"Which Side Are You On?" is the sixth episode of the first season of Succession and sixth of the series overall. It premiered on July 8, 2018 on HBO. It was written by Susan Soon He Stanton and directed by Andrij Parekh.
Premise[]
With the vote of no confidence against Logan approaching, Roman attempts to sway a neutral board member, while Kendall frantically shores up his "yes" votes. Logan arrives in Washington to meet with the president, but worries he's been snubbed after a last-minute cancellation. After successfully thwarting a potential scandal, Tom introduces Greg to fine dining, while Shiv explores her options in D.C.[1]
Plot synopsis[]
As the vote of no confidence approaches, Kendall attempts to garner the support of as many of the company shareholders as possible. Stewy, being that the money he has invested in the company is at stake, is reluctant to take the side of his friend, saying that he will support "whoever wins." Meanwhile, Logan is heading to Washington, D.C. to meet with the president.
Tom learns that the situation regarding the cruises division has successfully been contained. He insists on taking Greg on a frugal dinner later that evening, as thanks for his assistance in shredding the court documents. Shiv, feeling unsure of her support for presidential candidate Senator Joyce Miller, decides to head to Washington, D.C. as well. In D.C., Logan learns that the president has cancelled their meeting due to a matter of "homeland security," and, believing he's been snubbed, grows furious.
Roman meets with Lawrence Yee, a then-undecided member of the board, to discuss the vote. Lawrence is rather unimpressed with their antics, but decides to vote in favor of him and Kendall. Meanwhile, in D.C., Shiv has dinner with Nate Sofrelli. He proposes that she join him in working for Senator Gil Eavis, whom her father abhors, during his presidential campaign. Shiv is intrigued by the offer but doesn't yet accept.
While at dinner with Tom, Greg announces that Ewan is in town to vote in support of his brother. Tom is shocked to learn of the vote of no confidence, and immediately steps aside to consult with Kendall over the phone. Marcia asks that Kendall join Logan for dinner in her place. Kendall reluctantly agrees, afraid that Logan may be aware of the vote; however, to his surprise, he and his father simply eat hamburgers while watching television. Kendall, perhaps feeling guilty or anxious that he won't get enough votes, suggests that they postpone the vote. Frank, however, encourages him to trudge forth. Back in D.C., Shiv and Nate discuss their current relationships[n 1] while reminiscing about "old times," flirting with each other. Shiv decides to sleep over at his apartment, though they do not seep together.
On the day of the vote, Jess informs Kendall that Ilona Shinoy, a member of the board who's been battling cancer, has decided to vote despite her condition. Kendall heads to Long Island to speak with Shinoy himself. In trying to head back to the city, he learns that there is a temporary flight restriction due to the aforementioned terror threat. He grabs the limousine that dropped him off and attempts to go by car, but soon becomes stuck in traffic. Desperate, he begins traveling by foot.
Everyone else is in the boardroom, waiting for the meeting to begin. Ewan arrives late. Kendall calls in and reads his official statement, thus commencing the vote. Frank asks Logan to leave the room, and he refuses. After a moment of awkward silence, he and Frank vote 'yes' to having Logan step down. Several, including Ewan, vote 'no,' while Shinoy phones in her vote of 'yes.' Stewy and Lawrence choose to abstain. Roman folds under the pressure and votes 'no.' Kendall suddenly rushes into the boardroom, breathless, only to learn that he has lost the vote. He and any others that voted against Logan have been fired and asked to leave immediately. After being escorted out of the building, Kendall wanders around the streets of Manhattan, devastated and unmoored.
Later that evening, after the threat subsides, Logan receives a call from the president and remarks on having dealt with "terrorists of his own."
Notes[]
- â Like Shiv and Tom, Nate is engaged, and he and his fiancĂ© are be married soon.
Cast[]
Starring[]
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Recurring[]
Guest[]
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Quotes[]
- Logan Roy [to Kendall Roy]: That was your best shot. You lost.
Trivia[]
- The title refers to the American pro-labor union song of the same name, which was written by activist Florence Reece during the Harlan County, Kentucky strikes. The episode features Pete Seeger's rendition of the song in its final scene.[2]
- In an interview with Vanity Fair, Jesse Armstrong claimed that the vote against Logan was inspired by Disney's shareholder meeting in 2004, in which Michael Eisner was forced out of his chairman role after 20 years.[3]
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 Which Side Are You On?'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 | ||