So much has happened in season 4 of Succession it’s just that the show’s first season now feels like a distant memory.
But episode 7 arrived with a blast from the past in the form of Shiv’s (Sarah Snook) political strategist and former love interest, Nate Sofrelli (Ashley Zukerman), with whom she had an affair in season 1 when they were working together alongside the presidential candidate. Gil. Eavis (Eric Bogosian).
Three seasons later, Nate is invited to Shiv’s pre-election party at the request of Kendall (Jeremy Strong) and Roman (Kieran Culkin), and she invites him, but is 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 in to their last meeting?
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What happens between Tom and Nate in episode 7?
When Nate arrives at the party, looking a little awkward, Tom is there to greet him (overly) enthusiastically with a glass of red wine.
Nate accepts the offer, but seems deeply uncomfortable.
“It won’t be long,” he says after his initial greeting. Lots of things are happening. I will not drink too much of your wine.
Tom, in a slightly manic charm offensive, assures her that there is plenty to go around. But you could cut the tension between them with a knife, and it all ties back to their last meeting at Tom and Shiv’s wedding, where wine also played a part.
Tom and Nate’s last meeting was on Shiv and Tom’s wedding day.
Credit: Colin Hutton/HBO
What happened between Tom and Nate in season 1?
There’s a reason your meeting is so awkward. In season 1, episode 10, Tom kicks Nate out of his wedding after learning that he has been having an affair with Shiv. The exchange is memorable because it goes from overly friendly to passive-aggressive to total aggressive in the form of seconds.
“I’m so sorry, but there seems to be a bit of a mix up with your accommodation,” Tom begins. “I’m sorry, but there’s nowhere for you to stay.”
“Put my damn wine back.”
After Nate says he’ll figure something out, Tom advises him to go away, at which point Nate makes the terrible mistake of telling him to calm down. “We are adults,” he says. Shiv is an adult. This clearly awakens the Wambsgans’ inner monster.
“I think you have to go and Shit yourself, and if I ever see you in the same room as Shiv again, I will pay the men break your legs,” says Tom. “And if I go to jail… which i won’t do – so be it.”
Moments later, Nate makes his second big mistake: telling Tom he’s leaving as soon as he finishes his drink.
“My mom and dad made a contribution wine, so I’d really rather you didn’t drink any more,” Tom replies, before taking a bottle from a nearby waiter and handing it to Nate. “Put it back. nate. Give it back, Nate. Give back my fucking wine. Now. Put it 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.
Season 4 of Succession now streaming on HBO Max. (opens in a new tab)
