Succession - My Cousin Greg (The Closeted Machiavellian) 

I like this video a lot but I think you miss something integral to Greg’s character arc: he is homeless in the first episode, giving his last $20 to Shiv and sleeping in the hospital chapel. He says in the later episodes that he’s staying in a youth hostel. And in all of this, he goes to his uncle Logan and not his grandpa Ewan for help. His grandpa is incredibly rich but Greg is homeless in the first episode. I don’t think Greg is purely driven by these Machiavellian tendencies, rather a need for survival. His grandpa didn’t help him when he was broke and homeless, why should he trust that he would get his inheritance (something you don’t even get until after the person dies, which means Greg would need a way to make money until then). Even in copying the documents, he repeatedly states that they are his insurance policy in case he gets in trouble, i.e. gets fired and is homeless again. Yes he wants to climb the ladder but I think it’s less about getting to the top than it is about trying to stay far away from the bottom. Greg started the show with practically nothing and I think he never wants to end up there again. Thanks for a thought-provoking video!!

Greg's humility and awkwardness allow him to do something that the other Roys cannot do, namely, take advice, use criticism, pay attention to how things work, and above all, learn and execute. From the very first episodes we see that Kendall doesn't listen, Shiv doesn't understand that when you ask someone to do something, they want something in return, and while Roman has mastered these two concepts, he lacks humility. Roman's arrogance earns his father's disrespect, and ultimately what leads to the the events of the season 3 finale.

I fully believe that Greg is gonna betray Tom in season 4 and when that happens my soul will break

Greg social awkwardness made him this unnoticed person since Logan’s family have this perception on what a threatening person is like and it’s no way someone like Greg. Also, Greg is unaware that his awkwardness is powerful and that’s another reason why his presence is interesting.

Greg definitely IS smarter than he looks. The whole cruises scandal, the leak to the press, that was all HIM. He's playing a long con. It's always the ones you least expect.

I hadn't considered that Greg now holds more power/leverage than even Tom given that Tom has grown dependent on him. Brilliant analysis on my (and the internet's) favorite character! 💯

Greg is the classic Fool. Who typically is the wisest character in Shakespeare's plays

Sueing Greenpeace, being lifted up high by fascists and neglecting his crush because of some royalty title pretty much prove that this once naive boy has finally become a real member of the Roy family. Great summary as always!

Imagine trying to get with a contessa the entire weekend while also still technically dating a girl who everyone says is “out of you league” and still dropping everything for your boss that is a walking HR nightmare and weirdly obsessed with you. Do I think there will be some betrayal next season? Yes. Do I think these two dudes are hopelessly in love with each other in multiple ways? Hell yes. Their dynamic is so interesting I love them.

we all know that Logan is watching Gregs growth and progression...along with how he uses his "Killer" instinct. It is impressive. Greg also has the benefit of having been poor and learning the lessons that come with being poor.

I totally disagree with the idea that Ewen is such a morally sound guy- he tried to use Greg as a pawn in his grand scheme to expose the horrors of capitalism or something

“long before Greg hatched…” 💀

I'm still surprised Tom's not tried to kiss Greg yet

Greg and Tom's relationship is so fascinating. I really hope that they don't betray each other, but I think that it's the logical next move for Greg. However, thinking about the Nero/Sporus comparison. Nero was adopted and was given the empire, but ended up burning it to the ground. Sporus was there when Nero killed himself and later on, Sporus committed suicide instead of being paraded around as a lapdog again. I don't see it ending well for either of them, especially with the possible foreshadowing of Shiv being pregnant.

I think the point of Greg’s character is to caution the audience against the “but if I had all that money I’d be one of the good ones” line of thinking. No matter what your morals are that level of wealth _will_ corrupt you and, in fact, just logistically you can’t even really achieve that level of wealth without at least somewhat sacrificing your morals anyway. Greg more than any other character shows that I think.

Greg went from seemingly idiot to evil smart real quick. I agree, best current show on tv

I’ve been saying it since the beginning: I truly think Greg is going to be the CEO in the end.

That clip of tom swimming next to greg on the boat while you say siren song..... That had me rolling lmfaooo

the pilot of the first season begins with the designated successor to the role of CEO who starts to lose and, on the other hand, with a literal nobody who starts to win. think about it!

If you go back to Season 1 every character Greg has used to his current position of “Bottom of the Top” has acknowledged in some way Gregs prowess. Greg is a master of the Laws of Power. His ability to play all sides to his advantage, to be in some of the most powerful rooms in the industry unseen, his usefulness and ability to ensure others they are superior to him, his seduction prowess, etc etc etc….. Jerry, Kendall, Tom, all have seen his moves and have accepted his place in the circle. He has played to all of these characters’ insecurities and used each to turn the wheel of Greg. He even made congress think he was too stupid to commit a crime that WE all saw him cleverly maneuver by copying pages and taping conversations… Greg is the master work that Logan wishes was his son. As he has stated, he would love to see his children come from the bottom of something and RISE instead of being given something. This is an ability Greg has long since mastered. Greg turned down millions of dollars for… Power… because in the end he believes the Power will get him the money back. Greg will not be stopped by anyone or bottled by would be loyalties. Tom still hasnt realized that he is only a Roy by marriage. Greg has a more superior position. When Greg wins and kills the Roy family and speaks in his inner monologue voice with confidence as he tells them all to F&$k off this show will end in utter PERFECTION

Greg turns on Tom next season. Of course I'd HATE to see it happen, but I think thats his next step.

I believe the Machiavelli quote is ”it’s better to be feared than loved, if you can’t be both”

Tom is someone who needs to be needed, and the fact he lacks this and instead finds himself the submissive relier in all his relationships is why he becomes so obsessed with Greg. This is a toxic male environment, and it can be argued he feels emasculated by Shiv, and Greg, with his seemingly meek and bendable demeanour makes him feel more like a man. Someone in control. With Greg, I think he takes advantage of this, seen perfectly when he asks Tom to take the fall for him for prison. His eyes seem wider and more doe-like when asking, and then subtly shift back when he gets what he wants. Greg likes the finer things in life and Tom gives it to him, he was literally being paid $200k due to Tom, essentially to provide emotional support to his boss and company. His pay reduction may be less now, but he's in the inner circle of Tom, now CEO, so I doubt that will last long. Tom was always going to keep Greg, especially now his marriage is essentially nothing. He gets to enjoy it all and all he had to do was metaphorically have some affair with this touched-starved boss. He's way smarter than he portrays himself as and honestly good for him. The corporate queen consort.

Just so you’re aware, Machiavelli never said the “ends justify the means,” that’s actually a myth. In fact in his writings he’d disagree with this and admit that one can go too far; there’s a lot more nuance to his work and ideas though they definitely are still ruthless Cool video, btw

So at the end of the final episode of season 4, when Tom gets the job, and Greg walks up to him congratulating him and Tom says “mattsen hates you, you’re FUCKKKEED!….but I got you!” And how it mirrored Tom previously saying that to Greg. Got me pretty damn emotional. Their toxic relationship had many ups and downs, and it was such a ride.

I think it will be Tom in the end. However, Greg would be a complete surprise to All...

Greg on the bike is the clearest metaphor. He found the quickest way to the top using the lowest means. His rise therefore mirrors Logan's; Greg starts with nothing and moves to the top by by the last man standing.

Greg has always been smart and been a hustler. Even when other people are seeking to abuse him or put him down or interrogate him you will see he almost always pushes back. He might stutter through the whole fucking thing, but he doesn't just put up with the bullshit. he takes a moment and questions the authority that is in front of him. Greg is the man!

The fact that Logan has given Greg advice on how to succeed and has made sure Greg stays at the company even tho he his position isn’t really that important gives me the impression that Greg is going to end up ceo.

You can’t make a Gregg without breaking a few Tomelettes

Tom comparing himself to Nero probably wasn’t the best idea, considering how that story ends.

The Gregspiracy falls into place every episode

Well you ended up being spot on with the Greg/Tom relationship. Even after Greg betrays Tom (what did you write the fourth season or something? lol), and Tom ceases victory, he can’t let go of his dependency on Greg

He’s a chameleon. I think Greg just feels like he should be entitled to all the things the Roy children have and once he gets a small taste of power, he wants that, too. I think Greg is just as bad if not worse than any of them. Like what he does with Kendall’s assistant and the contessa while sitting right next to each of them lolol go Greg and Tom tho I’m here for it!

Honestly, I've always thought Greg isn't even close to being as stupid as he seems. In fact, I think there's a strong possibility that his whole persona is a careful calculated act. He's the kind of person that no one sees coming until he's there.

In Ireland we have the saying, "Love many, trust few, always paddle your own canoe"...

Man I guess we'll come back to this video in a year an see where he goes but im not gonna lie I really would cry if he betrayed Tom but I can't help to feel like that's where this is going

I think that, on the contrary, Greg is the worst of them all. He seems nice & harmless, but has always harboured an ambition that is as big has his "clumsiness". No matter what, he thinks only of himself.

series ending. greg, in charge of Royco(now called Hirshco after the merger), and on the throne of Italy, with a copy of the Prince. He closes the book and it is revealled he is reading it to his young son before he goes to bed, repeating the scheming and backstabbing cycle...

people say greg will betray tom, but i think it could be interesting if tom betrays greg, losing his protege, friend, confidant would eat tom up inside

I've always thought that Greg is the future heir. He is the stand in for Claudius and will succeed the Emperor.

Greg was pure, but endlessly abused by Tom. He never weezled or connived for enjoyment. He learned that it could be his only survival tool while working in that environment where he was constantly being pummeled. Greg was not a snake, certainly not by nature.

I think that one of the things that leverage Greg will have over Tom is that he is blood-related. If Tom and Shiv split, Tom's position is at risk. Tom's position is always at risk because he married in and wasn't born in. I could see Greg continuing to move up while Tom may remain stagnant in the company or removed.

I like to think of Greg as a Dorian Gray type, with Tom as his Lord Henry.

Greg was the cousin...that gave him access to that family.

Song in the background of Greg’s Machiavellian discovery: I’m coming out so you better get this party started

These video essays are so good that you deserve an award please make more

He is a dream creation of a character - so so good 🤭.

Take a drink every time he says Machiavellian.

This is probably the best analysis video regarding Succession that I have ever seen. Kudos to you sir. 👏

I think Greg ends up in control. Getting final revenge for his grandfather.

"The verdict is love, your honor!"

Greg gets paid 200k to be an assistant and has amounted to nothing more. Certainly did not accomplish anything remarkable or effective.

What did Greg do that was Machiavelli apart from the blackmail about the shredded documents. I agree the demon is growing but mostly I think he is growing to power because others don't see him as a threat

Great video. I've always loved Greg and from the start assumed he'd do an "I, Claudius". Btw, minor detail but someone might find joy in knowing- at 06:24. Machiavelli never actually said "The ends justify the means". But it's certainly a quote that goes fairly hand-in-hand with his ideas.

Great video it's only a matter of time before this channel blows up

Cut to Kendall’s name being possibly crossed out and Greg’s name with a question Mark...also gonna point out the underling was also in pencil like Greg’s name.

cant get enough of these videos

They're not 'unlikeable', they're simply a more realistic depiction of human beings than TV normally dare show us. In the 50's they wouldn't show a pregnant woman on network TV. It's been a long road towards a kind of partial realism.

Was really expecting Ken to jump off a bridge and when it didn't happen I was kinda disappointed

HARD disagree on Ewan - he is just as bad as the other Roys. He is a total jerk to everyone around him. He thinks of himself as better then everyone else WHILE still benefiting from all of the Roy money. He reminds me of a mix of the ousted Kendall who tries to pretend like he's better than his father and Connor who does nothing with his life.

I think a parallel to Greg can be found in The Thick of It (a British show with writing credits from Armstrong). Comment contains spoilers for The Thick of It The character of Ollie is introduced as a young, bumbling neophyte in the world of politics and seemingly an audience surrogate in a world of sharks, but we quickly rise that his nebbish exterior masks a ruthless and arrogant ambition, that ultimately leads him to the hollow victory of getting Malcolm Tucker's job in the finale

Greg reminds me of Lou Bloom from Nightcrawler albeit disarmingly soft and potentially just as wicked

Unless Greg suddenly displays an entirely different personality there's no way he'd become CEO - maybe 20 years later after he remained at Waystar / Royco aka Wayco - after blackmailing others to stay employed.

Loving these succsession videos

He plays into his aloofness perfectly but has a endgame. However, definitely not as kind as portrayed...perhaos because he has a play he usually wants to use to his advantage.

I always thought that Greg was/is an undercover agent of some kind, he has FBI vibes also! He is so ambiguous, that for me something is off. Also if we think, on the first scenes we are introduced to him, he is dressed as character from the theme park, is “covered”in what I find it kind of curious goofy character. Something of a hint? Maybe is not as goofy as he seems, being or showing to the Roy family to be something of a goofball it’s his undercover persona. Or he is a writer who wants to tell the Roys story. I hope it to be, because the story needs someone with a moral compass.

What a video, so good!

The inability to learn might be the definition of psychological weakness.

this was great! Thanks

excellent analysis

Just love the depth of this video. I remember commenting on one of your previous videos about the same. Greg even though on the surface portrays the character of a friendly fuckeroo. He is definitely slying his way up. Pure psychopath. What seems to be hilarious to me is even if he does reach the pinnacle of it all, would anyone even take him seriously? And to top that, even if he does climb the ladder, no one from the family(core) would accept of that and call outs. Eventually Greg being just another Logan Roy, lonely in the lust of power. The last scene could just be Greg physically replacing him in whatever that is happening rn. Lonely and unapologetic, seeing his own growth leading to the destruction of his new found empire.

Great video, as always 🙃

why are gregs and craigs always like this

He's more than a sprinkle

2:15 Funny, I was just reading a Jesse Armstrong interview that addresses this topic. I don't think its characters are flat - Jesse mentions that Succession challenges the notion that after turmoil, a character becomes a different and better person, which is what we consider as development. We just see these mfkers devolve into moral degeneracy and outright worse people. Every single character becomes a worse version of themselves (except for Connor, who I believe is the only real winner in Succession).

I am looking forward to your videos after season 4

This is one of those theories that I'm so positive is the fans guessing the plot way ahead of time. This next season (or the one after it) is all leading to greg on top and I'm here for it.

I'm scared of him... He's so aware of his position and acts accordingly, whenever he gets leverage, power he schemingly uses it to further himself. The others are perfectly honest about them being powerworshippers, but Greg fools everyone into believing he's loyal etc.

I'm happy Zak Attack made something of himself

this is such a great analysis of one of my favorite characters from the show (tom being #1) 😂😂😂

he's probably closeted of other things too

I thought him and his mother have been scheming since the very first episode!

Greg lied to his mom from the get go in first ep. Tom told Greg he is a prick in the beginning too, also not to trust anyone. Greg is definitely betraying Tom later. The irony. No one is the hero. Just different type of villains. When if I hv to pick, I’ll always choose our no. 1 boy.

greg spilling the tea to kendall about Shiv/Mattson and then walking across the frame with an EVIL smirk toward shiv in the election episode … that boy is up to somethin

I couldn't agree with you more in the season end Tom asks to Greg will you be my sporus we all know this is a roman empire reference here Tom is referred as nero emperor of the roman empire but Nero was not a good emperor he was carzy emperor he was one of the reasons for the collapse of the roman empire even if tom gets the power he wanted for so long the next question for long will he be able to hold it and Greg seeing both weakness and strengths of Tom might take advantage of this in the end roman senate declared nero a public enemy. Greg is slowly emerging from the darkness.

Great video! Much like the "Jar Jar is an evil Sith Lord" theory, I believe Greg the Egg will win the Game of Thrones.... err I mean Succession by the end of the series.

Huh. No memory of the...dive meal with...napkins on their heads... I admit I may have missed something...

Maybe Waystar will go down in flames. And Greg, having shifted alliances, will give key info to help the Roy's competitors gut the company and feed on the wreckage...

He's more or less the "viewer"; he isn't traumatized to the extend of the others, he has actually a lovin' and caring Mother which yet is uncapable due to some reasons (illness etc) to still take care of him like she probably did in his youth, he's kinda "lazy" but also impressed by the lifestyle of the Roys. The richess he never completly knew, the influence, the power. While he first justified his "unwillingness to do what it takes to become successfull" with his "ideals" like "Bad cooperations! >:( I'm rebelling against oppression!" and so on - it becomes obviously that those were mere excuses. We also have to consider that while he make smart moves in the Show itself, he never really "creats something" on his own. His moral becomes obsolete as soon as he see's the benefits of not havin' one. He sells other out, he lies, he cheats - for the quick way to wealth. He sells his soul, quite literally, while probably still defending himself in his mind like "I just do what others would do too!". Therefore he represents "us" - the billions of people which don't have the "One Billion Dollar Idea", the "One in a Billion Talent" in something, which don't work their ass' off like some others to get their PhD's or even win Nobel Prizes; "us" isn't dumb. "Us" is maybe even to some extend driven but "us" doesn't know in which direction and get normally distracted - yet "us" uses "Ideals", "Morals" and "Ethnics" often just as shallow excuses for the reality that "we just don't know what to do with our lives".

Take a drink every time the narrator says "Machiavellian".

If season 4 wasn’t the last season I’d 100% agree I just don’t see how Greg’s gunna get there now tho

I you are reading this I just wanted you to know great work with the video essay! I just wish you would've talked a litte faster and add some original scenes from the sound with the original sound. It would even underline your points even more. But well done analysis

During season 1 I said Greg would be the last one standing…it’s becoming clearer and clearer!

we're about to find out…

That video was spot on. In season 4 Greg betrays Mattson telling Ken and Roman that Shiv waa with him and a few episodes later he betrays Tom on a heartbeat telling Ken that Tom would be the new Waystar's CEO

They make a lot of Shakespearean comparisons too. Greg’s lankiness? Think of the play Julius Caesar and Cassius being “ lean and hungry.”

“Paddle Your Own Canoe” to me sounded more like “Don’t be a leech, do your own honest work”

greg is fighting is nature

Greg will end up running Waystar Royco. He only pretends to be stupid.