I’m not a huge fan of television drama, unlike many of my friends and colleagues. Many often make recommendations about things they’ve seen on the various streaming services. Often, they don’t quite understand the blank face I respond with to something “everybody is talking about”.
That wasn’t always the case. In the early days of this blog, I wrote often about my (almost) obsessional interest in the English police drama, “The Bill”. I’m not sure why I don’t watch as much fictional television drama, these days, except maybe there’s too much to keep up with?
From time to time, I’ll latch onto something. For example, I really tapped into the Swedish youth drama, “Young Royals”, though preferring the first series over the second. The first series seemed a little more edgy, dealing with the situation where the second in line to the Swedish throne becomes the crown prince, and whose situation is complicated by the fact he’s gay. The second series seemed more like a re-run, based on the success of the first. A third series is planned.
More recently, it’s the American drama, “Succession”, based “loosely” on the story of the Murdoch family. Amusingly, I was watching something on Youtube the other day which, in the context of the Dominion defamation case, described Rupert as a “real life Logan Roy”. Life imitating art, not the other way around?
In the earlier series of the drama, it was pretty clear how awful they all were as people, as they “competed” for who would take over the business when Rupert, er ah, Logan dies.
In the latest episodes, it’s become pretty clear how under-prepared all the children were for a life after the death of their father. Even though he “prepared” them, it’s clear none of them are all that bright, or suitable. They lack the life experience and maturity that would be required to run a multi-billion dollar organisation. They are only in the position they’re in because they were born into that position.
The “training” they received from their father, and the experiences they’ve gained along the way, has, of course, put them in a unique position to respond to the situation. But ultimately, fundamentally, they’re not necessarily the best people for the job. The parallels with any royal family, or any dynastic business (big or small) are clear.
Despite all of the character flaws, the program has been a joy to watch, for the complex characters themselves, the writing, and the way it’s been directed and filmed.
As we’re now approaching the end of the fourth and final series (shown in Australia on Binge/Foxtel), I thought it timely to write about it, recommending it to you, in the same way my friends recommend shows to me. Hoping your eyes won’t glaze over?