Brian Cox discusses one of the decade’s finest television series, as well as the politics that are genuinely close to the Scottish actor: the SNP and the departure of First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
Only Succession aficionados can comprehend the perversely irresistible appeal of the most despicable, treacherous, and double-dealing Waystar family in the world.
As the fate of their empire is poised to be decided in the fourth and final season (beginning Monday on Sky Atlantic and NOW), it is not lost on lead actor Brian Cox that Logan Roy’s principles could not be further from his own.
“He represents the antithesis of everything I hold dear. Everything… I am a socialist and I am proud to be one,” said Cox.
Logan Roy, the megalomaniacal, multimillionaire media mogul we’ve grown to love to despise, as he opened the financial market at the London Stock Exchange to promote the finale.
Our bizarre obsession with the despicably decadent and morally reprehensible family is one of the best television programs of the decade and perhaps the ultimate social commentary on capitalism; this is something Cox feels strongly about.
“I believe we must rethink and reconsider our policies. Our politics are in a dire state,” the 76-year-old Scottish actor.
This is the purpose of the program. It is an excellent social satire.
“The topic is the appalling wealth inequality. There are not many poor individuals in Succession. They are neglected. And it is a query you should pose to yourself. Why do they go unnoticed? “Because they have no interest in what is happening in the lower classes.”
“What I despise about the current state of affairs is that we are reverting to a feudal mentality, with everyone in their proper position, so that everyone becomes inhibited. And when there are so many privileged young men in charge, it becomes extremely difficult. And it is without compassion.”
“My hometown is a total mess”
He added, “When I returned to my childhood residence in Dundee, Scotland, I found it in a state of disarray. It is a complete disaster.”
People feel as though they are begging, and human dignity is incredibly essential to people. “When you strip someone of their dignity, you are attempting to reduce them to nothing,” explained Cox.
And the closest politics to the Scottish actor are those of the SNP and the resignation of First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
Cox on Scottish autonomy
“Nicola is an incredibly difficult act to imitate. Cox, a fervent admirer of the politician, remarked, “She did an incredible job.”
“We must continue to pursue independence.
“We cannot separate and we are a part of the British Isles. But we should no longer be the United Kingdom and instead form a federation.
“We should be separate, autonomous states that can contribute adequately, except moving away from a centralized administration that is based here [London], and parliament should not be located in London. It must be located in the country. I believe that we need to reevaluate our politics.”
Distinguished slams
Whether Logan made Cox curse or Cox made Logan swear is unclear, but Cox and Succession fans appear to share an appreciation for Logan Roy’s celebrated slams.
“They [fans] approach me and ask, ‘Can I photograph you telling me to f* off?’ And you respond, “That’s the easiest thing in the world for me to say because I do want you to f* off,” with his signature twinkle in his eye.
Although he dislikes Logan, he admits he will regret playing the character.
“He is a pessimist; he believes that people are extremely dissatisfied. And he has no interest in them because they are awful. I also find humans to be quite disappointing. However, I’m an optimist.
I believe it’s possible for us to become more compassionate and understanding of one another and to stop treating each other like s***, you know? “I am a socialist, and I am proud to be one,” said Cox.
‘I’m going to mourn Logan Roy’
Diehard fans will be devastated by the conclusion of the program.
“I will miss him,” admitted Cox. “I swiped several cardigans… And I know how the story ends, and I am very pleased with it. It is the only possible conclusion.”
Prepare for the conclusion of Succession to find out who will win the ultimate power game.
Monday, March 27 marks the debut of the fourth and final season of Succession on the streaming services NOW and Sky Atlantic. The first three seasons are available on NOW and Sky On Demand.
