Succession (TV Series) The Summer Palace (2019) User Reviews

Difficult to watch (in the best way)

[evansjoshyr · 9/10 · 30 June 2021]

I know the characters are meant to be unlikeable, but from the start I have always been drawn to Kendall as the flawed "hero" of the show and it is so heartbreaking to see him in this state. From the very first scene, the tension is felt immensely as Kendell has become a prisoner in his own home and is told exactly what he has to say. His choices aren't his own anymore and as the audience member, you can't help thinking if he should have just gone to prison in the season 1 finale. Exceptional writing and emmy-worthy acting for sure.

So to summarise, I saw the season 1 plan, the season 2 plan is better.

Nice start

[timsourdille · 9/10 · 12 August 2019]

Nice start of the season. Still by far the best show around with this episode.

Amazing start to season 2!

[and_mikkelsen · 9/10 · 3 March 2023]

This episode picks up perfectly from season 1, by focusing mainly on Kendall! We really see how his plans, acts and intensions have shaped him! Jeremy Strong does a great job of showing Kendalls nervous insecurity and how the events of the season 1 finale is not.something you can brush off!

Other than that we get some great scenes teasing whats to gome while at the same time, you still have no clue what is going to happen, cause anyone could flip at any time! There is a feeling off "can i count on that?" and that makes the show so exciting!

Acting and writing is amazing! Season 2 is gonna be great!

Spectacular season 2 premiere!

[UniqueParticle · 10/10 · 13 August 2019]

Awkward acting in some bits but done with perfection throughout and with a fair bit of great comedy! Love this show very much and everything with the family business is so good - I already saw this episode a couple times day one just didn't review yet. Very well written, fun to watch and Brian Cox is perfection, so is Jeremy Strong.

Fantastic start to season 2!

[arc-06506 · 10/10 · 12 August 2019]

I was skeptical going into the premiere tonight. How would Logan bring him back in? Would Kendall's siblings ride him down? I continue to be impressed with the character plots and family interaction. Roman kills it with every line. Best show I've seen from HBO now that the best show there ever will be is finished. RIP GOT. Hello Succession!

Brilliant opening to what will most likely be a much better season.

[bayleykedar · 8/10 · 16 November 2021]

Beginning almost directly after the events of the finale, the Season 2 premiere wastes no time in reintroducing us to the many conflicts that were left in the balance at the end of the previous season.

Usually there is a change in the atmosphere or aesthetic of a show between each season, but Succession remains largely the same. The biggest difference is the state of Kendall, who is clearly harbouring feelings of deep sadness and depression following the events of the previous episode. For me, this is where Succession really flourishes, the focus on Kendall. Sure, the Season 1 finale allowed me to feel a slight tinge of sympathy for certain characters who I initially despised. Logan, in this episode, seemed fairly reasonable with his decision-making and his treatment of the children, bar for a few warning signs that we can typically see within his behaviour. However, placing emphasis on Kendall is what is keeping me fully connected to this show and its universe. He's a remarkably layered protagonist (I referred to him as the 'hero' a few reviews ago) and, for me personally, it is truly impossible to not feel sympathy for him.

Shiv and Roman are still as cold, cruel and downright evil, yet again. I truly hate these two and it's a testament to the writers that they have managed to shape such despicable characters who the audience must bear with every single episode.

All things considered, the premiere is a great sign for things to come. I'm certainly looking forward to watching the following episodes, much more so than last season.

A masterpice show

[Chrille98 · 9/10 · 12 August 2019]

Man season2 starts strong love the show the firsr episode gives high promise of a great season

Great season 2 start

[JonyVeana · 9/10 · 11 January 2022]

An amazing introduction for season 2, Kendall is just pathetic on this episode and Logan is always the same, roman and shiv are pieces os shi... and Tom is just Tom, Logan appoints shiv as head of operations and Kendall and roman As CEO, a imminent war is coming too, the family is together and i predict some more dificulties for our favorite dysfunctional family.

Excited to see what season 2 will show us.

Off and Running

[Hitchcoc · 10/10 · 14 September 2022]

Now we get to see the big boys clash. Kendall is off trying to heal his guilt and damaged psyche. He is responsible for the death of another human being. Unlike Roman, he actually cares about people. When the launch exploded, Roman really didn't care about casualties and dismemberment as long as he didn't get sued. Shiv is a despicable creature. But he now has a noose around his neck in that a word from the old man will sink his ship. This episode takes place in a mansion that is just being refurbished. The family arrives and there is a disgusting smell. Nice symbolism. Logan is at his worst in dealing with people and accuses the contractor of creating the smell. Some raccoons have gone down the fireplace chimney. The festivities start as a decision is made whether to sell the company or keep it and go head to head with those other guys. Logan calls Roman and Shiv into a room and gets their opinions. Promises are made. Of course, they need to realize they are alone with a snake, but filthy lucre is there for the taking. Great first episode, moving forward.

[7.1] Palace, buffets and maids

[cjonesas · 7/10 · 10 April 2022]

Episode 1: More or less the same with one exception and that's Kendall is now a wreck. Good and interesting, but repetitive.

Would it change for the better till the tenth episode? Considering 11 episodes have rolled, I (very much) doubt so.