"Lifeboats" is the third episode of the first season of Succession and third of the series overall. It premiered on June 17, 2018 on HBO. It was written by Jonathan Glatzer and directed by Mark Mylod.
Premise[]
With Waystar's stock plunging to dangerous lows, Kendall is confronted with a major crisis involving a secret bank debt. Upset with Marcia for pulling rank in the Roy apartment, Shiv decides to enlist an old paramour to conduct a background check on Logan's third wife. Kendall and Roman attend their first big meeting in their new roles, as do Tom and Greg.[1]
Plot synopsis[]
Kendall learns that the company stock is plummeting to dangerous lows.[n 1] He calls Rava for advice, but she is buys with their children and refuses to engage.
Shiv and Tom decide to visit Logan, who has just returned home from the hospital. On their way into his apartment, they're met with two of his caregivers leaving, one of which is in tears. Marcia refuses to allow Shiv to see Logan, arguing that he needs his rest. Kendall attempts to convince the bank to reconsider pursing the loan in full repayment but loses his temper and berates the manager, who later declines further negotiating as a result.
Roman overlooking the city
Greg arrives for his first day "on the job" but learns that his name does not appear in their system. Tom steps in and addresses the situation, adopting Greg as a shadow. Kendall meets with Lawrence Yee and several division heads to discuss the stock situation. He proposes the "Strategy of a Thousand Lifeboats," which involves having connections to as many other media businesses as possible for ensured stability. In his new office, Roman closes the blinds to the outside office space, walks over to the window, and masturbates while overlooking the city.
Shiv meets with her ex-fling and fellow political advisor, Nate Soffreli. Having grown increasingly suspicious of Marcia, she asks Nate to gather background information on her. As the stock continues to fall, Kendall meets with Sandy Furness, the CEO of their competitor Furness Media Groups. Sandy offers any advice if needed and alludes to a potential merger or acquisition between the two companies. Roman informs Kendall that the stock has fallen below $130 per share. Kendall stops by his father's apartment in an attempt to see him but is dismissed by Marcia. Kendall then decides to have coffee with his old friend Stewy Hosseini, who currently works as a private-equity investor. Stewy agrees to take a minority stake in the company for voting stock and a board seat in return. He also asks Kendall for some cocaine for "old times' sake." As a result of this deal, the repercussions of the stock fall are much less extreme.
Shiv informs Connor of the background check on Marcia, which only vaguely confirms her troubled history.[n 2] Together, they head up to their father's apartment, where Shiv pushes past Marcia and heads upstairs to find Logan lying in bed. She reveals to him that she and Tom are engaged and plan to live in New York permanently. Logan, seemingly pleased with the news, tells Shiv that he loves her, before grabbing her hand and moving it towards his crotch. Shiv quickly pulls her hand back and rushes out, disoriented. Marcia stops her and reassures her that she is willing to answer any questions Shiv may have, implying that she is aware of the background check.
Kendall and Rava have dinner before heading back to his apartment and having sex. Rava, however, wishes to proceed with the divorce, advising that the hopeful Kendall get in touch with a divorce lawyer. Marcia then informs Kendall that Logan wishes to see him. He arrives to see Logan sitting out of his bed, watching the news. Kendall informs him of the stock situation but insists that he has it under control. Logan, unimpressed, insults his son by calling him an idiot. Kendall exits the room visibly hurt. Greg spots Stewy, who he'd seen with Kendall a few days prior, speaking to Sandy.
Notes[]
- â As mentioned in the previous episode, if there stock were to fall below $130 per share, it would ultimately eviscerate the company.
- â The background check revealed that Marcia, then working as a publishing assistant, first appeared in Paris at 31 years old. She married a Lebanese businessman and has two children. She threw many parties with her husband, attended by artists and politicians, as well as a lot of "shitbags and slimeballs." However, nothing shows of her history before Paris. Shiv implies that it must have been intentionally erased.
Cast[]
Starring[]
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Recurring[] |
Gallery[]
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â Loganâs camera-ed up the wazoo... and he watches it back every night with a scotch. â Click here for Lifeboats's photo gallery.
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References[]
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| Season 1 | Celebration âą Sh*t Show at the F**k Factory âą Lifeboats âą Sad Sack Wasp Trap âą I Went to Market âą Which Side Are You On? âą Austerlitz âą Prague âą Pre-Nuptial âą Nobody Is Ever Missing | ||
| Season 2 | The Summer Palace âą Vaulter âą Hunting âą Safe Room âą Tern Haven âą Argestes âą Return âą Dundee âą DC âą This Is Not for Tears | ||
| Season 3 | Secession âą Mass in Time of War âą The Disruption âą Lion in the Meadow âą Retired Janitors of Idaho âą What It Takes âą Too Much Birthday âą Chiantishire âą All the Bells Say | ||
| Season 4 | The Munsters âą Rehearsal âą Connor's Wedding âą Honeymoon States âą Kill List âą Living+ âą Tailgate Party âą America Decides âą Church and State âą With Open Eyes | ||