Succession's Shiv Is An Unlikely Role Model For Young Women

By Umber Bhatti


As crowds, we are both mesmerized by and sympathetic to morally corrupt characters. Whether it be our collective concern for Walter White despite his descent into venality, the way we’re glued to watching couples self-destruct on TLC’s 90 Day Fiancé, or the conflicting feelings we have for damaged characters, such as Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker, we’re obsessed with the bad guys.


This contradiction — rooting for somebody despite their ethical flaws — is evident in how viewers excitedly tune in every Sunday to watch the Roy family member on HBO’s Succession. The drama (and comedy) about media mogul Logan Roy and his four children — all vying to be the sole successor in the billion-dollar family member agency Waystar Royco — has been hailed because the best show on television. Week immediately after week, viewers tune in to watch the family’s machinations unravel, enthralled by the spectacle and intrigue. Nevertheless mostly, hit by the ridiculousness of it all.


The Roys are insanely privileged: They’re white, filthy wealthy, and control practically all of the news (not Pierce, although. Although, they seem to live empty and unfulfilling lives. A portion of the show revolves around the siblings’ attempts to outshine one another in a bid to win their father’s approval. There’s Kendall, the once poster-boy of the business who props himself as a savvy businessman, although has a crippling drug addiction. The ever-so-cocky Roman, who is sarcastic and funny, although clearly insecure in his ability to lead. Connor, the oldest and the outcast of the family member, who lives on a ranch in New Mexico, deluding himself into running for president. And then, there’s Siobhan.


As a 24-year-old Muslim woman and the daughter of Pakistani immigrants, it’s hard for me to relate to anyone from Succession. The Roys are so out of touch with reality — they’re clueless to how much a gallon of milk expenses. In a way, their demarcation from hardworking and "ordinary" people, the way they stay in a surreal privileged bubble, makes them more palatable. Although, despite recognizing how spoiled, advantaged, and morally bankrupt they are, I’ve somehow noticed myself rooting them. Even for Siobhan. She’s my main go to, and I want her to be the next CEO of Waystar Royco. Some of my love for Shiv is due to Sarah Snook's convincing acting. Whether it be her hilarious facial expressions and telling smirks, or the way she rocks high rise trousers, Snook carries Shiv with confidence and ease.


My admiration for Shiv began out as quite logical. During most of Season 1 she makes several commendable decisions: pursuing a career outdoor of her father’s grasp, staying faithful to her fiancé despite temptation, and being a political advisor to a presidential candidate actively campaigning against her father. Any time Logan attempts to bribe Shiv to leave politics and join the corporation — praising her as his smartest kid — Shiv calls him out for promoting her brothers before her. She refuses the issue, her not-so-subtle way of saying "fuck you" to her greedy family.


And then, her moral character starts to crumble. If she learns of some shady organization connected with her family’s cruise division, she uses it for leverage. Despite her earlier pledge, she cheats on her fiancé. Right after tying the knot, she basically states — not so much as asks — that their marriage be an open relationship, a testament to her selfishness. She leaves her career in politics over an argument in which she’s unwilling to acknowledge her privilege. And just like that, Shiv goes back to competing with her brothers for the best role at Waystar, at whichever costs.


As a viewer I winced a couple of times wondering how Shiv could go from openly denouncing her family member to wanting in so badly. Although, for a moment her choices seem to pay off. In Season 2, Logan promises Shiv the crown jewel — she'll be the next CEO… up until several episodes later any time while he refuses to announce her because the successor publicly. While in the season, Shiv’s future at the corporation hangs in limbo. Though she’s still denied a place at Waystar’s inner circle, as soon as the cruises scandal is publicized, Logan suddenly finds her useful. She is guilted into taking the heat, used because the "token woman" as her brother puts it, and afterward chastised. In the most recent episode ("Return"), Shiv keeps it up and continues to get played as Logan, with the help of a new friend, kicks his daughter to the curb, essentially reneging on his promise to promote her because the next successor.


I admit, I want Shiv to be better. However, I also understand why she chooses not to be. Her political experience serves her well to be CEO, nevertheless she keeps getting the shorter end of stick.  Because the only girl in the family member she is aware she must be bold and aggressive. While in different moments in my life — professionally, academically, and personally — I have been discussed down to or seen as far less than my male peers. Afterall, the wage gap exists because in our sexist and patriarchal society, ladies are deemed inferior. I know we’re worlds apart, although Shiv’s dogged belief in herself is motivating. And it’s something I wish I had more of whenever navigating male-dominated spaces.


In a way, Shiv reminds me of the girls from Hustlers. The dramedy, starring Jennifer Lopez and Constance Wu, is based on the real-life scandal where an audience of strippers got prosperous by drugging sleazy Wall Street boys. Shiv and the characters in Hustlers grew up in very different circumstances, but as I sat via film somehow justifying the dancers' unlawful actions, I couldn’t help although think of the lone Roy girl. In both Hustlers and Succession, boys are running the show and females get used as pawns — that is, up until the ladies determine to take back their business. These girls occupy a moral gray area. We can acknowledge their actions are wrong, while recognizing that the system has been rigged against them (some more than others, of course).


A scene from Hustlers.


As J. Lo’s character says at the end of the movie, America is a strip club. "You have people tossing the cash and people doing the dance." This metaphor would be appropriated to describe the Roys. In the fragile ecosystem that is her family member, Shiv is a strong competitor, often outsmarting her brothers. Although, she’s still made to perform a complex dance, paradoxically forced into being both nimble and rigid — a feeling several females can relate to.


Earlier this season, Kendall mocks his younger sister, asking "Does she think she’s Beyoncé or something?" No, Shiv’s not there however. However even with her flaws, I admire and empathize with her. Right considering that, there’s something to be mentioned about a woman who can go toe-to-toe against seedy boys in power.