The Ending of Succession

Succession Season 4 Episode 10 Recap and Ending Explained (The Succession Season 4 Finale)
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#succession
0:00 Tom
0:58 Greg
2:31 Shiv
3:54 Roman
5:16 Kendal

[@98bocinas]

i apologize if my bell summoned you

[@bridge4]

LOL i know right!? im not a fan of comedies at allllll because they tend to be too over the top, but i loooooove the comedy in Succession and some other dramas. that line was great!

[@vikingthedude]

If it is to be said, then so it be, so it is

[@mikerzisu9508]

​@@vikingthedude are you alright?

[@aimansirkhot3822]

Loved the foreshadowing when Rome and shiv playfully discuss about murdering Ken. They actually did kill him

[@Jamietheroadrunner]

Figuratively 😆 His dad was right about him, Ken doesn’t have what it takes

[@aligalarpe]

it becomes evident that the ultimate victor is Matsson, whose manipulative tactics and cunning strategies position him as the master puppeteer. While Tom secures a prestigious position, it is a hollow victory, as he finds himself trapped in a vegetative state, devoid of control or power, just as he and Matsson had discussed. Matsson's true intentions are unveiled: he seeks a submissive puppet to do his bidding. Tom's subordinates will never hold him in the same esteem and fear as they did Logan, while Shiv, despite her claims of female leadership, proves to be a perpetually spoiled individual reliant on powerful men for support, mirroring her relationship with her father and now her husband

[@CarmenRosaMarisolZoila]

Shiv took women back 100 years

[@rexsmith9074]

@@CarmenRosaMarisolZoila Correct take. Her decision was ridiculous and dumb and reductive and about a thousand other things.

[@nont18411]

Nah, Matsson’s true intention is fucking Shiv.

[@adoniscreed4031]

Yeah Shiv finally accepted Tom once he became a puppet version of her dad... its pretty Oedipal/Elektral 😂

[@susanv7415]

​@@rexsmith9074 anytime one makes decisions from a point of rage, the consequences are bound to be dreadful. She was the little girl standing in front of Daddy...to the bitter end.

[@colbycheese710]

Ken’s speech at the end right before blowing up, saying that he is a “cog in the machine” was him saying “please, this job and becoming CEO is all I have to live for.” The tragedy in that has kept me thinking about this scene all day long. Incredible acting. Tom being a puppet means that the Roy’s have truly lost Waystar, but, that may be the best thing for each of them in the end. Roman can start to heal and possibly accept others intimately, as the scene closes on him at a bar. Shiv can continue to live in someone’s shadow, Tom’s, while plotting her next steps - or run things in the background politically as she has done all her adult career life. But Kendall - these pivotal moments in his life will be the anchor that he either bounces back from or sinks with - and unfortunately I think it may be the latter. He more then likely follows in his fathers footsteps, but, maybe losing sight of the company allows him to connect with his kids - to start to heal himself from his addictions, his primary addiction being power and the chase to CEO. Overall this show is written, acted, and filmed beautifully. I’m excited to go back for a second watch knowing the twists we know. Roman, being the jester he is, truly boils the whole series down to his “it’s all bs speech” in the final moments during the boardroom scene. Everything moves on, eventually. Excellent breakdown, thanks for a wonderful vid! I’ve been thinking about this show all day, it’s one that truly has a grip on you even after it’s over. We are all little bits of the Roy’s in our own personal lives.

[@ryanbradshaw3813]

You’re also missing that for Shiv it’s the worst outcome because she becomes exactly what she despised. A woman stuck in a marriage to a powerful man with no love between them. Just like her mom and Logan. She’s doomed to be exactly what she didn’t want.

[@BigGov74]

ye i lowkey thought wed see him kill himself at the end just jump and drown in the ocean

[@LL-hc3zm]

Ken didn't kill anybody and the fact they made that nothingburger mean something was infuriating.

[@naheemquattlebaum2267]

I think Ken will bounce back because he's thankfully too much of a coward to take it that far but he loves a good comeback as demonstrated in earlier seasons.

[@jenanne31]

Yes, there's a strong hint that Kendall will take his life, or at the least go back to the drugs.

[@TSLR2323]

I appreciated you noting Roman’s mixed feelings as I think many people missed that his wry smile faded quickly. Thanks for a great review!

[@bash547]

Roman’s gonna be… Home Alone 😱

[@moonchiId.]

i am confused with some ppl thinking he had a happy "ending" hahaha

[@jacobcrsn]

@@moonchiId. Roman being the most mentally unhinged. The moment he realizes he had a part to do with Kendall’s downfall and every time he turns on the tv and sees atn or anything related to waystar he’ll become a mess. How long do you think he lasts with no daddy brother or sister to run to

[@jeviosoorishas181]

I've been thinking, going all the way back to season 1, the only person who has been most adamant about Kendall not being in charge was Shiv, and yet, over and over again, she never can give a really good business reason for it. The best example I can think of how badly she doesn't want Kendall to win, is when in S2E1 when Logan is trying to sell her the CEO gig and he tells her that if she doesn't take it, he's either going to sell or have to give it to Kendall and she basically threatens to "kill" him or just sell all her shares if Kendall becomes CEO. Yet, people far more qualified to make such a decision like Gerri, Frank, hell even Rhea who helped build up the Pearce empire, said it or have at least alluded to the fact that is was always meant to be Kendall. But when Kendall brings up the fact that he was groomed to be in charge since he was 7, sacrificing a good chunk of his humanity to become the successor, it makes sense...he sees this as a curse, yet Shiv in particular sees this as unfair advantage he got because of his accidental birth order and him being a male. Shiv believes had she been given the "opportunity" that Kendall had, she would have been the one, and that's ultimately why she can't bare to let him win, even when she can't come with a good reason why he shouldn't.

[@colbycheese710]

I think one huge reason is that every time Shiv has seen Kendall rise to power either as acting CEO, temp CEO, or in a position of power over her, he has always overlooked her and Roman, with Roman Kendall is able to manipulate and Roman is impressionable due to the same melding his father had done to him. Shiv on the other hand, was never easily manipulated and always saw the bigger picture. Rewatching the scene where she changes her mind, I believe the only reason she changed her mind was because when he is speaking about the acquisition of the deal with Mattson, Ken states that it was thanks to Roman and himself, without realizing that Shiv truly closed the deal in the end and without Mattson’s secret late night meeting with her at the retreat Mattson/Shiv would have never gotten together to work out the rest of the deals terms. Ultimately, Shiv wants what benefits her and I think she saw that Kendall being CEO had no benefit to her and watching him break down was the icing on top of her cake. It’s funny how each of their names are their identities in the last scene. Shiv with the final betrayal (shivving Kendall), Roman / Romulus in ancient Roman history, King Romulus kills his brother Remus when Remus tries to show how inadequate the Roman kingdom walls are against foreign invaders - Similar to Kendall trying to shut down the foreign Mattson deal, Romulus strikes Remus dead as Roman shuts Kendall down with the comment about Ken’s children. Kendall fully embodies the killer, but not the killer that Logan had always wanted him to be, but a true killer, with the murder of the boy at the pool party being Ken’s Achilles heel in his final shot of taking over the company. So much subtext in that final scene - Shiv truly never wanted it to be Kendall, you’re right. But there has been some subtext as to why - even in the 1st and 2nd episode of the series she states she doesn’t think that Ken should run the company due to his past with substances and sees the way that he prioritizes the company over his father’s health with the hospital scenes. However, it all boils down to her selfish want to be CEO and not caring who she brings down with her once she realizes it’ll never be in her grasp. Truly a tragedy. Thanks for your comment, it helped me break down a lot of my own thoughts post series finale

[@stephyworld8713]

Logan literally changed his Will to make sure Kendall didn't inherit Waystar but.. must be Shiv's fault too 🥴

[@widowswail888]

⁠@@colbycheese710 thank you for this analysis, I fully agree with you. I’m so irked with people solely blaming one sibling over the other without reading all the subtexts that have been given throughout the series. It’s like we haven’t watched the same show or something.

[@chanellover4491]

​​@@colbycheese710Shiv was so easy to be manipulated. She got played by her dad, Rhea then by Matsson. She's so overconfident, believing she will get the job, despite having zero experience running a company. Let's face it, she just couldn't stand Kendall or anyone winning because she's selfish. Being a wife of a CEO gives her a better position than being #3 if Kendall wins.

[@nymuelovan]

@@colbycheese710 bingo.

[@mr.giray9]

I see many comments, complaining about the ending and how it was unsatisfying. I was incredibly heartbroken as well, believe me. However, you have to admit it, there is also beauty in a hard-hitting, gut-wrenching, poetic tragedy. Please try to approach it as real life, people don’t always get what they deserve, and you shouldn’t be angry that things didn’t go as planned and that your favorite character lost. I believe that the episode was a masterpiece, especially the scores. It was a wonderful journey.

[@PhilipJackson03]

I think it was a VERY potent thing that Tom didn’t clasp Shiv’s hand. If you notice the man basically needs to be touching something at all times to feel comfortable in his surroundings. The fact he didn’t feel the need to hold Shiv’s hand shows that their relationship will forever be a toxic one.

[@hajarelidrissi619]

He bascically sells his wife to Lukas 🙃 Tom is just a poupette of Lukas Mattsson

[@jacobcrsn]

@@hajarelidrissi619 shiv ain’t a wife

[@GinaMaher_]

@@robyee3325 you mean for her to submit to him? - cause thats how i read it, basically a kiss the ring moment like yeah we're together if you're with/under me.

[@chanellover4491]

He didn't clasp her hand because whatever feeling he has for her, especially love, has dissipated. He put out his hand only because he's grateful Shiv vote to sell earlier.

[@GinaMaher_]

@@chanellover4491 I don't even think hes grateful for the vote since he knows her and knows she voted against kendal, not for him. I think he's mainly just gonna keep for her optics - happily married man to a roy kid, with a kid on the way etc... but agree that I don't think he loves her anymore and think their marriage is gonna be him making her pay for making him feel small for most of their marriage.

[@CaffeineAndMylanta]

Kendall: all filler, no killer Roman: shockingly self-aware Shiv: shockingly self-destructive Tom: here to serve Mattson: biggest dick in the room Greg: beta Sporus energy Conner: still interested in politics Peter: angry about his cheese All joking aside, great analysis. You were spot on. This truly is a tragedy. The three main siblings truly lose. Shiv wanted to have a seat at the table like all the men in her life, and at the end she’s just another trivial wife standing behind the male CEO. Roman just wanted to be taken seriously and have a human connection, but he’s a laughingstock and his relationship with Gerri and his siblings is now irreparable. Kendall wanted to prove he was as good a businessman as his father and a better person, but he fucked it all up every step of the way, losing his the company, his siblings, his kids and even Jess. In a way I think Tom and Greg are the worst. Unlike the others they weren’t born into this, they don’t have all the trauma and daddy issues. They just like money and nice things, and they don’t care about all the horrible shit they enable or how pathetic and servile they have to act.

[@CaffeineAndMylanta]

@@robyee3325 the top part yes, the rest no. But thanks for reading my comments.

[@cherryblossom7436]

Tom and Greg "winning" really shows how capitalism is. They get to that place being obedient little rats and Greg losing all senses of ethics.

[@sampaio]

Now that I've finished watching bridge's take on the final episode, I feel like it is truly over.

[@bridge4]

ahhh, come on now. that made me smile, but its too much lol. thank you tho for that =))

[@alannahprestaynofbraavos5759]

Agreed @samp. I was waiting for this for the real closure. 🙂

[@oseneva]

So accurate, me too

[@adoniscreed4031]

Yeah me too, it became part of my watching routine this season 😂

[@cccheckmate]

You fully predicted the ending! Insane!

[@bridge4]

not fully. i was pretty far off in detail. just got the Tom bit. but it was fun this season chatting with yall. thank you for that!

[@alanmofticomposer]

To be fair, I don’t think the ending is anything but fairly predictable. It’s just the way they executed it that was smart. The “everybody loses” dark ending/plot twist is more popular than the happy ending nowadays in these sorts of shows lol.

[@jgontko23]

​@Alan Mofti it's not even about what's popular nowadays as much as for this show it wouldn't make sense for the kids to win.

[@squrler]

In the beginning of the episode in Barbados I suspected Roman might have reached some sort of enlightenment about the company and their role in it (“it’s bullshit”, “it doesn’t matter”) but then in the final confrontation with Kendal he said some of the meanest most vile things ever. As Mark Mylod said, the biggest tragedy is the hope being built up, followed by the disappointment of their true characters coming through. Amazing writing, amazing show.

[@mohamedrashad5934]

Succession ending was a tragedy. I’m sad as the Roy kids relation is damaged forever like Logan and Ewan. Kendall was my favorite one, I always felt there is part of him in me and seeing him losing again makes me depressed. Despite the grief,Succession goes to be one if not the best shows ever.

[@polarbear4612]

Tragedy? There all horrible horrible people who walk away with billion$ and billion$. The tragedy is that they live.

[@manfredbrealederer]

@@polarbear4612 you think they shouldn’t live?

[@puffmoneyo3590]

@@polarbear4612 That’s kinda crazy

[@jacobcrsn]

They’re worse than Logan and Ewan. As much as Ewan hated Logan he never fucked him over like these siblings have multiple times

[@mohamedrashad5934]

@@polarbear4612 doesn’t matter it was never about the money for any of them, what ever the way waystar will end up they will remain rich.

[@cult2458]

In that final scene the water represents the inescapable pressure surrounding Kendall that he never dealt with. The first scene where the waiter drowns, he dives in and tries to save him. He is later overlwhemed with regret and attempts to kill himself by drowning. Submerging himself in the water. & after crushing the shareholder meeting post Logan Roy, he is seen on a beach etching #1 in the sand and floating in the ocean as if he's rising above all the pressure. But in the end, he is forced to sit with his emotions and deal with this pressure. The water will serve as a constant reminder of not only the waiters death, but all of his shortcomings. He is surrounded by his grief and it can no longer be ignored.

[@RisitasKEKW]

hey, first review ive seen that accurately depicts all the power dynamics and motivations behind the final episode. thanks for sharing.

[@CUNOWINS]

Been a Wambgans man since season 2, but it's hard to believe he ACTUALLY won.

[@bridge4]

so you're a disgusssssting brotherrrrrr? lol

[@mikerzisu9508]

He didn't win... he is an empty suit. Meaningless, powerless. Mattson won.

[@booneyc]

Been appreciating your videos on this series as I started watching it from season 1 in March this year. Thanks!

[@louisjones2653]

The way Shiv finally bent the knee to Tom, and their ending which was almost exactly like the ending of “The Graduate”; So good!

[@ninjesus4079]

ending of Graduate is full of doubts, uncertainties but there is love. There is no love between Shiv and Tom, simply a silent deal as she just couldnt picture Ken winning.

[@louisjones2653]

I’m not so sure there’s love at the end of The Graduate. Both couples end up heading into an uncertain future full of doubts.

[@corinne6011]

Do you know couples whose future is not uncertain ?! If you don't see love in the two couples, I don't see where you could see any. Do you think couples who really love each other don't make mistakes and argue ?! Jesse Armstrong spoke Non-Victory and Non-Defeat about Shiv . And, since she gains no power by just being the CEO's wife... Note that they kept their wedding rings all the season 4. Except Tom who doesn't have it at the start of e1 but has it at the end of it. IMO, their arc is sort of a bittersweet romcom . End of SCRIPT BOOK for Shiv and Tom in the car : An accomodation, an equilibrium, that could last with a certain stabilty, proxy wars and detentes for many years to come..nothing needy from either side. A queen and a prince. Two bombs transported with great care.

[@98bocinas]

6:15 i thought it was interesting that the only picture logan had of his children was shiv's. i think brian cox has said that she was his favorite from the three, i find it very surprising.

[@bridge4]

yeah, im with ya. 99% sure that Ive heard Brian Cox say that in official podcast things as well

[@emjay5983]

Yes I noticed that too...only a pic of Shiv was shown.

[@Twtybird1]

It’s not surprising. As a matter of fact, it’s possible that during character development, Brian may have decided that Shiv looked like Logan’s sister, so that could be the reason the picture was displayed.

[@Joel-ik3sz]

​@@Twtybird1 i don't think Brian dictates set design

[@GinaMaher_]

I think he did love her the most, but he could never really take her serious since he's still deeply misogynistic

[@nanafd6]

I knew Tom was going to be CEO when Logan had UTI and always asked Tom to help him in the bathroom. At his lowest, he chose Tom.

[@docmychedelic9153]

Bell summoned me. Had to briefly pause Tress to catch your review. Way to go on the Tom call. So grateful for the Meal for a King scene. I actually kind of liked them all for a minute. I will miss this show and your takes much and more.

[@oseneva]

OH man i WAITED for this video from you! You’re the best. It was great time, thanks

[@FarnazWallace]

You called with Tom. Bravo. I wouldn’t have guessed. Shiv betraying Kendall doesn’t surprise me…Logan has been pitting the siblings against each other all their lives and she was always against Kendall…but anointing him just to turn and betray a few hours later was loooooooow. Tragic ending but just.

[@sarahlang2119]

She might have still voted for him if he hadn't said he made up killing that kid and didn't call her stupid and yell that he is the eldest boy

[@rouxbe3595]

Tragic ending, and brutal. Befitting of the series. I loved these characters and their stories, would gladly have watched another season, but once the three Roys had their finale showdown, there’s no story left to tell. Well, maybe a Logan & Ewan prequel.😉

[@bridge4]

credit to the show in killing off Logan so soon. it was a risky move, but it gave them time to flesh out the ending. top tier show for sure! =))

[@bridge4]

Logan and Ewan prequel could be interesting btw, good call!

[@GloriaSangreal]

As usual, your reviews are my favorite. Thanks

[@bridge4]

thanks =))

[@fexflashprince4142]

Greg gave up a 250 million inheritance for 200k.

[@communicationcandy1707]

The most un Greg like move of the show

[@IwinMahWay]

What if its 200k per month?

[@communicationcandy1707]

@@IwinMahWay a conservative return an 250M is roughly 20M a year. 🤷‍♂️ but if he had to wait until old age to get it, and wanted to be somebody, i could see why he would risk it.

[@JRLeeman]

I have no idea what exactly they did, maybe it was not having him bumble or be played off as a joke, but the switch in Tom to dignified and stoic CEO from sycophantic comic relief as he walked in to take over was fantastic.

[@nogrecords]

You put this really well. As someone who was also rooting for Kendall, I really hate the way this turned. Him getting BETRAYED by his family, YET AGAIN. Just sucks. I was so happy for him, and they just took it away at the last minute. Fucking Shiv, man. Got dam

[@inacessiblecardinal]

i thought the ending sucked and the show was weak. doesn't make sense that shiv who is a big feminist would let matsson, who is the filth who betrayed her, win and let the weakling tom who told her she was a bad person who did not deserve childtren get more power than herself. also kendall had more talent than anyone there including logan. kendall was making powerful speeches at the funeral, at ;Living plus. he actually had a lot of skill. he talked with frank about the india numbers and then the show ignored that. matsson had serious issues in india and then they just acted that nothing becomes of it. also kendall did not kill the kid. that kid grabbed the steering wheel because there was a deer in the road and killed himself by causing the accident. roman was correct when he said that the kid killed himself and that kendall was a hero for diving down several times. and then roman is acting like kendall really did kill a kid. it is inconsistent behavior throughout. roman was weak and perverted and stupid but logan preferred roman to kendall showing how stupid he was. no one wins the presidency by setting fire to ballots as in wisconsin and it was irrelevant that ATN declared Mencken the winner. it is unrealistic to suggest that a news organization would have that much power. in real life if Trump people set fire to hundreds of thousands of ballots, in milwaukee, it would be irrelevant if Fox news said he won. no impact at all. the whole show was stupid and constantly applying misdirection unintelligently. Also kendall was fighting shiv for control so he knew he needed to win without her vote but then he never attempted to win without her vote and suddenly relies completely on her. would he really have only one conversation with frank and never follow up to lock down frank over india? makes no sense and is unrealistic.

[@ImportAntClips]

The scene of shiv finding out and the camera following her. Intense shot

[@jonnysith]

Probably the best finale of television ever. The range of emotions. The acting. The everything. It was a perfect tragic ending to a godly series.

[@ayo2439]

exactly i was glued to the screen the entire time

[@JotaP1n]

My kudos dude, you nailed it!

[@AA-qb7ni]

Succession is one of the greats. It's up there with The Wire, The Sopranos, Breaking Bad, all of those masterpieces. The ending was so perfect.

[@oneofone_1333]

everyone talks about the wire being up there, is it really that amazing? Never watched it🙈

[@oo7362]

​@@oneofone_1333 oh yeah, great show,classic hbo tragedy .but can be divisive sometimes

[@raymondsims7042]

@@oneofone_1333 yeah the wire is the best show ever made🤷‍♂️no other show is close it’s on a tier by itself. But succession is definitely on the tier with the sopranos and breaking bad though

[@widowswail888]

I do see Kendall being CEO as well but not in the near future for sure. He always crashes on a high (as seen in the finale) and that alone is a sign that he shouldn’t be near that CEO chair. That last scene though with Kendall staring off into the sunset, made me think of a Logan quote: “What could you possibly kill that you love so much it would make the sun rise again?” I think this fits perfectly with Ken’s ending and that there’s hope yet for our number one boy.

[@modmary3527]

Great ending analysis! ❤

[@JoJoJoker]

Greg, not Tom, is the successor of Succession. Greg has dirt on Tom who said “Info. is like a bottle of fine wine. You store it, you hoard it, you save it for a special occasion.” Greg has a whole case of vintage Cruise Scandal Cabernet. Also: Shiv is a term for knife. She stabbed her brother in the back. Greg did the worst to Kendall by giving him the illusion of coming out on top for a brief moment in time.

[@2011hwalker]

Greg is also totally incapable of running a department let alone a major corporation. These aren't jobs that you pick. They pick you. Only a small proportion of people are cut out to hold those top jobs let me assure you. I have been close to these types of roles in the c suite and they are brutally hard.

[@Voltomess]

@@2011hwalker I've been close to this also and I saw many idiots running random departments just because "they knew someone" not because they knew how to do that including a COO who had no idea about how to be the one but he got it because he managed to get close to a very young and stupid CEO daughter. Corporate world is fucking ridiculous.

[@JeanBakula]

Kendall knew Lukas inflated the figures too, but forgot to use that. Greg does have all the dirt. And I believe Lukas Mattson likes Greg, they party together, and both know betrayal is the name of the game here. Greg will end up in a better position, and Tom is just a puppet, as you said. Shiv is vindictive and would rather be wife to a puppet instead of seeing Kendall win. She's the most pathetic. I think Roman may heal. I hope Kendall does. He was really staring at that water with Colin looking on. But water symbolizes emotion, and his are so suppressed.

[@Voltomess]

@@JeanBakula That is really sad that they abandoned this show and not willing to make a next season 👎👎👎👎

[@squrler]

If Kendall only turned it down a bit after being anointed by the siblings, by not sitting in Logan’s chair and not putting his feet up on the desk so demonstratively as he did, Shiv might have been able to stomach him being the winner. Truly pride came before the fall.

[@jodigirl6610]

I have been waiting for your review. I agree with you. I felt so so so bad for Roman. And I wonder what they'll all do now? We will never know! 😢

[@lunacascade1125]

Thank you for the fantastic video for a fantastic show. Your editing skills made your video all the entertaining. It's hard to let go of our Succession fix! If you decide to continue making videos 🙏🙏🙏🙏could you consider featuring a deep dive into some of the characters? I'd be interested in seeing Lukas Maatson, Marcia, Jeri & Logan's brother Ewin. ❤❤❤😊

[@erickillian313]

Nice, short and great insights.

[@josea5591]

When Kendal lost and started walking to the elevator I thought he might’ve jumped off the roof ngl

[@bridge4]

same here. i was was expecting him to go to the roof, and hoping he would decide to not jump. when he hit the floor button, i wasnt almost confused lol im relieved though =))

[@paulineharvey5916]

Yes another Kendall fan I never got that Roman insulted Kendalls kids His behavior makes a lot more sense now

[@TinTinner77]

I am disappointed that Shiv didn't go after Matsson (verbally or even physically) after finding out he played her all along. After all, Shiv NEVER holds back when she is upset with her brothers, Tom, or even her Dad/Mom. They should have done a scene with Shiv facing Matsson and giving it to him....would have been a great scene!

[@StephRaina]

She tried, but he never answered the phone lol

[@sarahlang2119]

In the end, that dynamic wasn't worthy of the limited screen time that had left. The alliance served as a plot device and to show how Shiv overplays her hand

[@Kriscur20]

You called it!👏🏽

[@bridge4]

was halfway there lol. the way it unfolded was soooo much better than i could've imagined though. what a show!!

[@achrafmabedi346]

Com on man i expected a 30min video on that beautiful last episodes

[@JoJoJoker]

The end is everything wrong with modern business: a visionary founder is replaced by an uncreative, unoriginal, interchangeable college grad in a suit.

[@IwinMahWay]

Visionary 🤣

[@sarahlang2119]

Nope. Mattson is on top and he is a visionary founder. Tom could be fired at any time

[@chipmunkpark8826]

Roman is a knucklehead, Shiv's a fake and Kenny's screwy- wise words from Connor Roy. He knew his siblings better than anyone else🙆🏻‍♀️

[@Nearlynamaste]

Kendall could have maintained the boat for a period of time but he never would have grown the company and it would have eventually crumbled. In its own way the denial saved him from that long and inevitable misery.

[@bridge4]

i actually meant to slip in a hedging type line like "if you dont agree with that, i dont blame ya." because admittedly, i was a big Kendal fan for most of the ride, so i probably have a rose-colored view of him

[@Nearlynamaste]

@@bridge4 Ha! I’m actually rosy about Kendall myself. In the world of post-production, I hope he finds his own pile of money and makes his pappy proud.

[@Cuyt24]

@@Nearlynamaste He made a lot of money from the sale. He's even more rich. He's not a competent businessman. He's soft. He's spoiled. I think he will get into politics as he craves power.

[@garlicgirl4life]

Interesting. I didn’t think Tom telling Greg that his pay would be “castrated” was another instance of him lashing out - he’d already warned Greg that he’s the most overpaid assistant in history, and he’d told Matsson that he’s good at cutting costs - but it’s certainly something to consider. I’m with you on everything else though!

[@GinaMaher_]

yeah I saw that as more him telling greg he had him and warning him that for the short term there would be changes but thats more letting him know how he was gonna be safe. eventually he would have looked after him and got his pay back up, but greg fucked up.

[@JustSomeCanadianGuy]

Overall my favourite thing about the last episode is they built it all on a repeat of what was the scene that defined the show with the meeting to try take down Logan. Now that was genius.

[@AroundTheWorldWithEase]

"One of the greatest shows ever." Ty!

[@raymondsims7042]

Without question

[@tekakifukato1492]

Whatever is thrown at Kendall. Even if he cannot take it, he does take it and that just kills every weak part of him. The more he is burned, the hardened he becomes. So whatever happens. He took the sharpest stab to the back, he got cut deep and he's dead internally now. Kenny is no longer human anymore. The minute hint of mercy that he had for his siblings are also gone. So he's fully free in a sense. He lost all the parts of him that makes him a good person but now what he has left in him has made him a beast. He is emotionally nuked, fatally cut and shaken when the show ends. But I think that Kenny is gonna be back. He always bounces back. That is his only consistent character trait. In a way he always keeps coming back to land a few more punches even if it is apparent that he'll lose the fight. And this time, Kendall is a killer. He's even more hardened. He is ready to haul on his gear, get on the field and go to war again. Maybe he will enjoy it. Because its become a game for him. He can't die. He can only lose. And he has lost a lot. The odds are in his favour now. Furthermore, KENDALL IS FREE. From Waystar, from the kingdom of his father. With new money from the sale and his killer instincts, coupled with his new age knowledge of the new world and amazing crisis management skills, I think Kendall being banished from his father's kingdom will force him to start his own empire. By the time he is of Logan's age, Kendall might have his own new Waystar. It will be tragic, but Kendall will get what he wants. Where the show ended is not tragic, here Kendall is actually free from the fight and a new sun is shining on him, a glimmer of hope for a new life. The ending shows us mercy by not showing us what Kendall will eventually do; start his own empire, end up like logan, stack up billions but lose all blood-bonds. At the end, Kendall will die alone. Now that is tragic.

[@shafiemukhre]

Really good ending summary!

[@GinaMaher_]

also saw a comment connecting all kendals water scenes to his letting the waiter die scene. will need to rewatch to see if he had as much water before, but otherwise that could be symbolic too like how its shaped his life in a subtle way - i think in a way the pain and guilt from that has driven him extra hard but it also mixes in with his conscience which half the time makes him an inefficient player since he's conflicted an whether to do the smart thing or the right thing - that's always been a sad thing of kendal like nurture vs nature since he's def more a creative than a business guy but he's been raised to think as first boy (from that mom), he needs to be like his dad.

[@lunacascade1125]

Thanks!

[@youngtula5581]

As someone with siblings set to inherit a small estate I’m personally disgusted at the fact the Roy kids couldn’t stop hating on each other long enough to not give the company away

[@faustsiftar7683]

I’m hopeful for the siblings. As much as she seems broken, Shiv doesn’t seem like the type to bow down to her husband- I think she’ll still try to influence things. Kendall now has the opportunity to finally step out of his father’s shadow. Hopefully he uses this moment to reevaluate his relationships and choices. Roman seems finally free from the grip of his father as well. Now that Logan is dead and the company is out of his hands, he can also now move onto other things. As he says in the pilot episode, he never cared for the company as much as the others did. I think they’ll all reconnect sooner or later; it’s how the cycle with them goes. At the beginning of S4 when they were out of the company, their relationship was much better. And Connor is thriving as he should

[@Darkhol75]

I don't think the show wants you to be hopeful for them. The show willingly tricked us into making us liking them when they were facing a common threat together, because that's the only real quality they have : their love for each other. But all their other interactions with other people show how selfish, contemptuous and twisted they really are. And ultimately, they are not even able to preserve their brothership bond. They are terrible human beeings, who wield a power they use to serve their own individual interests and hurt others, sometimes on a really large scale (Mencken president) They don't deserve anything, and certainly not hapiness or redemption

[@GinaMaher_]

yeah I think they'll be fine cause also theyre like in their 30s and loaded so like its a temp not happy ending but otherwise they will be fine ha. maybe not kendal though - he seems like someone who dwells and is self destructive

[@dvides89]

I wanted Kendall to win but Tom really proved to be the better candidate when he takes over: gets rid of Frank, Hugo, and Karl and looks for Gerri , Greg, and Karolina ( the real powerhouses in Logan’s team). He just was more aware of his surroundings than any of the sibilings. Tom never expected to become Logan but knew the business in deep, he was simply the perfect candidate for Mattson.

[@BritneyLaZonga]

Consider this. If anyone of the siblings would have won, this could not really be considered a proper end. Having all of them fail, and for good, is a nice way to really put an end to the question of succession. Just imagine, even if Kendall would have "won", there would be no time left exploring the aftermath. The backstabbing between the siblings would have continued. Maybe he would have betrayed Shiv and would have started to brutalize Roman which could have turned both of them on him, leading to them leaking dirt, forming new alliances etc....

[@SaltyPatriot12]

You were right!! Great ending!

[@bridge4]

hey Michelle. not really. i was pretty far off in truth, but as the episode played out, the Tom bit did seem likely. not gonna lie though, the first time they mentioned Lawrence, i was like "whoa." then a second time, then a third and i really started expecting that since he's a fellow tech guy, so it made sense. but as i was thinking about it, i started doubting Lawrence because I'm not sure most fans would even recognize that name. plus, they were dropping more and more Tom clues and to top it all off, i actually began to wonder mid-episode if the Trio was gonna "win" it so great job by the writers. even expecting Tom to win, my mind had plenty of doubts last night as it was airing =))

[@SaltyPatriot12]

@@bridge4 Agreed! When I saw the cartoon on the table that’s when I thought “here we go!” … but then I was second guessing myself and thinking the 3 might pull it off too when the scene of the meal “fit for a king” happened. Then, I kept remembering Logan saying “they’re just not serious people.” Plus… give yourself a bit more credit! You had some big predictions this season that were right on the money and some smaller ones too! I love all of your videos & found you way back during GoT and will keep on watching because we seem to watch all the same shows. You’re the best and thank you for all your time & hard work! 🤍

[@nickgoesclick]

Ive been solo watching so many good shows since I left high school. All but only a couple were fully finished by the time I binged them Ive got Breaking Bad The Wire The Sopranos The Shield Mad Men Boardwalk Empire Better Call Saul And now im adding Succession to the list. And with this one, I watched the final season along with everyone else. I aso finished Barry at the same time but honestly, with that ending, I personally cant add it to the list lmao I am just happy I can have conversations about this one with people and its all still fresh in their minds unlike the others lol

[@Gilescowdemdem]

Romans drunk is Gerri's favourite. I think he's looking at it and smiling about her then realising he burnt that bridge and he's lost her.

[@nanakmccann]

My one gripe with the very good ending is it doesn't feel like a conclusion for Kendall or Roman. With all that money from the sale Kendall would likely pick himself up and do something else interesting eventually. I would have liked to have seen that with one more episode. The show is called Succession though, so I guess it makes sense to end it with the company sale but there's a lot more to the siblings storyline that we don't get to see.

[@bridge4]

yeah i hear ya. I'm hoping for Kendal to focus on himself and his family first, but he seems to love working, so id like to think he pursues something successfully some day in terms of the open ending, my favorite genre of books is high fantasy. big series of high fantasy with thousands of characters. so im used to a lot of open endings, even for main characters, and i sort of like it as an example, im definitely going to watch the Jon Snow sequel if it ever comes out. and ill be excited to do so. but my initial instinct was that i dont even want to know what happens next because i like the mystery lol

[@shop-a-holic3194]

The producers made it very clear that this is the end of the storyline for the Roy siblings. But the show was a huge success and HBO knowingly will come with a new series what will follow one of the other characters. I hope it will be Tom and Greg and there we will see the Roy siblings with cameo's, seeing where they have ended.

[@nanakmccann]

@@bridge4 open endings can be great for sure and this was a pretty great episode. True to the show’s concept. I don’t need or expect a Kendall spinoff at all but it feels like his character journey is just getting started in a lot of ways. I’ll watch the Snow show as well. I like House Dragons.

[@nanakmccann]

@@shop-a-holic3194 I don’t really expect a spinoff show but I’d definitely watch one. Tom was one of the best characters. Cool to see him stay loyal to Greg.

[@PastaBasepot]

If we take the story so far it was always about the direct relation between the siblings and the company, specially kendall. Once the company is sold and the siblings are not in the spot light, the show ends cause they are not relevant anymore (to the story of Waystar empire). Their lives continue in a "meaningless" way cause of this, like in the final signing scene with roman nobody is talking about them and how they are doing, everybody already moved on and are thinking in the next big thing for the company. I'd like to do a far fetch comparisson with the sopranos ending, we dont get to see how the story continues cause our point of view was from the siblings and they are done. Logan was right all this time. Also, in the end everyone got what they desserved kinda right?. Kendall cant be CEO cause he is a fuckup, allegedly a murderer. Shiv got caught inverting roles with tom, he has the fake power and relevance now and on his merit. Roman got mogged in public by a giant and kept his mouth shut for once.

[@Jbreeze3878]

Tom really nailed the long game. Went from being fathoms under. Shiv constantly reminded him in various way. Now he is on top and allows Shiv to basically be his housewife / BM.

[@winter20k67]

i think you might’ve misinterpreted the scene when he was hugging roman, it sounded like roman was trying to get away and in pain from ken pulling him in and kendall didn’t look surprised at was was happening, i’m pretty sure it was a power play to put roman in his place as well as deny what he was just saying about his stitches

[@showtunes37]

IMO, Kendall hugged Roman to open his stitches. The hug was kendall's answer to Roman's question - "why isn't it me?" Referring to the optics of why Kendall was chosen instead of Roman. Kendall opened Roman's stitches to make Roman look worse in front of the board. Making roman look like a mess makes the Kendall the more obvious choice by comparison. Why isn't it roman? Because roman has a huge head wound - he's unstable. Kendall hurting Roman for his gain is not out of the question, since kendall assaults Roman's wound in a similar (more obvious) way during the confrontation a few scenes later - Kendall squeezes roman's head, pressing right on his stitches. Also, Roman looked like he was trying to escape the hug - even making pained noises - which makes me think Kendall was holding him tightly against his will.

[@throbinhood9945]

I read the stitches scene differently, it seemed like kendall forced romans head into his shoulder deliberately to reopen the stitches and make sure roman didn't get any bright ideas about screwing him over

[@keegan5644]

thats how i saw it too

[@blackgaia102]

I thought about that briefly as well, but then I remembered who Roman was. Roman has a very twisted sense of affection. He likes to be berated, degraded and quite frankly demeaned. Probably because of Logan who probably wailed on him a bit as a kid. Kendall doing that so casually in my mind was him trying to imitate Logan and comforting him in a way that perhaps their dad was. It deeply reminded me of that scene when Kendall had killed the waiter and his father tightly embraced him, telling him it was going to be okay. So in a twisted way, that sort of painful love hug was just for Roman. It was like Kendall was telling Roman it would all be okay. Of all the siblings I think Kendall personally cares for Roman the most.

[@BScott7220]

Purely from the standpoint of character ascension, Greg is the winner. He didn't have to sacrifice anything to get to where he ended up. He can now stay where he is and live a wealthy, fun life. If Tom comes crashing down in a few years, Greg will have learned much by then. And he will have gathered enough dirt old and new to insulate himself. Plus, and this is important but somewhat overlooked, Mattson likes Greg personally. A real life version of Greg would not be allowed within 100 feet of Mattson if he didn't already like him. Yes, they crap on him like everyone does (did), but somehow he's still around.

[@moonchiId.]

agreed lmao i said in other video just greg made me happy in this episode its just so funny

[@Dianekde]

Yep. Greg is the only member of the Roy bloodline that is still employed by the company. I would speculate also that he will be there a long time, which is ironic given his grandfather's attitude towards it. In my imagination, Greg will be instrumental in executing Mattson's probable transformation of ATN towards being a different network.

[@bigdingus5359]

I dont know if you did it already but i think you could do a really good Mad Men analysis.

[@pokemontas8025]

All the kids are so much better off away from that toxic company and living with their billions

[@bridge4]

hear, hear! one day, they might realize it (Roman might have, or he might be close to it, though still a little conflicted)

[@BlackEagle352]

THE HUNDRED!

[@paulyname]

Thanks for sharing, I was waiting for your opinion. I discovered your channel through this series. I think there are many theories about this ending and many are around Shiv. Why did she decide to step away from Kebdall at the last moment? Why does she say no to Tom when he invites her to the car and then she's already there when he arrives? That touch of hands. She on top. Also reminds me of what kings used to do to anothers, a submissive attitude. On the other hand (😂😅), we may be giving it a lot of thought and it's just that she didn't want to go at full with the touch like saying "I'm here, but I'm still mad about this".

[@emjay5983]

That scene was interesting and one of the things that stood out to me was when she said congratulations and he said oh no, no no was he saying no winners or losers between us? Is he indicating they are a team? Or was he acknowledging that she made that happen for him? I wasn't sure what that indicated. Any ideas?

[@miseendriste6337]

@@emjay5983 Yeah I think he was indicating that she made it happen for him, so he's grateful to her

[@paulyname]

@@emjay5983 Agree with you. That "no. no, no" sounds a lot like "you did this, you don't have to" (modest?) it could also be that he is overwhelmed because he knows that she wanted that position.

[@moonchiId.]

tom was right! shiv is a scorpion they are the last one surviving toxic places she is the only one of the siblings stuck on waystar

[@joseramirez7629]

Shiv just didn’t want to see Kendall win. That’s the reason why. She’s so narcissistic. A whiny brat. “You can’t be CEO because you killed someone.” *Bleep* off.

[@bridge4]

yeah, that was sad. the silver lining though is that i tend to think they will all be better off now without Royco. but in terms of her decision, i feel ya. i cant imagine my sister doing anything close to that. its almost weird to see how much these siblings hurt each other to play devils advocate, she had found out that Tom would be US CEO. so she had to weigh what was good for Tom vs what was good for Kendal (i realize thats a generous interpretation since it might have been primarily jealousy as you mentioned)

[@officialthomasjames]

Horrible decision to have the most emotional and immature character decide the fate of the entire show.

[@slinksjoch]

Just like her father

[@luisaveras129]

@@officialthomasjames Right?! Screaming and spitting "I'm the eldest boy" was quite emotional and immature! Decided his fate as a loser at last. The poor manly billionaire baby boy. 🤣

[@sarahlang2119]

She didn't want to see him win, yes. But he also wouldn't be good at it - some of it, but not most of it. And he did kill someone. But for him to say it never happened, that's what may have sealed the deal, pun intended

[@fexflashprince4142]

Those poor poor billionaires 😢

[@bridge4]

lol, well said!

[@angellight9500]

Never can trust Shiv. Mattson will fire Tom soon as he no longer needs an American CEO. I believe all three kids lost each other forever. Much more ore betrayal than love.

[@thritytree2074]

😢😢😢I’m so upset Kendal did not get it

[@jordanjordan4648]

We never found out why Greg was in Logan’s will or why Tom wanted Greg to delete the documents in episode 3

[@JoelBrousseau]

Or what happened with the sibs Pearce acquisition do they still own it or was it rolled up with Waystar

[@sarahlang2119]

Tom trusted Greg. Greg has bitten Tom on the ass a few times.

[@Keyblader001]

I just started watching this last month, and binged it, and I was team Kendall all the way to the finale. But the moment Kendall killed that kid, I knew he would never be allowed to win the whole thing. No matter how well he did, and how good he seemed to us, and no matter how many times we swept it under the rug, he wasn't going to win. Yes people have done way worse things irl and are still at the top of the food chain, but it was just never in the cards for Kendall. No matter how bad we wanted it to be.

[@lestonthompson8495]

The only way any of the Sibs could have taken over and run Waystar would have been to buy it like Matsson did.

[@jaymichaelphoenix]

Accident he didn't kill him -watch it again- its the shame of addiction and survivors guilt pushing that narrative

[@sarahlang2119]

​@thefullgambitpodcast he drove under the influence, and he fled the scene, both things have culpability

[@lestonthompson8495]

@@sarahlang2119 If caught doing it.

[@NM-hq1io]

Tom really went from begging everyone to have the opportunity to serve, to running the whole damn show 😂😂😂

[@TheKrishanughosh85]

Kendall was the most suited among three of the siblings to become CEO...and the other two knew it but could not digest it. In the end their envy & pride took over rationale & Shiv backstabbed as usual

[@SyrahStormx]

Whilst she's the smarter one of the three siblings she didn't have the business experience like Kendall or Roman. She had her political connections but Mattson already levied that.

[@TheKrishanughosh85]

@@SyrahStormx I don't think she was smarter one...she only had some "communication skills"...she was a cunning one surely....she had betrayed her brothers multiple times in the whole series in order to step over them and get to the top line.....she never even worked in the organisation in any role like her brothers....but she could not stand her brother getting to sit at CEO's chair....Roman the other brother was mentally unstable throughout the series....even he himself knew it. Kendall had the most business experience and also the most suited among three of them...he had anxiety issues and to soothe them he would take drugs....but running a business would have engaged him like a drug....neways this is just me blabbering now...after all it was a fictional series and it had to end this way

[@morganeb_5300]

Honestly, i'm a bit surprised that so many people wanted kendall to win. He never showed any real business sense and he was only good when his dad was controlling him. None of the things he said ever made sense, he had no clear vision and no ambition other than to get what he had be taught was his birthright and the key to his dad's love. Also, i can't really blame shiv for having doubts about him. Sure, there was jealousy there but even as a viewer, he was insufferable after he got in that chair as he always was when he had an ounce of power. Kendal brought no real business plan to the board and his rebutal of the deal was a joke. Also, him saying he was only a cog in the machine was basically him begging his sister to vote for him with the underlying threat that if she didn't, she would be responsible for his death. Which is what he truly feels but still, shitty thing to say and anyone whose been in the same room as someone like him has heard it before. Same thing with roman and the hug scene, roman rubbed his forehead on the jacket but you can clearly see kendall keeping him there. He needed roman at that board meeting and needed to make sure that he wouldn't vote against him out of spite, so he did what he was sure would keep him in line.

[@stephyworld8713]

I Agree 💯

[@widowswail888]

I’m team Kendall but the ending was satisfactory for me. And I too am shocked why people wanted Kendall to win so bad and put his downfall entirely on Shiv’s “jealousy and pettiness”. Which is just crazy to me, makes me think we haven’t been watching the same show.

[@luisaveras129]

@@robyee3325 YOU wanted to she the Roy kids unite and overcome. Logan won, the sale happened. Kendall ripped what he sowed. They all kind if did. The only sad part was seeing Mattson win, if we could have had them ALL losing, it would be even better.

[@luisaveras129]

@@robyee3325 Ahem, because they are not serious people! Jokes aside, they are not good people, they are billionaires with shitty morals, why would I want them to win? I was invested in the show and it delivered. It was a fantastic show. Direction, cinematography, writing, acting, score - all 10/10. People lose and I certainly enjoyed them losing, well, if you can call it losing, they got more billions out of the sale. And in the end, they don't even want or need to be CEO, it's all a race to be Logan's favorite, even though Logan made it clear they would never be and is in a coffin! Good shows fulfill a good character arc - win or lose. That's what pays your investment! (when they don't Game of Thrones-it all at the end) I get being a fan, I loved Tom and Shiv (what horrible people!) I'm happy the show sticked to it and gave them the "lost". Also, Jess won, Karolina won and my girl Gerri won! The only sad part for fans now, is it's over.

[@YourMumma12342]

I stumbled upon your previous video and had blind faith you knew what you were talking about after someone said you predicted Kendall wanting full custody. I then proceeded to bet $100 on Tom to be CEO at the finale at $5 odds to win $400 profit. Thank you good sir!

[@darthplagueis8886]

Shiv is a very bitter and jelaous person.

[@Bethune_Groundstaff]

Tom getting slapped was perfect,

[@poop_storm]

🎶 meal fit for a *king* 🎶

[@gn-dp9yp]

Kendall was so erratic and impulsive. I don’t think he would be half the CEO that Logan was. He had great ideas for sure but I still think he wouldn’t go far. Plus he could of had it all eventually but he kept trying to take it from his father.

[@manuelhernandez6801]

Love how the elevator scene it’s not a ‘G’ or a ‘P’ even it’s a ‘0’ zero and he walks in there and is unrecognized. Truly shows his failure

[@hendasad8924]

I kinda expected the writers to break Kendall in the end because of course the ending must be unexpected as usual with alot of these shows recently ..but why would they build up his character all season with all that perfect scheming and moments when he embraced that killer side of him only to make him lose everything in the end ..what was the point then of changing his character throughout the season when the end result would still be tha same .. since logan died every move ken did was calculated and he always had a plan and didn't make one mistake ..even mencken sidingwith mattson was Roman's fault not his ..then at the finale out of nowhere they made him that weak fragile clueless guy again from season 1 and erased all the character development he had ..if they wanted him to still lose at the end they shouldn't show us over and over every episode that he became logan ..I feel misled Also obviously shiv did it out of spite ..If I don't get it you can't get it

[@officialthomasjames]

Bad writing and subverting expectations at the expense of plot/character development.

[@Eddycut]

Because HBO shows don't have good endings

[@desireandfire]

It's because this show is a tragedy. It was always meant to end tragically. The creator explained that they sprinkle in some nice moments like Kendall's anointment to then make the following outcome even more tragic. This could be said for the moments where Kendall displayed actual grit and the killer instincts his father had. Ken has always been an amazing player, especially in S2 and this last one, but he always falls down once he reaches the peak. It's a bit repetitive but it also creates an argument for the finale- an argument that it didn't subvert expectations, it just gave us what was always inevitable in the end: tragedy. Kendall would have made a good CEO. 100%. He pushed forward more than he has before and was so fcking close but lost because his sister couldn't stomach him winning over her. That's not on him, although his reaction to it did not help whatsoever. His meltdown makes so much sense to me though because he was literally so close to it. He's been promised it since childhood. He's dreamed about it for most of his life. And now it's here, but it's being taken away. At that point, I would have gone batshit too. He did everything right and he still lost. I always said that none of them deserved it. I thought they were all pathetic and worthless, but this season strengthened my belief in Kendall. Hell, even Shiv and Rome. I always knew the show would end in tragedy, partly because the creators said it was one, but mainly because I thought the kids didn't deserve it. And yeah, I was right. Shiv literally jabbed a shiv into Ken because she can't control her emotions and neither can he. TLDR; the show is a tragedy. It was always meant to end this way. Kendall's arc and development were established in order to make his downfall all the more tragic. He COULD do it, but he didn't deserve it. What he was promised or dreamed of didn't matter because it was out of his hands in the end. He tried and failed because him and his backstabbing & shiv yielding siblings aren't serious people.

[@hendasad8924]

@@desireandfire I get what you mean about it being a tragedy but michael corleone for example was also a tragic character. walter white lost everything. These characters made mistakes and lost everything at the end but they got to achieve something even for a little while.. Kendall didn't even taste it .. I find it hard to digest that the protagonist of the show which I have been following for years turns out to be just a punching bag for all the characters without winning once or getting redemption at the end.. I don't think I would ever rewatch the show cause from the start I viewed it as kendall's story and from that point of view the whole show was building towards nothing

[@AlliWalker]

@@hendasad8924 Those characters you mention are anti-heroes. Kendall is not an anti-hero. His story is not a hero's journey. Succession was primarily inspired by King Lear, and in King Lear, the sibling who loved their father most dies a horrible death. The kingdom is taken by an invader afterward, and it's tragic. Kendall being Cordelia, the child who loved their father most but was cut out for not flattering him like the other siblings, had to die at the end of the series. That was the only way the story could go. He was always doomed to fail, and if you are familiar with Shakespearean tragedies, it becomes very apparent from the moment the kid died at Shiv's wedding.

[@shivanijoshi9252]

I think if you look at succession as a tragedy (as the creators have said) then if you place Kendall as the protagonist of that tragedy then from the beginning, but especially since season 2, shiv comes off as his main antagonist/ rival. Once Logan chose her to be his next of sorts against Kendall, from that moment forth, shiv would never choose Kendall. But for her to choose Tom in the end? That’s insane. Like how little self respect do you have?? Also, mattson choosing Tom - who was part of Logan’s cohort - to be ceo instead of someone he knew/ trusted is honestly kind of dumb and was clearly done because the show runners wanted the ceo to be someone we knew. Would’ve honestly preferred it to be a random character if it wasn’t going to be one of the kids idk

[@sarahlang2119]

Mattson wanted some family continuity like he said, he just went for the son in law over "the baby lady" (jerk)

[@daenerystargaryen1440]

Shiv voted to sell the company to the guy, who played her instead of keeping the company in the family. Shiv has no sense of loyalty.

[@KittySnicker]

I felt bad for Ken too

[@domyates9546]

Incredible show sad it’s ending but glad it’s not going on just for the sake of it, it was time 👏🏾

[@cachucha2]

What was in the "logistics" folder that Tom asked Greg to delete? This happened right after Logan's death S4E3

[@robertr798]

A lot of people believe that this is the beginning of the end for Kendall, but I don’t see it like that. Yes, he is deeply traumatized by those final moments, and he has the most baggage to work through of the siblings. But, Kendall definitely could see that Waystar was a prison. He wanted to part ways multiple times, he had already made peace with cashing out and waking away. He understood how cruel and manipulative it was for Logan to promise him the company at a formative age. And those of us who can intellectualize our mental and emotional prisons are more likely to find our way out of them.

[@sarahlang2119]

I mean, yeah, but Tom has also been a friend and mentor to Greg and there is affection there. Tom didn't have to keep him at the end anyway. In Greg's defence, when Greg called Kendall he didn't know Tom was going to be CEO

[@user-th6rh8zp3t]

I think Kendall has a shot of being happy and successful but Roman's doomed to a very sad life he's such a broken person.

[@StephRaina]

​@@scottystcloud7086 I thought about the same thing. What happens with Pierce?

[@GinaMaher_]

@@scottystcloud7086 also they got a better deal off lukas so in a way they lost based on half the season, but not really from the first part of the season.

[@kisslena]

Those Three Stooges slaps were hilarious! 👋🏼🤣

[@josephhaughey1101]

You called it and your not even rubbing it in, if I called it like that I put it on my CV

[@bridge4]

lol. although i got lucky with the Tom bit, i was far off in terms of the details. (the show's version was even better). what a wild ride its been =))

[@maxmaximum2316]

I feel bad for Kendall, but this ending makes sense based on the past 4 seasons buildup.

[@TimesFM4532]

I feel bad for Kendall, i hope this burns like a fire and builds his own empire with the money he gets. He was good he stoped the bank takeover, he gutted vaulter, organised a coup which only a terror attack stoped, and living plus

[@marcelorauber_]

It's an ending consistent with the fact that we have three unqualified heirs vying for control of an empire