SUCCESSION Season 4 Episode 10 Ending Explained

[@BrainPilot]

Kendall begging Shiv with every ounce of his being and her just rolling her eyes and laughing at how he was acting showed how ruthless she could be. A definite stand out moment in the finale, for me! What did you think of the end of Succession and the selection of the Successor? Comment your thoughts below! 😃

[@Tarotiste]

I think if Kendall and Roman had ever actually included Shiv- as they kept saying they were going to do- things would have gone a different direction. But, she's smarter than her brothers and they repeatedly leave her out of everything. After finding out Tom would be the new CEO, I think she realized that standing with Mattson & Tom would possibly save her marriage, and she never really wanted Kendall too be CEO anyway.

[@brooklyn-greywind9569]

I love that at core of the fight was simple sibling spite. They offered Kendall his bobble then took it away😂

[@GinaMaher_]

I mean thats also how she reacts like not that shes cold, its more her go to expressions. I think she was struggling with it too it was just like a final clear moment of def not him and then him pleading made it even more obvious that it shouldn't have been him. like kendal has a few great last minute saves, but really none of them is experienced. It was super sad for ken thought cause really that is all he has/wants.

[@ratedn4nia]

IMO it’s was an “either we all win or none of us win.”

[@aleksisuuronen5969]

She got what was coming to her 😂 Went beautifully as it always had with every character, she under the pressure just couldn't push the button out of jealousy. Screwed it up over pettiness. It's her worst nightmare to be under Tom in the pecking order and ask from Tom any crumbs if she wants to do anything Waystar related. Which I think she does, she solely chose that route so ok her husband is the CEO so her optics are in her warped mind better than letting Ken to be CEO and her lead a department. She just couldn't give it to Ken out of jealousy and made the WORST decision for her 😂 JUST so Ken doesn't get it over her. She will have a breakdown when in her and Tom's relationship the dynamic is the opposite. As we see Tom giving his hand and Shiv with hatred puts her's in it. Kinda signifying how Tom has the lead, she cannot stand it but has to put up with it. Only thing Shiv get's is the hope of the kid getting the firm this way, she have no in's herself because Lukas wouldn't allowe her to truly get inside the firm. Maybe something bs in it, but then again Tom doesn't neither want her into the firm for Lukas saying aloud she would in right circumstances have sex with her.

[@ufinc]

One small but significant detail: We see Roman ordering a dry martini for the first time. You know, Gerry's favorite drink.

[@joannkim6143]

Did Roman have that mini breakdown seeing Jerri because the power shift? Sorry can someone explain

[@eduxfe]

@@joannkim6143 I think it's because he knows that he screwed up with Gerry, since she was the one who could help him get the CEO spot. And he looks at her with regret, because he can't outdo Kendall alone, but with Gerry's help he would.

[@joannkim6143]

@@eduxfe Oh man! You’re right. Thank you 😊

[@miam1074]

@@eduxfe the attachment to Gerry had little do do with strategy. Roman is truly messed up, including in his relationships with women and sex. He had a bond with Gerry that he was unable to have with others, who could not handle him (because he is so messed up).

[@mmkeno]

Great catch! He also crushed on her. I think he loved her in his weird, Roman way. She played along until it became to much and was hurting her career.

[@JP_517]

I think the real winner is Roman. His “we are bullshit, we are nothing” lines made it clear that, through the real grieving (not ‘pre-grieving 😂) of his father, and his beat down in the streets, that he’s gained a new perspective on his family’s obsession with power and wealth. The last shot of Roman at the bar you almost see him relieved that he got out. That the family business and all the abuse from Logan is finally over. Now his scars (emotional and physical) can finally heal after they had been opened up one last time.

[@Kat-cf9oy]

Yup. The wounds from logan "surfacing" as a result of real grief and Ken reopening them symbolized the cycle of abuse Ken was willing to perpetuate and what he was willing to deny roman of in service to himself and the Roy legacy. The wound from shiv in kendalls back was the final blow to cut those string off of roman and set him free to finally heal.

[@Queen_Celeste_Jones]

good point!

[@jsunproter1940]

Yeah summed it up perfectly

[@kevinblue1976]

Yep and also Roman never wanted the job, he just wanted to be chosen for it. Loved the ending. Just like Tom said, Logan never loses and he’s seen Kendall get fucked over and over. Logan won in the end. What a great show can’t wait to wait it all over again in a week

[@MrMolotov69]

The real winner out of the 3 Roy’s maybe. By the end he has come to term with how none of it really matters (he’s displayed the most nihilistic tendencies out of the siblings anyway) but more importantly that he is not capable to be CEO and that everyone thinks the Roy siblings are a ‘joke’ but because of reprisals few people can say that to their face. Logan knew none of them were capable or serious people so in the end Logan got what he wanted.

[@cancerino666]

The siblings were only strong when they stood together. But they were trained by their father to destroy each other, not cooperate. So they couldn't.

[@BrainPilot]

Yeah, the power they could have had as a three if they truly viewed themselves as equals!

[@niilespunkari8832]

Wow. Controlled opposition for their father, and when father gone they were [not serious people].

[@margarethmichelina5146]

Also, Logan made a huge mistake to promise them the CEO position one by one in different places and different times. Therefore, they act arrogants and treat other people like trash and they are oblivious that they've been brainwashed by Logan to compete with each other. They have the mental of "Because my dad told me to!" The entire time. Once they realized they don't get it, they are devastated like there's a huge brick hit their heads and made them numb and weak forever. All of their dreams and ego is for nothing. Kendall abandoned his family for nothing, Roman chased his dad's love for nothing, Shiv quitted her job as Political consultant and treat Tom like a lapdog for nothing.

[@johnsoriano7154]

Kendall just can't win. When his dad said that he is not a "killer" that's why he can't be CEO but then in the final moments when Shiv said he literally killed someone he still can't have it. Poetically sad.

[@aliyadavid2072]

He should have been frank with her, that death was accidental and not murder. He chose to lie and that was all that shiv needed to betray him

[@dave9624]

But he DIDN'T kill someone. He had a car accident and his passenger died. It manslaughter not murder. He's NOT a killer.

[@johnboy8]

It’s ironically used. Him persuading everyone that he’s “Not a killer” is exactly why he lost the vote.

[@rjv7706]

@@aliyadavid2072 remember how upset he got with Shiv when he caught her in the lie when she didn’t call Nate

[@Kevinschart]

You act as if he wrapped his hands around the kid's neck, and wrung the life out of him. He was a junkie, high out of his mind, and he accidentally participated in the death of the kid. Ken could've just as easily died that night as well. Big difference.

[@gazzy5303]

Was anyone else just expecting to see Ken come flying off the top of the building or jumping into the water? 😂

[@z4p0tek]

He surely thought of it, but didn’t have the guts to do it.

[@candipauline]

Yep! Exactly my thoughts

[@williamtsanders]

Yes especially bc Jerry said dont jump all the way back in season one

[@Sairo414]

Fun fact: they actually made a take where he attempted to just that. Jeremy strong explains it in an interview with I think NBC

[@elbob17]

Oh yeah. Figured he was going to put a gun to his head on that bench as it faded to black lol

[@teamrainbow7674]

Shiv was fighting for power during the whole series, fighting to become her father and not her mother, fighting against a patriarchy that always disregarded her. And then in the end she was ultimately the one to give all the power to Tom, the only person she ever truly had power over and just like that she became as powerless as her mother

[@egdapo]

apt AF!

[@thettproject4534]

OMG!!!

[@rib.7809]

Damn! NAILED IT!!!!!!

[@axiomic]

Shiv ; unemployed, pregnant, in an unhappy marriage and estranged from her brother.

[@T.jorgensen]

Betrayed everything she stood for in the finale

[@applepeel1662]

So extremely tragic yet beautifully made Kendall realizing that he will never ever reach the level of success and fame his father achieved is so tragic

[@BrainPilot]

It really is - especially considering it is the centre of his world. Walking off knowing that he will never have anything that is as great as what his father created

[@july9566]

Only Augustus and Alexander the great surpassed their fathers . That's it really . It's a tough feat...

[@gc5480]

2 things that bothers me about season finale: 1.felt like by not settling the president dispute officially leaves too much of a gap for things changing. If table flips and Jaryd wins, the deal can be dismantled due to reg affairs and succession starts over. 2. Shiv having the info she wouldn’t be pointed as CEO and not using that to bargain with Mattson for the position. Feels flawed

[@hurmur9528]

I do not know if it is tragic or not. The guy seems to transform to his father in the end. I find it better for the whole family to get rid of this monster (the company). Shiv will probably still be part of it throw Tom. I think Tom getting it all is also not strange. Since he has had a streak of winning lately and he wants it bad. But he is not as destroyed as the brothers and shiv in this very obvious way at least.

[@hurmur9528]

@@gc5480 I agree with that but Shiv felt so betrayed so she acted irrational. I think she felt that Tom having the position was better for her than Kendall and she may be right. She also may be questioning if she really want the position or not. The only one that really wanted it was Kendall after all. The other one just wanted it to somehow glow in the light with Dad. And they may realize that it has no meaning when he is dead.

[@rayjulian8044]

Shiv destroyed Kendall mentally and physically. At the end, all the children have nothing going for them. They have no talent, they shoot from the hip each time and not one has any real loyalty. Their narcissist father raised these monsters to destroy each other while he sat back and feed them false promises.

[@plustico2846]

True but I also think with Shiv she chose to give up trying to be like her father and became the wife and mother in the end. I think there was a battle of gender roles within her with the father she had and by choosing Tom she chose her femininity instead of what her Father wanted from her. You see her issues with her mother more than any other siblings and that's because of a deeply rooted femininity within her that was never properly nurtured in her life. I think that's the choice she made and that's why her reasoning for changing her mind seemed so random. She couldn't admit in front of the boys she was competing with her whole life that she just wants to be a girl.

[@danlopez6960]

@@plustico2846 Sorry but this makes zero sense to me. That car ride with Tom at the end did not have "I choose to be a mother/wife" vibes. In the end she thought it was the better of the two options.

[@dylanricher4333]

@@danlopez6960 correct. She picked Mattson because she’d be higher in the chain than her brothers. If she voted with Kendall she’d always be 3rd string. Now at least she thinks she is the most successful kid.

[@mcl-cp4go]

@@plustico2846 This take on Shiv doesn't resonate with me. She wasn't embracing her "femininity" but was rejecting and getting revenge on Kendall. She REALLY wanted to be the CEO, and the fragile ego of Mattson took that away from her. I think she figured that it was better for Tom to win than for Kendall to win.

[@danlopez6960]

@@dylanricher4333 For sure, and I don't see a lot of people picking up on the nugget about Menken's victory hitting a snag in court. Could certainly bode well for her getting back into politics if Jimenez ends up winning.

[@mariposa1933]

Losing Waystar is the best gift they could of received. Connor won in the end. The dinner video showed he was actually the closest to his father and understood the dynamic and man his father was. He accepted things for what they were, but was the one who had a peaceful existence and small relationship with Logan because of it. He also was also the only child who knew about the mausoleum his father had bought at the cemetery. And yes, cousin Greg was one of two last man standing. I thought it’d be only him but then Tom got CEO AND WILL KEEP GREG. 😁 I’ll miss this show!

[@hpmoody]

As eccentric as Connor is he knew his place.

[@elbob17]

Happy and clueless with a wife who doesn't love him.

[@alexvillacis6492]

One last detail was that Lucas Mattson was a killer like Logan... the way he yelled at his subordinates and activated them to secure the deal had Logan vibes.

[@cool__eee3646]

Now ebba can destroy him. what do you think ?

[@BrainPilot]

That's so true! Loved that moment

[@ididntmeantoshootthatvietn5012]

EBBA!

[@nbcongo]

Mattson is the new version of CEO/Founders that we’re now getting since the boom of tech. Logan is the dying regime who sold “newspapers”. The Mattson types come off as slightly hippe’ish and less stringent to the public, but behind closed doors they’re both ruthless and only care about the bottom line.

[@renotanumber]

@@ididntmeantoshootthatvietn5012 I thought your username was your comment

[@guymensah]

“I’M THE ELDEST BOY” wow. That scene showed a lot of emotion, not only did it show Kendall’s narcissistic personality and disregard for the actual eldest brother Connor; it also showed his desperation to finally become CEO.

[@Little_MissKitkat]

Think it was more the fact that he had given the most up until Shiv, yes he came off as the chosen one, but had his dad and family supported him i really do think he could have done it, hence why when Stewy came in he became relax and himself.

[@uniqueanimations]

No matter what, he still deserved to take over.

[@lshow9]

It’s sad that I didn’t see Con more in the finale. But he, got ignored is the main theme I guess

[@mcl-cp4go]

Yes. It also made it clear to Shiv that he did not consider her in the running merely because of her gender. No turning back for Shiv after that.

[@kristoffsamm10]

Kendall def deserved it the most.

[@MrJackholles]

I love the fact that Logan's body guard is with Kendall in the end. As if to say that he will always be in Logans shadow.

[@whirlwind872]

Also its his only "friend" just like how Logan went to the diner with him cuz he had no one else

[@XmaydaypitX]

The bodyguard is the only one who understood logan, and now he’s the only one who will understand Kendall since he covered up the kids death

[@weixin9270]

Or leaving a slight chance open for a sequel…

[@etsprout]

The body guard was always so fascinating to me. What on earth is his down time like? How do you build a life when you’re always busy protecting someone else’s?

[@AA-qb7ni]

A perfect episode for a perfect series. It's crazy how we got the most wholesome scene of the siblings, where they've anointed Kendall, and then the most terrifying scene of the siblings, where they argue at the vote, all in one episode. In the end, Tom winning made sense. But wow.

[@peterbitschhjortshj6683]

It was such a shitty ending

[@sergeybaranov8245]

Did he really win though? Changing one master to another, still fully dependent on the real boss ( Logan before , Matson now), ended up with the wife who doesn’t really love him …

[@rejectionisprotection4448]

​@@sergeybaranov8245 Yeah, but the power balance in his marriage has changed and his son will have access to taking over the company in time. Shiv is also very rich. He's in a strong position really.

[@sergeybaranov8245]

@@rejectionisprotection4448 agreed pretty much with everything. Probably the idea that someday Logan’s blood heir would possibly run the company is somehow calming. Personally wouldnt call it a biggest win for Tom if you are ceo that can be told I would like to fukc your wife and you couldn’t reply . His position is strong , his wife is rich but he has no real power or respect in my opinion.

[@Charok1]

But can you call getting a job that you'll have to leave eventually winning? While the "losers" own part of the company and will be more rich than him while Tom just temporarily works for them as owners. The succession was finished before it started with ownership.

[@rob4926]

Incredible. Devastating. Brutal. Unsatisfactory. Perfect. Sad.

[@amberlisa7365]

A tragedy…Shakespearean actually. John was about the only person who didn’t die in the end.

[@johnegan9521]

Terrible

[@Pedant_Patrol]

Greg didn't inform Kendal that Mattson was going to choose Tom. He didn't know. He just told Kendall that Mattson was not going to choose Shiv.

[@Kevinschart]

Exactly, there's no way he would've betrayed Tom if he knew Tom was the next CEO

[@ladymotivation]

My only issue with the finale is that Tom didn't fire Greg!

[@MetroidPurples]

@@ladymotivation They were friends though. Tom and Greg went through alot together and in the end he wouldn't be able to find another friend like Greg. There was no way he wouldn't help Greg even after what he saw as a betrayal even though it wasn't

[@margaretstanton7567]

@@ladymotivation He really, really needs Greg!! Someone even more groveling than himself!

[@sweettea527]

​@Karen Saturday you can't have a Tomellete without some Gregs

[@marcojones3116]

The sad thing is the sibling relationship went up in flames... Kendall will probably never forgive shiv.

[@NaiveAgenda]

Rightfully so

[@XiaosuRCT]

@@NaiveAgenda 'righfully so' dude Kendall was literally forcing up his brother's stitches before he even got the chair. Shiv made a good decision, one that Roman almost made himself before getting physically abused into submission lol

[@NaiveAgenda]

@@XiaosuRCT None of them are good people. Roman is a pervert and masochist, Shiv is a heartless and more ruthless version of her mother and Kendall destroys himself and his relationships on a regular basis. This was the only ending they could have had. So yes, rightfully so.

[@I_am_Junebug]

Hurt people hurt people 💔

[@printezstroman]

@Rusty Shackleford Right? I was getting tired of Roman dragging his feet.

[@jessicat2304]

The shot of Tom walking as CEO. Brilliant.

[@BrainPilot]

He oozed confidence didn't he!

[@jessicat2304]

@@user-il2oy5kb7f you got it !!

[@shaun2908]

Yeah it was epic.

[@NoraGermain]

Yes and it looked quite like the early season promo posters too

[@pavanman6632]

it was epically horrible

[@iamqotl]

An authentic ending. Corruption at that terrible company continued unabated with just slightly more competent people running it. The siblings became irrelevant billionaires, doomed to second tier talking circuits and backseat Argestes appearances. None of them are redeemable. A true tragedy.

[@CWYMAN77]

Shiv was the only one who had a semblance of a career independent of the family business.

[@sufiatf3394]

I’m wondering if they Pierce deal that they negotiated at the beginning of the season is till relevant. Like that is the point of the deal in the first place. Plus the company they tried to start? It was called the 100 or smth?

[@johnegan9521]

Awful ending. Shivs complete narcissist and envy of her brothers shown through in the end. Terrible ending to a great show.

[@jl5574]

They’re all going to become Connor. They should get advice from the eldest about how to enjoy being rich.

[@rejectionisprotection4448]

​@@johnegan9521 Nothing to do with envy. She wanted the best for her and her future child, so backed the better horse.

[@hawsrulebegin7768]

Incredible how a show about spoilt narcissistic brats could be so emotional and fascinating. The best written drama I’ve ever seen. No gimmicks, unnecessary twists, just smart writing. Now what do we watch? !

[@bradh1810]

Season 4 made watching the series kinda pointless

[@colortheoryclub]

i have no clue what to watch after this. i just finished the finale today. i have been putting it off because i wasn’t ready!! now what!!

[@mavihs26]

@@colortheoryclub watch the bear

[@rogelioarmentasolorzano3848]

When Kendall hugged Roman after he was having a break down , it brought me back to the last episode of season 1 when Logan hugged Kendall blackmailing him and calling him his # 1 boy.

[@moltisantii72]

If you could explain, why did Kendall press Roman's head so that the stitches opened? I didn't get it back then.

[@revcorgi7364]

@@moltisantii72 He opened the stitches since roman is used to pain from an authority figure as love so kendall showed him love in that sense while also silencing his doubts of not voting for kendall in the boardroom

[@dreamerblackwood7767]

Kendall said it had to be him and not Roman for appearances and Roman kept saying that his stitches were fine and you couldn't even really tell so it could be him because the appearance wasn't bad. So Ken ripped open the wound as a way of saying it's me not you and I'll do anything to make sure of it.

[@Little_MissKitkat]

Because Roman is a sadomasochistic, same reason why Geri would talk to him the way that she did to get him hard. Kendall wasn't trying to hurt him, he was trying to soothe him. Kendall in imo was yes he could be like Logan but he also could be very human in a way that lead to his downfall, he allowed his feelings as fucked up for his sibling put him in that position. Logan never allowed that to get to him, except when he went to see his kids, tell him that he loved them, but they were not serious...and then died....::the one time he showed genuine emotion to all his kids at once...and it killed him....heavy is the head who wears the crown

[@lucianopereira8961]

​​@@dreamerblackwood7767 yep this is why. But in a way I think at that point Roman didn't want it, but didn't want to appear as a pussy. So kendal kind of helped him with that

[@ad33zy]

shiv i think through her sibling rivalry pretty much decided shed rather none of them have it rather than one of them. "if i cant have it out of my siblings then no one can" i think also she weighed out that tom having it and her having toms baby was the closest thing to "winning" little does she know, i doubt tom is long for the company anyhow.

[@fayesouthall6604]

Yeah I think that’s what happened. She’s made the best of it.

[@anaskhadri653]

@@fayesouthall6604 she was going to get atn and now she is just house wife

[@joasbenjamin6804]

That’s what she did

[@Kevinschart]

"Tom isn't long for the company" - I doubt it. If the plan was to fire the CEO soon, Madsen could've just stuck with Shiv and avoided all the voting drama. He went with Tom because he knows Tom will be "his" puppet and not the other way around. Tom is an execution guy. Madsen gives the directives, Tom gets it done.

[@miseendriste6337]

@@anaskhadri653 Do y'all mfs who earn a lot and retire in mid 30s - 40s call yourselves house husbands after? How is not having a thing to do for the moment the same as being a dependent housewife? Not to forget she has billions and can piss away her wealth on whatever project she pursues

[@dmitch4144]

So many perfect scenes. For me, the kitchen scene was one of the most memorable. It was the first time we got to see them as real people and to really feel their sibling bond. It was endearing and hilarious, and I loved that they all ended up at their moms house making noise in the kitchen in the middle of the night and just acting like kids. They were the most likeable then, the most normal. It was a relief to see and I ate it all up.

[@zeeyanda5850]

I am still in shock, what a damn ending. 😮 Give them all Emmy's

[@BrainPilot]

Same here! They do definitely deserve them

[@uniqueanimations]

I am in shock but also disgusted. I was rooting for Kendell. No matter what, he deserved it. I felt so bad for him.

[@zeeyanda5850]

@@uniqueanimations none of them deserve it, but I feel you was also sad for poor Ken.

[@pavanman6632]

emmys lmao what a horrible ending to a decent series

[@zeeyanda5850]

@@pavanman6632 Ok belovered

[@MUSQUIZanimation]

I absolutely loved Roman’s ending. He’s a peace now, cuz he finally gets it.

[@vjbk1587]

I took that from him at the end as well

[@vicky09gui]

i don't think that's the case, he smiles at the end but it quickly fades, i think he has a lot of mixed feelings at the end

[@vjbk1587]

@@vicky09gui Maybe!

[@tomsmith4955]

The fact that Logan wanted the deal to happen said it all. It was a good deal. There were three scenes that said it all. (1) I like that Kendall's siblings crowned him with a blender full of what appeared to be shit running down Kendall's face. That says that even if he won he would be a shitty king. (2) I also loved the scene of Tom and Shiv in the car. Open hand on open hand but no grip. A marriage that would continue. She could be the power behind the thrown with a marriage of convience. (3) the video that Conrad mad with his dad laughing and singing. Conrad was discarded but since he didn't want to be in the business actually had the best relationship with his dad and knew him better than anyone. He even knew about his dad's death plans and burial site.

[@dreamerblackwood7767]

@The Attempt He spent all of his money on a fake Napolean penis and then had to ask his dad for money because he was broke. He spent $100M to be in an election he knew he wasn't going to win with 1% of all votes. He did not at all appreciate the money

[@rejectionisprotection4448]

Connor had the closest relationship with Logan precisely because he WASN'T involved in the family business. It meant that Logan could be more relaxed than him.

[@larushka1]

In a behind the scenes video, they said that Jeremy Strong actually drunk that concoction for three takes. A true method actor.

[@alexguillen9598]

I really tought Kendall had it but at the end, Logan knew none of them were the right person to take over. It’s really sad because it shows how unloving and neglectful Logan was and playing with his kids feelings and sense of purpose. I did like Caroline did tell them to sell since she knew Waystar would finish splitting her children apart

[@theh.o.p.e.channelwhoyouar7614]

Because there was no more seasons going on it was a dead give away that the kids were not going to get the company.....

[@saraespeja8587]

She wanted to sell because of money. She doesn't give a fuck about her kids!

[@uniqueanimations]

I still think Kendell deserved it. I honestly think Logan wanted Kendall to be the one. The last thing he wanted was for Matsson to own his company; he hated that guy. I am very upset about how they ended the entire series.

[@TwistedMexi]

@@theh.o.p.e.channelwhoyouar7614 The show was called succession, it was about them struggling to get the company. One of them could have easily gotten it and they could still choose to end the series at that point. That said, I think the right call was the one they went with.

[@gabrielmoura5393]

I feel very ambivalent about the final episode. As far as the siblings go, it was actually perfect: Shiv realizing Kendall was going to push her aside once he became CEO (like he has done at EVERY opportunity) actually makes a lot of sense, and she had no reason to think otherwise. Roman understanding he doesn’t really care about any of it, and neither should his siblings, also fits perfectly. Where I’m having issues is with Matsson. Honestly, not only do i find him to be the least interesting character in the show (just some stereotypical blond, european tech guy), but SO MANY plot lines involving him were basically ignored, or had NO IMPACT on the story. 1. Ebba’s Sexual Harrassment: something that could absolutely be used against him, that would be hugely influential (and that had significant screen time), simply amounted to NOTHING, like the writers just forgot about it. 2. The India Fake Numbers: something massive, that was the height of episode 7 (in think), and could have major implications, was later dismissed with a couple of lines, as an afterthought. Kendall going to Frank and proposing a reverse-takeover, all of it… just ignored, just useless information, in the end. 3. The Election: we had a WHOLE EPISODE about something that make ZERO DIFFERENCE in the finale. Zero. The presidential election Might as well not have even occurred, much less take up almost en entire episode. I still feel it was a good ending to a great show - just disappointed about some specifics.

[@Peacemaker9299]

I actually think the election is another example of how the siblings are not serious people. If they couldn’t get the president on their side then they were pretty much useless and could not maintain power. Hell Mattisson realized how easy it is to get the president on his side even when compared to the siblings’s connections to Mencken.

[@ExitScam]

Yea I thought it was really stupid. The fake numbers didn’t mean anything in the grand scheme of things. Also considering how the whole last episode was about the election the president didn’t even appear in the finale. Also shiv screwing Kendall over was just out of selfishness. There was no rhyme or reason up until the last second to vote she somehow had a change of mind. Kind of a stupid ending. I would say the only good thing to come out of it was how the power dynamic shifted between Tom and shiv but that’s all

[@MrVisde]

1. The sexual harassment subplot was a distraction. The Roy children thought it might be something to bring Mattson down, until they found out about the numbers… 2. The numbers are less of an issue after the merger. They used the distraction of the election results, public mayhem, and Logan’s funeral to downplay that the numbers are off in Southern Asia. Nobody cared. I think the thing about Mattson is he’s a brilliant software engineer with an ego. Everytime he gets an opportunity to build political alliances he comes across as awkward and not relatable. He can’t cut deals. Him screwing over Shiv in the end was his ego thinking he could handle all the political maneuvering (he can’t). Mattson’s inner circle isn’t full of strong, capable leaders…it’s full of agreeable people who will go along with whatever he decides. Makes sense he wanted Tom instead of Shiv.

[@ExitScam]

@@MrVisde yea well said. I think shiv really put the final nail in her coffin when she told Mattson that Tom will suck off anyone to get to the top.

[@gabrielmoura5393]

@@MrVisde I appreciate your points, Ryan! Just don’t think i agree with them in full. Just because talking to Ebba led them to the fake numbers, doesn’t mean that the harassment wouldn’t be a strong weapon to use against Matsson, either way. Same thing with the numbers, by the way: i agree that after the merger they could be concealed, but the Roy Bros. still had plenty of time to use them against Matsson and ruin the deal. They gave Matsson time to disclose them on his own, which makes no sense: it was a silver bullet they should’ve used the same night they figured it out. That’s why Kendall sought out frank, and floated the ideia of a reverse takeover - then suddenly, the very next episode, there was nothing about it anymore. I agree that AFTER the merger they wouldn’t be a big deal, but BEFORE the merger they would be a deal breaker, and even though there was almost three full episodes in between, Kendall and Roman did nothing with the information - which is a suspension of disbelief i simply cannot oblige. About Matsson: Ebba herself admitted his reputation was a farce, he wasn’t even that good a coder. I agree with your general assessment, but in reality he got what we wanted, even if he was “bad a politicking”. At first I thought both the fake numbers and the sexual harassment were a hoax: a plan devised by matsson’s team to make the Roy Bros. waste time running after false rumors… after all, both matsson and ebba disclosed the information with ease, barely trying to keep it a secret. I think that would have been a brilliant ideia, by the way, but it was not the case. When they just dropped those plotlines, with no satisfactory explanation, i felt sorely underwhelmed. But here is the thing: this show is brilliant, and really, really well written. I don’t want my criticism of these small details to overshadow my appreciation for the show. Thank you for your patience! Have a good one.

[@sadie513]

I've always said none of the kids would win, that was the whole point. I thought Roman would betray Kendall but Shiv doing it also made sense. She'd never have power over Kendall but she could over Tom. She could be like Caroline her mother or Lady Macbeth. Fantastic acting, writing, and direction, as always.

[@Kevinschart]

Yeah, I really didn't like the way the episode was shaping up. But the turn that the writers gave us was great drama. Saying goodbye to show you enjoy is always bittersweet, but I can live with this. Now it's time to rewatch

[@kevinblue1976]

I loved Roman’s ending. He didn’t want the job, he just wanted to be chosen. Watching him smile at the bar made me so happy

[@xceptionl1]

Plus her nickname is an allusion to a popular prison weapon used for backstabbing. So, her move was at the least superficially on brand.

[@Michael-mt6yb]

Hannah you’re on to something. The names give us more than we think Kendall is Ken Doll which refers to being pretty on the outside but enmity of substance on the inside Roman refers to clearly the Romans. There’s an outward sexual wildness but deeper dives show Roman’s we’re prude and celibate. False illusions

[@Michael-mt6yb]

Also Roman or Romulus was a king murdered by his brother

[@connorm1817]

I agree with you. Romen never wanted to be CEO... he wanted his father's love, respect and attention. He was the most immature, but also the most aware of the grief he was experiencing throughout most of the show (and when his father died). In the end, he realized that he is free

[@trinaq]

My general consensus of the ending is that it was tragically bittersweet. Kendall is alone, but free from his father's impossible expectations.

[@christmas10023]

Couldn't be more wrong.

[@dganonymous23]

​@@christmas10023 ratiod

[@miam1074]

Kendall is empty at t he end. If he is not the annointed one, the leader, the chosen one, who is he?! The realisation at the end is that he is noone. He is a nobody and experiencing it is crushing for him. All 3 kids are defined be their relationship to their father, the puff of that irresistible force he represents. So what is left once there is no force-field?

[@hurmur9528]

Yes. I think that is the best ending for him after all. He just did not understand it now. But deep inside I think he knows.

[@hurmur9528]

@@miam1074 Hard to say but that puff needs to go. Kendall wanted to break free many times during the series. At first the only thing he knew how …was to get rid of Logan. Sure he wanted to prove himself worthy for dad but it was even more about breaking free from him. But later he just wanted to get away from his father, not needing the company in the same way (aka fathers respect and love). I think Shiv may have another side to her that she now wants to explore. And that may be a positive development for her. She has a kid coming and there is a shine of something positive in her future. Roman is broken but would be broken in every scenario. If he just accept that he is bullshit then he may just realize that he is not bullshit. He needs to find something else. Most likely scenario though is that he will die in a drug overdose.

[@rubyali2361]

I just feel unsatisfied. I don’t know what I wanted. But I felt sadness and emptiness. After today I feel like I don’t want to talk about the show anymore

[@thithi4520]

Same 😂😄

[@MrDJCoulton]

I just hated how so many thread left unwrapped - the India number, the Mecken blocking the deal, Greg betrayal... None of it means anything. Matsson won and it cost him nothing and he's an idiot. I would've liked it if Shiv never knew she was gonna be betrayed - that way at least her vote made sense

[@JenJen-bp3bb]

I kind of feel the same! I can't put my finger on it either. Real shame Connor was quite absent last few episodes.

[@anaskhadri653]

@@MrDJCoulton feel like hbo again rushed the finale

[@anaskhadri653]

@@JenJen-bp3bb he was the one happy sibling and they even took it from him in the end hinting on his marriage

[@Manic-Holy-Mecha]

Tom was always an excellent choice. He showed the most loyalty to Logan even willing to go to jail for him, betraying Shiv last season letting Logan know of the kids plan, and let's not forget the episode when logan had an infection and Tom was assisting him. Also, Tom is the only one in the group that has actually worked at the company and never stopped.

[@TP_Gillz]

And the fact that he had to deal with Shiv as his wife good grief that guy went thru hell, all the while he was the only character to actually have sincerety and say things he really ment. He had heart the kids lacked. I LOVE his arch thru the series. I love how when he does display ruthlessness Logan or Mattson come to respect that. All hail the disgusting brothers!

[@tensterboy8726]

@@TP_Gillz ALL HAIL THE DISGUSTING BROTHERS

[@hajarelidrissi619]

Im sure that Tom and Lukas had killed Logan on that plane including of eveeyone was there

[@rodneytopor1846]

Except for the fact that Tom has shown no actual talent or effort or achievement in any executive position within Waystar-Royco.

[@TP_Gillz]

@@rodneytopor1846 ....like any of kids did??? What are you talking about too, Tom did amazing in his various positions, did you not catch the details or something? One as head of crusies, he took the full weight of the scandal for the family and Logan, two as head of ATN he massively cut costs and raised profit (100 scalps?! lol) Logan trusted him to run things. He was damn good at his job dude. He was a company man. He even worked thru the funeral of his mentor. The show does enough to make you clearly understand that. Not sure why or how that went over your head and you got some other impression. If you end up re-watching, keep that in mind. I think the writers may have overplayed the undermining of his character to keep people from seeing the obvious endgame, but no one, no one, ever says or alludes to Tom not being good at his job. Not only is he good at it but deep down he is a decent man as well and has a heart. He may use you as human furniture lol but will likely buy you a beer out of guilt afterward!!! They set all of this up.... You were meant to emphasize with him and feel bad for how Shiv treated him... He certainly has flaws, he can be ruthless and is a major suck-up, but in that arena, you have to be. Maybe if Kendal sucked up to his father more, things would have been different instead of trying to knife him in the back.

[@Melbourne_Approach]

A perfect ending and summary of the entire series. I felt like I was watching the whole show again, in the best way.

[@cool__eee3646]

"We are nothing" - roman acceptance.

[@guymensah]

facts. i think in that moment roman realized that they were nothing and they would be nothing if it wasn’t for their father being who he was.

[@rogerw3818]

The only winner was Roman. Kendall loses the only thing he wanted. Shivon accepts a completely loveless marriage and the public persona of the "good little woman" who understands "her place" in that world. Roman is free. He doesn't have to pretend any more, he can just be the trust fund baby he always was, and was destined to be.

[@pokemontas8025]

They all win because they all got out. Shiv wanted this, how is this an L. It literally came down to her decision.

[@emjay5983]

@@pokemontas8025 Exactly and I feel like the scene with Shiv asking Tom if he wanted a real relationship....she really put herself out there. She showed him her vulnerability and I think in the end that there is a chance for them to actually make a go of it.

[@ironsales5669]

@@emjay5983 I agree. He will realize that she got him into the CEO, inadvertently, she made the deal happen, she approved the deal, and she couldn't be CEO because she was too strong and opinionated and Mattson was also attracted to her. That part about giving it to the guy who put the baby inside her was gross.

[@theh.o.p.e.channelwhoyouar7614]

HAHAHAHAHA what people "see" says so much about them.... Rome is NOT the only winner. Who says the marriage is loveless? Tom has proclaimed over and over his love for her

[@rejectionisprotection4448]

​@@theh.o.p.e.channelwhoyouar7614 He's changed. We saw that when Shiv tried to reconcile with him, he was very detached and non committal in a way he hadn't been before. The power balance has changed.

[@charlesmaugey1801]

I recently watched a historical documentary on Charlemagne, which reminds me a lot of this series. When Charlemagne died, he divided his empire into three kingdoms because he had three sons. Of course, his three sons never stopped fighting over territory. While they were fighting, the Vikings saw this and knew that the coasts were unprotected by the soldiers who were busy fighting. They devasted everything and this was the beginning of the end of the Carolingian Empire..

[@crosszoel]

In my view, the conclusion was flawless. It essentially revolved around the core motif of the series, which is the transfer of power. Ultimately, Shiv transformed into a mirror image of her mother, entering into a loveless marriage. Tom, on the other hand, will assume the role of Matysson's marionette, embodying a new version of Logan. It sets in motion a cruel pattern of succession that will commence anew with Shiv's pregnancy, ensuring the perpetuation of the family dynasty.

[@AdAstra78]

Loved Greg knocking over the decorative gong again. Nice little call back to the second episide of the first season.

[@EmanDeMoan]

"I apologize if my bell summoned you" I love that scene 😂

[@pdxbroadcaster]

The way I read it, he was trying to put a sticker on that gong so he would get it as a keepsake. But, yes, it was a nice call back either way.

[@AdAstra78]

@@pdxbroadcaster Ahh, well spotted. Good call.

[@jalightbourne]

Shiv knew she was going to kill the vote before they walked into the building. That was what the conversation with Carolina was about when they walked into the building. Carolina was planting a seed for Shiv to influence Tom when he became CEO and picked his new team. That was also why Jeri was there that morning. Shiv made a backdoor deal with Tom. Before he took those photos with Matson he told Shiv he had a car waiting for them. It was Shiv's best move to support Tom rather than let Kendall have it. Kendall had already pushed Shiv out when he and Roman took over. Her betrayal was a foregone conclusion.

[@margaretstanton7567]

Shiv had already voted when Tom offered the car, right? When she voted, she couldn't have been sure Tom would get back together with her. Or do you think Karolina had implied he would??

[@birdy1numnum]

I agree with your assessment. Shiv did not want Kendall more than her being angry that Mattson screwed her CEO gig. Carolina, & Gerri were not on the original kill list but Hugo, Karl and Frank were...Baby Logan inside Shiv I think also influenced her choice. Epic stuff.

[@shreyasaxena4056]

Yes yes I think so too. Why is no body seeing this? Shiv didn’t become her mother but felt like it was planned - the sandy votes she was supposed to get, Carolina taking about Hugo and for her Tom plays better than Kendall

[@annkey4091]

@@margaretstanton7567 I think that Shiv was on the phone with Tom during her drive to the board mtg. Karolina was already on the phone with Tom before Shiv arrived. I think Tom tipped off Karolina on how Shiv would vote (he knows his wife and her mental much better than she knows him). This lead to Karolina immediately meeting Shiv when she came upstairs and that conversation. Who does Tom ask for when he comes upstairs ----- Karolina, who he probably told to stay close to Shiv. Tom knew exactly where to find Shiv after the signing ceremony because he knew where to find Karolina, who also was responsible for getting Shiv in the correct SUV. Who did Tom give a nod before he got in the SUV? Karolina. Tom wants his baby and maybe his wife. I have to give it to Tom --- he knew his father-in-law was never going to make his wife the CEO and that if he did, her brothers were going to thwart her every move, including those that she might make on his behalf, which I believe the reason he told Logan of their plan at the of season 3. Tom also told Kendall that he was loser to his face at their diner meeting.

[@93theproducer47]

In the scene that showed Tom and Shiv I felt an aura of power coming from Tom. Anyone else? Fantastic ending to a fantastic show.

[@BrainPilot]

Most definitely! He was oozing confidence!

[@widowswail888]

Yeah I kinda felt scared for a bit. But I wonder what will happen with Tom as CEO. I mean, how much power is he gonna wield? Matsson knows Tom is a meat puppet hence why he chose Tom. Is Tom gonna go on a power trip? Or will he still be a puppet CEO?

[@rejectionisprotection4448]

​@@widowswail888 He'll go on a power trip. You can see that the power balance has changed in their marriage from that scene in the car.

[@Little_MissKitkat]

His transformation was underrated... his demeanor, treatment of Shiv....etc

[@rejectionisprotection4448]

@@Little_MissKitkat The way he looked over Hugo's head and asked: "Where's Carolina?" Brutal.

[@koyaanii3593]

Many write that they are upset by the ending, but that's how life works. Basically, everything is just the way Logan wanted it - to sell the company, get the money, go free, and forge HIS OWN path. Kendall did not return to the beginning, he became much more mature, and he will surely survive this final experience. After everything that happened between the family, they always reconciled in the end, and I'm sure it will all benefit them, as Logan wanted. Though of course I cried like a little girl at the end because I love them all. Masterpiece.

[@skatefan9495]

Kendall didn't become more mature. He reverted to the worst childish behavior. It's not clear at all he will survive, or at least not survive to live a happy life.

[@koyaanii3593]

@@skatefan9495 I mean the skills to become CEO. According to recent actions, confidence, funeral speeches, presentations of Living+, he is better than he was in S1E1 or even S3. And he looked like a worthy replacement for Logan. He's not perfect, he's a child, but he really became better CEO pretendent in others eyes and he really believed in company, maybe obviously better THAN TOM or Shiv. Logan was hysterical, too. Logan was more strict with his family than Kendall. I would look at your state of mind if your sister, after promising support, betrayed you in what you dreamed of ALL your LIFE and went through a lot of pain, began to receive recognition from others. And the worst thing is, she did it because of personal envy, and not out of rational interest.

[@King_Mac80]

Kendall became a better CEO during this season and who knows what happens with their PGN purchase now, but one things for certain Ken is done with Shiv and Roman after that final episode. I wish we had gotten a 10min time Skip similar to VEEP but I think it's safe to say that after the shit Roman said about Kendall's kids and how Shiv fucked him in the end he'll never speak to either one of them again.

[@hurmur9528]

@@koyaanii3593 I do not know if it was personal envy after all. I got the feeling Shiv had personal motives and it was about Tom and her baby. This was not such a bad deal for her. I think they will be together again and Shiv really wanted that. Also she got all the money in the world now and she has a kid coming so I have a hard time seeing her future in another way than positive. I think she embraced the best situation for her of the two opitions.

[@jaythomas468]

@@hurmur9528The ending felt somewhat cynical which pissed me off, but I get that it was a “thematically cohesive” ending that underscored the tragedy of this family dynamic. I think Shiv ultimately realized that the best she could hope for in this situation was to “lock arms” with the person in the #1 spot (but would never BE THAT PERSON herself) so she fell back into her old role of “supplicant.” I STILL WANTED someone to beat the shit out of her for fucking up the whole deal (cuz regardless of whether or not it would’ve “fit” with the theme and subtext of the series, I still was ultimately rooting for them to form a united front for once in their goddamn lives to stop Mattsson from “eating their lunch,” which is why I found the ending depressing because in spite of its brilliance, it still pissed me off).

[@Dalt1n999]

Kendall became exactly like his father in every aspect of his life except for the only one he wanted: his success; Shiv realized she would keep on being a little girl behind the shadow of a giant man either way, so she decided to be queen consort instead of the king's sister with a mere feudal land under her control; And Roman... Roman is at peace.

[@ianboard544]

I like how the series lets the plot evolve naturally, without stupid twists. The finale was no exception - when it was over it made sense. For me, the key moment was Roman saying 'we are nothing' echoing back his father saying they aren't serious people. I think Shiv came to the realization that Kendall would have been in way over his head and that it would be better to just take the money and run.

[@Benvos]

Great review, but the only thing I’d add, is I believe Shiv was unhappy at the end as she was realising Tom had risen to the top on his own, rather than through her. He was now more powerful of the two of them, something she’d not dealt with before. Ultimately I actually think that will mean she’ll love/respect him more and it’ll be good for their relationship. Superb series, sad it’s over but glad they did it justice.

[@shanewilliams5771]

the way she saved her family but also doomed them because kendall doesn't know how to be okay... and ofc she's doomed to be tom's housewife. seems like roman is the only one getting out of this safe

[@zigurdur92]

The one who was saved was Connor

[@shanewilliams5771]

@@zigurdur92 Connor was never involved this chaos, and he isnt getting the Slovenia deal too so its an L for Connor

[@zigurdur92]

@@shanewilliams5771 Meaning he was free from this chaos and got tons of billions

[@aliyadavid2072]

Roman ain't safe either especially mentally. When Jerry appeared he almost had a breakdown

[@dylanricher4333]

⁠@@aliyadavid2072 she still had his nudes in case Roman took over

[@jcxcruzer1291]

A scene that I thought was pretty intense was when Kendall jammed Roman’s head (while “hugging”) into his shoulder and opened his cut when Roman thought he had a chance to be the guy

[@garyhynes3231]

Roman's slight turn of his lip into almost a smile was brilliant. His realization that it is finally over, and he's free.

[@Beanspeasnsoup]

I don’t know the smile from rom seems more in line with his fetish and enjoyment of being humiliated and abused. In fact , entire ending for all the Royce family members seems to elude to that none of them actually changed even though they were so close. Connor and his delusions and his wife not truly loving him with the bit where shiv mentions Connor will be staying home but him thinking he has a chance of that ambassador position. Rav and children continuing to be ignored and quote unquote ‘not real.’ shiv just being the girl in the shadow of a powerful man. Kendall being a failure. Greg staying as cousin Greg “the yes man” and toms bitch. He even has a sticker! Tom being the kiss ass to the main guy climbing up the ranks like a leech. And of course Logan being the king and even in death still the king. Only thing that changed is the children coming terms with the reality.

[@RonnieSmooth]

The people that watched because they were attached to the characters will not like this finale. Those who watched as a satire and actually grasp the ironic yet logical nature of the show will love the finale!

[@nont18411]

Same as those who watch Barry

[@RonnieSmooth]

@@nont18411 Lierally just started Barry, looking forward to it. My buddy said the finale was great.

[@bisheshbajracharya920]

Very well put. I was attached to the characters so felt empty in the end, but respected the logic and the satire

[@AntiSociableWallflower]

By the end of this season I didn't have anyone that I was rooting for. So the ending just made me shrug.

[@danlopez6960]

A lot of different opinions on Shivs actions and motivations but I think at the end of the day she genuinely believed Kendall was too volatile to be CEO. That felt like the biggest factor, even if there were a few others (CEO wife vs CEO sister/ didn't want to lose to her brother).

[@TheNYJets15]

An absolutely amazing ending!! Everything in the story of the show came to fruition in this finale. I was team Kendall up until he walked in his fathers office and put his feet on his desk…nope! I am going to miss this show BUT dare I say they left the door open…maybe…I hope!

[@pdx2psp]

Back door vs front door moment. The few seconds in the scene where we see the wheels turning, and Shiv realizing that, even though she won’t get it through the front door, it’s still her win through Tom was some seriously stellar acting. Imo, the knife to the back of Ken was gravy…getting that last word…ultimate payback. In the limo with Tom, obviously it doesn’t feel great, but it’s still a win for her team. She and her brothers were never a team, thanks to the awesome parenting they all received. Competition seeds were planted from childhood, not teamwork…inevitable sibling implosion. How could this have possibly ended any differently…

[@helix5779]

Shiv might be the most snaky conniving character in all of fiction.

[@cj-hw3pv]

I always wondered what happened between Ewan and Logan, to make them not to talk for a long time, I imagine it was a betrayal like what Shiv did to Ken, I can see them never speaking again.

[@lauramcguan]

Was fully expecting Ken to jump off the roof

[@bisheshbajracharya920]

The first ever episode was about Kendall not being a killer. And that really showed despite him trying to change that through out the series. He was 99% there. Just at the end, he cracked when he couldn't convince his siblings. A big moment was when push came to shove, he hit Roman whereas he was always adamant about protecting him. And lying to the 2 about the boy's death to finally get his seat, a killer would have strategized better maybe? Or at least at like the king for the last few moments before before he became it. I really felt bad for Kendall the most. I did personally feel he was the most deserving out of the 3, but the show also showed that despite being monstrous in many ways Logan wasn't entirely wrong, none of them were serious people and Kendal was not a killer. What a masterpiece of a show.

[@stephyworld8713]

99% is.. VERY generous 😅

[@yasminetou]

He has shown though that everytime he got power, his arrogance took over and clouded his judgement, leading him to failure. Like, every single time! He could not handle power, and him being so close and lying/shooting at his siblings in that scene was the begining of that spiral. shiv and roman saw right through it

[@Agalgo88]

shiv's hatred eyelook while smiling after she decided not to vote on Kendall is everything.

[@demondbrooks568]

The smirk/smile was too much in that moment....

[@KingPurcival]

@@demondbrooks568 It made me want to punch my screen.

[@Agalgo88]

@@demondbrooks568 it was like a 9 year old Shiv smiling while dad was scolding him.

[@minerva566]

I hated her so much 😭😭💔

[@mrcoachcoach]

Shiv & Tom plans to run the company worked to perfection. Every time Shiv was asked about Tom she always hedged and kept him position. Shiv pulled all the strings just like the magazine Article portrayed her with Mattson. She was using everyone as her puppets, to get her money from the sale and maintain power. Watch the finale knowing that Shiv wants Tom as CEO

[@dukedematteo1995]

Best line was from Roman. "Ken you're nothing. I'm nothing, Shiv is nothing. We're all nothing. It's over."

[@EddieNgatia]

*bullshit

[@MyVidStash]

I had a feeling the reason Shiv had changed her mind was because of her baby. She would have ruined her relationship with Tom. Also, in retrospect, Tom is the most similar to Logan. He was working during the funeral and he didn’t let his personal relationships affect his decisions. He screwed those who were closest to him to get ahead and never flinched.

[@frankjennings4489]

The saddest thing is that no matter what they did to each other, the siblings were always able to come back together but after what Shiv did, I don’t think Kendall will ever forgive her. He literally had his life’s dream sitting there in front of him and Shiv destroyed that possibility forever in an instant.

[@yingyang1615]

I was honestly on the edge of my seat waiting for the other shoe to drop…a truly Shakespearean tragedy 👏

[@tanver1443]

I think the outcome was the right one as Kendall is self destructive and would be as such in the position of CEO with a power trip. Any time he gets some sort of victory he is in over his head. However, the contents could have been laid out better. Shiv was flip flopping throughout the series but in the finale it became a bit too much. The Mattson India stuff was a plot point that wasn't adressed as such in finale. All the leads are worse off at the end. The siblings lost their status and power. Connor's marriage seemed rocky with how him and Willa were presented. Tom being a puppet that can be replaced whenever it's necessary. Very conflicting ending 😅

[@aioncloudest]

Shiv scaled back her ego in the end, and also chose her new family, her husband, her incoming child, etc.

[@karenkoe7096]

Yep, Tom is and will be no more than a puppet with a bad marriage.

[@karenkoe7096]

@@aioncloudest She chose nothing of the sort.

[@Kevinschart]

@@aioncloudest She chose money. Having a family with Tom was a undesired side effect. Tom knows it and she knows it.

[@jayray4313]

The India thing was addressed. They released it to to press and one cared cause of the election. And frankly the board probably didn’t care either the deal was too good to pass up.

[@natalie651]

A lot of people thought "Tom" including me and I saw a lot of online videos about this too. It's Tom because he's not a nepo baby. Plain and simple. He's the only one who comes from nothing like Logan and so it makes sense.

[@Kevinschart]

He's a lapdog. Madsen saw his loyalty to Logan, and knew he could be trusted.

[@skatefan9495]

Tom is worse than a nepo baby, having improved his position by marriage. A nepo baby can still demonstrate competence on his or her own.

[@sapaulgoogdmen9542]

His family also has money just it’s regional food producer money. He didn’t come from nothing but his family was more like hundred thousandnairs instead of billionaires. It’s still a big difference and why everyone looks down on him but he’s still a step up from Greg and treats him the way he gets treated. All that to say Tom wasn’t as well off as them in terms of nepotism but he still didn’t have to worry about paying for college

[@johnjungkook2721]

@@Kevinschart You have to be able to follow, in order to lead. Something that Kendall never understood.

[@Kevinschart]

@@johnjungkook2721 Well Tom has proven his capability, loyalty, and ability to handle corporate politics. He's a big dope but he's good at his job. He's an execution guy.

[@rickkinnebrew1364]

I love how Roman realized that "succession" wasn't finally about leadership but just a bloodline--so he denigrates Ken's children and reduces Shiv to her DNA, a mere vessel. They are the Nothing Generation just carries the bloodline. That's Roy like royalty.

[@docvader82]

I thought Ken was jumping in the water. Shiv deserves to be in a loveless marriage. I think the pressures and expectations taken away are a good thing for Roman.

[@theh.o.p.e.channelwhoyouar7614]

How do you guys get to a 'loveless marriage" unbeliavble!! Wow?!

[@tammybenaytv4631]

She isn’t in a loveless marriage. Tom loves her she just doesn’t love Tom. 😂

[@wardenmagellan2643]

I loved this series but for me Shiv acted even stupider than ever and it kinda ruined her character for me. I don’t have a problem with her voting against her brother, just her stupid reasonings and her not wanting to run ATN. The ending felt really messy, the last few episodes did. Where was Jamie Laird which they constantly mentioned? Why did Frank betray Kendall? It felt rushed. Really really rushed! Great show but the last season made it not a 10 out of 10, at least for me. Also, didn’t like how little Connor we got in the last two episodes

[@joee7978]

I thought there would be more of a fallout with the election. I kind thought it might end with Kendall getting it and then Rava or their daughter being harmed by protesters and he would be completely destroyed after getting everything he wanted. But the election never really had any effect on anything at all. One or two more episodes could have been perfect

[@deatheater4805]

👍

[@Kevinschart]

I'm pretty sure this was a 5 season show, but people wanted to move on and the writers did what they had to do. This was always going to be the conclusion. But I'm with you. The proxy battle and the election fallout deserved more time.

[@johnjungkook2721]

Shiv never wanted to run ATN, lol. Shiv always wanted to serve a powerful man. When she was younger, she wanted to be the angel on Logan's shoulder. Now she can be the angel on Tom's shoulder.

[@thecivilianseries3267]

You actually BELIEVED Shiv when she said her reason was because she thought Kendall would not be good in the job? Ha! It was revenge and SPITE, pure and simple.

[@FrazerSmithsChannel]

I don't think Greg knew that Tom was the choice, only that Shiv was not

[@LetsLiveUpstream]

Agreed. Tom didn’t tell Greg he was going to be CEO.

[@almaburns6562]

@@LetsLiveUpstream Tom has learned that Greg can't be trusted.

[@alibrowne6374]

Jesse Armstrong - the most brilliant writer ever. Loved this series. Wonder what he’ll do next! My favourite saying from the last episode was ‘pain sponge’ said by Maddison to Tom when asking him to be CEO. He didn’t want a partner but a ‘pain sponge’. Love it.

[@kiratherenegade1561]

I think Shiv lied. She COULD see Kendall as CEO. And she knew he would be good enough to cut her out. So Shiv did as Shiv does & acted on how she feels, rather than stick to her word.

[@TheVisitors44]

A scorpion

[@kiratherenegade1561]

@@TheVisitors44 I think scum is a better description

[@ironsales5669]

She kept more of the power for herself. She chose herself, putting her husband and the father of her child in charge, over her brother. That was a more acceptable choice. She was the one who got the deal in the first place.

[@kiratherenegade1561]

@@ironsales5669 So much wrong. First - Shiv wasn't looking out for Tom. She was fine with him going at the beginning of the episode. Second - Tom didn't tell Shiv until the last moment (curtesy of Greg's meddling). If Gregg hadn't notified Kendall - Shiv would've walked into the room, voted on the deal & then been told Tom is CEO. Can imagine she would react very similarly to Kendall in that moment. Third - Shiv did not do it for Tom or her baby. Shiv saw a way to hurt Kendall, who she worried was actually good at the job. That's why she kept repeating the line about "you wouldn't be good." She's trying to convince herself of something more confronting than 'I'm ruining my brothers dreams for the sake of it.' Finally - that's her power gone. No board seat. No position. A trophy wife to a puppet husband, who isn't even her puppet now. A meaningless end for Shiv, as she could've simply walked away clean. Instead - she destroyed her relationship with Kendall, pissed away the Roy legacy & will likely bend for her husbands boss. It's a truly sad end.

[@DanielFernandez-eo2ry]

Also, how do you go from Siobhan to Shiv? Kendall says "the Roy boys vs Shiv the shiv", it has to be intentional, she betrayed everyone who she could when she needed

[@michaelkclark6981]

I thought the Kendal character went for the elevator to go to the roof and jump off. The character went to the roof and the barrier grew higher and higher. He said he would die. Closure for the bodyguard would have been ‘cleaner’

[@ffelegal]

I thought that as well

[@whirlwind872]

??? He went to floor 0

[@fayesouthall6604]

Roman freaked out when he saw Gerri. They have their billions to keep them warm. 🤣

[@dddon513]

The big lesson of this episode was "keep your mouth shut". I was amazed at the illogical choices everyone made about what they'd tell others. Tom tells shiv he's going to be CEO long before the vote? Kendall tells his siblings he was involved in a death? What??

[@breezzeeshoulders2610]

I think in the last moments Shiv was thinking if I can't have it, you can't have it either.

[@BH-xp8ic]

Exactly. Was always a selfish twat

[@apple213]

Exactly i mean if the murder thing really matterd for her why she didn't bring it up...she was silent on that or maybe even forgot that...she literally did all that out of jealousy

[@GringoNation]

Crazy to think that Kendall may now resent his children (all he has left) for them being one of the main reasons Logan couldn't give the company to him.

[@BrainPilot]

That's very true!

[@AntiSociableWallflower]

Not like he was much of a father to begin with. She should have long took the kids and left.

[@sexysqueaks86]

I think I missed it, were the kids adopted or what?

[@serovxmn]

Hold on what do you mean? why were they the reason Logan couldn't give the company to Ken ?

[@GringoNation]

@@serovxmn because the children didn’t have the Roy bloodline, so if Ken passed it to them, the company would be out of the family

[@fernandochapa1433]

The detail that I loved is when Kendall is hugging Roman so hard he was actually hurting and opening his wound, maybe a symbolism that the affection that he showed was just for his self interest. A very visual interpretation of the sayings “putting salt in the wound” or “twisting the knife”

[@_nefelibata]

it was interesting to see some parallelisms from the episode 1 like Tom looking after Greg, Kendall losing it and Rome saying "this is bs"

[@Billythekid2518]

Symbolism in the sunset is the Sun setting on his life. Kendall will unfortunately kill himself.

[@Mayonaise55]

I thought so! So was his security/driver watching over him at the end for that exact reason?

[@silviosaecios5187]

I have a feeling he's not going to kill himself. He's been through bad times before and survived. And the fact that he got close to the water and didn't jump shows that he's going ahead. And the sun is dotted can symbolize the end of a phase and the beginning of another one later. After all, he is young and will have a lot of capital at his disposal.

[@Davesounds]

Every cast member should receive an Emmy. What a perfect ending! 💔

[@BrainPilot]

It was - a beautiful tragedy!

[@Naithesther7085]

Shiv bringing up the accident as a way to emotionally blackmail Kendall is just WICKED! Kendall revealed his dark secret to you, but you use it against him last minute beacuse you couldn't have the position? Shiv is worse than her dad.

[@wole1]

Tom ending on top in the marriage dynamic with Shiv greatly warms my heart

[@BrainPilot]

True, Tom really did come out the best out of everybody!

[@lexisisk8079]

@@BrainPilot especially when he still helped Greg. I wonder if it’s cause Greg is so useful despite what he did.

[@whatmane]

The only reason why Shiv voted no is because she can influence Tom. Kendall would've pushed her to the curb. Shiv, honestly, is the worst of all the characters.

[@suhaibghazi7673]

@@lexisisk8079 it's because everyone on that show in power needs a useful idiot. Tom is Mattson's idiot like he was Logan's. .and Shiv's . . . and now Greg will continue to be his puppet idiot, forever indebted to Tom after spilling the beans to Kendall.

[@poorandstupid]

@@whatmaneShiv has zero influence over Tom. Tommy is a figurehead CEO in the most literal sense possible, and the moment Matson thinks Shiv is influencing her husband, he’ll be fired.

[@wildlava69]

I loved every minute of this session i will miss it a lot

[@BrainPilot]

Same here - it was truly phenomenal! One of the best seasons of a show in such a long while!

[@kiyoshi6739]

I love the way Roman smiles and then becomes sad at the end . To me it feels like he lost a huge ambition but in exchange gained a level of freedom .

[@sanjanasuresh5565]

Greg didn't tell Kendall that Mattson was thinking of Tom. Greg told Kendall that it would not be Shiv.

[@margaretstanton7567]

Did Greg google translate what the Swedes were saying at the bar?? I couldn't read the phone translation--what did it say?

[@s.hopkins4490]

It said it would not be Shiv

[@maxxxgsd]

Do you think it was like a chess move for Mattson to speak in Swedish knowing Gregg would translate and open his mouth causing a disruption within the kids ?

[@EmanDeMoan]

​@@margaretstanton7567 he did yes

[@EmanDeMoan]

​@@maxxxgsd nah I doubt it, why would he do that?

[@slayermeb]

Shiv and Roman were always envious of Kendall, because he was the only one in the family prepared to run the company. Shiv voted against Kendall because of envy, not because of logic.

[@Notorious236]

Thank you for all the recaps! Great job! See you on your next adventure!

[@BrainPilot]

Thanks a lot - glad you enjoyed them!

[@mohamedrashad5934]

Succession ending was a tragedy. I’m sad as the Roy’s 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.

[@hamzeha.497]

It has been a pleasure BP! Thank you for the insightful and committed vomit of thoughts for 10 weeks straight. Jesse Armstrong should have you around in the writer's room next time.

[@BrainPilot]

Glad you enjoyed the videos! Thanks for tuning into them all!

[@jeviosoorishas181]

Ultimately, the whole season shows what I thought at the end of Season 3 and the beginning of Season 4: When all three are united, they are the equal of Logan, but only when all three are together as one. Kendall's inability to keep all three together for a long period of time, and always showing a preference to Roman over Shiv is what always does him in. Even as it was pointed out just before the vote, Kendall doesn't even give her credit for getting the deal done with Mattson. Kendall with the business mind, Shiv with the political mind and Roman keeping everyone united in terms of pursuing what's in the family's best interests.

[@DarrellC.]

Hated how it ended. Creators got too cute.

[@blackdateline1996]

I’m sad, I really wanted the siblings to stick together at the end. Shiv really disappointed me, (but I get it). The peek of their sibling happiness was in the kitchen on Vacation with their mom. Shiv is really cold. I’m sad. It’s over.

[@sebastionjunior4125]

Lol my sister is like shiv as well.

[@whirlwind872]

"Shiv is really cold. I'm sad. Its over" For when a man dies it is sad. In this case, it is Lester who has done so.

[@kai-gi4hw]

Greg translating the Swedish in real time is the smartest thing he’s ever done and it’s not even close

[@sonder.4718]

This is just my honest opinion. I might be wrong but, to those people who are perhaps admiring shiv on pulling that move, all of you should know that it’s not a tactical nor strategical move, but rather an absolute blunder on her end. She just had a complete meltdown on that pivotal moment. I bet that regardless if either Frank or Karl were to be named as CEO, she’d stand against his siblings. Sum it all up, It’s not about Shiv thinking what’s best for her and her kid, but Shiv can’t stand the thought that either of his brothers were to rule his father’s built empire, while her name is completely wiped out of the equation.

[@sadie513]

Complete meltdown? She wasn't the one screaming "I'm the eldest boy!" for everyone to hear.

[@sonder.4718]

@@sadie513 It was subtle but you can see/hear it. Kendall’s reaction was just him pouring out due to his sister’s betrayal. Why do you think she left that room in the first place?

[@sadie513]

@@sonder.4718 She wanted to think. Kendall didn't leave her alone and threw a tantrum which sealed the deal for her to vote for Matsson/Tom. She was never gonna win with Kendall as CEO so she went with Tom instead. It makes perfect sense. This is a tragedy after all.

[@sonder.4718]

@@sadie513 You’re right kendall’s outburst might have nailed her decision. look, she might not have thrown a tantrum like kendall did but her leaving that board room showed her falling apart. Shiv is willing to mess it all up than seeing Kendall or Roman to take the throne because in her mind if it’s not her then neither her siblings. You’re right it’s a tragedy but the point that I’m trying to make is that, shiv’s final judgement was assuredly irrational. And I know we both can agree on that part

[@neo.5327]

​@@sadie513 😂😂😂😂😂 I can almost hear you say that even tho I don't know u.

[@CrossOverNewz1318]

I completely thought we were going to see Kendall jump off Waystar building. Glad it ended the way it did. With mystery of all three characters

[@davidmira135]

I just got it right! My last week episode comment ended with: "The ending I predict is: the company is sold, the CEO will be Tom or Greg (or both as a team) and all the siblings lose". I think it's not fair for Kendall. This last-minute betrayal is the result of jealousy of shiv: if I can't have it, neither can he. It was an announced ending, but it could be Kendall. He had that killer instinct, but he always had bad fortune.

[@stephyworld8713]

What.. 🥴🥴🥴? You kendall fanboys need to chill and rewatch the show lol

[@inetpathfinder5767]

Remember what Logan's brother said at the funeral? Their behavior at the end proved that he was right. but

[@Kevinschart]

What a ride. Long ago I learned to despise serialized shows that didn't know why they existed. Succession always knew what it was supposed to be, and delivered on all it's promises. I would've liked 5 seasons as things felt slightly rushed, but it had to end at some point.

[@Howesitgoing]

This was one of my favorite episodes/ finales of any show… had me tense and on the edge of my seat with great dialogue and intriguing scenes… also a good sense of closure

[@christinasayles4456]

Thank you for mentioning the fact that Kendall putting his shoes on the desk was a dealbreaker for shiv supporting him.

[@borgono]

Yeah, good one. After that movement, you can see Shiv feels uncomfortable with Kendall's ego.

[@christinasayles4456]

@@borgono yes! Exactly. And not everyone has been mentioning that.

[@tacituskilgore875]

Yeah, i also understood this, but I also think that if Kendal had acted differently, like a killer, Shiv could have fell for it. She was desperately looking for an excuse, giving her guarantees to calm her down could have been be critical but Kendall decided to lie and lost all his chances along with Roman's support.

[@Bleech606]

"..due to Greg betraying him." I find it odd how no one is talking about the fact Tom nearly lost it because Tom simply could not resist winding up Greg, telling him he'd be getting a huge pay cut, not telling Greg what had really happened.

[@gve-tp1kd]

It's amazing that the true successors, Matsson and Tom, are the ones the least desperate to take control. They didn't grow up in Logan's or anyone's shadow. They didn't need the prestige even if they wanted more of it. They didn't wanna please anyone unless it suited their goals (Tom learned this lesson from Shiv). They just wanted more money and more power if they could have it. Roman, Ken and Shiv could never do it because they still desperately needed love, respect and adoration. The three always had money. That's why multiplying their net worth after the deal didn't mean a thing to the children. Waystar CEO was an unconscious MacGuffin that was actually emblematic of their lack of fatherly love and approval. Ultimately them not being "serious people" is Logan's fault. If he just properly supported them then the trio could've probably self-actualized enough that they could actually talk money without the love proxy nonsense.