TWO years since the second season’s jaw-dropping finale aired, the third chapter of Succession is finally here – and it promises to be more dramatic than ever before.
As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, the HBO drama has been on hiatus for a couple of years following its second season success.
And according to writer and executive producer Georgia Pritchett, there is a fourth season confirmed – and it might be the show’s final season. More on that another time, though.
Naturally, with the eagerly anticipated third instalment now available to watch, we’ve got you covered on all the major points from the previous chapter to help jog your memory.
The drama, which has become of the most acclaimed shows around since first arriving in 2018, follows billionaire Logan Roy and his children’s competitive fight to be named successor of his business empire.
The synopsis for episode one of the third instalment teases: “Following his bombshell presser, a righteous Kendall scrambles to find a base of operations, while Logan’s team searches for safe harbor.”
At the end of the second season, rebellious son Kendall ambushes everything with an attack on his dad in public.
In the third series, tensions will rise as a bitter corporate battle threatens to turn into a family civil war.
For those that can’t remember what happened in the series two conclusion, we take a look at everything that has happened so far.
Succession season 2 recap
The second season begins with Kendall leaving rehab in Iceland.
However, just 48 hours into his stay, Kendall is whisked away to give a statement to the public regarding his decision to back off from his part in the takeover.
Kendall is instructed to say: “I saw their plan and my dad’s plan was better.”
He follows the plan, with Logan affirming that it’s the first thing that he’s ever done right in his life.
Logan’s financial adviser Jamie Laird then suggests that he sells the company and names his successor.
Logan privately names Shiv as his successor
Behind closed doors during a family trip to their Hamptons home, Logan asks Shiv to come in and be the next chief executive.
The role is offered when Logan is unable to obtain an honest opinion from his children about whether he should sell the company. As a result, he asks each of his children to meet him individually in his office.
Shiv is keen for the opportunity, however, doesn’t disclose it to Tom. Instead, she tells him he has been promoted to ATN’s Chair of Global Broadcast News.
Connor for President of the United States
Connor toys with the idea of running to become the President of the United States.
The battle for PGM begins
Logan decides he wants to acquire media rival Pierce Global Media (PGM) against the counsel of his inner circle. During dinner, he finds out that PGM is already aware of his plans and subjects Greg, Tom, and Karl to an outrageous game of ‘Boar on the Floor’ until the source is revealed. Kendall finds out that it was Roman who reached out to PGM, though Roman insists that he did so to help secure the deal. Logan and Kendall meet Rhea, the CEO of PGM, who relays the Pierce family’s disinterest in selling their company. The Roys offer $24bn for the company, which sparks the interest of the owner, Nan.
The Roys meet with the Pierces
The Roys spend a weekend with the Pierces at their family estate.
Conversation between the two families grows increasingly tense during dinner, with Nan asking Logan who will replace him as the CEO.
When Logan refuses to answer, Shiv announces to the room that she has been chosen. The following morning, Nan agrees to sell PGM to the Roys on the condition that Shiv is named Logan’s successor on the day of the merger.
Logan refuses and calls off the deal, however, he receives a call soon after saying the Pierces have changed their mind.
Cruise scandal exposed
The Roys learn that New York Magazine has written an expose about the company’s cruise line.
Kendall, Roman and Shiv take the stage for a scheduled panel discussion, but offer conflicting responses to questions about the scandal.
Shiv shocks the audience when she makes remarks seemingly suggesting that Logan should step down from the company.
A row ensues after the event, during which Logan hits Roman. Nan decides to call off the PGM deal and fires Rhea for betraying her and siding with Logan.
Rhea is named as Logan’s successor
Realising that Rhea will bear the burden of the scandal as CEO, Shiv gives Logan her approval to name Rhea as his successor.
Logan and Kendall later testify in the cruise scandal, with Logan deflecting the blame onto Kendall.
After the hearing, Rhea tells Logan she no longer wants to be CEO. Logan tells Shiv that a “blood sacrifice” will have to be made to appease the company’s shareholders.
Logan puts the blame on Kendall
Logan gathers his inner circle where he reveals that someone will have to take the fall for the cruise ship scandal. Shiv volunteers Tom but Logan selects Kendall.
“You’re across the clean-up,” Logan tells him. “The optics make sense and now you’re the face. You’re not a killer. You have to be a killer.”
Kendall takes Logan down
Kendall attends a press briefing where it’s presumed he’ll take the rap – but in an almighty twist, he puts the blame on his father instead.“The truth is, my father is a malignant presence, a bully and a liar. This is the day his reign ends.” Logan watches the scenes and end credits roll.
Succession season 3 arrives on Monday, October 18 on Sky and NOW.
