HBO’s prestige drama Succession took the world by storm when it debuted in 2018. With two seasons under its belt, plenty of awards, and plans for a third season to come, the show continues to captivate viewers.
One of the show’s most intriguing character is Siobhan, billionaire Logan Roy’s only daughter and a fiercely independent woman who decided to work in politics instead of the family business — until she set her sights on running the company as Logan’s successor. Her husband, Tom Wambsgans, works for Waystar Royco, but is he really the best partner for her?
Should: He Truly Loves Her
Tom appears to truly love Shiv, respecting the fact that she’s an insanely wealthy, beautiful, impeccably dressed woman. And while a big part of why he loves her is because of her affluent background, he also seems to truly have strong feelings for her as a person, beyond all of that.
For a dynamic woman like Shiv, it wouldn’t be hard to find a man to love her unconditionally. But Tom does indeed seem to be that man.
Shouldn’t: He’s Power-Hungry
Tom is power-hungry, always pushing for Shiv to help him gain favor with her father or help him get a better job within the company. He got his job in the first place because Shiv asked her father to give it to him.
Tom’s ultimate goal is to run the company, hoping Logan would appoint him as successor. Was becoming the official son-in-law all just part of a big plan to achieve this?
Should: He Helps Ground Her
While Tom does come from a wealthy family himself, the Wambsgans aren’t even in the same stratosphere as the Roys. As odd as it sounds, Tom sort of helps bring Shiv down a few pegs from her lavish lifestyle to recognize the importance of being with people, not just things.
It might not be totally obvious but sometimes asking her for simple things that don’t cost money, like to have a date night in with no interruptions, helps her realize that there’s more to life than work and living in excess.
Shouldn’t: He Isn’t Her Intellectual Equal
Tom is clearly smart, but does he deserve the job he has? He’s certainly not as savvy as he wants people to think he is, nor does he have the leadership skills that Shiv does.
Shiv is the kind of woman who needs a man who is on her level in every way, including intellectually. And the jury is still out as to whether Tom fits that bill.
Should: He’s Reliable
It definitely wasn’t a thoughtful move for Shiv to wait until their wedding night to tell Tom she wanted to have an open marriage, as they both clearly have different desires surrounding monogamy.
While this might be what upends their marriage, it’s worth noting that out of Shiv’s romantic partners, Tom is the most reliable. Now they have to work out what kind of marriage works for them.
Shouldn’t: He’s A Lap Dog
Tom is completely at Shiv’s beck and call, or more so her father’s, hoping that both of them can help him climb the professional and social ladder. He is hungry for power and status. But as a result, he will do whatever Shiv or Logan tell him to do.
Tom has proven himself spineless when it comes to her. He even, at least for a time, agreed to an open marriage when it wasn’t at all what he wanted.
Should: The Family Trusts Him
It’s tough for the Roy family to trust anyone who isn’t in their inner circle; at times, it’s even hard to trust one another. But the family seems to trust Tom, even if they don’t really respect him and his sycophantic ways. But at least they have some trust in him, and like having him around to be a fall guy when needed.
Shouldn’t: She Isn’t In Love With Him
Shiv likes the idea of having a husband and likes the idea of Tom when it is convenient for her. But is she truly in love with him? Likely not. Sure, she has great affection for him as he provides her with companionship when it suits her.
But that isn’t the makings of a loving relationship. Tom is a convenience for Shiv when it fits her and can be an annoyance when he pushes too hard or gets in the way.
Should: He’s Not Another Aggressive Man Trying To Undermine Her…
While it’s true that nobody thinks of Shiv and Tom as a power couple, that’s not really what she needs in a partner. As a Roy, she’s constantly competing with her siblings to be top dog so it’s a breath of fresh air that she doesn’t have to do that at home as well.
Shouldn’t: …But He Ultimately Can’t Handle Her Being In Charge
Tom gets frustrated when it becomes apparent that Shiv is not going to put her needs aside in order to help him get ahead.
Shiv is realizing more and more that maybe she does, in fact, want to take over the family business. And this is completely against what Tom wants, and what he believes she had promised him. The more power she gets and the more evident it is that she could become Tom’s boss, the more uncomfortable he feels.
