Slate Money: Succession S2E8, “L to the OG” – Detailed Episode Summary

Main Theme & Purpose

In this episode, Felix Salmon (Axios), Emily Peck (HuffPost), and Gabe Roth (Slate) welcome guest Sarah Ellison (Washington Post) to break down episode 8 of Succession Season 2—famously known as the “L to the OG” episode, featuring Kendall’s infamous rap tribute to his father. The hosts explore the show's satirical look at intergenerational family drama, corporate intrigue, media machinations, and the rich tapestry of humiliation, manipulation, and power among the Roys. The discussion weaves in real-world media analogies (especially the Murdoch family), character arcs, and the episode’s blend of comedy and emotional tension.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Kendall’s Highs, Lows, and The Rap (00:40–05:55, 21:59–23:54)

• The hosts note Kendall’s emotional pendulum: last episode he was visibly depressed, but now he swings to a manic high.
• Quote: "I’m drowning in pussy and everything’s golden." – Kendall, cited by Felix (03:34)
• Kendall’s new “relationship” is fleeting and symptomatic of his deep issues—hugely affected by Logan’s disapproval.
• The panel is both aghast and transfixed by Kendall’s "L to the OG" rap:
  • Quote: "It is burning my eyes but I cannot look away." – Emily (22:20)
  • The rap is compared to James Murdoch's real-world attempt at launching a hip-hop label in his youth (21:32), bringing an added layer of embarrassment and satire.
  • Felix recites some of the lyrics: "Born on the Northland, king of the east side... yo Ken wa!" (21:59)
  • The hosts agree: it’s both the most humiliating and revealing moment for Kendall—utterly cringy, willingly performed, and a sign of how broken he is.

2. The “Weasel” Lawsuit, Peter Thiel, and Ewan’s Role (06:13–10:05)

• The team draws parallels between the episode's lawsuit storyline and Peter Thiel's funding of Hulk Hogan’s case against Gawker.
• They suspect (and ultimately conclude) it's Ewan, Logan’s brother, bankrolling the crusade against Waystar Royco.
  • Quote: "It's hard to know which is more toxic, your news outlet or your cruise division. This is your fault, this empire of shit. Time to pay up." – Ewan (07:29)
• The irrational, scorched-earth tactics echo Thiel’s approach, aimed not at settlement but destruction.
  • Insight: Sarah and Felix remind that if you have enough money, you can destroy any media company via relentless lawsuits—an echo of real-world vulnerabilities.

3. Greg’s Inheritance and Loyalties (11:05–13:55)

• Ewan gives Greg an ultimatum: quit Waystar or lose a possible $250 million inheritance.
• Greg is conflicted: newfound wealth and status inside Waystar vs. the (uncertain) moral and financial security offered by his grandfather.
• The “attraction and revulsion” dynamic—being pulled toward and repulsed by Logan—hits Greg hard.
• Quote: "He has to negotiate his grexit." – Felix (12:36)

4. Rhea’s Seduction, Shiv’s Counterplay, and Female Rivalry (14:32–18:58, 23:33–25:31)

• Rhea expertly manipulates and neutralizes the Roy siblings by dispensing minor flattery and affection—echoing Logan’s methods.
• Shiv mobilizes a multifaceted campaign (with Marcia’s help) to undermine Rhea, culminating in the decision to let Rhea inherit the coming PR disaster as the next CEO.
  • Quote: "It's you." – Logan to Shiv, echoed later by Rhea to Kendall and Roman (14:32)
  • The group agrees Shiv’s strategy is (for once) effective: engineering Rhea’s “promotion” so she walks into a storm and neutralizing her as a rival.

5. Marcia’s Calculations and Power Games (23:33–25:31, 45:23–46:11)

• Marcia subtly sabotages Rhea, both in the “surprise” party planning (knowing Logan hates surprises) and by confronting her about sexually transmitted diseases.
  • Quote: "I have fought and I have lost, and I have fought and won, but when I lose, the other one will generally lose an eye." – Marcia (23:53)
• Discussion of Marcia’s possible real-life parallel: Wendy Murdoch, adept at manipulation and survival, but potentially heading for a future outside the inner circle.

6. Roman and Gerri: The Unlikely Pairing (25:41–27:22)

• Roman’s weird, possibly sexual, definitely codependent relationship with Gerri intensifies, featuring Roman's “marriage proposal” and talk of mutual destruction ("You eat me and I eat you, like they do in Germany." – Roman, 25:51)
• The hosts are both entertained and disturbed by their dynamic.

7. Logan’s Past, Mortality, and Scottish Roots (32:06–33:45, 46:00–49:00)

• The Dundee setting brings Logan face-to-face with childhood trauma: dead sister, absent mother, unclear class origins—echoing Citizen Kane’s “rosebud” motif.
• Quote: "The future is real, but the past is all made up." – Logan, summarized by Sarah (32:49)
• Visits to childhood haunts and the awkward family/board gathering amplify Logan’s denial of the past and fear of mortality.

8. Sharpest Insults & Favorite Lines (34:01–40:25)

• The group recaps their favorite zingers, marveling at the writers' talent.
  • Roman to Rhea: "You’re kind of like a peppy, fun gun set to MILF with, like, a lean in womany branding thing that works well with the Fitbit moron… whatever people." (34:07)
  • Shiv to Rhea: "A two-faced snowflake with cum on her dress." (39:41)
  • They agree that the insults are the essence of the show’s distinct humor and familial cruelty.

Notable Quotes & Moments (w/ Timestamps)

• Kendall’s Giddy Line (03:34): "I'm drowning in pussy and everything's golden."
• On the Gawker Analogy (09:25): "Peter Thiel has not just brought down Gawker, he's invented a mechanism by which you can bring down any media operation if you have enough money."
• On Roy Family Dynamics (14:14): "All he can do is exist in that sort of shadow." – Sarah on Kendall’s relationship with Logan
• Marcia’s Warning (23:53): "I have fought and I have lost, and I have fought and won, but when I lose, the other one will generally lose an eye."
• Roman’s Pitch to Rhea (34:07): "You’re kind of like a peppy, fun gun set to MILF with, like, a lean in womany branding thing that works well with the Fitbit moron…"
• On Facing Mortality (47:14): "The whole show, isn't it about...an old man who can't face dying?" – Gabe

Important Segments (with Timestamps)

• 00:40–05:55 — The hosts introduce Sarah Ellison; discuss Kendall's state of mind and new relationship.
• 06:13–10:55 — The “Weasel” subplot; Peter Thiel and Gawker parallel; suspecting Ewan’s motives.
• 11:05–13:55 — Greg’s dilemma between inheritance and loyalty.
• 14:32–18:58 — Power plays: Rhea’s seduction of the Roy siblings; Shiv’s countermove.
• 21:59–23:54 — The full "L to the OG" rap scene and reactions.
• 23:33–25:31 — Marcia's calculated undermining of Rhea.
• 25:41–27:22 — Roman and Gerri's twisted mutual admiration.
• 34:01–40:25 — The best insults and comic highlights.
• 46:00–49:00 — Logan's reckoning with his past and mortality in Dundee.
• 49:00–end — Predictions for the next episodes; connecting real-life Murdoch parallels; setting up the next crisis.

Tone & Takeaways

The hosts balance sharp media analysis with the show’s biting, wicked humor. Laughter at the Roy family’s foibles mixes with real insight into power, media, and legacy—plus loving appreciation for Succession’s world-class writing and acting.

For Listeners Who Haven’t Watched

This episode of the Slate Money Succession Recap delivers a rich breakdown of “L to the OG”—covering everything from its most excruciating moments (the rap!), to media industry analogies, to clever character psychology. The discussion unpacks the power struggles, generational pain, and humiliation rituals that define the Roy universe—with predictions and parallels relevant to media moguls in the real world.

Bottom Line:
“L to the OG” is a dazzling mix of cringe comedy, searing insight into media/family dynamics, and Succession’s trademark wit—brilliantly dissected by the Slate Money panel for newcomers and superfans alike.