In Season 1, Shiv works in politics while Tom acts as her mole inside Waystar Royco, her family’s company. When Shiv enters the business as a prospective CEO, their interests start to clash. Sarah Snook sees this as a major challenge for their relationship in the later seasons. Tom was meant to be the one “inside the business” and on the path to CEO-ship, Snook explained to THR. “They’re planners, and they’ve had their 10-year plan corrupted by Shiv being offered the CEO-ship.” A wrench in their plans made for a wrench in their dynamic as well, prompting Tom to make major grabs for power behind Shiv’s back.

Despite betraying one another in actions, Shiv and Tom continually reaffirm their commitment to one another in words. Snook finds these moments where Tom and Shiv are dishonest with each other to be “funnier” than scenes with direct insults. The couple thrives in a “grey” area of communication and decision-making, “rather than in the black and white [of] yes, Shiv and Tom are united, they’re going to do this.” This lays the foundation for emotionally potent scenes like the finale of Season 3.