‘Succession’ Season 2, Episode 5 ‘Tern Haven’ Review: Meltdown

In Succession, two families face each other amid a potential buyout. Following the trend of unconventional business meetings, the families meet on a weekend retreat. As usual, things turn out sourly for the Roys, being the Romans among the Greeks. Still, one can never be so sure about the outcome of a deal. Ultimately, the Pierces must choose between risking a tarnished reputation or accepting a highly generous offer.

On Sunday’s episode of Succession, the Roys take to the Pierce family home to discuss their PGM Aquisition. Once there, the Roys scramble to impress the Pierces. Desperate as ever, Logan Roy (Brian Cox) assigns roles for his children to play. As Shiv Roy (Sarah Snook) loses her cool, Tom Wambsgans (Matthew Macfadyen) accepts much criticism. Meanwhile, Roman Roy’s (Kieran Culkin) behavior changes drastically. Elsewhere, Kendall Roy (Jeremy Strong) finds something he has in common with Naomi Pierce (Annabelle Dexter-Jones).

Everyone Fucks up

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No amount of preparation could save any of the Roys. Upon meeting the Pierces, they fumble with what to say. One could not help but cringe while watching each of them crack inappropriate jokes, pretend to be reading enthusiasts, and make awkward small talk. Generally, the Roys made fools out of themselves. Also, the Pierces seem to know what to say to have their potential investors piss their pants. Still, the dinner is where they entirely lost every sense of dignity that they had.

Shiv’s revelation took everyone back. None of the other members of the Waystar-Royco Board knew about her planned successorship, all except Tom. Kendall probably sensed it, but he cannot do anything about it. On the other hand, Roman expected to rise to the task, taking the management training program as suggested by Gerri Killman (J. Smith-Cameron). Despite how foolish they all looked, Shiv’s successorship convinced the Pierces to discuss their buyout offer. As brash and risky as it was, it did get them what they wanted. Well, closer to what they wanted, at least.

Drug Addled Confessions

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It takes one to know one, hence Kendall and Naomi’s newfound sort-of friendship. Throughout the episode, the two eyed each other before finally deciding to give in to their addiction. As bad as that sounds, something good comes up from their relapse. One can assume that Naomi is the Pierces’ Kendall, considering that she does not usually involve herself in the business. On the other hand, we have Kendall going through the motions, unsure of his future after Shiv’s rise to power.

Kendall having a sense of happiness as he and Naomi goofed around in one of the helicopters is something that he deserves. Up to that point, Kendall remained a dead man walking. Also, Naomi finally had the chance to vent out to him about what their tabloids did to their family during her mother’s controversial death. If there is anyone who had meaningful experiences during the weekend retreat, it would be Kendall and Naomi. While everyone else talked business if not humiliate themselves, Kendall and Naomi found a connection. Their connection was beautiful while it lasted.

Fetish

Peter Kramer/HBO

Roman’s trip to management training made him feel less confident. The fact that Logan told him not to mention it made the blow feel worse than it already did. On top of this, Roman also struggled with adjustments to his sex life. He found phone sex with Tabitha (Caitlin Fitzgerald) uninteresting, developing a taste for something odd instead. Whether it was Shiv’s surprise announcement or the demoralizing management training that triggered him, we cannot be so sure.

Roman crosses a line when he tries to have Tabitha pretend to be a dead person during sex. His and Tabitha’s sexual preferences did not match, so Roman found himself asking Gerri for help. Arguably, Roman’s plot is the episode’s most disturbing one. Roman has a reputation for not taking things seriously, but his character takes a different road when he resorts to masturbating while Gerri scolds and insults him. Now, Gerri has to take care of a man-child. As disturbing as this sounds, she seems to be willing to help the guy, despite how deeply disgusted she probably is.

Money Talks

Waystar-Royco’s PGM Acquisition reaches the discussion stage for several reasons. First, Shiv is a woman, and her political alignment matched the Pierces’, so they want her to be the Successor, too. Second, Kendall likely convinced Naomi to agree to the buyout, since she is the first to say yes. However, Logan’s pride got in the way (as usual) since he prefers to name a successor in his terms. Despite how desperate he is, he walks out, declaring the discussions over.

The Roys does not seem all too happy when the Pierces call Logan to accept the deal. Greg Hirsch (Nicholas Braun), oblivious to the terrors the others experienced, celebrated the successful buyout. The look on their faces was priceless as the camera pans out to each of them. Indeed, no one knows what Logan has in mind. As long as he has the money and the power, he can still do whatever the fuck he wants. With everything going on, one can sense reluctance in Shiv. For now, Waystar-Royco’s fate remains uncertain.

‘Succession’ Season 2, Episode 5 ‘Tern Haven’ Final Verdict

Succession‘s corporate mayhem never ceases to intensify. Logan’s unpredictability keeps the viewers (and the characters, too) oblivious to how the story ends. A way out of the bearhug finally arrived for Waystar-Royco. However, this new partnership inevitably will cause a different string of problems. As long as Logan stays in power, shit will catch fire, and Waystar-Royco maintains its culture of toxicity.

Succession continues Sunday, September 15th at 9/8c on HBO.