Tom Vs Shiv Who Would Be A Better Parent? Analyzing Succession's Characters

Choosing between Tom Wambsgans and Shiv Roy as the more caring and warmer parent is a complex task, fraught with the intricate layers of their personalities and past experiences. Both characters, shaped by the tumultuous dynamics of the Roy family in the critically acclaimed series Succession, present a fascinating study in contrasts when considering their potential parenting styles. While neither is a paragon of parental warmth, a closer examination reveals subtle nuances that might make one a slightly better, though still imperfect, choice than the other. This exploration requires delving into their individual traits, their interactions with children (or lack thereof), and their underlying motivations, all set against the backdrop of the Roy family's legacy of emotional dysfunction.

Delving into Tom's Potential as a Parent

Tom Wambsgans, a character often perceived as ambitious and insecure, paradoxically possesses a capacity for empathy and genuine connection that Shiv sometimes lacks. His eagerness to please and his desire for validation, while often manifested in awkward and even cringe-worthy ways, stem from a deep-seated longing for love and acceptance. This inherent need for connection, though often misdirected, could potentially translate into a more nurturing parenting style. Consider his interactions with Greg Hirsch, his often-abused but ultimately cherished protégé. While their relationship is fraught with power imbalances and comedic cruelty, there are moments of genuine affection and even protectiveness on Tom's part. He takes Greg under his wing, albeit in a twisted fashion, and guides him through the treacherous waters of Waystar RoyCo, demonstrating a willingness to mentor and care for someone, even if his methods are unconventional. This capacity for mentorship, however flawed, suggests a potential for positive influence in a parental role.

Furthermore, Tom's emotional vulnerability, which is frequently on display throughout the series, could make him a more attuned and responsive parent. Unlike the emotionally guarded Shiv, Tom is not afraid to express his feelings, even if those feelings are often laced with anxiety and insecurity. This openness, while sometimes perceived as a weakness, could allow him to connect with his child on a deeper emotional level. He might be more likely to empathize with their struggles, validate their feelings, and provide the emotional support that Shiv, with her carefully constructed facade of invulnerability, might struggle to offer. His desperate attempts to please Shiv, while often pathetic, also reveal a willingness to prioritize the needs and desires of others, a trait that is essential for effective parenting.

However, it's crucial to acknowledge Tom's significant shortcomings as a potential parent. His ambition and his desire for power, while not inherently negative, can often overshadow his empathy and lead him to prioritize his own advancement over the needs of others. His involvement in the cruise scandal and his willingness to sacrifice others to protect himself demonstrate a capacity for ruthlessness that could have detrimental consequences for his children. Furthermore, his own emotional baggage, stemming from his insecure upbringing and his complex relationship with his own family, could hinder his ability to provide a stable and emotionally secure environment for his children. He needs constant reassurance and validation, which could lead him to inadvertently place his own emotional needs onto his children, potentially burdening them with the responsibility of managing his insecurities.

Scrutinizing Shiv's Parental Prospects

Shiv Roy, a formidable and fiercely intelligent character, presents a stark contrast to Tom in her approach to relationships and emotions. Her upbringing within the Roy family, marked by emotional neglect and a constant struggle for her father's approval, has shaped her into a highly independent and emotionally guarded individual. While she possesses many admirable qualities, such as her intelligence, her ambition, and her strategic thinking, these traits are often tempered by a deep-seated fear of vulnerability and a tendency to prioritize her own self-interest above the needs of others. This emotional detachment, while serving her well in the cutthroat world of corporate politics, could prove to be a significant obstacle in her ability to form a warm and nurturing parental bond.

Shiv's ambition and her unwavering focus on her career could also detract from her ability to be a present and engaged parent. Her constant pursuit of power and her willingness to make sacrifices to achieve her goals suggest that she might struggle to balance the demands of parenthood with her professional aspirations. The Roy family legacy is one of prioritizing business over family, and Shiv, despite her initial attempts to distance herself from her father's empire, ultimately succumbs to the allure of power and control. This ingrained drive for success could lead her to delegate the responsibilities of childcare to others, potentially missing out on crucial bonding opportunities and leaving her child feeling emotionally neglected.

However, it's important to acknowledge that Shiv possesses certain qualities that could make her a capable, if not necessarily warm, parent. Her intelligence and her strategic thinking could enable her to provide a stimulating and intellectually enriching environment for her child. She is fiercely protective of those she cares about, albeit in her own twisted way, and she is not afraid to fight for what she believes in. This protectiveness, while often manifested in controlling behavior, could extend to her children, ensuring their safety and well-being. Furthermore, her own experiences with emotional neglect could make her more aware of the potential pitfalls of inadequate parenting, potentially motivating her to provide her child with the emotional support that she herself lacked.

The Verdict: A Matter of Degrees

In conclusion, determining whether Tom or Shiv would be the more caring and warmer parent is a complex and ultimately subjective exercise. Both characters are deeply flawed individuals, shaped by the toxic dynamics of the Roy family and their own personal demons. While neither is likely to win any parenting awards, Tom, with his underlying empathy and emotional vulnerability, arguably possesses a slight edge over Shiv. His desire for connection and his willingness to express his emotions, however awkwardly, suggest a greater capacity for warmth and nurturing. However, his own insecurities and his ambition could detract from his ability to provide a stable and emotionally secure environment.

Shiv, on the other hand, while intelligent and fiercely protective, is often emotionally detached and prone to prioritizing her own self-interest. Her ambition and her fear of vulnerability could hinder her ability to form a warm and nurturing parental bond. Ultimately, the best-case scenario for any child of Tom and Shiv would likely involve significant intervention from a caring and stable caregiver, such as a nanny or a family member, who could provide the emotional support and stability that both parents struggle to offer. The question of who would be the better parent is not a matter of black and white, but rather a nuanced exploration of two deeply complex characters, both grappling with their own emotional baggage and the legacy of their dysfunctional family.