IT has been the setting for just one episode of the critically acclaimed US hit about a media mogul and his warring family – but Scotland has become part of the “irresistible” success of the onscreen chemistry of Succession, according to an academic.
The HBO series, which will see the fourth and final season conclude next week, follows the lives of billionaire and Waystar Royco head Logan Roy, who hails from Dundee like Brian Cox, the actor who plays him.
In season two, the city’s V&A had a starring role as the backdrop to a lavish dinner to mark Roy’s 50 years in the news business – which featured a cringeworthy rap by son Kendall.
The episode was also memorable for youngest son Roman buying Hearts football club for his father – not realising that he was actually a lifelong supporter of arch rivals Hibernian.
Writing in an article for The Conversation website, Dr Francesca Sobande, senior lecturer in digital media studies at Cardiff University, said “shadows and symbols” of Scotland are threaded throughout the show.
She said: “The power and talent of the cast is undeniable, but the show’s portrayal of places and their pasts is also part of its irresistible onscreen chemistry.
“Succession’s representation of Dundee offers a glimpse of the unique Scottish city known for ‘jute, jam and journalism’ that both Logan Roy and Brian Cox call their hometown.”
Sobande pointed to the different relationships which the family have to Scotland which emerges in the show, with Logan Roy wistfully recalling the “Dundee of yesteryear”.
In contrast, his children appear to have a “detached” perception of the country, with remarks such as Roman talking of “Scottish kicky-ball”.
Sobande told the Sunday National: “The portrayal of Logan Roy and his children’s differing relationships with Scotland highlights some of the complicated ways that places become part of people’s identities.
“To me, the show’s depiction of this is less about just commenting on Scotland and is more about how certain countries and perceptions of them are part of personal histories and different impressions of people.
“This includes individual and family histories that are associated with the image of a brand such as Waystar Royco. “ Other locations in Scotland which feature in the show include Gleneagles Hotel, where the Roy family stay during their visit and part of Dundee University’s campus.
Sobande said: “A successful TV show like Succession can bring attention to Scotland, including through its filming there and its playful exploration of different experiences and perceptions of the country and its history.
“While references to Scotland and Scottishness are woven throughout Succession, more research is needed to determine whether the show might significantly influence audience perceptions of the country.
“At the very least though, Scotland is undoubtedly a part of Succession’s character, and is portrayed in ways that point to how countries become connected to brands.”
She added: “Dundee is certainly known for much more than its connection to Succession, but as the iconic show nears its end, and as time passes, it will be interesting to see whether references to Succession features as part of future tourism campaigns and portrayals of the city.”
The article concludes: “As Succession portrays, international perceptions of Scotland often invoke a sense of novelty.
“But in creatively invoking the country’s influence in ways that highlight how different ideas and experiences of places are implicated in the ruthless world of big business, Scotland becomes a conjuring force that is as much a part of the Roy family as the captivating and clashing relations themselves.”
