That was such an incredibly sad but perfect and correct ending.
I don't understand people who didn't like the ending because their favorite character didn't win. After 4 seasons with these despicable characters did anyone expect the Roy kids to unite and defeat the bad guy with the power of love and friendship? It was never going to end that way.
The three siblings just could never get over their egos. They all proved, through the 4 seasons, that they’re basically useless and the only reason they were ever in the discussion to be CEO is because Logan was their father. They'd rather destroy everything than have only one of the trio take the upper hand. Shiv just could not let her brother have a win, even if it meant her losing as well. Perfectly summed up their whole family dynamic and the show as a whole.
The siblings are so entitled and self-absorbed they never saw Tom coming. They’ve never had to work for a damn thing. I don't like Tom, but it makes sense for someone like Tom, who worked his way from the ground up and earned himself the position he was in.
The scene with the siblings making that awful smoothie and them watching their dad reveal yet another side of himself was so nice among the insanity that came in between.
That penultimate shot with Shiv and Tom in the car was phenomenal. Complete shift in the power dynamic. After marrying him specifically because she thought he was weak enough to keep holding power over.
Kendall not winning every season. That’s rough.
Willa revamping Logan's apartment with a cow print couch.
In the end Conor was the only one to have any kind of a relationship with Logan, the other kids are never shown having moments with him like he did at the recorded dinner.
Greg translating the Swedish in real time is the smartest thing he’s ever done. Four seasons and I cannot for the life of me understand why he would put up with that. His uncle offered him $250mil to get away from the firm.
But the biggest thing for me coming out of this episode is Kendall’s son isn’t really his. It really came out of nowhere and seemed more like a fact than a rumor the way everyone reacted to it.
All in all, Succession stuck to the show’s core till the end. In a way it’s a predictable ending but because it’s television and we expect some twist where a cool character comes out on top we don’t expect the expected. The outcome is pretty much what you’d expect from all the characters knowing their faults
Not quite a "10" , but pretty darn close if you're looking for a fun actioner, where even some of the "bad" guys are kind of likeable, and the lead (Pitt's "Ladybug") is pretty much perfectly cast. Based on Kotaro Isaka's best selling novel, the film version does take some liberties with the characters as far as their ethnicities are concerned, as well as (IMO) the only glaring miscasting of the big bad which lacked believability, and caused me to briefly discard my suspension of disbelief, but overall, it was a thoroughly enjoyable experience, which I can wholeheartedly recommend. Hiroyuki Sanada is ALWAYS a welcome addition to pretty much any film he's ever been in, as is, of course, Miss Congeniality herself, Sandra Bullock, although she is used sparingly as "Ladybug's" handler.
The rest of the supporting cast, especially ("Kick-Ass" Himself) Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Brian Tyree Henry are comically villainous counterpoints to Pitts charmingly successful but at times unlucky character, and, I liked the way the story intercut their backstories to tie their present situations all together. Again, if you're looking for Shakespeare, best catch another train, but if non stop comic mayhem is what you seek, grab a ticket, and take a ride on the this express train to chaos-town.
@Lazo - .....or, action-wise at least, a more gender mixed version of "Gunpowder Milkshake". ;-)
Hmmmm....,Will THIS be 2024's "Bullet Train?:
https://www.universalpictures.com/movies/argylle
Full disclosure, I knew what happened in this episode before I went in. Sometimes you just pick things up through cultural osmosis. But it took some of the oomph out of this one for me. It was still tragic to see what Adrianna went through, to see her tentative hopefulness and dreams of getting away from all this dashed completely. But I can only imagine what the impact would be if you didn't know it was coming.
One of the things I find interesting about The Sopranos is that, contrary to a lot of movies and shows about the mob, it's never really on the mobsters' side. Sure, the show invites you to be allured by Tony Soprano and his brood, but at the same time wants to chastise you for being allured by him. The beleaguered gardener throughout the season is a persistent reminder that these are not good men, and most of what they do involves stepping on the little guy.
But at the same time, it doesn't make the FBI agents who are plotting against the mob looking any more righteous by comparison. They gossip casually about why Adriana hooking up with Tony would be good for business. They casually discuss how a woman marrying her abuser could be good for them. They treat Adriana, a woman who is clearly out of her depth with this stuff, like a tool, almost like cattle, rather than a person. Sure, the FBI are on the side of good, to the extent it exists in a show like this, but they're just as dehumanizing and dismissive of anyone who doesn't help them achieve their goals as the mobsters are.
And that's the tragedy. Chris claims to have loved Adriana. His recurring beatings of her don't seem to lend credence to that, but he does seem broken up by it at the end of the episode. And Tony too, though he is allegedly supposed to be an unrepentant monster, has at least a moment's pause there on the lot at the end of the episode, which is more than can be said for the frosty FBI agent who's been Adriana's contact over these years.
At base, Adriana was someone reaching out for a person who cared about her, a real friend. Danielle halfway promised and provided that and then betrayed Adriana's trust. Chris seems entirely dismissive about Adriana's feelings and her stress. Her newer FBI contact bristles at any of Adriana's moments of reaching out for kinship. And Tony Soprano, the only one on the show who seems to actually connect with her, is the one who orders her killed. Adriana is, to the extent anyone on this show is, an innocent. She's dumb and naive and while she knows what's up to some degree, it's easy to see her swept up it at a level over her head. When people like that suffer or get killed, through the actions of both sides of the good guy/bad guy divide, it shows that this "war" has civilian casualties like any other.
“I want to say how nice it is not to be alone.”
‘The Power of the Dog’ is a triumph return for director Jane Campion after a 12-year absence from cinema. The movies pace is steady and patient, so some people will take issue with that and find the movie too slow and uneventful, but for me, I was never bored by it. Instead, I was captivated by its eeriness and complexity. It’s a movie that never explains itself and nothing is articulated, but you can pinpoint the long-troubled history just from reading the characters faces and actions.
This is one of Benedict Cumberbatch’s best performance of his career and it’s my favourite role from him. He plays Phil Burbank, a repulsive and cruel human being, who deep down has this boiling rage inside of him that he unleashes by abusing animals such as horses. However, I also found the character fascinating, because you never really know why he does the things he does. The expression throughout the movie was irritation, as if the western wind said something that got under his skin. His got the personality of a misbehaved child, sometimes mimicking and mocking those around him. Sulky and strange, with a thousand-yard stare.
But man, Jesse ‘mother fucking’ Plemons, who plays George Burbank, the brother of Phil Burbank. I mean, holy shit what a natural and gifted performer. His relationship with his brother is complicated to say the least, and George is powerless to Phil’s constant insults towards his weight, appearance, and his new love for a female hotel keeper. Even then, the two brothers would still share a bed together. As I said before, it's complicated.
Kirsten Dunst plays Rose, a local hotel keeper who romantically falls for Jesse Plemons and gets thrown into the ranch life, something she and her son are not suited for, which sets the story into motion. Her son is played by Kodi Smit-McPhee, an awkward kid who stands out for the wrong reasons. Dunst and McPhee, both child stars who grew up into maturity on film and both deliver effective performances. Just from the facial expressions alone they manage to convey some much hurt and curiosity that the characters experience when in the presence of Phil Burbank. It’s one of the finest roles.
The use of music here isn’t something you will remember after the movie ends, but I feel that when re-watching it, the score, along with the scenes playing out, makes the experience more hypnotizing and oddly mystical.
The movie was filmed in New Zealand, and it never looked more beautiful until Jane Campion is behind the camera. Even with the muted colours and harsh quality to it, it still felt dreamy.
Although, if you’re a massive lover of animals, then beware because there’s a couple of scenes in this movie of animal abuse that may upset you. It’s not on screen for long, like a few seconds, but man those few seconds are rough. Or just cover your eyes.
Overall rating: whistles menacingly
I haven't liked Paula from the beginning. I'm so done with the trend of performative 'wokeness' at every corner. She was horrbile the whole time (making fun of Rachel, being mean to Quinn etc.) but people gave her a pass because of her skin color and because Olivia is the classic American 'white' blonde bitch. I wish they gave us more about her background, I think she might not be Mossbacher rich, but she is definitely not poor, her health 'issues' are all rich people problems.
Paula wants to 'related' to Kai because of their skin colors but she is just as privileged as Mossbacher in her own American way. She doesn't want to see that because she is too caught up in all the simplistic American 'wokeness' - 'white people bad, black/brown people good'. She reminds me of American liberals - they act as if they know about the struggles of other people just so that they can feel good about themselves. There isn't much difference between Paula and Olivia - they are both self-righteous and 'woke' because it's trendy, without taking no interest in making sacrifices to practice what they preach.
Paula just ruined Kai's life without giving absolutely no thought to the potential consequences for him. She wasn't willing to do shit for this 'cause' of hers except letting him take all the risk to make it seem like she's relatable (which she is not). Why her first reactions to Nicole leaving the boat wasn't to warn Kai? If there was a time to use all her imaginary ailments and allergies, this was it. Interesting example of how 'people of color' from imperialist countries fuck up the lives of Natives but thinking they are the saviors, while enjoying the benefits of being born in rich capitalist nations :flag_us: depending on exporting human misery and death around the world.
I still don't understand why Paula is on a vacation with people she clearly despises so much. And why is she choosing to stay friends with Olivia ? Just for vacations?
"Are you allergic to fire?" I liked that Mark is done with Paula.
How did Rachel not notice all the red flags of Shane before marrying him?
The siblings are back at their bullshits. Logan was right. They are not serious person. Everything about this episode felt so manic, really drove home how incompetent the kids are at running the company.
Was anyone else convinced that the clip of Logan calling his children idiots would somehow find itself playing in front of the entire investors meeting?
Kendall gave me major We Work Adam Neumann CEO vibes. Overpriced real estate trying to pass off as tech.
Playing 'bitey' in the middle of a party is insane. Interactions between Tom and Shiv this season is so well written. The chemistry is :fire:. I like how they both are being totally, brutally honest about who they are with each other. Tom admitting his love for money and power was so fascinating to finally see. Getting divorced is exactly what that couple needed.
-“I need you to believe that I am as good as my dad. Can you do that?” - “Say it or believe it?” - Ouch. The interaction with Gerri and the director both really showed Roman can't handle pressure at all. And the moment where Roman just wants to hear his dad insult him again is sad.
Does Mattsson really respect Shiv as an ally or is he fucking around with the siblings the way Logan did?
Karl’s moment with Kendall right before he went out on stage was jaw dropping.
Best quote of the episode, “How am I supposed to follow this? He just promised them eternal life.”
Oof, that was a lot to take in and I'm not quite sure where to start.
All in all I actually enjoyed this season much more. I felt like season 1 dragged on for too long and sometimes I was bored, though it might also be relevant to say that I read the book, so I knew most of the plot. The second season was more exciting for me and I think a big reason was that Clay wasn't the main character - We had all different kind of views and characters. It made it much more interesting.
The bathroom scene was completely shocking - I skipped through Hannah's rape scene in the last season, but this scene with Tyler was so quick that I was just staring at my screen and then it was already over. I honestly had to pause the video for a bit because I was feeling sick and I was crying. But now comes the point where I have to disagree with many people - I don't think it was unnecessary. The whole scene itself could've been done in a less explicit way, definitely, but I do think addressing the male on male rape and the continuing and even worse abuse Tyler suffered was relevant (though that should never excuse the planned shooting). And teenagers raping other teenagers with objects is so much more common than some people seem to think. It's not far-fetched.
So the only problem here for me is how graphic it was and I wish I would have been able to skip it, but society still acts like male on male rape is non-existent or even funny, so a show dealing seriously with it is something I welcome.
But I have to say I have a huge problem with the ending.
We were probably all wondering if the school shooting would happen or not because the "hints" have been there since the beginning (even at the end of the last season). I was never sure if they were using it as red herrings or if Tyler might get stopped while he's still planning it. So now I actually thought this would end with him shooting some people we know. To me it felt like the weirdest anti-climatic way to end it - Clay talking to Tyler instead of calling the cops and Tyler running away.
Which is actually my big problem with it - They definitely seem to have a third season planned and we are left with a bunch of cliffhangers which I really dislike. They had a chance to tie up some of the storylines in a slightly better way (skipping Chloe's pregnancy, having more moments with Jessica/Justin, not having Justing use heroin again etc) and the end with the dance would have been good. It wouldn't have been a perfect happy end, but it would have been bittersweet. But instead we are left with this. I know how bad it sounds to say "I wish they went through with the school shooting", but I think this would have been a much better idea than just having Clay talk to Tyler for two minutes.
I also think it's weird to have school shootings as a taboo in shows - Nowadays this topic is even more relevant than ever and I really hope Netflix didn't change the ending because of the recent Santa Fe shooting. Especially because of the recent shootings we shouldn't ignore such topics.
So I'm really angry that literally the last episode destroyed a lot of the progress we made (Justin getting clean, Tyler working on himself, Alex and Jessica getting together etc) and the only reason I can see is that they want to make a third season.
I am 100% satisfied with this ending. One of the best series finales I've seen and it truly did the story justice. Okay, so first of all; I love love love Bonnie. Always have, always will. Nobody will ever change my mind about this. To see her die (and I blame Frank for it) was heartbreaking. I always hoped she would have a happy ending because she has been through so much. However, I think the way they wrote it was beautiful and it made sense. To have her die like this, alongside Frank (damn you Frank!), in the arms of Annalise, it brought everything full circle. She did her part and now she rests.
I LOVE the funeral scene, seeing moments of Annalise her life with Tegan, seeing Oliver, Conner and Laurel older and CHRISTOPHER! I know some people hoped it was Wes but I like this way better. And that accent! O my god, YES and that he - of all people - is the new professor for that class, being mentored by Annalise... I cried so much happy tears.
For a moment the writers had me concerned that after all these years they would break up Oliver and Conner, thank God they didn't. This was by far the best couple on the show and I never once gave up on them. I'm also very satisfied with how things ended for Michaela, she was selfish from the start and ended up 'alone' which served her right.
So this is the end, bittersweet and I will need a moment - like days - to process this. Fantastic show, always in my heart.
This might just have been the best episode of the entire series. There was a lot of tension, a lot of guessing and an incredible twist that I for one did not see coming. I have a lot of new theories already which will keep me busy until the comeback in April. I want to dive into my theories a bit for whoever is reading this. I think Gabriel opened the door for Wes (or Laurel, not Asher as is implied) and that they left together somewhere (it wouldn't surprise me if the two of them are somehow working together in bringing AK down). I think Asher talked to Bonnie and left her place, once he did Bonnie called Frank and sent him after Asher to 'deal with him'. Bonnie loved Asher once but she loves AK more, she always has and she wouldn't throw her under the bus, she made that clear to Nate, so as much as it would probably pain her, she would use Frank to silence Asher. Tegan, okay we saw her in the 'flash forward' asking about the body and her client. No way in hell she would represent Frank but she would represent Ollie (who we also saw in one of those flashes confessing to as he stated it 'being the murderer' which he would believe himself to be, considering that the victim is Asher and he did hit him over the head). This all makes sense in my head but I'm sure the writers have some major twist for us in store.
