Succession Review: Dundee (Season 2 Episode 8)
Logan Roy is not one for surprises, keeping to his word on Succession Season 2 Episode 8, “Dundee,” as the Roy children watch, somewhat with elation, as their prized position goes to a fresh new face.
One of the more illuminating realizations to come out of the episode is that celebrations, milestones, and victories all come as diminished or tainted with this group. The level of poison, the feeling of deflation, as Logan unveils his plaque comes from a sequence of moments that leave a sense of unease. Nothing will make everyone happy, and not much will make any one person pleased, either.
photo: Graeme Hunter/HBO
There’s no small victory to be made, as victory is only in the moment, and will not last forever.
Rhea’s ascension to the Waystar Royco throne is one mired by jealousy and a feeling of betrayal, all of the work done by each member of the Roy family tossed aside for the new ally. The lashing out done to Rhea throughout is done in kind and flattering ways (outside of Marcia, who is far more direct in her attack), as though Rhea has entered a pit of friendly vipers.
The company whistleblower making the CEO position toxic is one of Shiv’s smarter plays, Shiv more than willing to let Rhea fall on the sword, a temporary wound for the company that she thinks she can swoop in and fix after the fact. It’s a strategic move that feels too clean, especially for a show like Succession.
Maybe Rhea will rise to the occasion, or Rhea’s late-game mention to Kendall privately that he is the real future will cause a further rift and battle lines drawn.
photo: Graeme Hunter/HBO
The talk of a benefactor silently controlling the whistleblower makes Ewan’s (Logan’s brother) comments at the end of the episode more ominous. Combined with his insistence that Greg leave the company immediately, the benefactor is likely to be Ewan. His constant mentions of how Logan has ruined the world does not go unnoticed, and there is poetic justice to be taken down by another family member.
Logan’s dismissal of his hometown adds a layer on complication to his character. Does he view it with disdain because he now feels above his humble beginnings, or are there memories he does not wish to reminisce on? Ewan’s mention of Logan being a braggart who leans toward exaggeration even as children leans one way over another. Rhea’s toasting of Logan’s sister, too, is a sore spot.
It’s what makes the events of the episode, what should be a wonderful celebration of Logan’s legacy, all the more withering. It’s not about the past anymore for those seeking the top spot; it’s about the future, and what comes next. But the past is inescapable, with the cruise line whistleblower refusing cash payouts, Ewan starting to surface again, and deep resentments within the family starting to boil over.
Kendall’s arc for the episode is one of distracting himself. He’s treating the CEO position as though it’s an impossible issue, even after Rhea’s comment of him being the ultimate destination one day. At least he gets to enjoy a small weekend with a friend from Willa’s play, and his rap game isn’t too awful, even if it’s an alarmingly sudden and strange (but fun) moment.
photo: Graeme Hunter/HBO
Logan Roy’s largest legacy on Succession Season 2 Episode 8, “Dundee,” may end up being all of the messes he’s caused along the way. You make a lot of enemies to get to the top, but those enemies don’t always go away. With Rhea, it’s hard not to see the move as making enemies within his family.
An interesting factor is how each of the Roy children take the likelihood of being passed over for Rhea: Kendall and Roman treat it as a foregone conclusion, while Shiv lets it go once the news of scandal reaches her. It’s like a hot potato the three know isn’t for them yet. The new guard will be the scapegoat, merely postponing the true fight ahead.
For Succession, waiting for the right moment may prove the best option, as a dark cloud starts to form over Waystar Royco. There’s still the hostile takeover, on top of everything else. If there is ever a time to wait, it’s now.
What did you think of this episode of Succession? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Succession airs Sundays at 9/8c on HBO.
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Kevin Lever
Kevin Lever has been following television closely for most of his life, but in starting to cover it, he has grown a further appreciation. He strives to give the blockbusters their due, and give the lesser known shows a spotlight to find more fans.