The Box Set: "Succession."

Ep. 6: "Living+"

One of the difficult things about criticism is that it’s not content with some informal variation of, “Did you like that?” or “Was that good? It was pretty good, right?”

No, it’s a lot more emotionless than that. Especially when, as we do here with The Box Set, there’s both an examination of the episode itself and where it all fits (or doesn’t) in the season and after the unveiling of said episode is the entirety of the season on track or off? In some ways, it’s helpful contemplation. In others, it’s just a buzz kill at the party.

So, yeah, not to be a downer or anything, but….

It’s certainly possible to watch “Living+” and enjoy certain takeaways from it, elements we’re used to (Kendall’s dumb ideas) and some that we’re not (the fictional general public of the show taking those ideas and actually — or possibly — liking them). On the one hand, it’s reaffirming to circle back to Kendall being an entitled prick who has no good ideas. One the other, he doesn’t get many wins, even temporary ones, and that itself is a different viewing experience.

But let’s first start with the concept of “Living+.” I want you to think of the series as a whole, the first three seasons and the five episodes leading up to this, and ask yourself if “Living+” doesn’t conceptually seem at first a little, what are the three words I’m looking for here, deus ex machina.