So much has already happened in Season 4 of Succession alone that the show’s first season now feels like a distant memory.
But episode 7 came with one blast from the past in the form of political strategist and Shiv’s (Sarah Snook’s) former love interest Nate Sofrelli (Ashley Zukerman), who she had an affair with in Season 1 when they were working together alongside presidential candidate Gil Eavis (Eric Bogosian).
Three seasons later, Nate’s invited to Shiv’s pre-election party at the request of Kendall (Jeremy Strong) and Roman (Kieran Culkin), and invite him she does — but she’s clearly reluctant after the way things ended between Nate and her husband, Tom (Matthew Macfadyen).
So what exactly happens when Tom and Nate meet again in episode 7, and how does it tie back to their last meeting?
What happens between Tom and Nate in episode 7?
When Nate arrives at the party, looking a little awkward, Tom is there to (over)enthusiastically greet him with a glass of red wine.
Nate accepts the offer, but looks deeply uncomfortable.
“Won’t be long,” he says after their initial greeting. “Lot going on. Won’t drink too much of your wine.”
Tom, on a slightly manic charm offensive, reassures him that there’s plenty to go around. But you could cut the tension between them with a knife, and it all links back to their last meeting at Tom and Shiv’s wedding — where wine also played a part.
Credit: Colin Hutton/HBO
What happened between Tom and Nate back in Season 1?
There’s a reason their reunion is so uncomfortable. In Season 1, episode 10, Tom kicks Nate out of his wedding after learning that he’s been having an affair with Shiv. The exchange is memorable because it goes from over-friendly to passive-aggressive to outright aggressive in a manner of seconds.
“I’m so sorry, but there seems to be a little mix-up with your accommodation,” Tom begins. “I’m sorry but there’s nowhere for you to stay.”
“Put my fucking wine back.”
After Nate says he’ll figure something out, Tom advises him to leave, at which point Nate makes the terrible mistake of telling him to calm down. “We’re grown ups,” he says. “Shiv’s a grown up.” This clearly awakens Wambsgans’ inner monster.
“I think you need to go and fuck yourself, and if I ever see you in the same room as Shiv again, I will pay men to break your legs,” says Tom. “And if I got to jail — which I won’t — so be it.”
Moments later, Nate makes his second big mistake: Telling Tom he’ll leave just as soon as he finishes his drink.
“My mom and dad made a contribution to the wine, so I’d really rather you didn’t drink any more,” responds Tom, before grabbing a bottle from a nearby waiter and thrusting it into Nate’s hand. “Put it back. Nate. Put it back, Nate. Put my fucking wine back. Now. Put it the fuck back. There you go. Don’t make a fucking mess.”
Clearly, judging by Nate’s nervous half-joke about not drinking too much of Tom’s wine, that particular encounter is still fresh in his memory.
