Succession (2018)

The critic finds the series a brilliant dissection of a dysfunctional mega-rich family dynasty, with Machiavellian characters and sharp dialogue that humanises its monstrous figures without excusing them.

The critic calls the second season searing, hilarious, and emotionally resonant, noting it builds on the first season's strengths with higher stakes. They single out the blend of brutal comedy and drama as a tonal tour de force that makes the show compelling.

The critic hails the finale as a devastating and uncompromising conclusion to one of the best TV series ever made. They single out the visceral final confrontation among the Roy siblings as a standout moment of raw family trauma and betrayal.

The critic gushes that Succession is the best drama seen in years, praising its exceptional quality and character depth in the first series.

The show delivers a compelling, funny portrait of untrustworthy power players and family machinations through excellent ensemble performances and sharp writing. It excels as an addiction-inducing dramedy despite focusing on the upper class.

The series is gripping but uneven, with strong family drama and sharp observations on wealth and power that outweigh its satirical elements. It succeeds more as a high-stakes look at dysfunctional relationships than pure comedy.

The show remains compelling despite its negative characters, thanks to sharp writing and cast performances; the season premiere offers darkly funny entertainment value amid family power plays.

The critic finds the HBO series a steadily developing black comedy that offers an incisive takedown of white-collar culture and wealthy family dynamics. Matthew Macfadyen's performance as the bizarre Tom stands out as a highlight.

Brian Cox excels as the patriarch in this Lear-like family saga, but the episode is hard to love overall because it lurches uneasily between family drama and satire.

The critic finds the show's strengths and weaknesses closely intertwined, with its pulpy comedy sometimes undermining deeper points about generational wealth. They single out Brian Cox's commanding performance as Logan Roy for setting the tone of family ferocity.

The critic calls Succession one of the most enjoyable shows on TV, noting its tight scripts, brilliant cast performances especially from Matthew Macfadyen and Jeremy Strong, and its potent mix of comedy and drama that improves in season 2.

The critic finds Succession a worthy HBO drama full of power moves and twisted family dynamics that plays like a smart, hilarious realpolitik satire. The quick-zooms and ensemble cast keep the one-percenter excess engaging rather than a drag.

The critic views Succession as the pinnacle of British cynical comedy writing, commending its unflinching portrayal of greed, ambition, and humiliation with no redemption or uplift, crediting creator Jesse Armstrong's background for its sharp worldview.

The critic sees Succession as a dark, dramatic counterpart to Arrested Development, depicting the Roy family's ruthless power struggles and unlikable members. He praises its honest portrayal of wealth as repulsive yet compelling, and its insight into Trump-era elitism and family dynamics.

The HBO satire is more dark than comical, effectively indicting the wealthy elite while channeling real-world figures like the Murdochs. The tonal shifts between humor and drama prevent it from fully landing as satire.