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Ah, the debates that swirl around our favorite TV shows! If you’ve ever found yourself in a passionate discussion about ‘Succession’, you might have come across the assertion that “Shiv is the worst character.” It’s a statement that makes my head spin. Sure, Shiv Roy has her share of morally dubious moments, but when you stack her actions against her father Logan or her brothers Kendall and Roman, it’s hard to see her as the villain of the piece. I remember when I first started watching the show; I was drawn to her ambition and complexity. She’s not just a privileged character—she’s a product of a twisted family dynamic that shapes her decisions.
Shiv Roy: More than just a villain
Shiv’s behavior in ‘Succession’ often raises eyebrows, particularly her treatment of Tom, which can be downright ruthless. However, let’s take a moment to unpack that. The youngest Roy sibling is navigating a treacherous landscape of family loyalty and corporate ambition. When she criticizes her family, it’s not just a simple act of rebellion; it’s a reflection of her struggle between wanting to be a moral person and being ensnared in a system that rewards ruthlessness. In season 4, her character challenges the disturbing reality of a potential President Jeryd Mencken, and you can see the weight of that realization on her shoulders. This makes her far more relatable than many give her credit for.
The moment that tested my support for Shiv
Now, let’s talk about that pivotal moment in season 4, episode 2, which almost made me rethink my defense of Shiv. Amidst Logan’s iconic “You’re not serious people” speech, there’s a moment that struck a nerve. After a rather disastrous wedding rehearsal, Connor suggests a dive bar to drown his sorrows. Instead of embracing the authenticity of the experience, Shiv, along with Roman, turns her nose up at the place. When it came time to order drinks, her response was nothing short of elitist: “House red? Do I dare? No, no, no… just a club soda with a sealed lid. Uh, nothing from that tainted nozzle.” Ouch! It was this moment that showcased her true colors—a paradox of a character who claims to fight for the common person yet recoils at the idea of mingling with them.
The implications of privilege
But why does this matter? It’s a stark reminder of the privilege that envelops the Roys. Shiv’s disdain for the dive bar culture was not just about the drinks; it was emblematic of her struggle to connect with the very world she claims to champion. This behavior sent shivers down my spine. Personally, I believe that while she fights against her family’s monstrous tendencies, her own snobbery betrays her intentions. It’s a classic case of wanting to be seen as the moral compass while simultaneously believing she’s above those around her. How many of us have been guilty of that at some point?
The Roy siblings: A complex dynamic
The Roy siblings are fascinating, albeit deeply flawed, characters. Each one of them embodies elements of privilege and moral ambiguity. Take Kendall, for instance; he has moments of clarity where he stands up for his siblings, yet he’s also deeply entrenched in the family’s toxic legacy. Roman, on the other hand, oscillates between being the comic relief and a person in desperate need of approval from his father. But what really strikes me is how, when they interact with the outside world, their true monstrosity is revealed. It’s a strange juxtaposition—these characters are terrible people, yet we find ourselves rooting for them at times.
Shiv’s character arc: A reflection on society
“What is Succession about?” This is a question that lingers in the minds of viewers. It’s not just a story about power and wealth; it’s a mirror reflecting the grotesque nature of privilege. Take the pilot episode, where Roman offers a million dollars to a young boy to hit a home run only to rip the check up when he fails. It’s a cruel moment, and sadly, it’s not unique to Roman. The Roys’ treatment of others serves as a commentary on the lack of empathy that often accompanies wealth.
Logan Roy: The unexpected outlier
Interestingly, the character who often stands out in this discussion is Logan Roy himself. While he may be the biggest villain in the series, he demonstrates a strange form of kindness towards those outside his family, particularly his bodyguard, Colin. After witnessing Roman’s disgraceful behavior in the baseball scene, Logan treats the young boy with respect, offering a handshake and a compliment. It’s almost as if Logan understands the value of genuine connections, something his children seem to lack.
Final thoughts on Shiv and the Roy family
As we delve deeper into the intricacies of ‘Succession’, it becomes evident that the characters are not simply black and white. Shiv, while certainly flawed, is not the worst character by any means. She embodies the struggles of ambition, privilege, and morality within a toxic familial structure. And as we watch Shiv navigate her world, we can’t help but feel a twinge of sympathy and frustration. After all, who among us hasn’t wrestled with the complexities of our own choices in a world that often seems to reward the worst of us? The Roy family is a testament to that reality, and in many ways, they reflect the chaos of our own lives.