Before I run through the awards to Season 1 of Succession, I must say that this show has really grown on me. As a huge Billions fan, I was very bullish when I first saw commercials for Succession. I thought it was just HBO’s version of Billions. The first few episodes were a little rocky. I think there is a point in the show where it starts to figure itself out and what it’s trying to be. Now that we’re at the end of the first season, I’m in!

The final four episodes are an absolute heat check. I can’t help but wonder if Succession’s formula is sustainable? It’s clear what took this show over the top was its ability to get all of these characters into the same location and the inner conversations that they have amongst themselves to stab each other in the back and scheme their next moves. The Shiv and Tom marriage arc has been a key one as it was able to create the events of the bachelor party, rehearsal dinner, and wedding. I don’t know how you run it back in season 2 and get all of the characters into the octagon against each other as we’ve seen all season but I’m sure the writers will find a way. As a side note: I also think this show has Logan dying as an ace up their sleeve for if and when the show starts to get stale. The reactions and events that would ensue would surely be intriguing.

Here’s a list of a few things that made this season so great:

Kendall’s inner struggle and feud with his dad

If Logan is harder on one of his children it is definitely Kendall. He is constantly tearing Kendall down and Kendall struggles greatly from it. Unclear of how is drug problem started, his feud with his dad surely doesn’t help and it is quite clear that Kendall’s drug usage takes the pressure off of him having to compete or make his father proud. Until it gets him in a hot mess in the finale with the crash…. yikes. Another side note: Jeremy Strong’s performance as Kendall is pretty incredible.

Tom and Greg Moments

The Tom and Greg scenes are the best bar none. Such a necessary comic relief to the always tense and cringy scenes amongst the Roy family.

Logan and his “Fuck Offs”

I’m curious at how many times Logan told someone to fuck off when he got mad especially in the earlier episodes. It felt like a lot and never seemed to disappoint.

Weird Roman

Amongst the feuds among characters, Roman was a great six man off of the bench to come in and carry a scene or two. His weird banters and ability to joke about his families inner struggles was quality. He reminds me of the OKC version of James Harden. He comes off the bench and sparks the scenes creating more tension while taking the edge off. We’re not sure how great he is yet but it’s clear he’s a game changer.

Now that I highlighted the high’s of the show time to breakdown the awards.

Season 1 Awards

Most Improved Character Award

At first I thought I would type a blog on only Greg but then I thought more about it I decided I better not. But I totally could’ve. Greg is the most improved player this season. He started off vomiting through a mascot mask, smoking pot, and having zero dollars in his bank account. By the end of the season Greg is working for the Coy business and wearing suits. It is way too early to throw this around but I’m going to anyways. One of my predictions is Greg will climb to the top and be a vital member of the business (it will be the biggest character evolution since Walter White).

Worst Attempt at an Affair Award

I made this award specifically for this show. Shiv and Fake Jake (Long Side Note: When you’re creating a television series, something you have to consider is salaries and who you can get and who you can’t get on a budget to play a role. A common way to stay under budget for a series is trying to find great talent from actors and actresses whom haven’t blown up yet or might’ve done musicals and other television shows. You can’t sign up Robert Downey Jr. to play Kendall Roy for millions and millions of dollars and fill out the cast for the rest of the Roy family for pennies on the dollar. The other way to stay on budget is find actors/actresses whom might look like someone of much fame or charisma. Someone like Fake Jake as he’s known around my house. Also known as Nate. Nate looks like a poor man’s version of Jake Gyllenhaal). It seems like if you were trying to have an affair you might want to go unnoticed and grabbing Shiv at her wedding rehearsal dinner seems like it’s maybe not the smartest idea. If Greg and Tom sniff that out, you know others have to know as well. Not to mention Shiv acted completely sketchy when Tom confronted her about Fake Jake. I’m glad Shiv was able to tell Tom in the finale about the affair and I can’t believe Tom convinced Fake Jake to pour the wine back into the bottle. Go Tom!

Least Valuable Player Award

Unfortunately this has to go to Kendall. Twice he has went as his dad and twice he has whiffed. All due to misfortune really. The first being when the skies were shut down due to a terrorist attack therefore making him late to the meaning where Logan scares enough people into voting in favor of him. Then in the finale, Kendall has Logan right where he wants him and Kendall crashes the car in the water and somehow Logan figures it out in like 5 hours. Kendall is also very detached from his ex-wife as well as his children. Not good for Kendall. Hopefully Season 2 looks up for him.

Most Valuable Player Award

As much as I tried to pick someone else it’s Logan Roy. He started the season on his death bed and returned in his role of dunking on his kids and anyone who stood in the way of his enterprise. Logan was very calculated and knew where to be and when to be there. Kendall tried to rally the board to vote Logan out but it didn’t work. In the end, fear and loyalty of other board members kept Logan the head of the company, he somehow figured out that Kendall was involved with the caterer who crashed and got him to call off the attack. All of this making him season 1 MVP of Succession.

Now that Season 1 Awards is in the books, it’s safe to say we have another good show to look forward to coming back on Sunday nights.

Until next time!

Billions Fans – If you haven’t, check out my Billions Season 3 Awards

https://thebreakshot.com/billions-season-3-awards/