The relationship between Tom Wambsgans, the husband of Shiv Roy, and Greg Hirsch, the great-nephew of Logan Roy, is one of the central friendships in Succession.[1][2][3]
Timeline[]
Tom introduces himself to Greg with playful banter before promising to "take care of him" throughout his career, being that they're both "outcast" from the Roy family. Soon thereafter, Tom hires Greg as his personal assistant.[4][5] Tom, being that he is heavily involved in the cruise scandal, turns to Greg as a confidante and hires him to shred documents pertaining the scandal during Thanksgiving. Greg, however, makes copies of said documents to use as blackmail.[6][7] Tom then exposes Greg to the high life in the form of fancy dinners and underground parties.[8]
Greg is soon promoted to executive assistant at ATN. However, feeling a bit abused by Tom, suggests "opening up" their work relationship, to which an angry Tom begins throwing water bottles at Greg and shouting that "[he] won't let go of what is [his]."[9] Tom learns of the salvaged papers and insists that he and Greg burn them together, though Greg still manages to preserve some of them.[10] While on stand regarding the cruise scandal, Tom claims that he has no affiliation with Greg before it's revealed that he'd sent him 67 emails in one evening, all with the same subject: "You can't make a Tomelette without breaking some Greggs."[11]
Tom asks Greg if he is familiar with the story of Nero, the fifth emperor of Rome, and Sporus, a young slave boy whom Nero favored. Greg says that he isn't so Tom explains that Nero pushed his wife down the stairs, had Sporus castrated and married him. He then says that he would "castrate and marry [Greg] in a heartbeat."[12] Following the court hearing, Gerri ensures that no one will be serving jailtime and an excited Tom bursts into Greg's office, flipping his desk and destroying many of his things before kissing him on the forehead. Later, just before it is revealed that Tom has betrayed Shiv[n 1], Tom ensures Greg with a job and further protection by asking: "Do you want to come with me, Sporus?". Greg, implying that in doing so he would lose his soul, replies: "Who needs a soul, anyway? Boo, souls."[13][n 2]
Greg refers to he and Tom as the "Disgusting Brothers", which irritates him. Tom seemingly sidelines Greg by hiring other assistant and referring to them as his "Gregs," as well as temporarily demotes Greg during election night.[14] In the series finale, Tom is appointed CEO of Waystar Royco after it's acquired by GoJo. Greg worries of his position but is reassured when Tom places a sticker from the estate sale on his forehead and says "I got you."[15]
Notes[]
- â Fans also pointed out that Shiv was likely pregnant at this time (given that she is around 15-20 weeks along at the beginning of season 4, meaning the baby was likely convinced while the family was in Italy), as was the wife, Poppaea Sabina, when he was kicked to death by Nero.
- â Therefore, the initial scene in which Tom mentions Nero and Sporus is believed to have been foreshadowing his betrayal of Shiv and undying commitment to Greg, proving to be true in the final season as well.
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 Tom and Greg's photo gallery.
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Quotes[]
- Greg: You trying to seduce me, Tom?
Tom: Yes, I am! Yes, I am, Greg.[8]
Trivia[]
Fan theories[]
- Many fans and critics believe that Tom and Greg have more than romantic feelings for each other and often analyze their behaviors as "homoerotic,"[16][17] while others believe that their relationship is nothing more than a "toxic bromance."[18][19][20]
References[]
- â Miller, Julieâ (August 3, 2018). "How Tom and Gregâs Toxic Bromance Became the Summerâs Best TV". Vanity Fair. Retrieved on January 5, 2024.
- â Serrano, Sheaâ (December 15, 2021). "Tom and Greg, the Only Pure Relationship on 'Sucession'". The Ringer. Retrieved on January 5, 2024.
- â Marine, Brookeâ (August 11, 2019). "Succession's Tom and Greg Have the Most Compelling Relationship on Television Right Now". W Magazine. Retrieved on January 5, 2024.
- â Celebration
- â Sh*t Show at the F**k Factory
- â Sad Sack Wasp Trap
- â I Went to Market
- â 8.0 8.1 Prague
- â Safe Room
- â Return
- â DC
- â Lion in the Meadow
- â All the Bells Say
- â America Decides
- â With Open Eyes
- â Tham, Xuanlinâ (March 27, 2023). "Tom and Greg's homoerotic intimacy reaches new heights in Succession season 4". British GQ. Retrieved on May 9, 2024.
- â Connell, Katherineâ (November 9, 2019). "Exploring queer desire in HBO's Succession". Little White Lies. Retrieved on May 9, 2024.
- â Zuckerman, Estherâ (May 29, 2023). "Cheers to Tom and Greg, the Only Succession Couple Worth Rooting For". GQ. Retrieved on May 9, 2024.
- â Miller, Julieâ (August 3, 2018). "How Tom and Greg's Toxic Bromance Became the Summer's Best TV". Vanity Fair. Retrieved on May 9, 2024.
- â Renfro, Kimâ (March 27, 2023). "The twisted undercurrent of Tom and Greg's relationship is on full display in the 'Succession' season 4 premiere". Business Insider. Retrieved on May 9, 2024.