Roy Family Dynamics: Succession “Church and State” Review
The penultimate episode was yet another captivating installment, characterized by its dark undertones and commentary on the impact one person’s pain can have on the rest of the world. It once again laid bare the harsh realities and flaws of these characters.
Kendall, in particular, exhibited troubling behavior towards his own family. It was truly disheartening to witness his desire to obtain custody of the children despite being absent in their lives and completely consumed by his selfish desire to obtain power.
Rava makes the decision not to let the kids attend Logan’s funeral and this sparks Kendall’s outrage and prompts him to put his lawyers in action to undoubtedly start attacking Rava in the court of law.
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One cannot help but ponder: Was Rava justified in her decision? What truly served the best interests of the children? While their grandfather's funeral held significance, the prevailing turmoil in the streets made Rava's apprehension understandable.
The Roy family comes together at the funeral of Logan Roy.
Although we don't directly hear the kids' thoughts on their father Kendall, it is subtly implied that they don’t want to be around him. They do not open the door when he becomes upset and knocks to get them out.
Kendall's absence from their lives throughout the season reinforces this notion. His relentless pursuit of power and control over his father's company blinds him to the profound impact his choices have on his children, neglecting the importance of nurturing their relationship.
The Roy Family Dynamics
This family's dynamics are brutal and it starts with the loss of Logan’s sister when he was a child, as uncovered by Ewan Roy, (Logan’s brother) during his powerful speech, which overall was harshly critical of Logan.
He explains that Logan blamed himself for her passing. He felt that he brought home the Polio that ultimately took her life. It’s hinted that this is Logan’s core pain and trauma that may have made him cold and evolved over the course of his life into something even bigger and more toxic.
Amidst the poignant atmosphere of Logan's funeral, the illumination sheds light on Roman and his siblings' emotional vulnerabilities, unraveling the undeniable impact of Logan's actions.
The fact that none of Logan's children even considered involving Logan's own brother in the funeral speaks volumes about their disrespect and tendency towards deceit and manipulation. It reflects their flawed character and highlights their inevitable path towards weakness.
These children were destined to become the weakest and most flawed versions of themselves due to the absence of proper guidance and direction in their lives. Just like Commodus, a character from Gladiator that I recently analyzed in an article, they were raised with privilege and luxury, but that's not the root of the problem. It’s not inherently bad to be born wealthy.
The crux of the issue lies in the absence of parental love and guidance, which are essential for fostering a strong moral foundation and a solid work ethic. While they may have acquired some positive qualities over time, their understanding of life's harsh realities and consequences remains incomplete.
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This deficiency is evident when Shiv openly confesses in her speech that they lived in constant fear of their father during their formative years, and this fear seems to have lingered throughout their lives.
Growing up, their primary focus was on pleasing their father and avoiding his anger. Consequently, they learned how his world operates—a world built on the facade of greed, where the only measure of success is monetary wealth.
Human Tragedy
It is this very aspect that adds to the allure of the show—realizing that those in influential positions, governing major entities on a national and global scale, are flawed individuals capable of wreaking havoc. It underscores the notion that our own moral quandaries, traumatic incidents, weaknesses, and ever-changing emotions possess both random chaos and recognizable patterns. Human immaturity, wherever it arises, poses a significant danger.
Shiv and her siblings struggle processing the pain of their father’s passing coupled with the constraints and negative impact of being part of Logan Roy's turbulent empire.
The Roy family members utilize the façade of family and legacy to seek solace and validation. It is the only game they know how to play. Through the speeches and retrospection of Logan's life during the funeral, it becomes apparent that the Roy siblings were inherently disadvantaged by being born as Logan Roy's children - as crazy as that may sound.
Attempting to fill his shoes is the wrong path for them. Instead, their true potential lies in creating something new with authentic intentions, rather than trying to fill the void left by their deeply flawed father and emotionally absent mother.
They Have No Self Awareness
It's a reality that many people struggle to see beyond their own limited perspectives, and this extends to the world we live in. Often, individuals are born into predetermined roles and paths in life. However, it takes an extraordinary person to break free from the course set by generations before them.
While not everyone feels the need to reshape their family's trajectory, effecting such change requires dedicated effort and deep introspection. It involves challenging established norms, questioning inherited beliefs, and embarking on a personal journey of growth and transformation.
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Escaping the constraints of one's upbringing demands resilience, self-awareness, and a steadfast commitment to forging a unique path. While it's not an obligatory choice, it is a profound undertaking that requires genuine dedication and profound self-reflection. It’s a path, unfortunately, the Roy family is proving to be incapable of traversing.
I rate this episode a 9.0 out of 10, slightly edging out last week’s episode. Anyways, what do you think? Leave your thoughts in the comments and subscribe to my email list.