Ep 1. Celebration

The show Succession centers around the Roy family, a wealthy and powerful media dynasty led by patriarch Logan Roy. Season 1 episode 1, titled "Celebration," kicks off with the family gathering to celebrate Logan's 80th birthday.

Logan Roy, played by Brian Cox, is the founder and CEO of Waystar Royco, a global media and entertainment conglomerate. He's a hard-nosed businessman who's built his empire on a foundation of ruthlessness and cunning. As the episode begins, Logan is surrounded by his four children – Kendall, Roman, Shiv, and Connor – all of whom are vying for his favor and affection.

Kendall, played by Jeremy Strong, is the eldest son and the heir apparent to the Waystar Royco throne. He's a sharp businessman with big ideas and an iron will, but he's also plagued by drug addiction and a deep sense of insecurity. Roman, played by Kieran Culkin, is the wry and cynical middle child who's always looking for a way to undermine his siblings. Shiv, played by Sarah Snook, is the only daughter and the most politically savvy of the Roy children. She's a successful political consultant who's married to Tom, a high-ranking executive at Waystar Royco. Finally, Connor, played by Alan Ruck, is the oldest child who's chosen to live a life of leisure rather than pursue a career in the family business.

As the Roy family gathers to celebrate Logan's birthday, tensions are high and old grudges are reignited. Kendall is hoping to use the occasion to impress Logan with a bold new business plan, but he's constantly undermined by Roman and Shiv, who are both lobbying for their own interests. Meanwhile, Connor is preoccupied with his latest philanthropic endeavor, which involves building a utopian community in the New Mexico desert.

As the day wears on, Logan's health begins to deteriorate, and the family is forced to confront the possibility of his mortality. This leads to a tense and emotional confrontation between Logan and Kendall, in which both men are forced to confront their respective failures and shortcomings.

Overall, "Celebration" sets the stage for a compelling family drama that's equal parts Machiavellian power struggle and biting satire. The Roy family is a dysfunctional but fascinating group of characters, each with their own flaws and motivations. The episode succeeds in establishing the show's tone and setting up the central conflict that drives the rest of the season.