TV Recap

‘Succession’ recap: S3 E3 – “The Disruption”

Dewey Singleton October 31, 2021

In the three years that Succession has been on the air, tonight’s episode was the most significant to date. We saw major pivots in the show’s trajectory that left us wondering if it’s even possible for Logan to navigate his way out of the scandal at Waystar. Logan has been extremely lucky so far but sometimes luck has a way of running out. Here are the top 5 takeaways from “The Disruption.”

5. It’s Gerri’s world for now

Gerri (J. Smith-Cameron) is fully entrenched as acting CEO and she’s already experiencing blowback because of it. Decisions that are being made by her are being openly questioned and Logan (Brian Cox) is making very obvious to all that she’s nothing more than a figurehead. She also seems to be the only voice of reason during this investigation. While the majority of Logan’s inner circle doesn’t seem to care that he’s refusing to cooperate, she’s pleading with him to do the opposite. It all comes to a head when the FBI executes a search warrant at Waystar’s headquarters. One can’t help but wonder if Logan is going to do just enough to turn Gerri against him. Maybe she already is?

4. Trouble ahead

Tom (Matthew MacFadyen) and Shiv’s (Sarah Snook) marriage was at best on shaky ground at the end of season 2 but this scandal seemingly has them on a path to disaster. While Tom is seeking legal advice from someone outside of Waystar, he still seems to have this blind spot for Logan. That scene where he offers himself up as a sacrifice was quite interesting. While he did it to win favor with his father-in-law, I didn’t realize he had become that loyal to him. Is it because he thinks that’s what everyone wants? Who is to say at this point. Could it just be an empty gesture?

Shiv is very conflicted at this point. On one hand, she’s finally trying to make things work with Tom but hasn’t shown remorse for her sexual escapades in season 2. There are also matters which are tied to this scandal. Deep down she has a vision for how Waystar can rebound from this but it’s become crystal clear the path to her running the company is narrow at best. While Shiv is the president for domestic relations, she’s largely seen as a figurehead.

3. More of this

This is the first time we’ve had extended looks at Craig (Nicholas Braun) and Tom together this season and my reaction to that is please let’s have some more of this. The chemistry between these two is incredible and they inject just the right amount of humor into any episode. While their moment wasn’t ultimately significant (as they were just trying to see what the other’s legal plan was), seeing these two provided a much-needed break from the drama in episode 3.

2. Going into the lion’s den

Most of us wouldn’t think to go into work after you told the world that your employer (in this case his father) was a scumbag but Kendall (Jeremy Strong) marches to the beat of his own drummer. His ego got the best of him and he decides to go into Waystar and cause a scene. This, of course, irritates Logan and they attempt to bar him from entering the premises. While Kendall feels that his cause is righteous, in reality, this is driven by nothing more than ambition. He doesn’t care about the victims from Waystar’s cruise line. The only person calling him out on his BS is a late-night television host which only inspires Kendall to book an appearance on the show. Predictably he ends up ghosting that appearance after Shiv releases an open letter to the press where he calls him out for all of his past transgressions.

1. The most important scene

All Shiv has ever wanted was an opportunity to prove her worth to others in Waystar. She’s given the task of leading Waystar’s town hall with their employees. What was supposed to be her shining moment ended up being a disaster. Kendall bought speakers and had his people rig it so they all played the song ‘Rape Me’ during the town hall. Shiv is essentially played off stage. This humiliation ultimately pushes her firmly into her father’s side of this Civil War.

Photos: Macall B. Polay/HBO

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Dewey Singleton

I'm a member of Critics Choice, Hollywood Critics Association, and The Society of Professional Journalists. I am also on Rotten Tomatoes. My bylines include @awardswatch, @deweysmovies, @awardsradar, @weliveentertainment, @bleedingcool, and @insessionfilm. I am married to @sgitw and have two sons.

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