Tom’s marriage to Shiv provides him with a direct line to the Roy family, but also exposes him to their toxic dynamics. He leverages his position to gain influence within Waystar, but also faces constant threats to his status.

His Role as Greg’s Mentor and Manipulator

Tom’s relationship with Greg Hirsch is both a mentorship and a manipulation. He uses Greg to further his own ambitions, but also provides him with a glimpse into the inner workings of Waystar.

• His Betrayal of Shiv in the Final Episode: His decision highlighted his evolution from an outsider to a key player.
• His Rise Through ATN: Tom is constantly looking for attention from the family Roy.
• His Relationship with Greg: Greg is often used as a tool by Tom.

Tom’s legacy is one of unexpected ascent and strategic calculation. His transformation from an outsider to a power player highlights his adaptability and his willingness to play the game.

Greg Hirsch: The Accidental Insider

Greg Hirsch, often referred to as “Cousin Greg,” is an unlikely and often hapless figure within the Roy family. However, his accidental presence and somewhat unwitting alliances allow him to survive and even thrive in the cutthroat world of Waystar RoyCo.

Greg’s naiveté and incompetence often mask a surprising resilience and a knack for self-preservation. His ability to stumble into key situations and form unlikely alliances allows him to navigate the treacherous landscape of Waystar.

His Unlikely Alliance with Tom

Greg’s mentorship under Tom Wambsgans is a crucial element of his survival. He learns the intricacies of Waystar through Tom’s guidance, but also becomes a pawn in Tom’s manipulations.

His Role in Key Corporate Decisions

Despite his lack of experience, Greg often finds himself involved in key corporate decisions. His ability to be in the right place at the right time allows him to influence events, often unintentionally.

• His Testimony Against Waystar: A bold move that showcased a surprising level of awareness.
• His Ineptitude with Sensitive Documents: A comical but impactful mistake, almost always.
• His Continued Loyalty to Tom: His emotional outburst showcased the depth of loyalty.

Greg’s legacy is one of accidental success and unlikely survival. Despite his shortcomings, he manages to navigate the treacherous world of Waystar, often through sheer luck and a surprising degree of adaptability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

The legacy of “Succession” lies in its stark portrayal of power, ambition, and familial dysfunction. The Roy family’s ruthless power plays leave a lasting impact, revealing the complex interplay between personal desires and the pursuit of dominance within a media empire.