How Does Jesse Armstrong Follow the Success of "Succession"?
How do you even begin to follow a triumph like “Succession”? Such an endeavor is a Herculean task reserved for only a select few creators. Most attempt to replicate that success inevitably find themselves floundering. For every iconic series like “Better Call Saul,” there are numerous misfires — think “The Romanoffs.” Sometimes, the most prudent choice seems to be to pull a David Chase or Jerry Seinfeld and simply not try at all.
Creating a television show that not only captures the zeitgeist but also resonates deeply with audiences demands immense talent and resources. On top of that, creators must also capture lightning in a bottle.
Armstrong’s New Venture: “Mountainhead”
As Jesse Armstrong’s first project following “Succession,” “Mountainhead” carries an impossible weight of expectation. Viewers globally will await its debut on HBO this weekend, wondering if it can truly measure up. Unfortunately, it misses the mark in a way that feels almost fated. Though the production quality is undoubtedly high, bolstered by an A-list cast, it lacks the magic and the cultural potency so deftly woven into Armstrong’s previous work.
The eerie correlations to “Succession” begin the moment it opens. From private jets to shimmering black SUVs, and lavish feasts set by unseen staff — these visual cues echo familiar landscapes from the royal saga of media moguls. Even a fleeting glance at a Fox News chyron may induce a second take to confirm you’re not watching ATN.
A Plot Ripped from the Headlines
The premise of “Mountainhead” feels as if it were extracted directly from a hypothetical “Succession” Season 5. Four billionaire male buddies, embroiled in their trivial games, congregate for their annual poker retreat in an opulent snowy retreat. Meanwhile, chaos unfolds outside — a world destabilized largely due to their tech companies’ dealings.
At the heart of it is Venis (played by Cory Michael Smith), an archtype of the Zuckerberg-esque mogul, who has just unleashed a new generative AI model. This creation can produce deepfake images and videos with alarming accuracy, leading to socio-political unrest as distorted footage fuels riots worldwide.
The Game of Poker and Power
The only possible solution to the chaos lies with Venis’ poker companion, Jeff (played by Ramy Youseff). Jeff possesses a groundbreaking AI model, effective in distinguishing deepfakes from reality. However, their game operates under a rigid set of rules: "No Deals, No Meals, and No High Heels." No business discussions, no external distractions, and females are not welcome. Yet, Venis can’t shake the desire for a lucrative merger with Jeff’s promising technology.
Tensions Mount Amid Riches
As events unfold, tension escalates among the group, particularly with Randal (played by Steve Carell), the elder statesman battling terminal cancer. With no hope for recovery, his desperation pushes him to align his fate with the rapidly evolving technology and the prospect of uploading consciousness to the cloud.
The tales of these four billionaires reveal a profound absurdity; their trivial games occur against a backdrop of global crisis. Souper (portrayed by Jason Schwartzman), the outlier among the group, grapples with his insecurity as he tries to validate his worth by hosting this extravagant getaway.
The Inherent Flaws of “Mountainhead”
“Mountainhead” is undoubtedly a compelling extension of themes Armstrong previously explored in “Succession.” However, it falls short because it lacks a crucial element — the ability to make us care about its characters. The allure of the Roy siblings lay in their compelling backstories, enriching their narcissism with humor, making them oddly relatable.
In stark contrast, the poker friends here are crude and callous, devoid of nuance or depth, making it nearly impossible for audiences to root for any of them. While they may unwittingly reflect how many tech billionaires truly behave behind closed doors, that insight strips them of their entertainment value.
A Series of Unfortunate Events
Set against a bleaker landscape, "Mountainhead" navigates a world where the malevolent veneer of tech executives is laid bare. They contemplate tyrannical uses of social media and AI that could topple democracies while operating just beyond the fringes of morality. Unlike “Succession,” which thrived on delusional antics within a moral gray area, “Mountainhead” embodies a darker intent — one of active malevolence.
Despite its myriad faults, including convoluted plot twists that fizzle out conveniently, “Mountainhead” leaves us hopeful for whatever Armstrong tackles next. This one-off HBO movie allows him to transition from the insurmountable expectations set by “Succession” and venture into new narrative territories.
Perhaps Armstrong’s next project will see him embark on an entirely different direction, casting aside the comparisons that seem to haunt “Mountainhead.”
Final Assessment
Grade: C+
“Mountainhead” premieres on Saturday, May 31 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and will stream on HBO Max.
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