From the first minute, Succession has been  a cynical, absurd tragicomedy commentating  
From the first minute, Succession has been  a cynical, absurd tragicomedy commentating  

on many things - the top-heavy nature  of modern capitalist America, the sheer  
on many things - the top-heavy nature  of modern capitalist America, the sheer  

nonsensical scale of inordinate wealth, greed,  entitlement, politics on a micro and macro scale,  
nonsensical scale of inordinate wealth, greed,  entitlement, politics on a micro and macro scale,  

and somehow a hell of a lot more. The extremely  Shakespearean approach to the plot, themes and  
and somehow a hell of a lot more. The extremely  Shakespearean approach to the plot, themes and  

defining moments merges beautifully with the  comedic style to form a full package that is  
defining moments merges beautifully with the  comedic style to form a full package that is  

so rich with ideas and entertainment value at  any given moment - and yet, because of that,  
so rich with ideas and entertainment value at  any given moment - and yet, because of that,  

it’s easy at times for some of the substance to  get lost for the viewer - and that can be okay,  
it’s easy at times for some of the substance to  get lost for the viewer - and that can be okay,  

because at the end of the day, art  is about enjoyment of some form,  
because at the end of the day, art  is about enjoyment of some form,  

and what each viewer takes away from it, not about  taking away the exact same thing as someone else.
and what each viewer takes away from it, not about  taking away the exact same thing as someone else.

But I digress - the TLDR of this is that  Succession is about so many things that  
But I digress - the TLDR of this is that  Succession is about so many things that  

it can feel overwhelming at times. But for  me the most primary among them is the nature  
it can feel overwhelming at times. But for  me the most primary among them is the nature  

of family. How people, and specifically in this  case, the Roys, hurt and manipulate one another  
of family. How people, and specifically in this  case, the Roys, hurt and manipulate one another  

for their own selfish gain having grown  up from under the tutelage of their cruel,  
for their own selfish gain having grown  up from under the tutelage of their cruel,  

meritocratic and yet somehow still loving father.  How generations of embedded trauma are not easy  
meritocratic and yet somehow still loving father.  How generations of embedded trauma are not easy  

to shake as those roots ingrain themselves  in every victim. The story of the three kids  
to shake as those roots ingrain themselves  in every victim. The story of the three kids  

taking the reigns from Logan has been a factor  from Season 1 - with Kendall always seeming to  
taking the reigns from Logan has been a factor  from Season 1 - with Kendall always seeming to  

get closest to usurping his father and making  him proud through going through the motions and  
get closest to usurping his father and making  him proud through going through the motions and  

having moments of being a killer, but ultimately  continuously regressing. With Shiv being the most  
having moments of being a killer, but ultimately  continuously regressing. With Shiv being the most  

savvy candidate, but ultimately never properly  being given a fair chance at the throne. And  
savvy candidate, but ultimately never properly  being given a fair chance at the throne. And  

with Roman being the child most starved of  love and most interested in emulating the  
with Roman being the child most starved of  love and most interested in emulating the  

spirit of his father out of respect, despite  being consistently abused by him. The family  
spirit of his father out of respect, despite  being consistently abused by him. The family  

dynamics here are so rich both between the  kids and each of them and their father,  
dynamics here are so rich both between the  kids and each of them and their father,  

and we could talk for ages about each individual  one. Logan, his three kids and what it means  
and we could talk for ages about each individual  one. Logan, his three kids and what it means  

to be who each of them are are front and  center as the focus for this story. And yet,  
to be who each of them are are front and  center as the focus for this story. And yet,  

we are still missing a very important, yet sadly  not as important, element of this equation.
we are still missing a very important, yet sadly  not as important, element of this equation.

Connor Roy is Logan’s first son from a previous  marriage, and half brother to Kendall, Roman and  
Connor Roy is Logan’s first son from a previous  marriage, and half brother to Kendall, Roman and  

Shiv. And while he is similar to them through  being a result of his familial experiences and  
Shiv. And while he is similar to them through  being a result of his familial experiences and  

embedded with this heavy fixation on Logan, he is  also incredibly different. He is not even thought  
embedded with this heavy fixation on Logan, he is  also incredibly different. He is not even thought  

of as a contender to take the throne by all  involved, and he is treated as something of an  
of as a contender to take the throne by all  involved, and he is treated as something of an  

afterthought by those in the business, his family,  and devilishly, even the show at large sometimes.  
afterthought by those in the business, his family,  and devilishly, even the show at large sometimes.  

He is decidedly not as central a character as  the main four, and while that is an organic  
He is decidedly not as central a character as  the main four, and while that is an organic  

bi-product of the story structure, something about  that also feels deliberate and a little meta. If  
bi-product of the story structure, something about  that also feels deliberate and a little meta. If  

you take a look at YouTube, the platform has been  littered with video essays about Logan, Kendall,  
you take a look at YouTube, the platform has been  littered with video essays about Logan, Kendall,  

Shiv, Roman, Tom and Greg in recent years, and  especially as the final season has heated up.  
Shiv, Roman, Tom and Greg in recent years, and  especially as the final season has heated up.  

But I have yet to find a single video focused  on Connor, who always seems to be mentioned as  
But I have yet to find a single video focused  on Connor, who always seems to be mentioned as  

a less important addition. He is a forgotten man.  By his family, by the corporate world he inhabits,  
a less important addition. He is a forgotten man.  By his family, by the corporate world he inhabits,  

by the audience, and even intentionally by  the show at times. And yet, through contrast,  
by the audience, and even intentionally by  the show at times. And yet, through contrast,  

his characterization and role help inform us  about so much of what this story is saying.
his characterization and role help inform us  about so much of what this story is saying.

In terms of personality, Connor is definitely  cut from a different cloth from his siblings,  
In terms of personality, Connor is definitely  cut from a different cloth from his siblings,  

mostly bereft of the cutting cynicism and  harshness that characterizes a lot of their words  
mostly bereft of the cutting cynicism and  harshness that characterizes a lot of their words  

and behaviour - although it is very important  to mention that this does not make him “good”  
and behaviour - although it is very important  to mention that this does not make him “good”  

in any sense. He is still permeated by privilege  and indolence, and some of the behaviours he  
in any sense. He is still permeated by privilege  and indolence, and some of the behaviours he  

displays between the lines towards Willa early  on are extremely concerning. But I say this to  
displays between the lines towards Willa early  on are extremely concerning. But I say this to  

illustrate that he is detached and different  from his siblings. And a big part of that is  
illustrate that he is detached and different  from his siblings. And a big part of that is  

his less intimate relationship with his father,  having stated a few times throughout the story  
his less intimate relationship with his father,  having stated a few times throughout the story  

that he went long periods without seeing Logan.  This is summed up beautifully and sadly through  
that he went long periods without seeing Logan.  This is summed up beautifully and sadly through  

Connor’s gift to Logan on his 80th birthday  - a batch of traditional sourdough starter,  
Connor’s gift to Logan on his 80th birthday  - a batch of traditional sourdough starter,  

reminiscent of how it is made back in Logan’s  home country of Scotland. Now, this isn’t the best  
reminiscent of how it is made back in Logan’s  home country of Scotland. Now, this isn’t the best  

execution of an 80th birthday gift, and it won’t  win any awards - but there was thought behind it,  
execution of an 80th birthday gift, and it won’t  win any awards - but there was thought behind it,  

to try to give his father a little piece of home,  and it was obviously unappreciated. Just like his  
to try to give his father a little piece of home,  and it was obviously unappreciated. Just like his  

efforts to be loved in general. Connor is a  defeatist who despises the cutthroat world of  
efforts to be loved in general. Connor is a  defeatist who despises the cutthroat world of  

corporate politics and prefers not to engage  when things get tough - likely something he  
corporate politics and prefers not to engage  when things get tough - likely something he  

picked up from Logan being too domineering for his  comfort as a kid. And Logan does not want that in  
picked up from Logan being too domineering for his  comfort as a kid. And Logan does not want that in  

his children - he wants them to be fighters, to  progress through the cruel adversity he sets for  
his children - he wants them to be fighters, to  progress through the cruel adversity he sets for  

them and come out the other side better for it,  like he did in life. Now with regards to this,  
them and come out the other side better for it,  like he did in life. Now with regards to this,  

I think we can safely conclude that Logan realized  that Connor is not the type of child he wanted,  
I think we can safely conclude that Logan realized  that Connor is not the type of child he wanted,  

and so as a result, Logan simply didn’t care  for him all that much and restricted most of  
and so as a result, Logan simply didn’t care  for him all that much and restricted most of  

his interactions with him as playing the part of  the bare minimum a father must do - a pale shadow,  
his interactions with him as playing the part of  the bare minimum a father must do - a pale shadow,  

full of disappointment and realizing that this  relationship is not one he values. Out of his  
full of disappointment and realizing that this  relationship is not one he values. Out of his  

kids, He is the most genial and nice to Connor,  but that in itself is key proof that he likes him  
kids, He is the most genial and nice to Connor,  but that in itself is key proof that he likes him  

the least. Because he digs into those he loves. I  could understand some thinking of this evaluation  
the least. Because he digs into those he loves. I  could understand some thinking of this evaluation  

as harsh, but I really don’t think he cares for  him. Logan treats Connor with kid gloves the  
as harsh, but I really don’t think he cares for  him. Logan treats Connor with kid gloves the  

entire series and didn’t spare a second thought  for his wedding due to his business dealings,  
entire series and didn’t spare a second thought  for his wedding due to his business dealings,  

and I think that about sums up his thoughts  on his eldest son. We also learn throughout  
and I think that about sums up his thoughts  on his eldest son. We also learn throughout  

the story that Connor’s mother experienced severe  psychological issues and extreme bouts of mental  
the story that Connor’s mother experienced severe  psychological issues and extreme bouts of mental  

illness - and we don’t need to read too much  between the lines to see could easily be due  
illness - and we don’t need to read too much  between the lines to see could easily be due  

partly to Logan. This was so traumatizing to  Connor that after his mother being taken in  
partly to Logan. This was so traumatizing to  Connor that after his mother being taken in  

to an institution, all he did was eat cake for  a week straight - which his own family mocked  
to an institution, all he did was eat cake for  a week straight - which his own family mocked  

and derided him for. All in all, Connor’s  family life is deeply sad, with the only  
and derided him for. All in all, Connor’s  family life is deeply sad, with the only  

person who could have possibly genuinely loved  him driven to mental illness and taken away,  
person who could have possibly genuinely loved  him driven to mental illness and taken away,  

and his only remaining family thinking of  him as an afterthought and embarrassment.
and his only remaining family thinking of  him as an afterthought and embarrassment.

As a result of this, he is filled will  a deeply rooted anxiety and feelings  
As a result of this, he is filled will  a deeply rooted anxiety and feelings  

of inadequacy and insecurity with regards to  his reputation and being worthy of his name,  
of inadequacy and insecurity with regards to  his reputation and being worthy of his name,  

and acts outwards to compensate for that.
and acts outwards to compensate for that.

He places a disproportionate importance on  menial tasks like the temperature of butter  
He places a disproportionate importance on  menial tasks like the temperature of butter  

during dinners simply because those are under  HIS perview, and HE must always be at his best  
during dinners simply because those are under  HIS perview, and HE must always be at his best  

to impress Logan and make him proud. He comes  up with the absolutely bizarre idea to run for  
to impress Logan and make him proud. He comes  up with the absolutely bizarre idea to run for  

president in a futile attempt to make something of  himself, while only making himself look like a bit  
president in a futile attempt to make something of  himself, while only making himself look like a bit  

of a joke to those whose opinions matter most  to him. Without excusing any of his misdeeds,  
of a joke to those whose opinions matter most  to him. Without excusing any of his misdeeds,  

he’s a sad character and a lot of his actions  are what he has learned as a response to the  
he’s a sad character and a lot of his actions  are what he has learned as a response to the  

specifics of his horrible upbringing,  like most characters in the show. He is  
specifics of his horrible upbringing,  like most characters in the show. He is  

ultimately hollow and pointless as a member of  the family, only in meetings out of obligation,  
ultimately hollow and pointless as a member of  the family, only in meetings out of obligation,  

given mundane tasks that he overcompensates for  in order to impress while sitting on his cash  
given mundane tasks that he overcompensates for  in order to impress while sitting on his cash  

from the comforts of his ranch. Even the episode  titled after him is ironic, being memorable for  
from the comforts of his ranch. Even the episode  titled after him is ironic, being memorable for  

something completely removed from him. He’s  a brushed-aside character of futility. While  
something completely removed from him. He’s  a brushed-aside character of futility. While  

Logan is consistently disappointed with and  manipulates the main three siblings, he at  
Logan is consistently disappointed with and  manipulates the main three siblings, he at  

least engages with them. But with Connor, all it’s  ever been almost his entire life is standing on  
least engages with them. But with Connor, all it’s  ever been almost his entire life is standing on  

ceremony because it’s what he is obligated to do  as a father - which is far from enough, obviously.
ceremony because it’s what he is obligated to do  as a father - which is far from enough, obviously.

And Connor’s first words upon hearing of Logan’s  death tell a story of their own. They come  
And Connor’s first words upon hearing of Logan’s  death tell a story of their own. They come  

in two parts, both very hard-hitting  for different reasons. Firstly - “he  
in two parts, both very hard-hitting  for different reasons. Firstly - “he  

never even liked me.” And secondly - “I  never got a chance to make him proud.”  
never even liked me.” And secondly - “I  never got a chance to make him proud.”  

While the former hits slightly harder for me  due to it being his initial gut reaction to  
While the former hits slightly harder for me  due to it being his initial gut reaction to  

not being able to see him again, both of these  are true, speaking of Connor’s deepest and most  
not being able to see him again, both of these  are true, speaking of Connor’s deepest and most  

genuine feelings and the honest resonance of his  character. Logan Roy abused all of his children,  
genuine feelings and the honest resonance of his  character. Logan Roy abused all of his children,  

and he was a horrible father, but  the truth is that he loved Kendall,  
and he was a horrible father, but  the truth is that he loved Kendall,  

Shiv and Roman. I don’t think he ever loved  Connor. Because there was only ever one way  
Shiv and Roman. I don’t think he ever loved  Connor. Because there was only ever one way  

that any of his children could ever have made  him proud. And while the other three failed,  
that any of his children could ever have made  him proud. And while the other three failed,  

they at least showed occasional signs of  potential. But Connor was never close at all.
they at least showed occasional signs of  potential. But Connor was never close at all.

However, while this is nowhere close to an  adequate way to live in terms of emotional  
However, while this is nowhere close to an  adequate way to live in terms of emotional  

nourishment, there is a chance that all  of this may actually stand Connor in  
nourishment, there is a chance that all  of this may actually stand Connor in  

relatively good stead for the rest of his  life. He is insecure, validation seeking,  
relatively good stead for the rest of his  life. He is insecure, validation seeking,  

overcompensatory and filled with disappointment  and sadness, but season 4 shows a slight shift.  
overcompensatory and filled with disappointment  and sadness, but season 4 shows a slight shift.  

He voices these things in the strongest way he  has done so thus far, and he makes clear strides  
He voices these things in the strongest way he  has done so thus far, and he makes clear strides  

towards acceptance of this and who he is. And this  is where the contrast of his character follows  
towards acceptance of this and who he is. And this  is where the contrast of his character follows  

through in reverse. I mentioned that Connor has  never been involved in the business, but what’s  
through in reverse. I mentioned that Connor has  never been involved in the business, but what’s  

interesting and key is that that is out of choice.  Just as he avoids tension and confrontation,  
interesting and key is that that is out of choice.  Just as he avoids tension and confrontation,  

so too does he avoid family politics. He simply  prefers to live out his days separate, on his own,  
so too does he avoid family politics. He simply  prefers to live out his days separate, on his own,  

chasing impossibilities on his ranch with  his betrothed. This life isn’t for him,  
chasing impossibilities on his ranch with  his betrothed. This life isn’t for him,  

and this is where we get to the main idea here -  it takes some time, but eventually, Connor sees  
and this is where we get to the main idea here -  it takes some time, but eventually, Connor sees  

reality for what it is. It’s hard to take, but he  ultimately accepts that he is the forgotten son.  
reality for what it is. It’s hard to take, but he  ultimately accepts that he is the forgotten son.  

Just as he accepted early on that the succession  business wasn’t for him, he acknowledges that he  
Just as he accepted early on that the succession  business wasn’t for him, he acknowledges that he  

was never suited to being the son he wanted to  be. It’s painful, but this acceptance is key  
was never suited to being the son he wanted to  be. It’s painful, but this acceptance is key  

to moving on. This cuts deep, and it sucks for  Connor. But it is reality. Deep down he knows  
to moving on. This cuts deep, and it sucks for  Connor. But it is reality. Deep down he knows  

his place and isn’t clouded by any illusions  of his importance, role, standing or who he is,  
his place and isn’t clouded by any illusions  of his importance, role, standing or who he is,  

and this is something akin to closure. Whereas his  siblings are unable to know for sure just where  
and this is something akin to closure. Whereas his  siblings are unable to know for sure just where  

they stand due to the cruel game Logan played with  them, and this continues to be a factor after his  
they stand due to the cruel game Logan played with  them, and this continues to be a factor after his  

death - leading to heartbreak, confusion and pain  both now and in the future too, you’d imagine.
death - leading to heartbreak, confusion and pain  both now and in the future too, you’d imagine.

So maybe, given his context.. Connor is better  off like this? Showrunner Jesse Armstrong has  
So maybe, given his context.. Connor is better  off like this? Showrunner Jesse Armstrong has  

said that core to the philosophy of Succession  is that people don’t really significantly  
said that core to the philosophy of Succession  is that people don’t really significantly  

change over time at their core, but rather  reveal more about themselves as layers are  
change over time at their core, but rather  reveal more about themselves as layers are  

peeled back and their situations show  us more dimensions. And I think there’s  
peeled back and their situations show  us more dimensions. And I think there’s  

a chance that Logan’s death may have helped  Connor come to terms with exactly who he is,  
a chance that Logan’s death may have helped  Connor come to terms with exactly who he is,  

despite his obvious grief, sadness and regret.  Why stick your nose in this dog eat dog,  
despite his obvious grief, sadness and regret.  Why stick your nose in this dog eat dog,  

cyclical torment? This has never been fulfilling  for anyone involved, and even with the old man  
cyclical torment? This has never been fulfilling  for anyone involved, and even with the old man  

dead it continues to take Connor’s siblings on a  ride of pain. So maybe it’s better to lean into  
dead it continues to take Connor’s siblings on a  ride of pain. So maybe it’s better to lean into  

his lifestyle with pride, sit on his wealth,  buy his dads old place and live it up. And  
his lifestyle with pride, sit on his wealth,  buy his dads old place and live it up. And  

maybe it was better for him to be unloved  by Logan than otherwise. It sounds crazy,  
maybe it was better for him to be unloved  by Logan than otherwise. It sounds crazy,  

but who knows? It’s no doubt hard for him to think  of it this way, but maybe he’ll come to understand  
but who knows? It’s no doubt hard for him to think  of it this way, but maybe he’ll come to understand  

that he was better off getting out before being  put through the wringer, better off being unloved  
that he was better off getting out before being  put through the wringer, better off being unloved  

and pitied rather than suffering long term  deep abuse and manipulation. Now of course,  
and pitied rather than suffering long term  deep abuse and manipulation. Now of course,  

neglect is its own type of abuse and I’m not  at all handwaving that, but the trajectory of  
neglect is its own type of abuse and I’m not  at all handwaving that, but the trajectory of  

Connor’s character really does make me genuinely  feel this way. Indifference is in many ways  
Connor’s character really does make me genuinely  feel this way. Indifference is in many ways  

the opposite of love, and maybe the former is  more beneficial than the latter in this case.
the opposite of love, and maybe the former is  more beneficial than the latter in this case.

Perhaps the one most removed from  the Succession War will end up the  
Perhaps the one most removed from  the Succession War will end up the  

happiest in matters business,  psychological, and.. personal.
happiest in matters business,  psychological, and.. personal.

Because while it is definitely quite ugly  how his and Willa’s relationship started,  
Because while it is definitely quite ugly  how his and Willa’s relationship started,  

it has evolved into something.. quite nice. The  two are straight up with the fact that this isn’t  
it has evolved into something.. quite nice. The  two are straight up with the fact that this isn’t  

true, mutual fairytale love, and Willa herself  admits that there is an element of her marrying  
true, mutual fairytale love, and Willa herself  admits that there is an element of her marrying  

him partly for his means, and she’s honest about  that. But true to the key theme here, Connor  
him partly for his means, and she’s honest about  that. But true to the key theme here, Connor  

accepts that. He understands, and in spite of this  lack of a deep love the two do still care for one  
accepts that. He understands, and in spite of this  lack of a deep love the two do still care for one  

another and have a functional, happy relationship  that both enjoy. It doesn’t have to be overly  
another and have a functional, happy relationship  that both enjoy. It doesn’t have to be overly  

flowery or fantastical. That’s life. It’s mundane,  but believable and organic, just like the bizarre,  
flowery or fantastical. That’s life. It’s mundane,  but believable and organic, just like the bizarre,  

absurd anticlimax of Logan’s actual death. Having  grown off of no love, Connor is able to take the  
absurd anticlimax of Logan’s actual death. Having  grown off of no love, Connor is able to take the  

moderate amount of affection Willa displays  for him and truly value and cherish it as  
moderate amount of affection Willa displays  for him and truly value and cherish it as  

life-defining. And despite it not being perfect,  there’s something oddly beautiful about that.
life-defining. And despite it not being perfect,  there’s something oddly beautiful about that.

And if we take this stance as a genuine  possibility of an interpretation,  
And if we take this stance as a genuine  possibility of an interpretation,  

it says a lot that the character  left most satisfied and fulfilled  
it says a lot that the character  left most satisfied and fulfilled  

could be the one most removed from  this entire succession business.
could be the one most removed from  this entire succession business.

There is a cynicality to this as Connor inherited  this wealth and gains happiness pretty much  
There is a cynicality to this as Connor inherited  this wealth and gains happiness pretty much  

through no outward grift of his own, but his  journey was learning to accept that he was always  
through no outward grift of his own, but his  journey was learning to accept that he was always  

going to be forgotten simply due to the nature  of who he was. It’s a critique on obscene wealth,  
going to be forgotten simply due to the nature  of who he was. It’s a critique on obscene wealth,  

but also on the brutal politics of these sorts of  mega-corporations and how it tears those involved  
but also on the brutal politics of these sorts of  mega-corporations and how it tears those involved  

apart and leaves them with gaping holes in  their lives. Sometimes, people can’t move  
apart and leaves them with gaping holes in  their lives. Sometimes, people can’t move  

past these hangups. In rare times, they can.  Even with those most successful - the greed,  
past these hangups. In rare times, they can.  Even with those most successful - the greed,  

the chase for power, the victory.. the  happiness associated with those things  
the chase for power, the victory.. the  happiness associated with those things  

is elusive through the exhaustion. At  this point in time I wouldn’t call Shiv,  
is elusive through the exhaustion. At  this point in time I wouldn’t call Shiv,  

Roman or Kendall anything close to happy, nor  would I say that they’ve had any significant  
Roman or Kendall anything close to happy, nor  would I say that they’ve had any significant  

period of happiness throughout their  lives. And Connor hasn’t either,  
period of happiness throughout their  lives. And Connor hasn’t either,  

but I think he now has the means for the sun  to peak through the clouds just a little bit.
but I think he now has the means for the sun  to peak through the clouds just a little bit.

I would not be surprised at all if Connor ends up  being the happiest Roy by the end, and it would  
I would not be surprised at all if Connor ends up  being the happiest Roy by the end, and it would  

make extreme thematic sense. He is the forgotten  son, but that doesn’t mean he can’t live a life  
make extreme thematic sense. He is the forgotten  son, but that doesn’t mean he can’t live a life  

of value, and maybe being forgotten by horrible  people isn’t so bad. Many thanks for watching.
of value, and maybe being forgotten by horrible  people isn’t so bad. Many thanks for watching.