'Succession' Season 3 Episode 2 Review: Kendall loses in clash with Shiv and Roman

If anyone was the biggest loser in the episode, it had to be Kendall who makes a meal when he had the chance to consolidate on his first punch
Kieran Culkin, Sarah Snook, Jeremy Strong 'Succession' 
PSeason 3 Episode 2 (David M. Russell/HBO)
Kieran Culkin, Sarah Snook, Jeremy Strong 'Succession' PSeason 3 Episode 2 (David M. Russell/HBO)

'Succession' Season 3 saw the rise of Kendall Roy in Episode 2, only for him to drop down in double-quick time in 'Mass in the Time of War'. The latest chapter saw the four siblings in one room discussing the way forward. If there was anything present, it was the doubts, and if there was anything missing, it was the faith. The dysfunctionality was on full display as they squabbled among themselves to see where their battle against Logan would head. 

Kendall's (Jeremy Strong) logic is simple: Get all the siblings together and take down Logan. Their chat forms the most explosive moments in the episode as Shiv (Sarah Snook), Roman (Kieran Culkin), Connor (Alan Ruck), and Kendall bicker and take digs at each other. Unfortunately, Kendall drops the ball and what was supposed to be a beneficial meeting ends with him seething mad and trading insults instead of the olive branch.

READ MORE

'Succession' Season 3 Episode 2: Will Gerri, Roman join Kendall after Logan's snub?

'Succession' Season 3 Episode 2: Fans back Kendall, say others are 'all so weak'

If anyone was the biggest loser in the episode, it had to be Kendall. When he had the opportunity to get back the gang and mount what would be a stiff defense against his father, he spoiled the chance. Quite simply, he's not the man in charge anymore and he's not driving the bus to success. Meanwhile, Shiv, always of the opinion that she was the one to be the rightful heir was miffed at her father's snub as he made Gerri Kellman (J.Cameron-Smith) CEO, but a scent of having another shot at the opportunity, even as "President" made her come back to her father.

We feel for Roman. The one who came as a spy folded to one of Gerri's threats without so much as a fight. Is this love? We don't know, but what we do know is Gerri, quietly happy that she now wields the power she always craved for secretly. The picture of her name she clicks on TV says it all. A familiar face in Marcia (Hiam Abbass) returns. She's steely and clearly knows what she needs to do to get in control. She now takes her place alongside Logan who wants the world to see a united Roys.

In all, 'Succession' Season 3 will show that the scales keep tipping. How long before Clubber Lang's explosive punches and some trash-talking last against a veteran Rocky who can punch to destroy? For now, just put on your seatbelts and enjoy the ride.

'Succession' Season 3 airs at 9 pm ET on HBO. 

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

After tracking down F.R.I.D.A.Y., Ultron presents himself as an ally
2026-11-04T08:47:31.000Z
'VisionQuest' reveals the Client's real identity, and it is deeply connected to Ultron
2026-11-04T07:14:07.000Z
'VisionQuest' features Paul Bettany playing three characters in Episode 7 titled 'Immolation'
2026-11-04T05:39:20.000Z
‘Phony’ episode 4 deepens the mystery surrounding Ellen’s identity as Sonny investigates rumors of a dead body buried in the woods
2026-11-04T03:54:30.000Z
Netflix’s upcoming YA series’ storyline follows a scholarship student’s high school journey at an elite boarding school.
2026-11-04T03:21:28.000Z
Justin Timberlake will shed light on some key moments from his life and career in the four-part Apple TV docuseries
2026-11-04T02:38:30.000Z
Netflix’s acclaimed animated series 'Blue Eye Samurai' returns for its second season, continuing Mizu’s quest for vengeance in London.
2026-11-03T17:26:12.000Z
An ‘SNL’ alum is heading to ‘Abbott Elementary’ Season 6, bringing another Quinta Brunson collaboration into the spotlight. Here’s what he shared about the guest appearance.
2026-11-03T16:41:30.000Z
Emily Lane faces her hacker ex, Aaron, after the Season 2 finale cliffhanger at her front door
2026-11-03T10:53:05.000Z
'Line of Fire' was missing from its usual Monday slot on November 2 for this reason
2026-11-03T09:29:20.000Z