Succession debuted on HBO in 2018, and through its two seasons to date, the satirical comedy-drama has received a lot of attention. It follows the story of the wealthy but dysfunctional Roy family. Patriarch Logan Roy owns and runs global media and hospitality empire Waystar Royco. And as he ages and deals with medical issues, he needs to decide who will take over and continue his legacy. But are any of his four children actually qualified to do so? Meanwhile, does Logan Roy really have the right ideas about the future direction of the company within a changing media landscape?
The series has seen lots of backstabbing, betrayal, power-hungry moves, familial bonds, blackmail, and incompetence. But what are the absolute worst things each character has done so far? (Note: some spoilers ahead for the first two seasons.)
Logan Roy: Blackmailed His Son
It’s hard to pinpoint one single thing that Logan has done that you can consider the worst. He really was an all-around bad father who didn’t pay much attention to his children when they were young and now uses and manipulates them to his benefit.
But perhaps the worst was when he discovered what happened with Kendall and the waiter he had driven off with to find drugs. Sure, his son was about to turn against him. But Logan used the information as an opportunity to blackmail his son with veiled threats of turning him in. Yet he still managed to make Kendall feel as though he was helping him.
Kendall Roy: Killed Someone
Speaking of the aforementioned incident, after a party, Kendall took off with a waiter to find drugs. They were both already under the influence, and as Kendall drove the car, he lost control and it drove off a cliff and into water.
Kendall managed to get himself out but instead of trying to help the other man, he swam to the surface and walked back, leaving the man behind to die. He has lived with tremendous guilt ever since.
Siobhan “Shiv” Roy: Told Her Husband She Wanted An Open Marriage On Their Wedding Day
“Shiv,” as she’s called by her family and friends, really only thinks about herself. And while she seems to have a genuine love for her fiancé, Tom, she doesn’t really want to be married or tied down to one person. She has lived a life of privilege and is used to getting what she wants when she wants it.
And while there’s nothing wrong with an open marriage if both parties agree to it, Shiv presenting this reality to her husband on their wedding night after having already been unfaithful put him in an uncomfortable and unfair position.
Connor Roy: Traps His Girlfriend
Connor Roy is the eldest Roy child and the only one who seemingly has no interest in the family business. However, he has no issue taking and spending the family money. He is bored with tall ambitions to run for president (because why not?)
But arguably the worst thing he has done is hired a female escort then paid her to stay with him 24/7. Eventually, he coaxed her into pretending to be his actual girlfriend, then pleaded with her to actually give him a chance and be his girlfriend. He basically bought her off promising her an allowance and to help fund her dreams of being a playwright. Women, and people in general, can’t and shouldn’t be bought, whether it’s to satisfy your loneliness or anything else.
Roman Roy: Has a Weird Relationship With Gerri
You can’t help but wonder what Roman is really all about. He’s the sharp-tongued younger son who acts as though he doesn’t care but clearly cares deeply. He wants to run things but isn’t really qualified to do so. He’s the wild child who doesn’t want to be tied down but secretly desires to belong somewhere, with someone.
But the worst thing he has done (despite masturbating in front of his office window!) is have a weird relationship with Gerri, the company’s general counsel. Gerri seems to fill some strange motherly, and also sexual, role for Roman, berating him in person and over the phone in order to get him sexually aroused. It’s totally odd and wrong.
Greg Hirsch: Shredded Important Documents
Poor Greg appeared out of nowhere as the cousin the family knew about but didn’t really know. The grandson of Logan’s brother, he at first appears to be just looking for a job because he needs money. But he soon becomes everyone’s lackey.
The worst thing he did, however, was agree to enter the premises late at night and shred company documents that would implicate the firm in a massive scandal that involved abuse and death. Some might say that his keeping some of those shredded papers as insurance was even worse, but others might call that move smart.
Tom Wambsgans: Forced Greg To Shred Important Documents
As per the above, Tom used Greg to do his dirty work, knowing that if anything came to a head, he could turn on Greg and make him the fall guy. Instead of dealing with the scandal head-on, along with the year’s long cover-up, Tom decided to try and sweep things under the rug.
He knew the allegations were true and employees on their cruise ships were mistreating women and covered up deaths. But he tried to hide it anyway.
Marcia “Marcy” Roy: Didn’t Let Her Kids See Logan When He Was Ill
Marcy’s intentions are still not fully understood. Is she looking out for Logan or trying to take him down? We’re not quite sure. Nonetheless, it was terrible when Logan first fell very ill and she was turning the kids away from seeing him.
When Shiv pushed her way in and realized her father wasn’t in his right mind (after he disturbingly did something inappropriate), it made Marcy seem as though she was doing the right thing. Still, not letting his children see him and acting as gatekeeper was totally wrong.
Stewy Hosseini: Tried To Get Kendall Back Into Drugs
Stewy is Kendall’s old college friend and a wealthy financier who swoops in to help Kendall when he needs to save the company from collapse. While he feels betrayed by Kendall now and has become his enemy, he is still a member of the Waystar Royco’s board.
But it seems like whenever Kendall meets up with Stewy, he tries to get him back doing drugs. Kendall had a major issue with drugs and should steer clear of them. But Stewy is more interested in having fun with his old friend.
Gerri Kellman: Lets Logan Walk All Over Her
Gerri has worked with Logan for years, and is one of his most trusted advisors, serving as general counsel for the company. She is also Shiv’s godmother and Roman’s mentor. Gerri is arguably the one person in the company who has a good head on her shoulders and can think without emotion or greed.
Yet she lets Logan walk all over her, trying to get others to convince him of the right way to go instead of doing it herself. She fears him, rightfully so. But she needs to speak up, even if it means he fires her. Because he’ll realize quickly what a mistake it was.
