Succession Finale - What It All Meant

This video essay analyzes Succession's finale and why Shiv made the right choice. If you look back over four seasons of Succession, there is no observable evidence Kendall can lead the company to success. Shiv choosing to betray her brother Kendall and let Tom become CEO is logical. But what did Succession mean overall? To understand its key message, watch this video essay to the end.
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Timestamps:
0:00 The Final Twist
2:58 Shiv's Decision Explained
7:28 Why Tom is the Right Choice
Music used:
'The Long Dark' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au
Longing for You by Up North Music (Shutterstock)
&
Inspiring Noir Piano Waltz by MusicLFiles (Audio Jungle)
&
(Vivaldi) Winter mvt 1 Allegro non molto
(Vivaldi) Winter mvt 3 Allegro
(Vivaldi) Summer mvt 1 Allegro non molto
by John Harrison with the Wichita State University Chamber Players
Creative Commons - Attribution 3.0 Unported - CC BY 3.0
creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Link: freemusicarchive.org/music/Jo...
The original work has been modified with basic fades, cuts and loops
#successionseason4 #succession #kendallroy

[@lia2792]

The video of the dinner with Connor and the old board kind of cemented the ending for me. It made it clear that the siblings were never really a part of it, they were never taken seriously as options. They were always just kids playing outside their dad's office.

[@stephenmacdonald4443]

I dont think so .he came within a whisker of winning, and the way he lost must have been so sore

[@miriammitchell1356]

Yes! 💯💯💯

[@waynereid9471]

Exactly, Kendall was taken seriously Just not by his sister 😅

[@dontarguewithidiots7459]

well put!

[@omarpacho630]

“He made you a playground and you think it’s a whole world”

[@nateisonline6448]

Kendall lying that he made up the waiter situation made me so sad dude it was so humiliating

[@theorderofthebees7308]

I knew that he really was desperate then.

[@ergohash2517]

i thought he was changing up the story because they were in an open office with other people potentially listening in , so he switched to protection mode

[@Missjunebugfreak]

Yeah the moment he did that I knew it was over. Kendall blew whatever semblance of trust he had with Shiv and Roman.

[@stevet5087]

Terrible writing, in my mind.

[@halo2bounceguy]

​@@stevet5087 explain

[@omarpacho630]

I dare to say that Connor was even taken a bit more seriously than the other siblings simply because he “knew his place”

[@kevinblue1976]

He was also interested in politics from a very young age

[@alexanderchance1049]

Apart from in the video in the finale, was Connor taken more seriously than the other siblings? I’m pretty sure Logan treats him as a joke throughout the show.

[@omarpacho630]

@@alexanderchance1049 he only treats him like a joke when he starts his presidential campaign.

[@anthonyarroyo3790]

Connor was never a threat to Logan, which allowed him to have the father/son relationship the other siblings starved for.

[@luke3759]

w profile pic

[@davidguiney1746]

That's such an amazing analogy. Those born at the finish line can never know what it takes to get there.

[@sewerface]

It is obvious garbage. What is with you people. It’s like everyone in the comments watched this show and understood none of it. This video is trash. Stop telling this guy it’s gold.

[@slyb7193]

I think so as well 😊

[@forestsunset9617]

Those who live with a full stomach of food will never understand stealing bread

[@frydsaman6857]

@@forestsunset9617 this one doesnt work so well

[@forestsunset9617]

@@frydsaman6857 those who suck don't know what it is like to not suck

[@Villymanillyvoop]

In the end, being CEO of Waystar Royco really seemed like one of Kendal's addictions. His desperate "please" then shift to violence when it was clear it was a no was perfectly acted but also looked like someone desperate to get the hit of the thing he literally feels he needs to survive. The fact his father 'promised' it to him at 7 years old was so heartbreaking. The tragedy was inevitable, as many, including the showrunners, have pointed out.

[@flawedsanity]

This is such a good point, and one I haven't seen brought up too much yet. I fully agree.

[@johnhachey9239]

@@flawedsanity Well he got violent because his brother called his kids "randos" as if they aren't his kids

[@joebob2311productions]

He even said he feels like he would literally die if he didnt get it

[@BTCrrc]

If Roman had finished the training program seriously and learned along the ways of ups and downs and to be mature and proved to his father, i feel that he would have got the crown.

[@Cranberrycheesecake1]

​@@johnhachey9239 I dont think that was the thing that triggered him most. I think it really was because he saw it slipping out of his hands

[@leivasacade]

Kendall is a character straight out of a Shakespeare story. Just went you begin empathic towards him, he shows his evil side and is much darker than you can imagine...

[@msbutterflyz]

He strikes me as a survivor, not so much evil.

[@asd-dv7dq]

More like he's that one character the writers accidentaly make too likeable in a tragedy story with multiple main characters so they have to give him random outbursts that cause him to fail

[@carolynrabbani6469]

And no one knew that better than Shiv and Roman, although Roman was too beaten down to see it through, once Shiv had the courage to refuse to vote in Kendall's favor, Roman was all for Shiv.

[@winstonwolf5706]

I don't think evil is the word.

[@obscurum6]

Kendall wasn't evil. 🙄

[@DiasThiago100]

Of the three, somehow i feel Roman had the happiest ending. His smile in his last scene was pure relief. He was finally free. Free from his father, from the games and battles with his siblings. Free from everything. He was the first of them to realize they were bullshit and that Waystar was nothing to them. Just a bunch of bad tv shows they didn't even wanted.

[@rhondac.891]

Don’t we know Roman better than that? He will flip flop. If we had another week of this show he would be asking Ken how do they salvage this. Roman will be miserable

[@july9566]

Roman always knew they were bs , look how he acted throughout , he knows theyd all be pumping gas if they werent born into the club . He was the realest one actually , Kendall and shiv always tried to play smart but are just not .

[@rhondac.891]

@@july9566 the same guy who thought he was the best fit to pick the president was always aware? 😂

[@martinbauclausen2914]

@@july9566 I seriously don't think any of the siblings would be able to keep a job at a gas station. They wouldn't know how to do the simplest things, they wouldn't be able to follow a simple order, and they wouldn't be able to handle the physical strain on their bodies that comes with having a regular job like that. The interesting thing about their privileged upbringing is it has probably left them with no marketable skills whatsoever. It doesn't matter, though; at the end of the show, each of them will have billions of dollars in cash and stock, and they'll probably be able to coast through life, from one failed project to another, without ever feeling an impact to their standard of living.

[@tiptoptoe2968]

Roman is mentally ill. The fortune his family has allows him to exist within society but also prevents him from getting proper treatment. No way of knowing if he actually gets the help he needs or goes further mad when he has no purpose or reason to pretend to be sane.

[@squrler]

If Kendall only turned it down a bit after being anointed, 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.

[@magma4168]

Or even if he acted differently after she ran away from the conference room.

[@paulseigeldorf9461]

If that is what flipped Shiv, than she’s a pathetic front runner. Putting his feet on the desk causes someone to flip their vote and screw their own brother , shows just what a horrible person she is.

[@fridabradbrook5577]

@@paulseigeldorf9461 well yes. that's the show. they are all horrible and pathetic

[@oliwiagodlewska5535]

@@paulseigeldorf9461 I’d say that it wasn’t the chair but the moment she was used as a minion for talking with shareholders by Kendall. Or Kendall final speach full of corpo-bullshit. She also could consider her options and considering how her cooperation with the brothers looked like at the beginning of this series, to decide that she still prefers to bet on the father of her child. But as I love Shiv she is very envious girl and she might as well hate to see her brother having toys she can’t play with.

[@wephilips6651]

@@oliwiagodlewska5535 agreed. It was everything. Even I was like ffs the return of cringe and pathetic corporate ken. Just chatting absolute bollocks. At first I thought shiv was purely motivated by spite but now I think she acted out of self interest. Every thing Kendall said or did in that office was pretty much a red flag. I think we had forgotten just how bad and ill suited he is for the role because he made a few good speeches this season but look How vacant and superficial and petulant he is. Look at his reaction to his employee wanting to leave: how he talks to those under him. Shiv bringing up the waiter was weird and is maybe evidence of acting from spite and trying to justify post hoc. Maybe she didn’t want to come out and say to Kendal you can do this. Maybe she had a gut feeling but couldn’t articulate. Even if it were the first and she was acting spitefully Kendall’s reaction was complete vindication. He proves there how bad he would have been but also what a horrible person he is but for some ‘weird’ reason no one says that. When he assaulted his brother and physically went for his pregnant sister after crying then it should be him because he’s the eldest boy lol

[@haydenlane9600]

That scene of them playing around in their moms kitchen was both touching and tragic. Touching in that it felt like they were just being kids again and getting along and messing around the way siblings do (and they probably didn’t get to growing up). And tragic because you get the feeling watching it that this will be the last pleasant memory that they’ll have of each other. Even before things went to hell with the vote, it felt like that last pleasant memory you have of a loved one you lost and how it will come to feel like a gift looking back on it years from now. They’ve stabbed each other in the back and said horrible things to each other they can’t take back but they also have that last night in moms kitchen

[@renatoaraujo8581]

I think it shows that they only worked as a family before adulthood, once they grew up and the childish innocence gave place to their personality traits acquired from such a rich but broken environment, it all falls apart drastically. They always get to an "agreement" when they become nostalgic, all to be soon dismantled when they start to think about what they are and what they want or fear in the present.

[@MrOneWay5000]

Deep and very accurate

[@albertobarzini6640]

Exactly I swear I felt it so dull watching it don't know why

[@aaaakuleczkaa]

Had the same feeling watching that scene, I thought it was the happiest scene in the whole series and from now on everything will go down... and it did...

[@OzyMandias13]

“Meeeal fit for a Kiiiing”

[@Fika_Break]

Tom was the most subservient and thus became the puppet ceo. Mattson told him he wanted to sleep with Shiv to his face and Shiv would probably be down and Tom didn’t bat an eye. That’s when Mattson knew he had his dog (or Greg).

[@Ruledbythehead]

I was waiting for someone to talk about this. THAT was the moment that solidified Tom’s position as CEO. Unchanged in the face of power. But it also showed that he was capable of conducting business without his personal feelings involved. Which is something the siblings would never be able to do. God this show is absolutely brilliant.

[@annkey4091]

I kind of disagree. Tom had accused Shiv of sleeping with the phonebook during their election eve tailgate party throw down. He already knew about Nate and the actor from Willa's play. This was just one more thing. By this time, Tom knew that Shiv was pregnant. However in not batting an eye, he knows that Shiv will have to decide whether Matsson's double-cross is worth her sleeping with him (unless she plans to have a baby with him as a way to get back in what's left of Logan's company). It's called getting laid and getting paid.

[@Littletranquility-ck1pi]

Tom is in a bad position He is a Low person really Low. And Shiv is with him, She lost the power the control she wanted. And she is having Tom's baby. Thats really Sad for her. Living with someone you don't love but she can't love anyone so its Tom's baggage. Its going to be miserable. The one who won is Greg😂... Highest paided assistant in the history.

[@annkey4091]

@@Littletranquility-ck1pi A woman with Shiv's money does NOT stay anywhere that she does not want to be, baby or no baby. This is America! The writers left things to imagination. Tom wants his baby and his wife. Shiv wants her husband or she would not have gotten in car. Tom is in a position, for now, where he wants to be with the title that he wanted and the access to money that is his, not his wife's. He now works FOR someone whose surname is NOT Roy. He is probably getting paid handsomely to be a "front" man. Logan Roy, her brothers and Matsson were never going to give Shiv any power and her husband knew it. She could not believe it nor could accept it.

[@Littletranquility-ck1pi]

@@annkey4091 well I never meant she is with Tom for the Baby I know she don't give a damn. I was saying about Tom that's its bad for him.

[@mohawkan423023]

Tom really was the one that was going to get it the whole time. He never overplayed his hand, and was also willing to do everything it takes to get CEO (as hollow as his position might end up being). In hindsight, that one shot of Logan's scars worked as a great bit of foreshadowing - you don't get to be at the top by going unscathed. Tom was underestimated throughout the show, and I love that this was what the writers decided to go with. Truly Shakespearean in the end.

[@usagi_t]

Tom was not underestimated, he was always a weasel and stayed a weasel. Kendall was underestimated and gaslighted all the time by everyone about his capability.

[@Sebastian.Medina]

@@usagi_t It's not underestimating if you have evidence that he's not fit for the job. Kendall was never going to get it because his only accomplishment was being the son of the man in charge.

[@officialthomasjames]

Getting tired of everyone saying this was Shakespeare. It was a copout ending that threw away most of the plot points and character development of Season 4.

[@omarpacho630]

He even took right in the gutter a sexual advance towards his (still) pregnant wife

[@napsam71]

Shiv won. She'll manipulate Tom down the line. Or maybe Tom really is 'a killer'.

[@MaryElizabeth611]

I believe that Tom truly loves Shiv, but it's undeniable that he's played the game well.

[@frankenviews4069]

Tom was forever wishing his love for her would grow into her love for him but it never happened, but now that the power dynamics have shifted and her daddy issues have been triggered, Tom may get an artificial version of love, which was a version of what he always prayed for but a whole lot more what he has ever gotten from Shiv.

[@thefirefridge5187]

Idk about that. I think Tom was being honest in the finale when he said he doesn't know if he wants to be in a relationship with her. I'm sure he loved her at some point, but after all they've been through they can never have a genuine relationship again. Whatever marriage they do have will be hollow, and the fact they couldn't even really hold hands properly in the finale symbolizes that.

[@t221000]

Of course he loves her and that’s why he’s so offended that she treated him like garbage 🗑️

[@erubin100]

@@thefirefridge5187 you can still be in love with someone and not want to be in a relationship with them. people fall in love with people they shouldn't all the time; some realize it and some don't. I think at that point, Tom DID still love Shiv, but also realized how bad she was for him.

[@happygucci5094]

I don’t believe that Tom loves Shiv anymore than she loves him- it was mutually exploitative. I knew that it was going to be Tom at the end. He knew exactly what he wanted and played to win.

[@ComfortableTool86]

Great analysis as always, though I would like to add that Shiv's decision to betray Kendall wasn't purely strategic, but highly personal because she couldn't bear to see her sibling get what she's always wanted. I don't believe Shiv actually gives a shit that Kendall killed someone (or that a killer can't run a company), but that she brought that up more as a justification. But obviously Kendall's meltdown reinforced how unqualified he was to lead, and cemented Shiv's decision.

[@usagi_t]

Totally personal, like an envious spoiled child would do.

[@lovelyspringweather]

100 percent agree. I also don’t buy that she completely thinks he would be bad at the position either. I think it’s both jealousy and also picking the lesser of two evils for her in the end.

[@laneythelame]

It was a last ditch effort to justify why she couldnt vote for him but just as she said she really couldnt STOMACH the fact that ken would win. She'd rather sabotage the whole thing than see that happen

[@jlopezb04]

She was only looking after herself. But neither was totally fit to lead and Logan is to blame. Logan hated their children more than he said he loved them. This show was a beautiful tragedy.

[@miseendriste6337]

And how do you know this? Jesse Armstrong came in your dreams and told you that?

[@hussey1990]

The ending felt true to the nature of these characters. They are horrible, backstabbing people. Sometimes people don't change.

[@obscurum6]

Tom was a backstabber too. It was Tom backstabbing Shiv to Logan that ended their marriage.

[@Christopher-md7tf]

Right, there is very little in terms of character development throughout the whole show. By and large, people are still who they were in the very first episodes, which is to say: Selfish, manipulative, scheming pieces of shit.

[@titanicisshit1647]

@@obscurum6 they're all dipshits

[@AniTube-ds8uz]

yup! even though I was disappointed with the end it just made sense to me and tbh it would've been extremely boring and a bit hollow if Kendall got the position and everyone lived happily ever after with no depth or anything, I would've hated that!

[@margarethmichelina5146]

@@obscurum6 Can you even blame Tom to backstab Shiv? Shiv always treats him like her lapdog every time ever since Season One when she cheated on Tom with Nate and begged Tom to stay. Then, she asked him to be in "Open Relationship" but she's the one who can cheat with other man but she won't allow Tom to go with another woman! The way she treats Tom like that because she's always being treaten as the token girl in the family, as her dad is a workaholic, her mom doesn't know how to be a mom and her brothers always left her behind. So, Shiv's feeling like a winner when she's finally get a man who can listen to her. However, what she didn't expect, Tom mostly always fight back like a dog who's finally can bite his owner. Also, Shiv is a spoiled, lazy and delusional girl who never know about real world so in conclusion, Tom married a child. She was feeling untouchable when Logan was still alive but then after Logan died, she's alone and has no one to back her up anymore and doesn't know who she is anymore. You also noticed how her hair is getting messier ever since Logan died like showing her mental state is not stable like it used to and even she's less wearing makeup. Also, she's pregnant, and it could also showing how stress she is as her dad died while she's on her pregnancy.

[@wephilips6651]

People seem to be forgetting as well that the original plan was to seek to matson and do their own thing…it was Kendall who changed that and started working against it unilaterally before bringing the other siblings into it and not telling shiv for a while

[@zwj5478]

Which is a killer move so what ?

[@t221000]

Do you mean Speak to Mattson?

[@aminallam4188]

It was actually Roman who proposed blowing up the deal. like usual Kendall’s siblings blow things up, let Kendall try to fix it, just so they can let Kendall take the fall. Kendall’s only flaw is that he still acknowledges those clowns.

[@hurmur9528]

Exactly. And that is so typicall Kendall. Doing a revolution always. This time against dads will of selling and also against Matsson who proved to be a formidable opponent. Matssons move and the way he did it was just a masterclass in power when he asked Tom to be CEO. And then he tells him that he wants to have sex with Shiv as well and that he does not want a CEO who tells him what to do. He challenge Tom and Tom takes it. Because Tom knows that you have to do a accept a lot when you are in presense of true power to achive your goal. Matssons master move though was not just testing Tom, he also knew that Shiv most likely would accept this choice. Making it check mate.

[@Sasuke-ss1tf]

@@aminallam4188 the way you view that is very telling to who you are as a person 😂

[@cgijokerman5787]

Roman wasn't fully convinced either, but Kendall physically hurt him to put him in his place. Just like Logan did

[@t221000]

He totally made his stitches 🧵 bleed 🩸 on purpose 😢

[@cardamom3804]

mmm I think you are oversimplifying it. Roman was partially in control when Kendall was hurting him. For Roman it “hurts so good”.

[@t221000]

@@cardamom3804 He is a masochist and he got hurt 😢 in the first place by running 🏃‍♂️ into the protesters 🪧

[@cgijokerman5787]

@@cardamom3804 Mark Mylod, one of the writers, stated that Kendall tried to crush any doubt in Roman, just like Logan used to.

[@chrisguy9017]

He did that to himself the first time. And the second time, i think he got what he deserved.

[@KazBrownRP]

Tom also did something none of the others could bring themselves to do. When Matsen met with him face to face and asked him about how he was as a "hang" he didn't feed him bullshit. Even though his compatibility was the top thing Tom stressed about he kept it honest and it won him the prize. His instant forgiveness of Greg was the cherry on top.

[@GreenZerg]

What did matsen mean by "hang" never quite got that.

[@theoxbellows]

@@GreenZerg What kind of guy he was personality-wise, as in two people hanging out.

[@KazBrownRP]

@@GreenZerg much of the episode Tom was lamenting that Matsen kept inviting him to social events, parties, hangouts, whatever. Tom's concern was that he never fit in with that crowd, that he would rather be at the office. A couple of keen youtubers have mentioned how the initial seed for Tom to take over was planted when Matsen heard he was working rather than attending the funeral.

[@NatureFreak1127]

Greg had dirt on him though.

[@rouk2621]

did tom really forgive greg? im not an english native so it was hard for me to tell wether it was sarcasm or not (if were both talking about the bidding sticker to the forehead scene)

[@aimansirkhot3822]

Loved the foreshadowing when rome and shiv playfully discuss about murdering ken. They actually do kill him

[@mathewjohwa]

I love how they portrayed Tom’s character. He was essentially two characters in one. The first side of him was the submissive servant, lusting for approval from the family and the second character is how he was also a master manipulative bully, which you’d see in his interactions with Greg. Him understanding that he had no monetary gain from being associated with Greg allowed him to be his true self and that he was perhaps a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

[@annkey4091]

I tend to agree with you. If the series had continued, I think that you would see yet another Tom Wambsgans. I think the final scene of he and Shiv's car ride, revealed to Shiv a man that she did not know very well. I think that he is every bit a ruthless as Matsson and as clever ---- "I bide my time" kind of guy.

[@veryexcellentniceguy9641]

I think a lot of people miss that about Tom. His subservient act was manipulation just like anything else. He would shape shift to be whatever was most wanted by the people he needed something from

[@margarethmichelina5146]

Also, Greg betrays him many times but he never feel resents towards him more than to Shiv, instead he's proud of him because Greg is just his human furniture. Greg understands it in the end and he'd rather stay forever being Tom's bitch than get nothing.

[@annkey4091]

Greg will land on his feet. There is no indication that grandpa Ewan is going to cut out Greg's mother from any inheritance. She showed up at Logan's funeral with Ewan.@@margarethmichelina5146

[@Fika_Break]

One interesting thing about Succession is that virtually no characters had any development throughout the story. Kendall would make bold moves only to collapse. Shiv would get played and was petty and Roman was insecure and lacked confidence. Tom was servile, Connor was aloof and Greg was a weasel. It had the most static characters of any show.

[@amirparsi4165]

Exactly, I was waiting for someone to point it out. There is no character difference between the pilot and the finale, they all stay the same

[@chamindrawarusawitharane177]

But, that's the point. Narcissistic personalities don't change. There is never any character development for such damaged people in real life either.

[@asensijj7282]

I don't think this is compleyely true. Tom was still servile but grew a spine at the end and became colder. Kendall while mostly being the same mumbling awkward guy that can't read the room shed some of his humanity this last season. In s1 they wouldn't have been capable of it

[@amirparsi4165]

@Asensi JJ the only one's that really pulled through were Tom and Greg, these two learned how to play the game and in the end won it, But the main 3 not so much, kendall was pathetic from the beginning and in the end he sunk even lower, every season was about how he is about to start something promising but he was too incompetent to make anything happen. Shiv's arch enemy was her own overconfidence in manipulating people, she'd do anything to get to power but every time she got played herself. And Roman was just a lost child, who never grew up, he had his moments trying to act like his father, but he realized he is too damaged to be a logan roy. They experienced minor changes throughout the show, but nothing to be called character development.

[@alatielinara]

@@chamindrawarusawitharane177 it is if they will be willing to work with it and change. Ken maybe, Roman and Shiv probably wouldn't

[@rebecca_stone]

Superb summary of a superb ending. "The core message of Succession is that those who were born at the finish line cannot understand what it takes to compete against those who are racing to get there." I'm going to miss your essays on this series - they've been just as excellent as the show itself. Thank you!

[@alatielinara]

I think it wasn't about how to get to the finish line but how the race itself destroys people

[@sewerface]

Wtf? You acknowledge it’s a summary and say it’s superb? It’s one or the other, Mia. You can’t title a video “what it all meant” then barely talk about meaning while focusing almost entirely on plot. Why is this comment so taken with these stupid cliff notes pretending to be analysis

[@fictionnerd78]

@@sewerface I can see what you’re saying and you actually do a good job explaining your position, but I personally wouldn’t call the video surface level. He discusses the character motivations and the reasons why the characters do what they do as opposed to just saying “X event happened, then Y event happened”, which is what I would classify as “Surface level.” Now, if you have issues with the actual content of his analysis, I’d be intrigued to hear it, but even if his analysis is flawed, I still wouldn’t call it surface level. On a completely separate note, just out of curiosity, what is your opinion on his other videos? Not just on Succession, but just his general content? Pure curiosity.

[@blakedowdell4725]

The final argument between Kendall and shiv. Ken screaming "i am the eldest boy!" And shiv laughing and saying he's not. Shiv actually acknowledges her brother connor for the first time.

[@OzyMandias13]

I love the way Ken was taken aback by that. His ultra-privileged life wasn’t privileged enough for him. His sense of entitlement was so overblown, that it became divine birthright.

[@dgurl04]

That’s the thing with Shiv, she only acknowledges the truth when it aligns with her plan. Else, it’s not real.

[@margarethmichelina5146]

Also, in Season 3, when Connor had a breakdown that he's yelling "I'M THE ELDEST SON!", Shiv and Roman later apologize to him for not taking him seriously but not Kendall.

[@omarpacho630]

Tom’s whole prison arc is a perfect equivalent of Logan’s scars as a sign of merit

[@futuropasado]

tom is not logan, tom has won a ceo position with much less power. He worked his way, but only beeing a puppet. Nothing more, obey.

[@omarpacho630]

@@futuropasado bro you need Tom to literally be born again to prove your point

[@SweetJeopardy]

​​@@omarpacho630 no, he's right. Guys like Logan and Matson really have power, they're nobody's puppet. Tom got a hollow crown only cause his wife voted for it, everybody knows it too, but especially Shiv and Matson.

[@omarpacho630]

@@SweetJeopardy are you willing to go to prison for someone?

[@asdf852asdf]

​@@SweetJeopardy Tom understands what it is to work for something while scheming, lyng, backstabbing and lowering his head when he needed to, he played the game 10 times better than the kid and Logan and Mattson realized it

[@JoJoJoker]

Ken & Shiv made the same mistake. They assumed they were CEO before closing the deal.

[@MyaB1986]

Yep. They could've let board decide on the next CEO and not sell their father's legacy. If you rewatch season 3, Shiv is the one trying to stop the deal, even though Kendall was too broken to even care. Then she wanted the deal to go through because she was deluted that she's gonna be the next CEO and eventually decided to sell only so that Kendall doesn't get it.

[@margarethmichelina5146]

Meanwhile, Roman is mostly playing neutral. All he wants is his dad's approval and love. He tried many times but it's always failed because of his carelessness. He doesn't care if he's failed to be the CEO, he just wants to do the right thing.

[@ciitadel2518]

I love this ending and especially Shiv's role in it because there's no single way of looking at her choice. It's a multi-faceted thing. She knew Kendall wasn't qualified, but she also couldn't stand the idea of letting her brother win. She knew she would have no shot at power again with Kendall in control, and while she would be turning into her own mother as the CEO's pregnant wife, she would still have more sway that way than as the CEO's younger sister. It was both petty and childish but strategic at the same time. Also, this entire season Tom and Shiv's main conflict has revolved around the idea of loyalty. Tom has accused Shiv multiple times now of not loving him and not being willing to sacrifice anything for him. With this move, he can never say that to her again. She has that upper hand on that front for the rest of their lives now. There's no one way to explain Shiv's choice, because she's a complicated, selfish, and ultimately messy person. And other people who try to reduce it down to one thing or another does a disservice to her character, and feeds into what she said about Logan-not being able to fit an entire woman in their head.

[@hmmm2564]

Lol, are you really that dumb? Tom is a straight up weasel. He will do what's best for him

[@annkey4091]

I agree with your assessment. I don't think Shiv was given the credit by Tom for being in his corner. I think that Tom cast his lot with Logan when he saw that Shiv would be unable to carve out her own path, let alone his, within the company. She was a woman and her brothers were going to fight her tooth and nail every step of the way. Shiv wanted any advancement made by Tom within the company would be through her good will. Shiv did not give Tom credit for being able to carve his own path. Being an outsider, he was able to look at the Roy family and size up where the weaknesses were ---- the kids. When you think about it, Shiv's style was messy, (a brawler) , due to her upbringing, but she delivered ---- not necessarily to herself. Tom wanted her to have his baby (he probably thought that she was no longer trying to conceive). She is pregnant with HIS child, a point that she made to him. In other words, she may not have been sleeping around as she led him to believe. Tom became a CEO due to her crucial vote allowing him to wear the big pants and, the money from sale of Waystar|RoyCo allows her to do whatever she wants. She is also a dutiful daughter ---- she saw that the company was sold just as Logan and Lady Caroline wanted. Lukas Matsson made it a point to say that he did not want the Roy name, a reason given that Shiv did not get the CEO position. I don't see Tom getting input from Shiv about a company that the Roy family no longer owns, which is a reason why I could not understand why she would want to work with Matsson after the company was sold to him. Any powers that Tom has a CEO will be assigned by Matsson who stated that he himself will make the decisions and the CEO is his front man. I don't think that Shiv owed anything to Connor, Kendall or Roman. She carrying a Wambsgans. It might be the death of one dynasty and the beginning of another.

[@chuckychuck8318]

​@@annkey4091Shiv would do anything to not let her brothers win because she couldn't stand seeing them in charge so by siding with Lukas she thought she had the upper hand as she still saw the company as her dad's and that's exactly why Mattson wanted her out. Also Mattson didn't want another Ebba situation to happen.

[@Navdeepsmom]

There wasnt strategy at play. She simply couldn't let her brother be CEO. Quite bleak

[@JayMac]

The most surprising thing was that we didn’t see Kendall jumping off the building and falling in the window behind them when they were all taking pictures

[@StarLababy12]

Seriously thought he was gonna kill himself

[@akali83]

I really wish someone would do an analysis on Shiv and her mother. That dynamic is so interesting!

[@t221000]

Maybe 🤔 here on this very channel ❤😅

[@Reu8enofleon]

Each believes the other exists purely to punish them. Kendall has a singularity of want, Shiv has a singularity of existence.

[@jacquelinemuqui]

Eyeballs

[@dco1487]

well they aren't real people so whatever you imagine is the right analysis

[@MOTM1234]

Its not that interesting. Their mother is a textbook narcissist and vile human

[@arthuramaral4010]

this ending was the perfect way to synthesize the whole purpose of this series

[@frankenviews4069]

From Adam McKay, it was a big F U to the 1 %

[@crusaderpenguin5326]

@Frankenviews * In my opinion it’s a bit more complex than that. I don’t believe that wealth makes you good or bad, I think it just makes you more of what you already are. Succession was great for this because it showed what a dysfunctional family (which can happen at any income level) is like when they have the world at their fingertips.

[@PublicEnemyMinusOne]

@@crusaderpenguin5326 You're right on the button of it makes you more of what you are; Tom is nothing else but a man who likes nice things. He cares little for role of being a puppet, he gives no shits. As long as he continues to eat, sleep, travel and wear all things fine and luxurious, that's okay for him.

[@MrRrusiii]

what does that even mean

[@arthuramaral4010]

@@MrRrusiii succession is a very strong commentary on capitalism and nepotism, it was never about which spoiled kid gets to be king or queen

[@AA-qb7ni]

The ending was perfect. Of course none of the siblings would win because as Logan said they weren't serious people. Tom coming out on top made sense and he's the best fit for it.

[@juanchoresultay2704]

After all the the neglected effort he had in the past , he won in the end

[@himurahaibara1459]

I'd say he's the best dog for it.

[@willtorres7250]

Gerri was a better choice.

[@relaxletgo7105]

Funny thing is Ken did battle for power. He lost at EVERY turn, but he did battle fiercely for it. I think this analysis doesnt do justice to his arc

[@DudeCrazy198]

He was the only kid who ever meaningfully opposed Logan in any capacity.

[@jacobcrsn]

@@DudeCrazy198 and each time he lost cause someone in his family pussied out

[@jessetheanimenerd3304]

​@@jacobcrsn Logan got lucky multiple times. Kendall absolutely would've been CEO long before Season 4 if he didn't have the world's shittiest luck.

[@hitthefries]

He’s a good fighter but not a good winner imo. As a co CEO sure he was manic and didn’t display leadership skills, but he had his successes. Probably because as co ceo he hasn’t had his prize yet. But whenever he feels confident that he’s winning, he slips up

[@jacobcrsn]

@@hitthefries he slips up because he trusts his family

[@reasanka5298]

I always thought that it was Kendall becoming Logan towards the end that really killed him. Kendall acting like the death of the waiter kid never really happened was such an "NRPI" moment, it not only tarnished one of the biggest moments of the bond the siblings had, but it also gave Rome and Shiv the excuses they needed to go against him.

[@moonchiId.]

when they dont give a fuck about the waiter and roman literally made jokes about it when kendall told them istg they all are so stupid

[@fightsports66]

I had the same reaction as Roman when Kendall was like which one. Are you telling us you committed more murders so you really don’t know which killing we are referring to?

[@theanarchistcook]

I'm surprised he didn't actually say "NRPI".

[@wolfzeru5745]

That's true, when Kendall confessed he killed someone, the siblings were supportive and they got together more than ever. Kendall became a psycho in the end, not only he was denying the bond with his siblings, he was also denying his guilt and thus his humanity

[@naomi89able]

Yes! I was thinking of Shiv's face during Kendal's eulogy, when he announces that he hopes he becomes more like his father. She looks horrified. I thought of this when she couldn't vote for him at the end. There were many reasons why she did it, but I think she couldn't stomach him becoming the next Logan

[@gmagoo7415]

Tom always looks like underdog in front of the Roys, Mattson, even Frank, Karl or Gerry and especially in front of Shiv. Either the way he talks or walks or sits, his posture really shows it. In the final scenes, we see him walking the hallway to CEO's office 7:51 and to the car with the highest level of confidence ever; people getting out of his way as he is now the center of the crowd. The way he sits upright, the way he walks with his head held high gave away the vibes of dominance/ruler. I saw your analysis on Matthew playing Tom and i really loved the part when you mentioned the physical contact. From the moment he won, the physical contact with objects and people are completely gone (except shaking hands for victory) as he doesnt feel nervous, weird and out of place anymore. At final scene in the car, he sits upright, his eyes are cold and he looks overpower Shiv. For the 1st time ever he doesnt reach out for or make physical contact to Shiv first like he used to (at his wedding, at his house, on the boat, at Logan's house the day Logan just died, basically just all the time). Instead, he offers his hand and it leaves to her whether she takes it. There is a moment at 7:57 that Tom sucks in his cheek at the disdain of Shiv's gently half-hearted hand place above his hand and he doesnt even try to hold her hand. He just looks other ways, any other directions rather than looking at Shiv which means he doesnt care about her as much as he used to. It all implies that old Tom is gone. Nonverbal acting sometimes does speak louder than any lines.

[@AREA-jp8vb]

It’s so sad that their father made them into not serious people, and then blamed them for it

[@mookie1151]

Nah, he expected them to be like him simply through blood but realized too late it was not possible because they grew up in different realities.

[@margarethmichelina5146]

​@@mookie1151Kendall is the closest to be the new Logan but too bad Kendall is mostly insecure all the time, impatience and also a drug addict. Also, Kendall wouldn't let anyone to speak and overtalked them while Logan is a good listener, he'll listen to feedbacks most of the time. In Season 4, you can see Kendall slighlty turn to be the new Logan but as soon as he learnt that Logan wrote his name on paper to be his new successor, Kendall is going back to his old self, being insecure spoiled rich kid who thinks he's right and everyone is wrong. He's also abandoning his family just like Logan did but Kendall still wants to make his kid happy but he fails.

[@dansuduhast1051]

The moment Kendall sat in their fathers chair and put his feet up on the table, was the moment where the siblings (but especially Shiv) were starting to wobble and rethink their support for Kendall

[@bassfacer1357]

Since the episode aired, I've been awaiting this video with as much anticipation as the episode itself. Your analyses are so much deeper and more poignant than anyone else's.

[@filmbrat1]

i disagree with the notion that shiv wasn’t being petty. her concerns and reasonings were not valid to me, they were justifications to cover her own ego. i interpreted it as “i can’t have it, so you can’t either”. i don’t think shiv had that much ethical thinking when she left the board room

[@KittySnicker]

Same here! Completely disingenuous

[@giggsy42]

Like he says a bunch of kids, these are not serious people, they are a bunch of absolute fuck ups. They couldn't run a bath.

[@melodic_ez0657]

That was my initial thinking, but I think a part of her decision was Tom becoming CEO. She would rather her husband win over her brother. Also Ken's behavior played a part on it.

[@osamintv6135]

​@@melodic_ez0657 you're agreeing with him. It was just her ego and jealousy. Neither or Roman, they'd rather none of them have it than Kendal getting it.

[@jedwuthun]

yup, i agree. there was a moment during their argument where she throws kendall a smirk after saying, "i don't think you'd be good at [being a CEO]", and for me that smirk told me everything. she primarily betrayed kendall to spite him (and, on a smaller scale, to save her marriage)

[@tanitavga]

When you said "born at the finish line", I thought that it perfectly encompasses the siblings! Such a great description.

[@abdelrahmansaeed3937]

Greatest show ever With heartbreaking ending which suits this tragedy

[@raymondsims7042]

It’s one of them for sure I actually have succession number 7 on my top ten best shows ever list. So I’ve got it very high. But I can’t objectively say any show is better than the wire. So the wire is still number 1 for me and no show I’ve seen is close

[@wrestlinginfodude2644]

@@raymondsims7042 still greatest show or atleast top 3 of this decade ,era

[@thatveryvvitch_]

Oh no you just posted your opinion, now expect other users to let you know breaking bad, the sopranos, the wire, game of thrones, etc. exist and they liked them more 🥱

[@asd-dv7dq]

@@raymondsims7042 If you've seen mr robot its definetly better or as good

[@raymondsims7042]

@@asd-dv7dq mr robot is definitely better than succession. 🤷‍♂️but it’s not better than the wire. I actually have mr robot third on my all time best shows list. I absolutely love that show

[@oXogon80]

The US missed out on a great man becoming president. Seeing Connor governing his father's estate was an inspirational vision for a better future of society. With inventive hybrid concepts of class and equity oriented to the desires and needs of people, but of their own accord - therefore revolutionizing the welfare state to be libertarian. The world made fairer one sticker at the time.

[@molom1741]

LOL

[@jejsunsedicka7504]

Forever a Conhead!

[@Mandavee]

you know... Connor Roy was interested in politics at a very young age.

[@supahluna69]

Conheads really do stay winning.

[@Dapryor]

😂😂😂

[@kingconnor4619]

This finale went exactly how I wanted it to go actually. Tom and Greg being on top of things being my favorite two characters was awesome. I guess you could say "Tom with some Greg sprinkles". I also (possible unpopular opinion) loved how Kendall didn't get what he wanted in the end. He's always been a horrible person, and in fact, so have all the siblings (except maybe Connor) and in truth I never liked any of them nor did I want them to succeed in the end. Shiv's betrayal makes sense, because in truth she knew Kendall would be genuinely not be a good lead for the company. Despite the uncertain outcome of her relationship with Tom, she ultimately maintained her ties to the company through him. I didn't entirely understand why Roman was still on Ken's side by the end of it, considering Ken's attitude and him lashing out at Roman, but who knows. This ending felt realistic and I liked it. The show Succession ends without a successor.

[@louisBrother1988]

You make it sound like Tom hasn't also been a horrible person throughout the show 💀 Sure, I'm a Kendall hater and a Tom+Greg lover like you, but Tom is a very mean, manipulative, narcissistic, and horrible person, exactly like everyone else in the show.

[@olivergibbons9581]

Also don’t forget that Greg has also shown himself to be a pretty shit person on every level. He only got to where he is at the end through nepotism and a willingness to lie, cheat and backstab. Just because he’s awkward and kind of endearing doesn’t mean he wasn’t just as bad as the siblings.

[@KD-ou2np]

I think it also makes sense in the larger themes of the show about how these companies and the country is changing. We don't have successions anymore, we don't pass down empires through the bloodline or the eldest boy. And the show is emblematic of that. We are at the end of an era.

[@yolisazokufa548]

except Connor? no way. that guy is so up his own ass he is not able to humanise his trophy wife. he is so embarrassing. Logan makes it clear he is ashamed of Conor. he likes to unsee his kids' red flags except Conor's. Conor whose miserable wife is doing her best to milk this shit situation that she still hopes will fund her plays.

[@MetroidPurples]

@@olivergibbons9581 Mattsson called him Judas and Tom Jesus. That makes so much more sense now that I think about it.

[@brandoncassels3670]

I was eagerly anticipating the release of this video! This is one of the best endings to a television series I have ever seen. The Roy family system dictates that to love one another is to hurt one another and this theme is very much highlighted in the series finale. Out of all the siblings, I think Roman is the one who will finally get some peace. Going from wanting to be someone he is not, to fighting against who he really is, to finally making some peace with that realization, was a great character arc. Shiv was always self-interested and not to be trusted, which is very much in alignment with how her story ends. I actually found Kendal's ending to be so satisfying: the bumbling, narcissistically wounded heir apparent having a temper tantrum that he won't receive the claim to power he always thought was his birth right despite his ineptitude. Genius writing and so psychologically captivating.

[@t221000]

Shiv really should work in politics

[@AIRIKSN666]

Agree wholeheartedly. I honestly think they could’ve had at least 2 more episodes in the series. I wanted to know more about Matsson’s bad India numbers, Mencken’s early call (votes possibly could’ve been false from riots; he wouldn’t be president) but this ending was satisfying enough. I wish Gerri, Frank, Karl, Hugo, etc. would’ve been in little more but other than they’re a funny group lmao

[@spankyfingaz]

"Those who are born at the finish line cannot understand what it takes to compete against those who are racing to get there" Bravo Sir; that is the best summation of the show that I've ever heard.

[@mathijsfrank9268]

I think that there is another very tactical reason for shiv's betrayal. When she heard it would be Tom she was furious, but between the time of her finding that out and the board meeting she had time to process. She probably came to the conclusion that with Kendal being the big boss she would lose all her power (just like what happened when kendal and roman took over temporarily). However if it isn't kendall it is her husband with whom she still has a way in. This is the only move for her to have a chance at becoming the big boss herself.

[@seal569]

That's the way I saw it. By backing Tom she would appear to support him as the dutiful wife and business confident. All the while, paving a way for herself to get the CEO's chair should Tom falter. However if she voted with her brothers, things would be as they were at the beginning of the show, but permanent, with Kendall as CEO, Roman as COO and she'd be out..and that, she couldn't stomach.

[@Littletranquility-ck1pi]

She choose Tom because she needs Tom to Live. Because she is a Loser in my opinion, she is smart but coward. She doesn't Love Tom but she can't Love anyone . But Tom knows her Who she is and said that to her face that's when Tom actually became important to her. But well Tom is low person really Low. In terms of getting control back Lucas is smart and powerful he needed a puppet he got the best One. So no one has any control over Waystar than Lucas . Shiv played safe like she always did she has too much pride and that will be her fall. Poor Tom its going to miserable for him because she won't leave him😂.

[@margarethmichelina5146]

​@@Littletranquility-ck1pi If I was Tom, right on his wedding after he learnt from Greg that Shiv cheated on him with Nate, I'll leave Shiv in the altar alone and then I get the fuck out of her and her horrible family and also just marry Greg instead.

[@Littletranquility-ck1pi]

@@margarethmichelina5146 Marry Greg!... seriously 😂

[@margarethmichelina5146]

@@Littletranquility-ck1pi Why not? Greg is his Sporus afterall.

[@glitchburgh4249]

“Excellence isn’t something you’re simply born into, it’s something you must battle to become.”

[@giggsy42]

Traumatised by the ending, what an immense show

[@obscurum6]

PTSD, Post Traumatic Succession Disorder. 😱

[@titanicisshit1647]

poor junkie multibillionaire not controlling daddy's empire , so traumatizing

[@giggsy42]

@@titanicisshit1647 hey, don't worry, only people with IQs above 50 will understand the psychological depths which counts you out. Ironic you don't like Titanic, about your intellectual level 👍

[@purplefishy8164]

"They're sheltered from competition, insulated from consequence, and isolated from compassion" god damn

[@tatianachristiansen2950]

The comment made by Marsha re “he made you a playground and you think it is the world” is so spot on. It sums up so much.

[@KadayiPolokov]

There were a couple of key things about Tom that people overlook, the first being that despite his obsequious nature to Logan, he was quite clearly very good at whatever job he was given, even if he was a bit of a bully. Despite the initial poor impression Tom may have made with Matsson in Norway, it wasn't lost on him at Logan's Funeral that Tom was absent attending to the election fallout at ATN when it came up in conversation, demonstrating that he was a work first person. Secondly, despite Shiv downplaying him and saying she would be OK with Matsson firing Tom, she sold Tom in terms of his actual proficiencies as a pretty competent manager who was doing a good job running ATN after the departure of The Peach. Thirdly, when Shiv and Matsson broached a deal with Shiv as CEO Mencken uttered some German phrase (Kinder Küche Kirche), which translates as 'Children, Kitchen, Church' outlining his views on the role of woman, which wasn't lost on n Matsson. If there was going to be a deal, and they were going to get along it would have to be a male CEO. That Tom also just rolled with punches in that 'interview' was the clincher, because he demonstrated that he could take punishment and not lose his cool when it came from above.

[@notacynic677]

this is true however i would also like to point out that "Kinder, Küche, Kirche" was a nazi propaganda phrase which also served to show how mencken was....right wing shall we say

[@robotmessiah3621]

Shiv's ending was the saddest to me. Kendall and Roman had a melancholic ending but at least they are free. She's stuck with Tom and Matsson. I would hate that.

[@OzyMandias13]

Maybe she decided to break the cycle she grew up in and threw herself into being a mother for their child? If you want to believe that I mean. The beauty of the show is it included the story at a point where there is justification to believe they could be inspired to change, or they were exactly who they were going to be for the rest of their lives.

[@sophiasage1379]

Shiv is a billionaire. She could leave Tom, she’s choosing her fate.

[@pineapplebanana11]

good point

[@obscurum6]

​@@sophiasage1379 People keep saying Shiv is stuck with Tom but with her money she can go wherever she likes.

[@photoshopdepth]

She singlehandedly did it to herself, did she not?

[@michalalinn]

As soon as Kendall got word that Mattson was talking to Vaulter, I knew history was going to repeat itself and he was going to fail. It was never his destiny.

[@tamtamr9081]

i dont understand people that say this.. the only reason hes never in charge is because his siblings are too envious to let him.. he appears on many levels to be able to lead the company

[@michalalinn]

@@tamtamr9081 I mean from a story telling perspective, they foreshadow that Kendall will fail. It is almost like a Greek tragedy where the idea of fate is dominant.

[@dr1kk3r]

Nah, Shiv commenting on Kendall not being suitable for the throne based on the killing was just a masterful way from the writers to portrait, with subtlety, how they use everything and anything against each other when they have to, and also it helped to show how Kendall again fucked it up and lied and twisted the truth. In the end, they all had what they deserved. I'm just happy for Roman to be able to break out of it. We all as spectators feel so desperate for them, and it fascinates me, since, let's not forget, after the inflated selling price, they're all still billionaires and prolly are richer now than ever :)))

[@alatielinara]

yeah she just enjoyed hurting him and Kendall was using his defensive mechanism - he would say anything to escape danger and confrontation. He is still scared young boy, and Shiv is jelaous of his special connection with their father, despite the fact that this connection is what's killing Ken. I don't think Roman broke out of anything though. Ken, on the other hand, has the chance. The scary thing happened to him, he is at bottom, but that can make him rebuilt his life. Roman will still be where he was at the very start.

[@ajreveles4284]

I think it’s unfair to say that the abilities of the ceo had anything to do with shiv’s decision, she would rather not lose and that’s clear. Tom is far less of a killer than Kendall, that is the very reason he was chosen as a puppet. Like all the Roy siblings, Shiv has severe narcissism and cannot allow her brother to take the victory from her after seeing how smug he was, laying back in Logan’s chair with his feet on the desk. Shiv wanted the position for herself and could not care less about real qualifications given her own candidacy for the position.

[@erubin100]

Agreed. The whole "I don't think you can do it" thing was just an excuse. Plus, like the video said, she has "options" like being Tom's baby-mama.

[@jl1836]

@@erubin100 Dude, that argument is so dumb because Tom is NOT the successor and he doesn't have power, he is just a puppet CEO so definitely Shiv didn't chose him because of power.

[@SoulPatroller]

@@jl1836 Agreed! She's even more independently wealthy after the sale. She doesn't need Tom for anything.

[@erubin100]

@@jl1836 Maybe you should get a life instead of insulting other peoples' opinions, "Dude!"

[@g.n_j9286]

That's true, she only hated to see one of her siblings in the chair, and tom won the position because he is just a puppet, it has nothing to do with his "strategic " moves

[@012jacob012]

I was impressed the show runners were willing to end the show this way. They strung the audience along and implied the company would be handed to one of the kids on a silver platter. I never expected them to put the kids in their place the way they did in the end.

[@jordachejordan90]

Really good writing that subverted expectations.

[@WrangleMcDangle]

it made sense. none of the characters deserved to be fulfilled or happy, just like their real life counterparts

[@erubin100]

They definitely fool us into thinking one of them would win by making us sympathize with them on some level, but ultimately remind us that these are shitty, childish people (one of whom is literally a murderer) that really don't deserve to win in the end.

[@rouxbe3595]

Brilliant analysis! I’ve seen so many Kendall apologists. He explicitly demonstrated spectacularly bad judgement and poor negotiating skills beginning with the very first episode, and continuing throughout every season. Likewise, so much talk that dismisses Tom’s abilities. Yes, he’s frequently servile, but that is sometimes a necessary and valuable tactic, and that’s not the sum of his skills. He didn’t get to the top solely by marrying Shiv either, and courting her was not easy. She’s a beautiful, intelligent, heiress who could have chosen any one of a large number of men, one may presume, and she can be quite cruel and capricious. He worked his way up through the company, married a valuable ally, survived the cruises scandal he inherited, outcompeted Cyd at ATN. Tom is not just an empty suit. Thank you for laying it out so clearly.

[@dignityputnam6641]

I've seen a lot of videos about the ending of Succession, but this here is a gem. Your contents are always great; this one is a truly exceptional analysis hit the characters, twist, and motifs of the show on their heads.

[@bellareid3488]

Astute as always. Watching the siblings brawl outside the boardroom made it clear none of them were capable for the CEO job. Roman's grief and emotional breakdown showed a humanity we hadn't previously seen. I came away feeling he might be most well adjusted of the four which is scary thought! lol. Sad this has come to an end.

[@vaibhavsaini3017]

Kendall Roy : The man who couldn't be king

[@KittySnicker]

I empathized with Shiv on the gender issues (as a woman), but I did not like her as a person. There’s a reason her nickname is Shiv. She’s always backstabbing. I don’t think she had a genuine objection to Kendall’s leadership because if she did, she should’ve said so instead of giving him hope and then shivving him in the back. On a human level, I relate most to Ken. Shiv didn’t have a good faith objection to his leadership. She just couldn’t stand losing power and she suddenly used the manslaughter against him when he opened up to her in a moment of vulnerability. And Roman was completely out of line with the comments about Ken’s kids and I think he’s a sniveling little freak. That said, Mencken is a piece of shit for looking down on Rome for crying at his dad’s funeral.

[@MarylandDude9005]

In a nutshell, yes.

[@rainywoex5035]

+1 I tried to sympathize with Shiv, but she lost me in episode 10. Ken wasn’t entitled to her vote, but he didn’t deserve her callousness and betrayal.

[@CancelIFR]

I think she had come to peace with him being CEO, but then seeing him strut around, put his feet on the desk, and interact with Stewy made her realize that he wasn't the guy.

[@omarpacho630]

I'll tell you one thing and I'm not ashamed to say it, my estimation of Roman Roy as a man just fucking plummeted.

[@suasoria]

Shiv and Rom being bad people does not excuse Kendall of any of his shortcomings and literal crimes. Ken (along with Rom) backstabbed Shiv first and then Ken immediately continued onward to backstab Rom. It's very strange to me how quick people are to forgive Ken, simply because they have accepted that Ken somehow deserves the top spot due to... what, exactly? Being promised by Logan? He also promised it to Shiv. Being the older boy? Having had management training? Ken did not have a single useful idea in the entirety of the 4 seasons. The show literally opens with him floundering in disastrous ways. He is a ball of insecurity and selfishness. He deserves what he gets in the end, which is exactly nothing.

[@widowswail888]

I’ve been waiting for your take on it since the episode aired and you certainly did not disappoint. You tackled every point of this show and explained it very eloquently. Bravo!

[@ms-ds3wv]

Great take. There was a couple of scenes that is a bit understated. The first one with Shiv describing Tom in a condescending and dismissive way semented Matsons view of Shiv, not Tom. She exposed herself as arrogant and too risky to trust. The other was Toms fondness for Greg, after everything that happened he still went out of his way to keep Greg as an assistant. Since Greg is still the only person he can really talk to.

[@carolynrabbani6469]

And yet, her description of Tom was exactly the description of who Mattson wanted, a puppet/dog to manipulate, a cog in a wheel. She did Tom a favor, and it is open ended whether she did so for her child, for Tom, or for herself, or more likely, for all of the above. That is the beauty of the ambiguous nature of the show, and of human beings.

[@lieke7675]

I think you forgot about the emotional factor of Shiv's decision. I think she saw the way Roman was bleeding and shrunk in on himself, combined with Kendall's "that's fucking right" after Roman's hesitant vote and saw her father. As she said, she cannot stomach him even though she loves him, she wouldn't be able to stand him as CEO. Also, she is closer to Tom, so she would have slightly more power if it's Tom in the position.

[@napdaily]

So did Marcia lose both her board votes? Remember in earlier season they were complaining about Marcia getting 2 board votes. What ever happened with that? Or did she lose them when Logan and her split up?

[@obscurum6]

Good question.

[@Multiceps]

No, she never got place on the board because siblings never signed documents for that. In the first season, Logan tried to push them to do so, but collapsed before negotiation was completed, but after he back on track his and Marcia relationship fell apart.

[@obscurum6]

@@Multiceps Later on the siblings discuss that Marcia might have two seats on the board. Jesse might have put that in there for some reason. 🤔

[@Multiceps]

@obscurum6 I think she had some votes already at the start of the series and meant to have Logan's votes as well after his death, but he died without relevant documents.

[@obscurum6]

@@Multiceps But he ended up dying before he changed his will, which is why Marcia got the house.

[@t221000]

I was hoping to see a video about the finale and you didn’t disappoint. These siblings were taught from birth to betray other people. I could easily see Shiv spill Kendall’s secrets if he was CEO.

[@OzyMandias13]

They colored in just enough to leave the audience with that feeling of unease that was so masterfully achieved in different ways, and expressed through various characters throughout the show.

[@stanronn]

This was the finale recap I was waiting for. Great analysis!

[@ozkancagatay]

"Shiv him in the back." I suppose Shiv's name was intentionally chosen for her betrayal in the end. It's So meaningfull so logical so reasonable!

[@andrewaustin9991]

Am I the only one that thought kendall would jump off the roof after losing the vote? He was always up there looking out at the city. Figured they'd show him plunging by the window during the photo op with new owners

[@fergie42069]

love love love this channel! (please do one on the tragedy of Sally Reed)

[@Jeffybeffyog]

This was all about Shiv.. in the first couple of years, shiv was given the thrown and at her presentation and Kendall blew her away with the speakers blaring nirvana in front of everyone and her dad.. she spit in his office then.. and WeChat did she do in the kings dinner milkshake..SPIT… she was the worst of anyone.. cheated on Tom, sided with the opposition for president.. siding with Magnus vs the family, and yet. She sides with the husband she hates.. and the rest of the crew.. i would love to see a follow up

[@jeremisavard4146]

Getting backstabbed right at the end by your sister called "Shiv" is truly Shakespearian

[@kasiatokarz7230]

This is all sad. Those adult kids were sculpted by the own parents. It is annoying when your own parents screw you and then you have to fix it to be able to live as a normal person. Honest to God, some people should not have kids at all if they dont have a clue how to be a parent and what it means to raise a child.

[@anubislee36]

Shyv is not REMOTELY this logical. It doesn't matter if it shouldn't be Ken. It doesn't matter if it should be Tom. She is too jealous of Ken to let him "win" and she is too scared to leave her loveless marriage. If nothing else was true, these would be enough reason for her decision

[@RealBoschFawstin]

Damn, that was a great breakdown, with perfect moments interspersed, particularly that final telling shot.

[@rexsmith9074]

Tom is in no way loyal. He literally betrayed Shiv again in this episode. Kendall is a disaster, but a lot of this video is rationalization. Matsson also faked his numbers and mailed blood to one of his employees he's harassing. He's a huge risk to own the company. Shiv told you why she did it, she could not stomach Kendall as CEO. It might be the right decision, but she made it out of jealousy.

[@oversensitivenipples]

love how u articulated all the very strong reasons shiv had to not trust kendall. i really wanted to see the kids win even though we should've seen from the beginning that them failing was clearly the most plausible ending. it was heartbreaking. but still, i understand why shiv would ultimately kick kendall off the throne. he was so sure he was the one, yet he was so not the one in every possible way.

[@thestarsweknow]

Talking about meritocracy, it's not like Tom himself deserves the position, he just played the office politics really really well. None of them truly deserved to become CEO as they were all power hungry. But between them all, I really feel for Tom's character and somehow see him more deserving than others. The amount of insults, ignorance and contempt thrown at him by not just the siblings but also the other senior execs, living and breathing in such an environment where you constantly have to keep your guards up, I do understand why he was always insecure and why he did everything possible in order to survive and eventually thrive. Absolutely amazing character arc!

[@phil6715]

Im writing this before I watch the video For me; the final was about Logans failure to cultivate an heir. He didn’t manage to rid himself of his childhood trauma like his brother seemed to do, he continued the abuse as a father which caused Kendal/Shiv and Roman to adopt various problems. They would probably not manage to hold down a job at McDonald's but think that they can inherit the largest media empire in the world. Due to the infighting between the siblings, they are ultimately defeated. In my view, Tom mainly takes over due to the dysfunctional relationships between the siblings and their distrust of one another and his strategic ability which none of Logans children exhibit.

[@misabelrodriguez1163]

Yeah, totally agree on this too.

[@chrispariseau7139]

Your commentary about Shiv’s fate pointed out the visual irony that while Tom has “the upper hand”, he places his hand down first and lets Shiv put hers on top though it is clear who is actually on top now. I was so happy for Tom. Also, why was the sticker on top of Greg’s head by Tom, a scene that should read as demoralizing, so touching? Just brilliant. Great video as always! Cheers!

[@originaozz]

Shiv rarely ever choose and always lose because she likes playing both sides. Every time she did though, it was against Kendall. From asking her dad to not let Tom be the fall guy, to now. It could be just the mere spite towards Kendall, but in a perverse way her love towards Tom for taking her kicks & still coming back. I don't think theirs will be a happy marriage, but at least they will both get what they want out of the relationship, now more honestly & bitterly than ever.

[@Opensky1974]

I have watched all your Succession videos. Have been waiting for this for last couple of days and here it is. Great 'Just an Observation'. Adieu to Succession.

[@jordanzothegreat8696]

I feel like you nailed the crux of what made the ending make sense. Among the many Interpreting succession, you are the best. I hope that you will still give us another couple of deep dives on each of the characters after the finale. Cheers, mate.

[@jordancheyne7939]

I loved the little detail of Kendall pressing the elevator button for "zero" right after hearing Roman's rant about the siblings being "nothing" and losing the battle of his life.

[@gmagoo7415]

Noticed this and I love this too. Normally there is floor 1 or basement rather than zero. I definitely think this is on purpose and its symbolic of Kendall losing everything, going back to zero. All he knows in his life is to become the CEO, he said he could die if he didnt have it. Now when he lost the company, he lost his purpose in life.

[@bananamilk1974]

I can't be the only one who was waiting for this video essay. Well done!

[@silver-ly]

You easily have the best username of all in-depth review/analysis creators

[@tizianaorlandini8255]

I couldn't wait for your video to be out! Excellent as always

[@kylethestud1237]

I would love if you did a full beat-by-beat analysis of the entire series in one long video.

[@PrajwalBodade]

Roman never really wanted it but just bcoz it had to be amongst them so he thought why not him. Shiv just saw an opportunity and jumped on it. Kendall was the one who was interested but he had his own different motives and so was most selfish amongst siblings and that's why Shiv refused to back him and cheated. Roman expressed his dissatisfaction. Gregg little innocent but living with selfish people he also learnt how to make things work for himself and really used the information for his best. Tom really played well. He in the first season itself expressed his desire to climb the corporate ladder and at the end surprised everyone. Perfect ending!

[@72thekel]

Hi i just wanted to say thanks a bunch, your reviews got me into the show & I have loved every minute of it. Cheers!

[@VanessaDiazNYC]

So much wisdom in this video. Best analysis I've seen on it.

[@kiratherenegade1561]

As much as I want to say the ending is great - I just can't. Tom should've divorced Shiv in the end. The final nail in the 'siblings are done' coffin. They missed a step & I worry they were pressured into having a woman 'win.' And you misread Shiv. She wasn't worried Kendall would be bad. She was worried he'd be good & better than her. That was what she couldn't stomach. Total eclipse of herself. That was not what she wanted.

[@moadewunmi9380]

When has Kendall held onto the success he secured? He always pisses it away. If anything I’d be like Gerri and wonder if we should just take the money and run.

[@yuniorreyes.130]

I was waiting patiently for this video thank god!

[@sarahc9068]

Your analysis has made me appreciate the show that much more. So thoughtful and insightful!

[@derkcast620]

Outstanding Analysis! thank you for your incredible videos. i love the way you have made me consider this show (and others) in a whole new way.

[@hortusxdeliciarum]

Suggesting Tom's """"success"""" is a result of a functioning meritocracy is a bold choice.

[@emerald6521]

“His own sister would shiv him in the back” I see what you did there. Bravo sir

[@irisVloging]

Finally I got a well satisfying explanation for that crazy ending

[@YiW-fr3qp]

This is the best analysis I have seen so far

[@Julian-jd5yj]

I really thought Ken was going to convince Shiv in that final scene. All he had to say was this, "Am I too much like Dad? Or not enough like Dad?"

[@kb4903]

All his arguments were about himself. He’s a terrible business person.

[@CamJames]

all he had to do was be an adult and have a rational conversation about her doubts. then he should've shook hands with her and walked back in the room. guarantee you that show of maturity would've convinced her.

[@shawnnycollins4274]

It all means that even in death Logan got his way.

[@allisonrogers1409]

This is truly the best analysis I've viewed!

[@elaynerc]

The last line was beautiful. Great video! Very well written.