Ep 10. This Is Not for Tears

Tom has been in hot water since the beginning of Succession season 2 episode 10, and things come to a head in "This Is Not for Tears." The entire Roy family is in turmoil as they try to navigate their shifting allegiances and cement their place in the power structure of Waystar Royco. As always, there are multiple fiefdoms, alliances, and egos to contend with, and each character brings their own unique blend of cunning, charm, and ruthlessness to the table.

At the heart of the episode is Tom's struggle to stay on top of his game. He's been acting as COO of Waystar Royco, but his position is tenuous at best, and as the pressures of the job mount, he begins to crack under the strain. He's under investigation by the DOJ, he's alienated from his wife, and his relationship with Logan is strained to the breaking point. Still, he's desperate to hold onto his power, and he'll do whatever it takes to keep his job and his place in the Roy family.

Meanwhile, Shiv is feeling the heat as well. She's been angling for a more significant role in Waystar Royco, but her father has been jealously guarding his power and keeping her at arm's length. She's frustrated by his unwillingness to trust her and let her help steer the family business, but she's not willing to let her dreams die. With her father and Logan both on edge, she sees an opportunity to make a move and stake her claim as a major player in the Roy family saga.

Of course, things are never that simple in the world of Succession. Tom and Shiv's ambitions soon collide, sparking a sequence of events that will have long-lasting consequences for everyone involved. As the Roy family circles the wagons and prepares for a final showdown, they begin to realize that their world is changing, and they may not be able to hold onto their power forever.

"This Is Not for Tears" is a thrilling, high-stakes episode that showcases the best of Succession's primetime drama. The writing is sharp and incisive, the acting is top-notch, and the cinematography is breathtaking. From the opulent boardrooms of Waystar Royco to the plush interiors of the Roy family mansion, every shot is perfectly composed and expertly lit, creating a visual feast that's hard to turn away from.

At its core, though, Succession is a show about power struggles and family dynamics, and "This Is Not for Tears" delivers these in spades. Whether it's Tom's desperate gambit to save his career, Shiv's bold attempt to challenge her father's authority, or Logan's attempts to retain control over his empire, the stakes are always high, and the tension is palpable.

In the end, "This Is Not for Tears" is a fitting conclusion to what has been an outstanding season of television. The show has never been afraid to take risks, and it pays off in spades here, as the Roy family's conflicts come to a head in a way that is both satisfying and surprising. Whether you're a fan of the show or a newcomer looking to see what all the fuss is about, this episode is not to be missed.