5. Kendall’s betrayal – “This Is Not For Tears” (Season 2, Episode 10)
In a stunning twist that defied, all expectations, Kendall, who had been operating on auto-pilot for the entire season, finally wakes up and asserts himself. As Logan’s puppet throughout season two, it seemed inevitable that Kendall would silently shoulder the blame for the cruises scandal. However, Succession, known for its surprising plot twists, delivered an unexpected bombshell when Kendall publicly shifted the blame onto his father.
The scene is a masterclass in storytelling, with Jeremy Strong’s nuanced performance capturing Kendall’s hesitancy and nervous disposition as he takes his seat at the conference desk. But as Kendall decides to upend the narrative and confront Logan head-on, a newfound confidence emerges, as he locks eyes with the camera. With conviction, Kendall denounces Logan as a “malignant presence,” and in a chilling climax to his speech, declares, “This is the day his reign ends.” This truly jaw-dropping scene, coupled with the enigmatic smirk on Logan’s face, elevates it to the stand-out episode of an already phenomenal season.
“The truth is that my father is a malignant presence, a bully, and a liar, and he was fully personally aware of these events for many years, and made efforts to hide and cover up.”