Title: Kendall Roy's Catastrophic Ending: A Reflection on Succession's Try-Hard Jeremy Strong's portrayal of Kendall Roy in HBO's Succession has received critical acclaim. Yet, as Strong reflects on Kendall's "catastrophic" ending, he acknowledges the negative perception of Kendall as a "try-hard" character. But why is trying hard something to deride? Succession depicts the cutthroat world of corporate power struggles, where ambition and striving are prerequisites for success. Kendall's attempts to win his father's approval and secure his place in the family business are admirable, not laughable. This cultural dismissal of trying hard is not only unfair, but also detrimental to individual and societal progress. We need more Kendalls, individuals who are willing to put in the effort to achieve their goals, no matter the obstacles. Of course, Kendall's ending may not have been what anyone expected or hoped for. But perhaps it was a reminder that success is not always guaranteed, even for the most driven and ambitious among us. And that, too, is a valuable lesson. So let's celebrate Kendall Roy, the try-hard who challenged our perceptions and embodied the spirit of perseverance. Let's strive to be like him, to never stop trying, even in the face of failure. For it is through our relentless efforts that we achieve our greatest successes. Strong reflected on Kendall Roy's place in his life and in the culture. "Kendall is seen as a try-hard," he said. "I guess that's become something to judge or deride."
