TV has a new species of father: "TV Power Dad"

GQ

"The two most prominent examples of TV Power Dads on television right now are Chuck Rhoades Sr. on Billions—a well-connected real estate mogul and businessman who has major political dreams for his son—and Logan Roy—the ornery media tycoon who’s sired many a failson—on Succession," says Gabriella Paiella. "(Is there anything more powerful than making your family members and business associates, without much argument, pretend to be little piggies?) Franklin Reinhardt is a slightly softer version, perhaps because you can tell he actually loves his daughter. They differ from the traditional prestige television father because, for starters, they have broader influence. Tony Soprano, Don Draper, and Walter White hold sway over their individual fiefdoms, but the TV Power Dad has much more widespread authority. They are likely blue bloods who were born into the halls of power, but even if they are self-made (Logan Roy came from humble beginnings in Scotland, for instance), they feel completely comfortable with and entitled about their status, with no inner turmoil about whether they belong where they are. We’ve been seeing more of him now because dark, moneyed dramas have become increasingly popular entertainment. Not coincidentally, this is occurring as the wealth gap between the 1% and the rest of us grows—and who better to represent the specter of wealth? The TV Power Dad’s reign won’t last long. He’s nearing death, and he can’t count on his offspring to succeed him in the way that he wants. This only stokes his fears that his entire way of life will gradually fall out of favor. But as long as he’s here, he’s still in charge."