“Succession,” the hit HBO series, has offered a captivating glimpse into the power struggles and familial strife within a media dynasty. But what many viewers may not realize is that the show’s plotlines often draw inspiration from real-life events, particularly those surrounding the Murdoch family, owners of News Corp. and Fox News. In this article, we delve into the intricate web of relationships and rivalries that make up the Murdoch feud, shedding light on the ways in which “Succession” has mirrored and fictionalized these real-world events.
– Murdocology 101: The Family Business as a TV Drama
Succession: The Fight Over Matrimonial Pay
Kendall Roy, the troubled son and prodigal heir of the media mogul Logan, was effectively banished from the family business after an explosive press conference that exposed the dark machinations of the company. But before his exile, Kendall was embroiled in a bitter feud with his parents over a massive settlement he negotiated on behalf of Rhea Jarrell, a woman who claimed to have had an affair with Logan. The settlement would have secured Rhea a seat on the board of directors and granted her extensive influence within the company. However, Logan and his wife, Marcia, saw the settlement as an attempt to undermine their control over the family business and launched a ruthless campaign to block it.
The rift between Kendall and his parents cut deep, with each side playing dirty to achieve their goals. Kendall attempted to use the feud to rally support for his own bid to become CEO, while Logan and Marcia ruthlessly attacked his character and reputation. it was Logan who emerged victorious, crushing Rhea’s hopes and showing his children that his power was absolute.
– Unpacking the Power Dynamics: Kendall, Shiv, and the Quest for Control
In the halls of Waystar RoyCo, Kendall and Shiv enter a game of thrones, where the quest for control becomes a relentless pursuit. Kendall, the prodigal son, ambitions to ascend to the throne, determined to prove his worth. Shiv, the shrewd lawyer, aims to secure her footing in the power structure, determined to preserve her place in the family dynasty. Yet, in their relentless pursuit, they find themselves ensnared in a web of their father’s influence, forced to navigate the treacherous terrain of his unwavering dominance.
As the season progresses, Kendall’s once-idealistic vision becomes tainted with desperation. His attempts to undermine Logan’s authority grow increasingly reckless, exposing his vulnerabilities. Shiv, on the other hand, plays her cards closer to her chest, using her intelligence and cunning to outmaneuver her rivals. She strategically aligns herself with powerful forces, maneuvering through the treacherous waters of the company politics. However, as the siblings’ rivalry intensifies, their bond begins to fray, threatening to shatter the delicate balance of the Roy family.
| Kendall and Shiv: The Power Dynamics |
| — |
|Kendall: | Shiv: |
| Impulsive and Reckless | Calculated and Strategic |
| Driven by a Desire to Prove Himself | Driven by a Desire to Preserve Her Position |
| Struggles to Unify Opponents | Adept at Aligning with Powerful Forces |
– From Fourth Estate to Fourth Matrimony: Power Shifts and Personal Agendas
This power struggle soon began bleeding into the personal lives – a fact that played out on-screen in deliciously scathing detail in ‘Succession’ over three seasons. Jeremy Strong’s Kendall Roy is, after all, largely based upon Lachlan Murdoch, and the portrayal of the family’s infighting has been brutally honest. The show has also tackled the more public side of this rivalry – from bitter legal battles over ownership and control of News Corp to embarrassments for the Murdochs such as phone hacking scandals and unwanted political influence.
With his siblings and their mother determined to oust him from power, Rupert attempted to cling on through an alliance with his eldest son, Lachlan, who had spent a decade working in New York before returning to Australia to run the family’s News Limited empire. As Lachlan became his father’s heir apparent, his rivalry with Elisabeth grew so intense that she dubbed the pair “Bonnie and Clyde”.
– Ruperts Reign: The Legacy of a Media Titan
The Murdoch dynasty’s infighting has been likened to the HBO series “Succession,” but in real life, family tensions are much hairier. Rupert Murdoch’s four children have been at odds over who will inherit their father’s media empire. Lachlan Murdoch, the eldest son, is currently co-chairman of News Corp and Fox Corporation. James Murdoch and Elisabeth Murdoch are both former executives at News Corp, while Prudence Murdoch has no involvement in the family business.
A key player in the Murdoch family saga is Jerry Hall, Rupert’s fourth wife. Hall is a former model and actress who has been married to Rupert since 1999. She is said to be close to Lachlan and James, but her relationship with Elisabeth is reportedly strained. In 2019, Rupert Murdoch transferred a large portion of his voting shares to Hall, giving her significant control over his media empire. This move was seen by some as a way to secure Lachlan’s position as the heir apparent.
| Person | Relationship to Rupert Murdoch | Role in News Corp |
|—|—|—|
| Lachlan Murdoch | Eldest son | Co-chairman of News Corp and Fox Corporation |
| James Murdoch | Son | Former CEO of News Corp |
| Elisabeth Murdoch | Daughter | Former CEO of Shine Group |
| Prudence Murdoch | Daughter | No involvement in the family business |
| Jerry Hall | Fourth wife | Close to Lachlan and James |
Insights and Conclusions
As we bid farewell to this captivating exploration of the Murdoch family saga, illuminated through the lens of “Succession,” let us leave you with a profound reflection quoted in the acclaimed series: “If you need something, ask me directly. Don’t play power games.” In the corridors of media empires and family patriarchies alike, may this wisdom guide our navigation, encouraging transparency and dispelling the shadows of unnecessary conflict. Until the next captivating drama unfolds, we trust your own journeys will be filled with clarity and authenticity.