HBO’s Emmy-winning Succession returned this weekend to kick off its final season. The debut episode of season four received record ratings and unanimous acclaim for its performances, direction, and storytelling. We dive into the episode, what it says about the characters, and hypothesize on where the series could end. Plus, we spitball a scenario where HBO could maneuver Succession to four acting wins in the main performance categories.
But first, we catch up on Clarence’s recent trip to the Pixar headquarters. As always, we close with the Flash Forward to the media we’re most anticipating in the upcoming week.
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Lock him up! Lock him up!
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I don’t think four acting wins will happen for a very good reason. Voters have no reason to overcompensate. They are not just discovering the show (Schitts Creek). Do we expect this season to be so much better than everything so far (The Crown)?
Four acting wins really means that they are crazy about this show, and actors, who are the only ones voting for acting wins, have given the show only three acting Emmys so far — one in lead, one in supporting, one in guest. And they had options. They certainly had options. Yes, the show received a lot of nods this past year, but is it because they adore it or just because they had the opportunity to nominate entire casts because of the unlimited voting per category, which gave popular shows a much better shot at a high tally?
I expect the show to win a few categories: maybe Lead Actor (where Strong is just the show standout and I hope they’ll give him another statue), maybe Supporting Actor, but I don’t see the show taking Lead Actress. Even in supporting, Sarah is facing an uphill battle. The thing with her character, and practically a lot of Succession characters, is that they are not people you’d like to embrace, people you can root for. And rooting is a huge part of voting.
I believe Jeremy won for the second season despite all his weaknesses, all his despicable traits. And he won because of his character’s vulnerability. After every season, all I care about is that Kendall is alright. I really want to give him a hug and comfort him. I suspect many voters, especially female voters, feel the same way.
On the other hand, the cast of Succession has been extremely vocal about Strong’s method acting extremes, which might cause some damage, both to him and them. Brian Cox has been especially distasteful in his comments. And he doesn’t let it go. Just days ago, he picked this up again. He should shut up. Actors work in ways that work for them. I believe these comments really won’t help him.
Cox really should stop whining!
After every season, all I care about is that Kendall is alright. I really want to give him a hug and comfort him.
So true!!