Why did Kendall steal the batteries?

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Ah, Kendall Roy - the prodigal son of the Roy clan, and the metaphorical punching bag of HBO's hit series "Succession." A character so deeply entrenched in layers of privilege and power that he becomes a walking, talking embodiment of the phrase 'money can't buy happiness.' You see, in Season 2, our dear Kendall does something peculiar - he shoplifts a pack of batteries from a convenience store. I know what you're thinking - why would a billionaire's son, a corporate titan in his own right, steal something as mundane as a pack of batteries? Well, let's take a closer look, shall we?

I. Immediate Motivations for the Theft

Picture this: it's Season 2 of "Succession," and Kendall Roy is, for lack of a better term, a mess. He's a shell of the man he was in Season 1, when he had grand plans of a corporate coup, dreams of dethroning his father, Logan Roy, from the helm of the family's media conglomerate, Waystar Royco. Ah, those were the days! But, alas, a few missteps (like accidentally committing vehicular manslaughter while high as a kite) and Kendall's life took a nosedive faster than a bear market in a financial crisis​1​​2​.

And there's dear old dad, Logan, who comes to the rescue but not out of the goodness of his heart. Oh no, Logan Roy is not a man known for charity, especially when it comes to his own kin. In a move that would make Machiavelli himself blink, Logan saves Kendall from the legal ramifications of his actions, only to hold the incident over his head like the sword of Damocles. Suddenly, Kendall finds himself dancing to his father's tune, his every move dictated by the whims of the man he once sought to usurp​3​.

So, why does Kendall steal the batteries? Simple - it's an act of rebellion, a small, almost pathetic attempt to exert some semblance of control in a life that's spiraling out of his grasp. It's not about the batteries, per se. Kendall doesn't need them. He tosses them into the trash as soon as he's out of the store. It's about the act itself - a desperate grasp at self-determination, a tiny symbol of defiance against the oppressive control of his father​4​.

And let's not forget, Kendall is a Roy. He's part of a family that's so insulated by wealth and power that they're practically invincible. He can steal a pack of batteries and face zero consequences because, well, he's Kendall Roy. It's a perverse reminder of his privilege, a twisted security blanket that allows him to take reckless actions, knowing full well that he can always fall back on the cushion of his family's influence and wealth​5​.

So there you have it - Kendall Roy, the billionaire's son who shoplifts batteries. The act is small, almost insignificant in the grand scheme of things, but oh boy, does it speak volumes about the state of his life, his psyche, and the power dynamics in the Roy family. But hold on, we're just scratching the surface here. Stay tuned as we delve deeper into the psychological factors that led to this act, and why this seemingly trivial incident is crucial to understanding the narrative arc of "Succession."

III. The Psychological Factors Leading to the Theft

Okay, now we’re moving on to the fun part, the psychological factors. Kendall's theft of the batteries isn't just about the immediacy of control and privilege, it's also a manifestation of the deeper, darker turmoil brewing inside of him. Let's step back a bit. Kendall starts out as a rather smug character in Season 1, with a sense of entitlement so large it could give the moon a run for its money. He believes he's destined to take over his father's company and genuinely thinks he's better equipped to lead it into the future. A classic case of the younger generation itching to outpace their predecessors, right? But boy oh boy, does his arc take a turn for the worse​1​.

You see, Kendall is a deeply unhappy character. Yes, he's a billionaire with every privilege one could dream of, but is he content? Far from it. He's trapped in a toxic relationship with his father, wrestles with substance abuse, and harbors an intense guilt over his involvement in a fatal accident. He's like a protagonist in a Greek tragedy, except his fate isn't dictated by the gods but by his own father and the ruthless world of corporate power. His shoplifting is a cry for help, a desperate attempt to feel something other than the crushing weight of guilt and despair. It's Kendall trying to regain some semblance of control in a life spiraling out of control​2​​3​.

IV. The Importance of the Incident for the Series as a Whole

Now, you might think, "So what? A rich guy stole a pack of batteries. Big deal." But the thing is, in the context of "Succession," it is a big deal. The show is a masterclass in storytelling, where every action, no matter how small, carries a wealth of meaning. The incident signifies a pivotal moment in Kendall's character development and sets the tone for the rest of the season. In this single act, Kendall transforms from a blubbering loser with a rich dad that we can laugh at, into a robotic, suit-and-tie monster who's chopping off the livelihood of innocent people​4​.

His act of theft also makes a powerful statement about the series' broader themes. "Succession" is, at its core, a story about power - who has it, who wants it, and what they're willing to do to get it. In this world, characters feel good by taking from others and then avoiding any consequences, because of their immense power. The battery theft, in its small way, encapsulates these themes and underscores the moral decay that infuses the world of the Roys and their associates​5​.

So there you have it, ladies and gentlemen. The curious case of Kendall Roy and his stolen batteries. It's a small incident, sure, but it offers a profound window into the soul of a man who's grappling with guilt, power, and the intoxicating allure of privilege. In the grand tapestry of "Succession," the battery theft is a thread that ties together Kendall's internal struggles with the show's larger themes. It's a testament to the show's brilliance, really, that such a seemingly insignificant act can hold so much meaning.

But hey, that's "Succession" for you. A show where every move is a power play, every word is a loaded gun, and even a pack of stolen batteries can become a symbol of rebellion, privilege, and the corrosive influence of unchecked power. It's a wild ride, folks, and one can't help but strap in and enjoy the chaos.