Summary

• Tom Wambsgan's character in Succession is often the odd man out and the butt of jokes.
• Despite this, Tom becomes a dark horse and fights for the approval of the Roy family.
• His quotes take on a new meaning after he is chosen as the new CEO, showing his growth and ambition.

Tom Wambsgan quotes show what a strange place Matthe Macfadyen's character holds in the Succession cast. Between his deep-seated insecurities and incessant need to be a doormat to Logan and the entire Roy family, he's always saying the wrong thing at the wrong time. He's often the odd man out, and typically the butt of the jokes. Especially during Succession's first season, his character failed to impress or endear anyone.

However, as the series continues, Tom becomes a sort of dark horse. While his quotes are often strange, there's something irable about a man who continues fighting for the approval of this family. As the show proved throughout its five seasons, as much of an outsider as he seemed, Tom was the man handpicked to replace Logan as the new CEO, and he stands tall over the siblings as they just watch on. Whether talking to Shiv or her brothers, the Tom Wambsgan quotes take on a new meaning after this shocking narrative development.

12 "Are We Talking To Each Other On The Poop Deck Of A Majestic Schooner?"

Season 1, Episode 3

"Is The Salty Brine Stinging My Weather-Beaten Face?"

One of Tom's favorite pastimes is giving Greg a hard time. As Greg is the only family member below Tom in rank, Tom feels comfortable making fun of Greg in extreme ways. When Greg shows up wearing boat shoes on his first day of work, Tom immediately pounces. Reaching to mock his underling, Tom paints a nautical word picture so random and offbeat, that even Greg looks lost for words. Then the camera pans down and Tom alleviates the confusion by pointing out Greg's questionable choice of footwear.

11 "Aw, Shiv, Honey Badger. God, I Want To Dock Myself Inside You So Much Right Now."

Season 1, Episode 8

Without a doubt, Tom's madly in love with Shiv. Unfortunately, there's a significant imbalance in their loyalty to each other. Even on Tom's bachelor night, he gets on the phone with Shiv to brief her on the shenanigans that could happen, reminding her he doesn't want anyone else. Shiv can't brush his concerns off fast enough, so she can return to mingling with Nate, but Tom is oblivious to her indifference. Ending the conversation with a very Tom-like quote, Shiv's nauseated by his weird display of affection.

10 "I've Just Picked Up A Bag. I'm Carrying A Case On My Wedding Eve."

Season 1, Episode 9

Regardless of the Roy family's lack of respect for Tom, he still revels in the benefits he gains from being associated with them. Even though he already comes from a wealthy family, the Roys are worlds away. Since ing the Roy clan, he's gotten used to the privileges and entitlements of their lavish lifestyle. When a bus drops his family off a few feet from the wedding venue entrance, he doesn't hesitate to voice disappointment. He is forced to strain to carry a suitcase on the night of his wedding.

9 "If I'm The King And You're The Queen, Maybe It's Fine To F--- The Odd Peasant."

Season 2, Episode 2

When Shiv proposes a non-monogamous marriage after they marry, Tom has a difficult time. As a traditional guy with a conventional view of marriage, the only way he can process non-monogamy is by seeing it on his . This means he is at the top, ruling over any potential newcomers. Tom's so fearful of losing Shiv and the privilege that comes with being her partner that he's willing to agree to any of her , even if it means giving up his self-respect. This is arguably the character's worst trait.

8 "This Is Like The VIP Area Right Here. Right? It Should Be, Like, Cordoned Off With A Velvet Rope, A Bit Of VIP Bondage."

Season 2, Episode 8

When Shiv advises Tom to engage in some "dirty flirty" with Rhea to make Logan jealous, he does as he's told. Initially, he's hesitant to make his big boss jealous, but he's willing to do anything for his wife. Tom weasels his way into conversation with Roman and Rhea the only way he knows how: by making jokes. As usual, Tom goes too far, wrapping up this already inane quote with a non sequitur ode to BDSM. Though Tom's attempt at wit makes Roman roll his eyes, he successfully makes Rhea laugh.

7 "I Do, But I Do Maybe Also Demand To Gobble The Odd Side D---."

Season 2, Episode 10

During the season 2 finale, "This Is Not for Tears," Tom confronts Shiv for dropping the wedding night bomb of non-monogamy. At the time, he had brushed off her comment, acting unaffected. However, as the two relax on the beach in silence, Tom's thoughts are racing. He its he's unhappy in their marriage and doesn't appreciate her mentioning her desire for an open marriage hours after they tied the knot. While this confrontation is out of character, the way he defines the rules of polyamory is purely Tom.

6 "We're Like A Sorority House. We're In Sync. I'm Just Vibing To Your Sexy Window."

Season 3, Episode 5

During the cruise scandal, Tom had already accepted his fate. He mentally prepares himself for a short stint in prison, fearing the food and accommodations less than the idea of Shiv leaving him. Instead of directly confronting Shiv about his trepidation, he comes up with a scheme to impregnate her. When she catches onto his motivations, he dismisses them, saying he simply doesn't want her to be lonely while he's gone. Not only is his solution creepy and questionable but so is his phrasing.

5 "I've Got A D--- The Size Of A Red Sequoia, And I F--- Like A Bullet Train."

Season 3, Episode 7

Many of the best Tom Succession quotes come from conversations with Greg, and the entire exchange between Greg and Tom during Kendall's birthday bash is a dance. The clever banter between the two is the foundation of their chemistry. When Tom teases Greg about Greg's crush on Comfry, Greg asks Tom how he landed Shiv. Tom is used to people saying he's beneath Shiv. Here, Tom throws back a ridiculous response. He's so used to being low-status that he overcompensates to an absurd degree when talking to Greg, and this quote is one of the purest examples of that dynamic.

4 "She’s Brought A Ludicrously Capacious Handbag."

Season 4, Episode 1

One of the best of the Tom Wambsgans quotes came in the final season when he is talking to Greg about the date that he brought to Logan's birthday party. Tom is taken aback and is aghast at the fact that Greg's date has such a monstrous handbag. He looks at Greg and starts listing off everything he can think of that a bag that big could be used for. After he goes through items like shoes, her lunch, and camping supplies, he hits it out of the park with his last guess. As Tom says, it is big enough for a bank robbery.

3 "Look At You All Gussied Up, You Slick Little F---."

Season 4, Episode 1

When Greg arrives at Kendall's party suited up, Tom is impressed. With both of the men riding high on the fact that they haven't landed in prison as a result of the cruise scandal, Tom lets his guard down and gives Greg one of his first genuine compliments. Of course, Tom is incapable of using normal language, even when he's being sincere. Thus, he expresses his approval of Greg in the most Tom way possible, artlessly combining slang and profanity.