Tom is sorta the “your own heart” in the show. I notice his every subtle sensitivity and move. And man… he is one of the greatest actors I have ever seen.
This is such an insightful analysis. I had observed the hand movement thing but didnt think such deep into it. He is indeed an incredible actor. I remember its exactly 10 years ago in 2013 when I watched Pride and Prejudice and instantly became an ardent admirer of him. All of the recognition and success that he is achieving with Succession feels somehow so personal to me. I feel so immensely happy for him. May God shower him with much more success and joy. ❤
Tom was my favorite character on the show. His vulnerability with Shiv and his desire for her love, true love was so emotional to me. So yeah anytime he was on the screen my eyes automatically would go for whatever Tom Wambsgan was doing. Well played MacFadyen
His horrified expression when Logan hit Roman said so much about him. He clearly comes from a different type of family where violence never occurred and he simply didn't know how to react. I also loved his reaction to Ken's rendition of L to the OG.
It is absolutely amazing that Matthew can make this character stand out amongst all of these larger than life characters. It makes no sense, but he commands the screen every second he's on it.
Yep, in eposide 3 season 4, relating the situation of Logan, he outshined other actors though they are all talented actors. Director Mark Mylod said that he had to choose to keep Tom on screen more because Matthew was really good in those scenes.
Okay, now i understand why large amount of audience feels protective over him. He's so animated, emotionally transparent, and don't forget his puppy eyes.
This video made me realize why Tom was one of the only characters that I could actually empathize with, despite the fact that he behaves just as unethically as the rest of the characters.
Tom handled Logan's Death and facing Logan's Kids delivering the shocking news like a champion and switches completely while telling Greg about the same on phone he hides his fear by sharing a joke and then almost burst into tears ( No I am not Okay Greg) .....Matthew executes this performance perfectly
That interaction actually signaled to me, for the first time, that he’s a sociopath. He was only feeling bad because he was worried how Logan’s death would affect his station. That’s what I took away from it.
It was the pre Roy family normal empathetic person in him coming out. The boy from Minnesota and not the power hungry wannabe media mogul that he is now. It was a fantastic performance by Macfadyen literally everyone in that episode were fantastic but his way to show affection through a phone and not in person and have it be so genuine was excellent.
I totally misread the episode because Tom was coming across so empathetic and almost guilty in his phone call that I was convinced for longer than I’d like to admit that Logan was having Tom, Frank and Gerri tell the kids he was dead as prt of a ploy, and Tom was feeling guilty/wrong about participating. Didnt help that they wouldnt show Logan, so I was sure he was just out of frame sippin on a scotch. Especially because whenever the kids asked if he was dying nobody would give them a straight answer. I was sure that was because they couldnt actually SAY he was dying, only imply it
@@flippalovell oh, they definitely intended that ambiguity in the early part of the episode. I think it helped heighten the sudden and slightly surreal nature of their loss.
Every time Tom speaks with poise (not punching Greg down or ‘just here to serve’) it is so fascinating to watch. E.g on the jet, twice this season with the bedroom talks with Shiv and last season when confronting Kendall outside the diner.
I think it's clear that Logan died right after boning that dark haired assistant of his on the plane (forgot her name), it's not obviously stated in the show but if you look at the sequence of events it's something that I noticed
Please do J Smith-Cameron! Gerri was supposed to be a man, but she auditioned and reacted so annoyed but professional to the crass dialogue that the writers cast her.
Wow I didn't know that! I can't imagine Gerri being played by someone else. If she were a man, it wouldn't have nearly the same impact because it would just be another suit in the room. Gerri always stands out to me
True, in season 1, he seemed like a gold digging incompetent fool. But his friendship and camaraderie with Gregg made him more human. And by the time Shiv broke his heart, he has already won your sympathy.
@@vegaastroo I started loving Tom as a comedic break in 1.6 where he "teaches" Greg "how to be rich". Hysterical stuff. Then the Shiv/Tom wedding came around in 1.9-1.10 and it felt so bizarre to experience sympathy for this wormy, goofy social climber. Seeing McFadyen move through varied emotions so effortlessly turned me into a fan. Definitely the best performance, though not sure if it is McFadyen or if the writing is that much better for Tom (he has the most cohesive arc imo).
Tom is such a brilliantly complex character. Matthew is genius. I don’t think anyone else could of played Tom so delicately and perfectly. The whole show is so well cast.
Yup. He started the show out as basically homelander without the powers or bloodlust,but still very emotionally weak. But he ended it as a strong, competent and pretty good guy by the end. Ultimately he deserved to be CEO
Personally, I think his performance is so captivating because honestly he’s the hardest one to figure out. He does “nice things” but can’t tell if his motives are genuine. Same goes for when he does horrific things. Hard to tell if it really bothers him or not. I love that about his character. We know he wants power, as the rest do. but at what lengths? He could literally go any direction, and it wouldn’t be surprising. Makes a fascinating character Ok, Just so I don't upset anyone else, I accidently said Tom grew up blue collar. I apologize... I just meant in contrast to the Roy family. I know Tom mother is a lawyer. As far as his financial standings growing up, its not really brought up. I'm sorry
I'm watching this with my mom and she absolutely hated Tom because of the way he treated Greg, but now that Greg's going disgusting she's feeling more positive with Tom lol
@@TheEtherny see exactly! You just can’t put a pin on him. He grew up blue-collar, and he’s playing pretend in the big leagues. he’s a wild card. also, people forget that Greg is the one that threw Tom under the bus in the first season, when the cruise scandals came out. Greg told Gerry, Tom thought it was Shiv
Tom Wambsgans and Mr Darcy are two of my favorite characters of all time and I only just now realized they're played by the same actor after watching this video. Somehow this revelation has both shocked me to my core and settled perfectly in my heart. Acting is the greatest art form.
I've seen Pride and Prejudice billion times, i didn't know who Matthew was at that time and couldn't care less to see the actor's name. Then i saw Succession, was mesmerized by his acting and see what else he does in the past. And holy shit i didn't realize that this man has been in front of my eyes for a long time with Pride and Prejudice
@@K0m30ng Try watching the first three seasons of "Spooks" or "MI5" as it's known in the US. You will see a baby-faced Macfadyen doing his thing in his 20s. He is fun to watch and seems to dominate the screen in that series too. By the way, his real-life wife Keeley Hawes is there too.
The thing that made Tom stand out to me immediately is how he never wanted to betray anyone, particularly Shiv. Shiv had to break his heart and diminish her entire relationship to him before he really began acting like the Roys. Greg feels a special exception to this because of his bumbling perpetual confusion. It brings out the latent willingness in Tom to enact a power dynamic. We know Tom has a predator streak in him, but he wants allies more than enemies. The complexity of his sensitivity and desire for power really tugs at the audience’s empathy in a way no one else does, save maybe Kendall Roy.
That's what I got from story as well. That Tom could have stayed super loyal to Shiv but the way she treated and manipulated him..well he then showed his true colors. I like the actor, but Tom as character in the end...i neither like nor respect him.
That's why he became the winner. Ultimately he was the most benevolent and competent guy in waystar who wanted to change the company for the better without any ego
Yeah, he loves power, he loves money, he loves status, he knows that people are playing games and he doesn't shy from getting good cards on his hand, but he also seems to have a sense of loyalty and allegiance to whoever feeds him, not just in money and power, but in actual support. I think that's one element of why he stayed with Greg until the end, Greg's kinda like that, he's capable of playing cards and is even a little betraying but he's mostly aligned
What I admire about MacFadyen as a performing is that he had this career trajectory of being a handsome leading man type and totally went in the opposite direction
I think that career was on the wane with his age and instead he leaned into his natural comedic talent, starting with Quiz. He’s having much more fun now though he will always be my Mr Darcy.
@@viktoriaberg8706He lead the Spooks cast before playing Mr Darcy. The TDH leading man road was definitely an option for him but he likes to mix it up and he's pretty versatile as a result.
I absolutely adored his performance in Connor's Wedding. He was the stand-out to me in an episode of stand-outs. All I saw was my dad trying to be gentle over the phone telling me my grandfather had passed. It was some of the most realistic and human acting I've ever seen.
That episode stuck with me for several days after watching it. We the audience were just as shocked by the phone call as the Roy children. I felt like I was experiencing the news of Logan’s death the same way that his kids did.
Apparently the showrunners originally planned to not show Tom's face, just have his voice over the phone. But Matthew's performance was so good they decided to cut between him and the siblings.
“You should be careful, Tom. These people are coming down from molly, and their pupils, they’re dilated. And your shoes are like looking at the sun. They’re dangerous…”
I love every single second of Macfadyen's performances. He 100% understands and fully embodies that character. In very very similar ways like how Brian Cox performs Logan, the subtlety that isn't written on the page but is internalized by the actor. The great writting helps, of course, but the little things, how he tip toes around direct conflict and inflects his words almost whisper like lol, his stares, his non-aggressive stature like a teenager trying to be cool, how he can flip on a dime and be two different people depending on who he is around. He's awesome. Role of a lifetime. This is the definition of perfect casting.
You can really see the way Shiv infantilizes Tom when they talk about the prenup. He mentions needing to talk to his "lawyer," and Shiv immediately taunts him like he's a kid running to his mommy. It is such a contradiction and almost seems like projecting. The Roy kids cling to their father, yet it is viewed as a weakness when others do it.
I don't now quite exactly how to describe this, but Macfadyen is maybe the most convincing Brit playing an American I've ever seen. The half-fake / half-genuine Midwest-nice he embodies. How his accent almost seems practiced; not like a Brit playing an American, but like someone from Minnesota trying to talk how they think a bunch of uppper-class New Yorkers would talk. Everything about Macfadyen's performance embodies a corny guy from St. Paul who probably grew up in a family that had matching Christmas pajamas desperately trying to fit in with the most high-powered vicious people in the United States. Too many people make the mistake of going general when doing accents, but Macfadyen let the character and the situation he's in inform how he speaks, and it pays off beautifully.
As someone from New Zealand I have no concept of how American accents work so I often wondered how it comes across when someone plays a character that has an accent. Thank you for this explanation!
He is a brilliant actor. I had seen him in several British productions, Ripper Street esp good. He is getting attention in USA due to this role, but if you read about his background, studies, work in theater, & film, he's top notch. I was initially surprised to see him playing this part, as he's lead in most, but no doubt it was recogition of Matthew's acting that expanded the part. I was so pleased that he was awarded an Emmy, he's wonderful!
Your channel might be called “Just an Observation”, but personally, I’m renaming it to “Truly Remarkable Observations”. Exceptional essay, as always. Thank you.
His scenes with Shiv, the ones where they're discussing seriously about their relationship are the ones that made me the most emotional in all of the show aside from maybe Connor's Wedding. The way he pours himself out to Shiv, where it seems like even when he's the "golddigger" he truly loved her, and how his heart breaks and he releases all the bottled up feelings of inferiority are really tough scenes for me to watch but I really loved them.
This has got to be one of my favorite videos ever. You encapsulate so perfectly how Matthew Macfadyen pulls off the show-stopping performance that is Tom Wambsgans. At the beginning of the video, you stated my thoughts exactly, I don't believe anyone else could have pulled off Tom like Macfadyen does, his performance is simply spectacular. He has easily made Tom my favorite character in Succession from all the mannerisms he incorporates into his performance. Thank you so much for putting into words why I enjoy his work as Tom so much.
It's quite ironic that he turned out to be the winner of the game of succession. I believe his "humanity" was his greatest asset, because he understood people and always bet on the right candidate. Very smart writing. He was often mocked for wearing his emotions on his sleeve by the roys
There was a scene that logan goes nuts because of the urinal infection (or sth like that), people in there are very worried and karl comes and said 'he said theres a cat under my chair'. when karl said that everyone looked like 'omg i cant believe it' apart from tom, tom actually looked at the chair to check if theres a real cat. It is hard to saw tom's reaction in that scene but when i noticed it, i ripped my arse off laughing.
I used to somewhat passively watch Succession but since watching your videos, I've become so much more aware of the acting and can appreciate the subtleties...cheers
He has the most difficult, multilayered character to render and he does it to perfection! Every move, gesture and expression is conveyed naturally. He is truly one of a kind!
This one and the Shiv/Sarah vid absolutely blew my mind, revealing all this character 'meat' I've never even taken note of that makes me love the writing and performances all waaaay more. Top notch videos.
Tom is the quintessence of snob. Placating, supplicating, and ingratiating to those above him. Disparaging, denigrating, and dismissive to those beneath him. True snobbery is so transparently self serving and heirarchically reinforcing as to be always entertaining.
Matthew MacFadyen is nothing short of fantastic. The first time I saw him was as Darcy and I have been seeking him out ever since. The range of emotions in his face, his physicality, just love it. Very in the moment actor.
Tom is my favourite character because he actually feels the most genuine for how a person can be so disconcordant with who they are vs who they want to be. How much of our personal integrity are we willing to give up in return for what we want?
Your Just An Observation was totally on point. Matthew is captivating on screen, in a role unlike any of his other work. His method of working is interesting, and makes him standout in his every scene. He well deserves all awards.
Something that struck me was the “We are listening” conversation with Greg. His response when he said “But I like we are listening” his disappointment really made me respect Matthews performance and made me chuckle as you could really see him processing the situation.
I’m very happy I was able to catch this video before the finale. Your insight about Tom’s physicality, how he has a proclivity to touch the things and people around was fantastic! Having that idea in my head as we see him for the last time in the finale was a huge boots. You really broadened my experience, thank you!
disagree on the name Tom Wambsgans being a rich guy name. That's the name a midwesterner from german peasant stock, which is perfect for a social striver like Tom.
"Confused C-3PO arms" is inspired. Yet another masterful video. He really is so good. Thank you for such a careful and cogent explication of how and why. Such pathos.
I absolutely adore Tom and the way you explained how he wears his heart on his sleeve is so good! Loved this video so much and I hope we can watch your take on J Smith Cameron next, because I can't get enough of these videos!
Tom is usually very lighthearted, very easy-going, but then there are some moments where he just drops the act and gets serious, like after his meeting with Kendall in S3. Both sides of him are equally believable, and it makes what he will do next so hard to predict, brilliantly acted. Also idk if anyone else gets this vibe from Tom, but in some scenes with Greg he's very fucking intimidating 😅 which I think sort of shows how this lust for power corrupts someone who isn't born into it.
There's a scene which Tom talks to his Minnesotan parents on the phone, in a limo with Shiv sitting besides him. TOM SUDDENLY HAS A MN ACCENT!!!!!!!! Just when he spoke to his parents. I'm from MN and he NAILS IT.
This is such an insightful video essay! I agree that Matthew Macfadyen's portrayal of Tom Wambsgans is truly impressive and nuanced. It's fascinating to see how he uses different acting techniques compared to his costars and how he brings a unique perspective to the show. I always appreciate when actors are able to bring depth and complexity to their characters, and Macfadyen certainly does that with Tom. Great analysis!
I saw him first on ripper Street and then watched him on the Howard’s End mini series. I started watching Succession because he was on it. I knew he would be great.
First thank you for stating that he was Darcy. I have loved that portrayal and never realized that it was the same actor. Now I can’t believe I didn’t recognize him.
Yes to all this, but what i found most impressive was his accent choice. I could not believe he was English, not because how believable an American he is, but how specific and accurate his accent and affectations are. This is *exactly* how someone from an average, not-rich family and small-town America would sound if he was trying to fit in with the cosmopolitan ultrarich class in New York. I just think he so thoroughly nailed it. I can't really get past that for long enough to be so rightfully impressed by his physicality and everything else he does so convincingly. I would add that his closeness and constant touching is also a way of asserting dominance and power. It makes people uncomfortable. Just like throwing stuff at Greg in a small room and then tackling him... He is a big guy (so is Greg!), and he uses his size to intimidate people and to aggressively assert dominance. It is artfully done, for sure. I love how much i love all these performances. I don't have a favorite. That itself is a sign of an impressive show. It is destined to be a classic.
Tom was someone who I thought was truly pathetic at the beginning of this show but turned into the only character with some sense of good inside. The S3 finale was so satisfying.
Tom is an insecure, social-climbing, greedy man and a manipulative, cruel bully. Every time I wanted to feel sorry for him, I remembered how he used his underlings at the office as footstools. I think part of Shiv's inability to fully commit to him was rooted in her deep down knowledge that her husband married her for her money and her access to Logan's power.
If you want to see his expressiveness you must see the television version of Little Dorrit. He does a magnificent portrayal of the lead, Arthur Clennam
Series finale theory Greg takes over the company fires Tom and Tom has to start working at a California pizza kitchen and make Greg his Cajun chicken linguini just how he likes it.
Shit, I do that with my voice too. I'm high pitched with my mom. But when I'm having transactional interactions in public spaces, my pitch drops. I hate that I can't control it.
Matthew MacFadyen is the most brilliant actor ever I have seen .. and in this video you do an excellent job of explaining just why this is true .. Have been an ardent fan of this beautiful man since his early acting days .. all of the characteristics you mention are quite accurate.. he has always had the ability to totally immerse himself in the role he is playing .. and these little idiocrincracies are what makes you love him so .. By not focusing on himself Matthew actually brings the attention of those who watch directly to himself .. like a tall awkward boy .. as you said ., you instinctively wish to protect him .. and yes to love him .. A gentle sensitive child .. laughing to cover crying ., Matthew is somewhat an emotional sponge in reverse .. projecting his feelings rather than reining them in .. Matthew MacFadyen has an amazing voice .. which he implements so masterfully .. and the stuttering and stammering that draws you even closer to him .. and enables him to make you love his character ., no matter how difficult that may seem to be .. This video so perfectly portrayed this amazing actor .. quintessential .. enigmatic ., charismatic .. gentle .. unforgettable .. all of these words adequately apply ., After watching this absolutely agree with the analysis you have given of Matthew MacFadyen ..yes he is definitely all of these things ., However to me .. when i think of Matthew MacFadyen .. always I will think of him as Mr Darcy .. always I will remember the soft timbre of his wondrous voice saying .. I love you .. most ardently.. To me this gentle benevolent man will always be ,, most beautiful❣ Jen999💙
I hated Tom so much in S1 mostly because I couldn't figure out wtf this guy's deal was but then i realized that that's his whole thing and he's easily my fave next to Roman now
He knows he's the consort husband to the female heir to the throne. There's a twist on the traditional roles played by man and woman; man's supposed to have and display power, woman expected to obey and follow from the background. The dynamics here are opposite and that is a challenge to modern man manliness, who wanders lost and confused trying to find a place and respect. He's the husband of the potential Queen but is too grey to dream with the power of the King... However, he's too close to the Top to avoid feeling the gravitational attraction of Power. We feel sorry for him frequently but is also an opportunist ready to climb if he has to.
I thought he was an American actor, maybe Canadian. I was shocked and impressed when I found out he is British. He nailed the accent and could have been from somewhere in the midwest.
If you want to make a Tomlette, you have to break a few Greggs
One of my favorite lines
that was in the show!!!
@@rtifishul uh, yeah lol
During the committee to look into Waystar's illegal activity
Greatest lines in television history.
Or gregglets
Tom is sorta the “your own heart” in the show. I notice his every subtle sensitivity and move. And man… he is one of the greatest actors I have ever seen.
This is such an insightful analysis. I had observed the hand movement thing but didnt think such deep into it. He is indeed an incredible actor. I remember its exactly 10 years ago in 2013 when I watched Pride and Prejudice and instantly became an ardent admirer of him. All of the recognition and success that he is achieving with Succession feels somehow so personal to me. I feel so immensely happy for him. May God shower him with much more success and joy. ❤
Tom was my favorite character on the show. His vulnerability with Shiv and his desire for her love, true love was so emotional to me. So yeah anytime he was on the screen my eyes automatically would go for whatever Tom Wambsgan was doing. Well played MacFadyen
Glad you included a clip from the BBC mini series’Warriors’. Macfadyen was brilliant playing a working class ‘squaddie’ in that.
His horrified expression when Logan hit Roman said so much about him. He clearly comes from a different type of family where violence never occurred and he simply didn't know how to react. I also loved his reaction to Ken's rendition of L to the OG.
Yes, his parents seemed genuinely loving the even calls his father Daddy which is odd it endearing for a middle-aged man.
The funniest scene I've seen in quite some time was Greg asking Tom if he could blackmail him. They both played it perfectly.
He was so happy that Greg would even suggest such a thing
One of the most memorable moments of the show for me.
It is absolutely amazing that Matthew can make this character stand out amongst all of these larger than life characters. It makes no sense, but he commands the screen every second he's on it.
Yep, in eposide 3 season 4, relating the situation of Logan, he outshined other actors though they are all talented actors. Director Mark Mylod said that he had to choose to keep Tom on screen more because Matthew was really good in those scenes.
I just loved him so much!
Okay, now i understand why large amount of audience feels protective over him. He's so animated, emotionally transparent, and don't forget his puppy eyes.
This video made me realize why Tom was one of the only characters that I could actually empathize with, despite the fact that he behaves just as unethically as the rest of the characters.
"...I wonder if the sad I'd be without you would be less than the sad I get from being with you." My favorite line in my favorite scene
It’s not line , it’s an emotion 😊
Heartbreaking scene.
Yes, anyone who has been through a breakup or divorce has felt this. Absolutely amazing.
Tom handled Logan's Death and facing Logan's Kids delivering the shocking news like a champion and switches completely while telling Greg about the same on phone he hides his fear by sharing a joke and then almost burst into tears ( No I am not Okay Greg) .....Matthew executes this performance perfectly
That interaction actually signaled to me, for the first time, that he’s a sociopath. He was only feeling bad because he was worried how Logan’s death would affect his station. That’s what I took away from it.
He’s a tremendous actor, playing the role of a man, “acting” in his own life. Superb.
Perfectly put
Macfadyen's choice to remain calm and poised during the recent "situation" on the private jet was stunning.
It was the pre Roy family normal empathetic person in him coming out. The boy from Minnesota and not the power hungry wannabe media mogul that he is now. It was a fantastic performance by Macfadyen literally everyone in that episode were fantastic but his way to show affection through a phone and not in person and have it be so genuine was excellent.
I totally misread the episode because Tom was coming across so empathetic and almost guilty in his phone call that I was convinced for longer than I’d like to admit that Logan was having Tom, Frank and Gerri tell the kids he was dead as prt of a ploy, and Tom was feeling guilty/wrong about participating. Didnt help that they wouldnt show Logan, so I was sure he was just out of frame sippin on a scotch. Especially because whenever the kids asked if he was dying nobody would give them a straight answer. I was sure that was because they couldnt actually SAY he was dying, only imply it
@@flippalovell oh, they definitely intended that ambiguity in the early part of the episode. I think it helped heighten the sudden and slightly surreal nature of their loss.
Every time Tom speaks with poise (not punching Greg down or ‘just here to serve’) it is so fascinating to watch. E.g on the jet, twice this season with the bedroom talks with Shiv and last season when confronting Kendall outside the diner.
I think it's clear that Logan died right after boning that dark haired assistant of his on the plane (forgot her name), it's not obviously stated in the show but if you look at the sequence of events it's something that I noticed
Please do J Smith-Cameron! Gerri was supposed to be a man, but she auditioned and reacted so annoyed but professional to the crass dialogue that the writers cast her.
What a cool bit of info! I had no idea; i love that!
Ohhh I would love a breakdown on the old guards. Succession really has the best ensembles cast!
Soooooo Roman…..😮😅😊
Wow I didn't know that! I can't imagine Gerri being played by someone else. If she were a man, it wouldn't have nearly the same impact because it would just be another suit in the room. Gerri always stands out to me
I love Gerri
In my opinion he is absolutely the best actor on the show. He went from a character I despised to the one I sympathized for most.
True, in season 1, he seemed like a gold digging incompetent fool. But his friendship and camaraderie with Gregg made him more human. And by the time Shiv broke his heart, he has already won your sympathy.
FR I’m trying to figure out when Tom became my favorite but I literally hated him.
To me it was almost the other way around. I went from 'meh' to despise the character.
@@vegaastroo I started loving Tom as a comedic break in 1.6 where he "teaches" Greg "how to be rich". Hysterical stuff. Then the Shiv/Tom wedding came around in 1.9-1.10 and it felt so bizarre to experience sympathy for this wormy, goofy social climber. Seeing McFadyen move through varied emotions so effortlessly turned me into a fan. Definitely the best performance, though not sure if it is McFadyen or if the writing is that much better for Tom (he has the most cohesive arc imo).
You should seek out "In my father´s den". MacFadyen is brilliant in that one.
Tom is such a brilliantly complex character. Matthew is genius. I don’t think anyone else could of played Tom so delicately and perfectly. The whole show is so well cast.
Yup. He started the show out as basically homelander without the powers or bloodlust,but still very emotionally weak. But he ended it as a strong, competent and pretty good guy by the end. Ultimately he deserved to be CEO
Personally, I think his performance is so captivating because honestly he’s the hardest one to figure out. He does “nice things” but can’t tell if his motives are genuine. Same goes for when he does horrific things. Hard to tell if it really bothers him or not. I love that about his character. We know he wants power, as the rest do. but at what lengths? He could literally go any direction, and it wouldn’t be surprising. Makes a fascinating character
Ok, Just so I don't upset anyone else, I accidently said Tom grew up blue collar. I apologize... I just meant in contrast to the Roy family. I know Tom mother is a lawyer. As far as his financial standings growing up, its not really brought up. I'm sorry
I'm watching this with my mom and she absolutely hated Tom because of the way he treated Greg, but now that Greg's going disgusting she's feeling more positive with Tom lol
@@TheEtherny see exactly! You just can’t put a pin on him. He grew up blue-collar, and he’s playing pretend in the big leagues. he’s a wild card. also, people forget that Greg is the one that threw Tom under the bus in the first season, when the cruise scandals came out. Greg told Gerry, Tom thought it was Shiv
He struck me as a gold digger first, but then he also loved Shiv. He has this duplicity.
@@TheEtherny he treats greg better than everybody else in the family.
@@balkloth Not in the first episode, which left an impression lol
Tom Wambsgans and Mr Darcy are two of my favorite characters of all time and I only just now realized they're played by the same actor after watching this video. Somehow this revelation has both shocked me to my core and settled perfectly in my heart. Acting is the greatest art form.
I've seen Pride and Prejudice billion times, i didn't know who Matthew was at that time and couldn't care less to see the actor's name. Then i saw Succession, was mesmerized by his acting and see what else he does in the past. And holy shit i didn't realize that this man has been in front of my eyes for a long time with Pride and Prejudice
@@K0m30ng Try watching the first three seasons of "Spooks" or "MI5" as it's known in the US. You will see a baby-faced Macfadyen doing his thing in his 20s. He is fun to watch and seems to dominate the screen in that series too. By the way, his real-life wife Keeley Hawes is there too.
The thing that made Tom stand out to me immediately is how he never wanted to betray anyone, particularly Shiv. Shiv had to break his heart and diminish her entire relationship to him before he really began acting like the Roys. Greg feels a special exception to this because of his bumbling perpetual confusion. It brings out the latent willingness in Tom to enact a power dynamic. We know Tom has a predator streak in him, but he wants allies more than enemies. The complexity of his sensitivity and desire for power really tugs at the audience’s empathy in a way no one else does, save maybe Kendall Roy.
Yes, and even though he relentlessly bullies Greg, there's still that huge element of 'BUT I ALSO NEED YOU AS AN ALLY'.
He's giving Libra man
That's what I got from story as well. That Tom could have stayed super loyal to Shiv but the way she treated and manipulated him..well he then showed his true colors.
I like the actor, but Tom as character in the end...i neither like nor respect him.
That's why he became the winner. Ultimately he was the most benevolent and competent guy in waystar who wanted to change the company for the better without any ego
Yeah, he loves power, he loves money, he loves status, he knows that people are playing games and he doesn't shy from getting good cards on his hand, but he also seems to have a sense of loyalty and allegiance to whoever feeds him, not just in money and power, but in actual support. I think that's one element of why he stayed with Greg until the end, Greg's kinda like that, he's capable of playing cards and is even a little betraying but he's mostly aligned
What I admire about MacFadyen as a performing is that he had this career trajectory of being a handsome leading man type and totally went in the opposite direction
I think that career was on the wane with his age and instead he leaned into his natural comedic talent, starting with Quiz. He’s having much more fun now though he will always be my Mr Darcy.
Yes but he seems unable to hide that background, always standing out among a crowd even when he doesn't say anything
I don´t think he was ever a handsome leading man type. I found him quite an unexpeced Mr Darcy.
@@viktoriaberg8706 he was the best Mr.Darcy ever, though. So that means he is the type, he's just versatile enough to do a lot more.
@@viktoriaberg8706He lead the Spooks cast before playing Mr Darcy. The TDH leading man road was definitely an option for him but he likes to mix it up and he's pretty versatile as a result.
I absolutely adored his performance in Connor's Wedding. He was the stand-out to me in an episode of stand-outs. All I saw was my dad trying to be gentle over the phone telling me my grandfather had passed. It was some of the most realistic and human acting I've ever seen.
That episode stuck with me for several days after watching it. We the audience were just as shocked by the phone call as the Roy children. I felt like I was experiencing the news of Logan’s death the same way that his kids did.
Apparently the showrunners originally planned to not show Tom's face, just have his voice over the phone. But Matthew's performance was so good they decided to cut between him and the siblings.
“You should be careful, Tom. These people are coming down from molly, and their pupils, they’re dilated. And your shoes are like looking at the sun. They’re dangerous…”
You have thick earlobes!!!
@@laneythelame that sentence saved their marriage I think 😂
@@laneythelame "Barnacle meat." I'll never forget that line!
Colin Firth - who knows him well - apparently said that he could see nothing of MM in Tom Wamsgans. That’s a measure of how good his acting is.
I love every single second of Macfadyen's performances. He 100% understands and fully embodies that character. In very very similar ways like how Brian Cox performs Logan, the subtlety that isn't written on the page but is internalized by the actor. The great writting helps, of course, but the little things, how he tip toes around direct conflict and inflects his words almost whisper like lol, his stares, his non-aggressive stature like a teenager trying to be cool, how he can flip on a dime and be two different people depending on who he is around. He's awesome. Role of a lifetime. This is the definition of perfect casting.
You can really see the way Shiv infantilizes Tom when they talk about the prenup. He mentions needing to talk to his "lawyer," and Shiv immediately taunts him like he's a kid running to his mommy. It is such a contradiction and almost seems like projecting. The Roy kids cling to their father, yet it is viewed as a weakness when others do it.
I don't now quite exactly how to describe this, but Macfadyen is maybe the most convincing Brit playing an American I've ever seen.
The half-fake / half-genuine Midwest-nice he embodies. How his accent almost seems practiced; not like a Brit playing an American, but like someone from Minnesota trying to talk how they think a bunch of uppper-class New Yorkers would talk. Everything about Macfadyen's performance embodies a corny guy from St. Paul who probably grew up in a family that had matching Christmas pajamas desperately trying to fit in with the most high-powered vicious people in the United States.
Too many people make the mistake of going general when doing accents, but Macfadyen let the character and the situation he's in inform how he speaks, and it pays off beautifully.
I noticed that he tends to open his mouth much wider and emphasized syllables more when speaking American English then his regular British
"a corny guy from St. Paul who probably grew up in a family that had matching Christmas pajamas"
Hahhahahahaahhaah!!!
Brilliant.
Bravo. :)
As a Midwesterner in a big city, I agree! I also loved hearing an American accent called “posh.” :,D
Beautifully expressed, thank you.
As someone from New Zealand I have no concept of how American accents work so I often wondered how it comes across when someone plays a character that has an accent. Thank you for this explanation!
He is a brilliant actor. I had seen him in several British productions, Ripper Street esp good. He is getting attention in USA due to this role, but if you read about his background, studies, work in theater, & film, he's top notch. I was initially surprised to see him playing this part, as he's lead in most, but no doubt it was recogition of Matthew's acting that expanded the part. I was so pleased that he was awarded an Emmy, he's wonderful!
Its almost a lead role, I'd guess his screen time wouldn't be much less than Roman's for instance, if it is at all.
Never noticed that scene with shiv not touching anyone while entering her wedding while tom does. Great detail
Your channel might be called “Just an Observation”, but personally, I’m renaming it to “Truly Remarkable Observations”.
Exceptional essay, as always.
Thank you.
His scenes with Shiv, the ones where they're discussing seriously about their relationship are the ones that made me the most emotional in all of the show aside from maybe Connor's Wedding. The way he pours himself out to Shiv, where it seems like even when he's the "golddigger" he truly loved her, and how his heart breaks and he releases all the bottled up feelings of inferiority are really tough scenes for me to watch but I really loved them.
This has got to be one of my favorite videos ever. You encapsulate so perfectly how Matthew Macfadyen pulls off the show-stopping performance that is Tom Wambsgans. At the beginning of the video, you stated my thoughts exactly, I don't believe anyone else could have pulled off Tom like Macfadyen does, his performance is simply spectacular. He has easily made Tom my favorite character in Succession from all the mannerisms he incorporates into his performance. Thank you so much for putting into words why I enjoy his work as Tom so much.
Mark mylod about matthew- “[It’s] the most genius piece of casting that I can think of in recent history. He’s so incredibly unexpected.”
At this point I’m expecting the whole cast 😂
Why not? Everyone's great 😂
There will be one more
@@JustanObservation Nooo we need 2. One for Kendall and one for Roman 😢
@@JustanObservation I hope it's Carolina
@@JustanObservation I need Roman sir
Us Brits have watched his acting career for years - very accomplished actor on stage and TV.
It's quite ironic that he turned out to be the winner of the game of succession. I believe his "humanity" was his greatest asset, because he understood people and always bet on the right candidate. Very smart writing. He was often mocked for wearing his emotions on his sleeve by the roys
Tom is always worried about how his breath smells but still talks 5cm next to people's faces 😂
He says so much with his eyes. They always look so nervous and sad
There was a scene that logan goes nuts because of the urinal infection (or sth like that), people in there are very worried and karl comes and said 'he said theres a cat under my chair'. when karl said that everyone looked like 'omg i cant believe it' apart from tom, tom actually looked at the chair to check if theres a real cat. It is hard to saw tom's reaction in that scene but when i noticed it, i ripped my arse off laughing.
He's a masterclass in acting, a visceral realistic emotionally driven performance so realistic it never once felt like acting - great analysis!
Tom and Greg are one of the best tandems of the 21st century
I used to somewhat passively watch Succession but since watching your videos, I've become so much more aware of the acting and can appreciate the subtleties...cheers
It is SUCH a complex performance. It’s a delight to watch Matthew do it.
He has the most difficult, multilayered character to render and he does it to perfection! Every move, gesture and expression is conveyed naturally. He is truly one of a kind!
This one and the Shiv/Sarah vid absolutely blew my mind, revealing all this character 'meat' I've never even taken note of that makes me love the writing and performances all waaaay more. Top notch videos.
Tom is the character I wanna punch in the face, and then pull in for a big hug. What a great performance! Emmy well deserved ❤
I "discovered" Matthew Macfadyen in The Pillars of The Earth a number of years ago and he's been a favourite since. Such a brilliant actor.
For my money, the best actor in the show. And the best character!
Thinking about the succession without Tom is so much colder
Tom is the quintessence of snob. Placating, supplicating, and ingratiating to those above him. Disparaging, denigrating, and dismissive to those beneath him. True snobbery is so transparently self serving and heirarchically reinforcing as to be always entertaining.
I would kill to have your vocabulary :(
Matthew MacFadyen is nothing short of fantastic. The first time I saw him was as Darcy and I have been seeking him out ever since. The range of emotions in his face, his physicality, just love it. Very in the moment actor.
Tom is my favourite character because he actually feels the most genuine for how a person can be so disconcordant with who they are vs who they want to be. How much of our personal integrity are we willing to give up in return for what we want?
My mom never understands why Tom is my favorite character and this video will explain it to her perfectly!
I cant get enough of Tom, he became my favorite character as well. 😊
Always loved Matthews acting ever since he was in Spooks.
It's kind of weird how slimy he comes off but innocent as well.
Succession is a masterclass in screenwriting and ensemble cast with not a single down episode
So extremely insightful as always-thank you for making this!
Your Just An Observation was totally on point. Matthew is captivating on screen, in a role unlike any of his other work. His method of working is interesting, and makes him standout in his every scene. He well deserves all awards.
Something that struck me was the “We are listening” conversation with Greg. His response when he said “But I like we are listening” his disappointment really made me respect Matthews performance and made me chuckle as you could really see him processing the situation.
My jaw absolutely hit the floor when I realised he was the same guy from Spooks 20 years earlier. Outstanding accent change.
I’m very happy I was able to catch this video before the finale. Your insight about Tom’s physicality, how he has a proclivity to touch the things and people around was fantastic! Having that idea in my head as we see him for the last time in the finale was a huge boots. You really broadened my experience, thank you!
Man i can watch succession video essay’s endlessly
disagree on the name Tom Wambsgans being a rich guy name. That's the name a midwesterner from german peasant stock, which is perfect for a social striver like Tom.
HE’S BRITISH????
Tom is the Michael Scott of succession
Tom was my fav character, I mean, I was really rooting for him to be the CEO.😂😂😂😂
I love him most ardently
This guy never disappoints right? I love this series too much
"Confused C-3PO arms" is inspired.
Yet another masterful video.
He really is so good. Thank you for such a careful and cogent explication of how and why.
Such pathos.
I absolutely adore Tom and the way you explained how he wears his heart on his sleeve is so good! Loved this video so much and I hope we can watch your take on J Smith Cameron next, because I can't get enough of these videos!
Tom is usually very lighthearted, very easy-going, but then there are some moments where he just drops the act and gets serious, like after his meeting with Kendall in S3. Both sides of him are equally believable, and it makes what he will do next so hard to predict, brilliantly acted. Also idk if anyone else gets this vibe from Tom, but in some scenes with Greg he's very fucking intimidating 😅 which I think sort of shows how this lust for power corrupts someone who isn't born into it.
There's a scene which Tom talks to his Minnesotan parents on the phone, in a limo with Shiv sitting besides him. TOM SUDDENLY HAS A MN ACCENT!!!!!!!! Just when he spoke to his parents. I'm from MN and he NAILS IT.
Damn, these videos are so good.
As an american i can say that imop this is the best english actor playing an american ever.
This is such an insightful video essay! I agree that Matthew Macfadyen's portrayal of Tom Wambsgans is truly impressive and nuanced. It's fascinating to see how he uses different acting techniques compared to his costars and how he brings a unique perspective to the show. I always appreciate when actors are able to bring depth and complexity to their characters, and Macfadyen certainly does that with Tom. Great analysis!
I saw him first on ripper Street and then watched him on the Howard’s End mini series. I started watching Succession because he was on it. I knew he would be great.
I watched Succession specifically to watch him too.....He is such an amazing talent!
Me top. Tks matthew
First thank you for stating that he was Darcy. I have loved that portrayal and never realized that it was the same actor. Now I can’t believe I didn’t recognize him.
How this show cast everyone correctly.. even Colin
Yes to all this, but what i found most impressive was his accent choice. I could not believe he was English, not because how believable an American he is, but how specific and accurate his accent and affectations are. This is *exactly* how someone from an average, not-rich family and small-town America would sound if he was trying to fit in with the cosmopolitan ultrarich class in New York. I just think he so thoroughly nailed it. I can't really get past that for long enough to be so rightfully impressed by his physicality and everything else he does so convincingly.
I would add that his closeness and constant touching is also a way of asserting dominance and power. It makes people uncomfortable. Just like throwing stuff at Greg in a small room and then tackling him... He is a big guy (so is Greg!), and he uses his size to intimidate people and to aggressively assert dominance. It is artfully done, for sure.
I love how much i love all these performances. I don't have a favorite. That itself is a sign of an impressive show. It is destined to be a classic.
The Thieving Magpie in this is such a perfect move 👌🏼👌🏼
Tom was someone who I thought was truly pathetic at the beginning of this show but turned into the only character with some sense of good inside. The S3 finale was so satisfying.
Tom is an insecure, social-climbing, greedy man and a manipulative, cruel bully.
Every time I wanted to feel sorry for him, I remembered how he used his underlings at the office as footstools.
I think part of Shiv's inability to fully commit to him was rooted in her deep down knowledge that her husband married her for her money and her access to Logan's power.
Maaan when he said "He's not okay, no, he's not", was when I finally believed Logan was dead. Matthew really sells every single line of dialogue.
I would love to see you break down Greg and the dynamic between Tom and Greg
This is a beautiful essay. I love Tom and you explained it so well.
I want Matthew Macfadyen as 007.
ooooooh how the 4th season changed our man
If you want to see his expressiveness you must see the television version of Little Dorrit. He does a magnificent portrayal of the lead, Arthur Clennam
Series finale theory Greg takes over the company fires Tom and Tom has to start working at a California pizza kitchen and make Greg his Cajun chicken linguini just how he likes it.
The MVP of Succession
Facts
Shit, I do that with my voice too. I'm high pitched with my mom. But when I'm having transactional interactions in public spaces, my pitch drops. I hate that I can't control it.
Next time you chat with your mom, breathe deeply and slow down your speech. That can help you drop into your voice more.
Tom is my fav
Matthew MacFadyen is the most brilliant actor ever I have seen .. and in this video you do an excellent job of explaining just why this is true ..
Have been an ardent fan of this beautiful man since his early acting days .. all of the characteristics you mention are quite accurate.. he has always had the ability to totally immerse himself in the role he is playing .. and these little idiocrincracies are what makes you love him so ..
By not focusing on himself Matthew actually brings the attention of those who watch directly to himself .. like a tall awkward boy .. as you said ., you instinctively wish to protect him .. and yes to love him ..
A gentle sensitive child .. laughing to cover crying ., Matthew is somewhat an emotional sponge in reverse .. projecting his feelings rather than reining them in ..
Matthew MacFadyen has an amazing voice .. which he implements so masterfully .. and the stuttering and stammering that draws you even closer to him .. and enables him to make you love his character ., no matter how difficult that may seem to be ..
This video so perfectly portrayed this amazing actor .. quintessential .. enigmatic ., charismatic .. gentle .. unforgettable .. all of these words adequately apply .,
After watching this absolutely agree with the analysis you have given of Matthew MacFadyen ..yes he is definitely all of these things .,
However to me .. when i think of Matthew MacFadyen .. always I will think of him as Mr Darcy .. always I will remember the soft timbre of his wondrous voice saying .. I love you .. most ardently..
To me this gentle benevolent man will always be ,, most beautiful❣
Jen999💙
As a Brit im very proud of his performance - all through the seasons I had him as the most captivating character
To that I will add, also the funniest character by a mile
I hated Tom so much in S1 mostly because I couldn't figure out wtf this guy's deal was but then i realized that that's his whole thing and he's easily my fave next to Roman now
He knows he's the consort husband to the female heir to the throne. There's a twist on the traditional roles played by man and woman; man's supposed to have and display power, woman expected to obey and follow from the background. The dynamics here are opposite and that is a challenge to modern man manliness, who wanders lost and confused trying to find a place and respect. He's the husband of the potential Queen but is too grey to dream with the power of the King... However, he's too close to the Top to avoid feeling the gravitational attraction of Power. We feel sorry for him frequently but is also an opportunist ready to climb if he has to.
Tom wins it all. Mark my words.
I thought he was an American actor, maybe Canadian. I was shocked and impressed when I found out he is British. He nailed the accent and could have been from somewhere in the midwest.
Great video. It makes me very happy to see someone appreciate and understand his performace the way I do. Thanks
Succession has one of the best casts ever!!! Everyone delivers amazing performances.