2. Waiter incident – “Nobody Is Ever Missing” (Season 1, Episode 10)
The scene that firmly established Succession as a powerhouse of a show, season one ends not with Kendall betraying his father, but with him committing manslaughter. In a shocking turn of events, Kendall’s drug addiction leads him to drive under the influence with a waiter from Shiv’s wedding as a passenger. A stray deer causes Kendall to crash into a nearby lake, resulting in the waiter’s drowning despite Kendall’s rescue attempts. Kendall returns to the wedding, traumatised and shattered. Seizing the moment, Logan exploits his traumatised and shattered son’s vulnerability to blackmail him.
This harrowing scene showcases Jeremy Strong’s exceptional performance as he completely breaks down, portraying Kendall with the helplessness of a child grappling with his own actions. After securing Kendall’s loyalty through intimidation, Logan extends his arms, offering genuine comfort and affection during Kendall’s darkest moment (so far). Brian Cox masterfully portrays this disturbing blend of coercion and love.
“You’re my boy. You’re my number one boy.”