I was initially not as excited about it, but as I've been thinking about throughout the week, I'm really satisfied with how they closed out the series.
I absolutely hate it when people say that Shiv still has the heir to the throne now because she's pregnant with Tom's child. It is not a Roy company anymore. Matsson can name a new CEO tomorrow if he wanted to.
The show made it pretty obvious from the beginning of season 1 that Kendall was in no way a good choice to be CEO. Roman was only the tiniest bit qualified and he didn't even want it.
See I don't think shiv or Roman ever had a chance, Kendall objectively was the only one with the skills to do it. Not saying he would have been Logan bc none of them were on that level. But the siblings couldn't let Kendall win so they all lost. Shiv back to being controlled by a more powerful man, Roman back to being a playboy, Kendall even tried to get waystar into tech way before Mattson. So you could surmise that waystar would have had alpt of success if the listened to Kendall and leaned into making waystar dabble in tech.
Just shiv tho. Roman was going to go along with it. Once shiv said she wouldn’t it didn’t matter what Roman thought at that point anyways. And fck her for telling him she’d support him and then last min deciding she’d rather be the wife of the ceo than the sister. Idk why she wanted it anyways. Roman either. They just wanted it so Kendall couldn’t have it let’s be honest. Their dad was just awful and really screwed them up man. And then hated them for what they became lol Logan is the real pos.
@@WarTheory He wanted out from Waystar conglomerate doing all the other bullshit like theme parks and cruises, but he needs ATN to keep influencing politicians.
@@smrgoose364 exactly, Logan wanted to do all the news but the cruise scandal fucked his deal with Pierce in season two. Logan was at a point where money is irrelevant, he wants more power so the roys could become old money. It's funny how Kendall kept fucking with what Logan wanted even after his death by fucking the deal up in Sweden.
Tom is not inheriting the company, the Roy’s no longer have control of the company. In fact, I don’t envision Tom being in that position for long as Mattson described him as being his “pain sponge”. I could see Tom being the fall guy for all of Mattson’s bad decisions for the company.
@@hmmm2564you’re the one that doesn’t know how it works. Shiv and Tom don’t get to decide the CEO successor they don’t own the company, Logan was CEO and founded it, they don’t have board control no more.
Shiv is the real loser, in my opinion. Roman can finally be his own man. Kendall has the fortune to build his own dynasty and create his own successor. Shiv is in a loveless marriage with a child she does not want and is still looking for approval of men to validate her as opposed to becoming what she already is. She stands to repeat the horrible parenting cycle her parents created and a voice silenced because what she wants, she already possesses, but to blind to see it.
@@LokeshKumar-do7jgnone of them win, that's the whole point. Kendall isn't gonna build squat. He's stuck in the past and haunted by a dead guy in the water, as the last shot clearly shows. But very funny to me you guys are that insecure about the very notion of a woman winning a fight for control of a fictional company
@donaltc oh sure, let's make it about gender not about the fact that shiv was not qualified for the job also she went back on what she agreed with her brothers. Gerri as the new ceo would make more sense. For me, winning meant to still be a part of the company in a leadership role, which eventually went to Tom and her. But the first comment made me rethink that.
Just wanted to say Thank You Ryan for covering this kind of shows! I know that now with the strike, Marvel, DC, etc. kind of content is getting limited. But know that I am one of the people who will tune in to any other shows like this :)
As always, I enjoyed your analysis. I don't think Connor necessarily won, but he was the most at peace with the fact that Logan loved the business & the daily grind of it more than his own children. He accepted that it would always come first. Remember when they finally told him that Logan was dead (mind you Logan's work family knew before he did) it was Connor who had the most honest reactions, that his dad never liked him & that he never got a chance to make him proud. I also think Connor's presidential run was his way of garnering attention & love from his father. I realized something by following a 1st time viewer's reaction to the series. In the second episode of the 1st season, Kendall is talking to his siblings about the fate of the company while Logan is hospitalized he says to Roman, 'I love you, man, but you are not a serious person.' They MUST have purposely brought that dialogue into the final season as a full circle moment, right, or is it just me? We really knew the outcome from the beginning.
Something I just noticed watching this video: in the office fight scene, Kendall not only attacks Roman by choking him to stop him talking, but also shoves his fingers in his eyes, trying to literally and figuratively blind his brother, and himself, to the truth
He opened Roman’s stitches because Roman was worried his face wasn’t banged up enough to be an excuse for him not becoming CEO. He for some reason thought people would think he wasn’t hurt badly so they’d wonder why he didn’t get the promotion. So Kendall did him a favor and reopened them.
There was a surprising amount of violence in the season with this scene and Tom & Greg slapping each other, although that was a bit more comical. Is it weird to say I’m proud of Greg for finally standing up for himself?? He changed a lot from season 3 to 4, well the entire series of course - from doggie bags to saying “I don’t do coffee anymore.” It’s a long way back from the pond!
The series was a great set of character assassinations, but the thing that stuck with me was how brutally real their version of corporate reacted/played out around their squabbling. The Yes Man "winning" because he is the yes man; the guy who desperately wants it, never getting it becos he wants it too much; the one no-one takes seriously so can never realistically have a shot, and "the woman" who is never going to get a shot anyway. Tom's relationship with Greg, and how he leveraged power against his subordinates was another great reflection of his corporate strategy, he was pandering to all above, but ruling over his kingdom by fear/manipulation. Anyone who has worked in corporate has encountered ALL of these stereotypes.
Definitely. I only worked briefly in the corporate world and couldn't stand it because of all this. Totally clueless and unpleasant people are in the top jobs because they shout the loudest and know the right people, even though they have no real sense of direction, and no knowledge of how the actual work is done by the people below them.
This video really cemented for me why you're better at what you do than the other folks doing it. I've been watching recaps and reviews of this whole last season and not a single one comes anywhere close to the level of depth and analysis that you do, thanks Ryan!!
I agree and did the same as you but Ryan’s analysis is SO much better than the rest . He brings both a new religious abs literary angle that the others don’t have.
depth and analysis? there is nothing in the video that you wouldnt have alreay thought about yourself if you had been paying a reasonable amount of attention to the series. There is very little to this show beyond what you actually see. the Wire it is not. And the Shiv nickname thing is the most ridiculous thing Ive ever heard. Every Siobhan's nickname is Shiv.
In the Pilot. In the helikopter Logan says prior to his stroke: " Frank is dead. Tom is moving up and Shiv is looking for a new position.." Which embodies the finale quite well I think ;-)
I've literally watched and read dozens of articles/videos about Succession and this one said things I never noticed, like Logan's thing with water... awesome guys
I read someone (can’t remember who but on Twitter) refer that it’s a reference to King Lear as well. Edgar becomes king at the end and Edgar would disguise himself as Poor Tom. Hence how Tom got his first name.
I have never really rooted for any of the siblings, tho one cannot deny we are sort of steered into rooting for Kendall. Storywise I neither expected or wanted it. (the showrunners were smarter than that.) But on the question "Out of the siblings, who should?" I think it's quite evident it should've been Ken. (should as in what would've been best of the company and it's chairholders.) Besides, Shiv didn't give two shits about the waiter - the only time it seemed to burden her was at the very end.
@@Oklahoma534did you even read the post? It was about if you had to choose one, which would be best? Obviously none would be best, but if you had to choose one, who would it be?
Logan fed on his children’s aspiration to be like him, to be seen and validated. He broke their wings, and shaped them into these wanting things, much like he was, but he was more forceful because he had the story of being “self made”, where as they were made by him. To never amount to anything other than his playthings. All the Roy children now have the opportunity to shape themselves as something outside the freezing shadow of Logan. It’s up to us to decide if we think they ever will.
My perception of the Ken/Rome hug. I think Roman was easily the most affected by Logan and the most impacted by his death. I think Roman was feeling a mixture of anger and love towards Kendall. I also think Kendall was in that moment….the new king…the new Logan….Roman was letting out his frustration, anger, and conflicting emotions towards not only Ken but ultimately Logan in that moment as a proxy . “Why couldn’t it be me”?. It’s as if he was asking Logan that question from the grave. I think Roman was crushing his face against Kendall and “reopening his wound”. His one big wound, “why can’t it be me”?
Let’s get something straight: their kid is not the successor because Tom is the CEO. The next CEO will be chosen by Matsson and the board, and those are not controlled by the Roy family. Besides, who’s to say Tom lasts that long? He could be fired in 6 months.
I also thought Shiv’s final decision was driven by a light bulb that she would be much better off giving the company to two men she could potentially control with sex instead of two brothers who had proven to be ok with leaving her in the dust.
nah she was just jealous. Look at her face when Kendall puts his feet on the desk's father. That's when she knew she just couldnt accept it. what a terrible person
@@noiseforthealgorithm4668 yes, that was the moment her light bulb went off. From that moment until her vote, she was probably thinking about how much of an idiotic decision it was to give Kendall the company. Whether or not she considered the advantages of giving the company to the Swede and her husband is unclear, but the truth of it still stands.
@@bennuwa If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck, and boils down an entire character’s motivations to “just being a bitch” or “siding with the people she can have sex with” then they’re probably a duck. ✌🏼
There was another very interesting moment during the vote when Shiv briefly looks over at Roman with his wounds. I feel like she puts together exactly who Kendall is going to be in this position of power and it's what she cant stomach. Not necessarily out of empathy for Roman but because she cant have someone becoming her father who won't give her true affection
10:30 Nope. It was not when he sat in the chair. It was when he put his feet on the table. Shiv's eyes changed a bit. And it was solidified when borad meeting began. Cocky Kendall killed himself.
I dont think it ultimately was her brother, my interpretation was she put her husband first for once and didnt want to be the person that stole it from Tom.
I agree and I don’t understand Ken’s actions. At 1st he looks to his siblings for “permission” to sit in his dads chair… then he puts his feet up and gets way too comfortable
@@smrgoose364 "You don't like to lose, do you Shiv" - Tom in finale. Shiv saw Kendall becoming Logan plus she was selfish and couldn't let anyone win. Mark Mylod and Jesse Armstrong even said this.
I am so happy you did a review of this show! Great job! Did you notice that Roman is the only child that Logan told he was proud of… In “Tern Haven”. Of course it was quickly followed up with a slam on being in business kindergarten… however, I thought that was something of note.
Loved the Wambsganns connection, but Jesse Armstrong confirmed it was coincidence. The main writers are british and follow cricket, they werent aware of the triple play wambsganns. I think they picked a last name that was a little difficult to pronounce.
I seriously thought after the final vote when Kendall jump in the elevator, he was going up to the roof to take a literal and metaphorical swan dive from the top.
An underrated scene is when they have dinner with their mother and Peter. When don’t quite hear the details of their business plan and they get distracted by other matters. Relates to what you said about how it’s not about the CEO position but more a look at their family dynamics.
That was a FANTASTIC take on this series! It’s been raining a lot here in L.A., and over the past week or so, I marathoned the whole series at once, for the first time. LOVED it. So your video here was very enjoyable. Love the insights. Cheers.
My favorites were Kendell and Tom. You felt pity for Kendell as the spoiled brat that just didn't get it. He will never be Logan. Logan wanted his company sold. Kendell's ego got bruised with Luckas called him the tribute band to Logan (L to the OG). Moreover Frank gave him the floor to explain his plan to the board, but like brat instead of sitting down and explaining why they shouldn't vote for the deal, he just said no let's just vote. I'm a Roy....Tom on the other won because, yes he will be the puppet, but he's a rich puppet that now will have his wife under him (unlike in other seasons), and Logan's biological grandchild. Even if he gets fired down the line all CEOs have these amazing lavish parachute deals. They could be the worst boss in the world, but they walk away with millions. Its a win/win. Tom will be fine. And Kendelll will get over himself eventually and move on with his life. The barriers at the end scene with the river facing Kendell to me symbolizes - suck it up buttercup. Deal with the defeat and move on.
Love the ending! Logan told them they were not ready to run the business. They were so busy fighting each other and being ‘brilliant’ they didn’t count on Tom playing the long game.
I believe Tom was apart of the GoJo photo bit; he was the one who removed himself from the photo and told the photographer to take a photo with only the GoJo people.
Awesome you’re making videos on succession! I honestly kinda lost interest in most comic book stuff so haven’t watched your videos recently even though I used to always loved them so awesome to come back.
Also when they wer arguing the camera cut to the boards point of view and showed they could hear everything, so the talk of Kendal killing someone might have trouble for him down the line.
Thank you for pointing out the things they say, the background scenery all have meanings🎉 Even the songs they sing😂 Logan pointed out “You are not serious-people”. He paused after serious. Bravo to Brian Cox🫶 His four children’s dreams, sadly, were already crushed😮💨 I needed your commentary to understand this series deeper🎉
Wonderful video as always - I read Roman’s final scene more sadly. His face shifts from a rue smile to something more sad and empty. He has no one left, same as Kendall. To me he is the most tragic character of all.
You don't think he and Siobhan will be able to have a relationship. She said in Barbados her child needs it's uncles around. And she and Roman seemed on the same wavelength during the sibling blowup. I don't know, I'm a person who likes programming with catharsis, and it doesn't have to be a happy ending. But this tragedy all around is almost breaking me. I hope for a light at the end of the tunnel, even if it's small and dimly lit.
@@emilys4281 Thank you for commenting -- I don't want to crush that hope! Shiv and Roman didn't do anything unforgivable to each other, that's true. Not sure how quickly Roman had an epiphany following that catastrophic Kendall confrontation. It's absolutely open to interpretation. For me, the entire thesis of the show does not afford Roman to have hope so soon, when everyone else has been so devastated. Except maybe Willa :)
@@Sonoembee IDK about devastated, but at Logan's when people were claiming his belongings, she looked quite worried that Connor may not get the job in Slovenia. With the court battle over burned ballots looming, and Mencken's possible, not so solid slide into the presidency. As Connor said, "a slight hiccup".
I read somewhere that Colin lurking in the background when Ken was sitting by the river represents Ken’s past and that he’ll be haunted forever bc of what happened with the waiter. Also the camera moves down showing bars in front of the water. Ken will never be able to get to the water, if you think the water represents Waystar or his desire to be CEO.
Roman was my favorite character the entire series and I'm happy to see him be the one that truly succeeds. Edit: You've been killing it lately with these quality videos! Thank you!!
@@zipalooie "he got no.." 🤔 I disagree, but that's the great thing about freedom of opinions 😁 He was the one and only Roy who finally understood and was able to admit that everything they are is bullshit. That is exactly an example of catharsis.
@@Adrian-zd4cs he's always known that, it was more so a message for Kendall. He's about to go on a downward spiral into alcoholism and self destruction. He's even drinking a martini, which is what Geri drinks. We know because Roman had previously made fun of her for drinking them. Now they represent something and that something isn't exactly uplifting. His smile faded quickly.
Roman’s story is such a tragedy. None of the children win in this series. He is back to the little boy cowering in the corner waiting… heck begging for abuse. All the business management growth he achieved was lost. It’s like we picked up with him at the beginning of the series when he is jaxking off over the city from his big “daddy make work” office. So sad. Great acting for this character 👍🏼
Mark Mylod on the official podcast was not so hopeful for Roman and foresees him burying those emotions in drugs and alcohol. But he is hopeful for the relationship of shiv and Tom and them being able to work something out of their transactional relationship. He also confesses that they didn't know what the end would be so any foreshadowing was probably not consciously planted, but maybe retroactively acknowledged.
I am sad to see this series go. But credit to all involved for a brilliant run and wrap up. There are so many layers to this wonderfully crafted work of art. I'm sure I'll watch it again sometime to see what I missed the first time around.
Are we sure that Kendall was the one “ trying” to reopen the cut above the eye? I felt Roman was giving Kendall the death squeeze as if Kendall in that moment was the last thing maybe ever for Rome to physically hold and possibly hurt due to his childhood abuse that was always looked at as a “ nah not today “ topic. Ken knew this and that’s why he didn’t pull away.
Yeah i did not see that scene as Kendall abusing Roman, but rather the last moment of brotherly love between them before it all blew up. They were usually on pretty good terms throughout the series despite the tension, and I feel Kendall was truly trying to force Roman to embrace him not as a power play but because Kendall knew Roman could never accept that embrace on his own. I think roman was saying "i hate you" and trying to get away because he did not want to be vulnerable.
Roman went for the jugular. I think Ken, in his own way, was trying to take a fatherly role with Roman… in some patriarchal way. Roman just pissed on that and it spiraled from there
Shiv was another Greg. Tom's manipulation of her was more subtle. At first, I couldn't figure out why Shiv would give the company to Mattsen after he used her and screwed her over, but I think it was more about the phone call with Tom. She saw a way to reverse that rejection by letting him become CEO. Shiv and Greg are thirsty for Tom's approval.
A masterclass in acting and writing from the Succession cast and writing team as alway. Perfect ending with the closure we and the characters needed! Succession has been perfect right until the end.
I think the end slightly missed it when it comes to Shiv. And it makes a scary powerful statement about women (esp in the corporate world). Choosing abusive and/or subversive positions… the lesser of two evils
Maybe it was me but I very much expected Kendall to "Unalive" himself at some point after the Vote. I felt like the series was foreshadowing that end for him throughout the series.
Great analysis, however I'm not sure if Kendall was deliberately hurting Roman by hugging his scars into his shoulder. It seemed like Roman pulled Ken towards his scars, possibly so that he would look (more) unfit for the job. He was just talking about how he looks fine for the job, but was upset at seeing Gerri & obsessed about why he isn't going to be the successor & how the scars look fine. His scars would be a scapegoat for the optics of "why he isn't the successor" but "this looks fine" shows that he's feeling embarrassed, like that lie won't cover it. He fired Gerri in a moment of pride while he briefly had the role of co-CEO, throwing away his possibility of a relationship with her, and now he has lost all the power he had, as well as Gerri.
also I'm not sure Kendall killed that guy when they were both extremely fucked up, the guy pulled on the steering wheel which made them crash into the water and when Kendall eventually got to the surface he tries to go back down but he's so exhausted he immediately goes back up and clings to the first thing that will make him not go under that water again. He's definitely guilty of not reporting any of this to the police 100% just not the killing of the guy
I think he would be guilty of leaving the scene. He didn’t actually kill him. With the lawyers they can afford I think he would’ve walked away. The intoxication not sure but he wasn’t driving.
Ryan Arey doing a Succession video?? Wow - what a dream match-up 🔥 As a couple of days go by, don't you feel like its perfectly set up for another season? Tom doing some reverse-viking shit and Shiv leaking like the Titanic to her ex? Kendall hitting (crack)rock bottom and then somehow redeeming? Roman and Gerry hatching plans? Do it, do it!
Also - Mark Mylod said Shiv started to think Ken wasn’t fit for CEO when he put his feet up on the desk. But I also understand your point - it’s a good catch.
What did you think of the ending?
Loved it!
This was amazing now go back and do every season because this video was so good
I was initially not as excited about it, but as I've been thinking about throughout the week, I'm really satisfied with how they closed out the series.
a top 5 show of all time for me.
They stuck the landing. It was perfection!
I absolutely hate it when people say that Shiv still has the heir to the throne now because she's pregnant with Tom's child. It is not a Roy company anymore. Matsson can name a new CEO tomorrow if he wanted to.
Tom just a puppet of him. He gave him this role to be good woth president. He can fire him tomorrow.
I wouldn’t call Tom ‘power hungry’ necessarily
😊 But how does she know it’s Toms?
I believe people like Tom are vicious... They will betray anyone for power... Tom will always choose the winning side...
Correct. But she has the billions. And it is just about a moment of gratification/denial.
To me the main theme was, even when Kendall was the only option for ceo the siblings would rather lose than let Kendall be ceo.
The show made it pretty obvious from the beginning of season 1 that Kendall was in no way a good choice to be CEO. Roman was only the tiniest bit qualified and he didn't even want it.
See I don't think shiv or Roman ever had a chance, Kendall objectively was the only one with the skills to do it. Not saying he would have been Logan bc none of them were on that level. But the siblings couldn't let Kendall win so they all lost. Shiv back to being controlled by a more powerful man, Roman back to being a playboy, Kendall even tried to get waystar into tech way before Mattson. So you could surmise that waystar would have had alpt of success if the listened to Kendall and leaned into making waystar dabble in tech.
Roman back to being a fuckboi - he was never a playboy.
And then Ken immediately makes it look like keeping him from it is the only rational move by acting like a lunatic child
Just shiv tho. Roman was going to go along with it. Once shiv said she wouldn’t it didn’t matter what Roman thought at that point anyways. And fck her for telling him she’d support him and then last min deciding she’d rather be the wife of the ceo than the sister. Idk why she wanted it anyways. Roman either. They just wanted it so Kendall couldn’t have it let’s be honest. Their dad was just awful and really screwed them up man. And then hated them for what they became lol Logan is the real pos.
You miss the most important thing… The deal went through which is what Logan wanted before he died… so even in death he Got his way
The original deal did not include ATN. That was the Roy trademark. Logan would not have gone with this deal
@@smrgoose364 He wanted out
@@WarTheory He wanted out from Waystar conglomerate doing all the other bullshit like theme parks and cruises, but he needs ATN to keep influencing politicians.
@@mantouism that was where the power was
@@smrgoose364 exactly, Logan wanted to do all the news but the cruise scandal fucked his deal with Pierce in season two. Logan was at a point where money is irrelevant, he wants more power so the roys could become old money. It's funny how Kendall kept fucking with what Logan wanted even after his death by fucking the deal up in Sweden.
Tom is not inheriting the company, the Roy’s no longer have control of the company. In fact, I don’t envision Tom being in that position for long as Mattson described him as being his “pain sponge”. I could see Tom being the fall guy for all of Mattson’s bad decisions for the company.
exactly. terrible move by Shiv. Cut her own nose off to spite her face... ugghhh smfh
You hope but no. You guys really don't understand this system
A lot of people who watch this show are just dumb people watching because it’s popular.
@@hmmm2564and you do? Yet you don’t elaborate lol
@@hmmm2564you’re the one that doesn’t know how it works. Shiv and Tom don’t get to decide the CEO successor they don’t own the company, Logan was CEO and founded it, they don’t have board control no more.
Shiv is the real loser, in my opinion. Roman can finally be his own man. Kendall has the fortune to build his own dynasty and create his own successor. Shiv is in a loveless marriage with a child she does not want and is still looking for approval of men to validate her as opposed to becoming what she already is. She stands to repeat the horrible parenting cycle her parents created and a voice silenced because what she wants, she already possesses, but to blind to see it.
Damn, I was really disappointed how they ended and thought that shiv "won" but I never saw it from this POV. Thanks man.
@@LokeshKumar-do7jgnone of them win, that's the whole point. Kendall isn't gonna build squat. He's stuck in the past and haunted by a dead guy in the water, as the last shot clearly shows. But very funny to me you guys are that insecure about the very notion of a woman winning a fight for control of a fictional company
@donaltc oh sure, let's make it about gender not about the fact that shiv was not qualified for the job also she went back on what she agreed with her brothers. Gerri as the new ceo would make more sense. For me, winning meant to still be a part of the company in a leadership role, which eventually went to Tom and her. But the first comment made me rethink that.
@@dthomscappelloquite possibly the lamest comment ever
I agree
Just wanted to say Thank You Ryan for covering this kind of shows! I know that now with the strike, Marvel, DC, etc. kind of content is getting limited. But know that I am one of the people who will tune in to any other shows like this :)
As always, I enjoyed your analysis. I don't think Connor necessarily won, but he was the most at peace with the fact that Logan loved the business & the daily grind of it more than his own children. He accepted that it would always come first. Remember when they finally told him that Logan was dead (mind you Logan's work family knew before he did) it was Connor who had the most honest reactions, that his dad never liked him & that he never got a chance to make him proud. I also think Connor's presidential run was his way of garnering attention & love from his father.
I realized something by following a 1st time viewer's reaction to the series. In the second episode of the 1st season, Kendall is talking to his siblings about the fate of the company while Logan is hospitalized he says to Roman, 'I love you, man, but you are not a serious person.' They MUST have purposely brought that dialogue into the final season as a full circle moment, right, or is it just me? We really knew the outcome from the beginning.
The luckiest person is willa, i think 😅
I thought I heard that line before when Logan says it near the end!
Something I just noticed watching this video: in the office fight scene, Kendall not only attacks Roman by choking him to stop him talking, but also shoves his fingers in his eyes, trying to literally and figuratively blind his brother, and himself, to the truth
What was up with that??? And the violence between the 2?!! Didn’t understand it, still don’t.
And WHY was Kendall purposely gouging his fingers into his brothers wounds/stitches? Ouch
@@stacyhouser150it's called metaphors sweety
He opened Roman’s stitches because Roman was worried his face wasn’t banged up enough to be an excuse for him not becoming CEO. He for some reason thought people would think he wasn’t hurt badly so they’d wonder why he didn’t get the promotion. So Kendall did him a favor and reopened them.
There was a surprising amount of violence in the season with this scene and Tom & Greg slapping each other, although that was a bit more comical. Is it weird to say I’m proud of Greg for finally standing up for himself?? He changed a lot from season 3 to 4, well the entire series of course - from doggie bags to saying “I don’t do coffee anymore.” It’s a long way back from the pond!
The series was a great set of character assassinations, but the thing that stuck with me was how brutally real their version of corporate reacted/played out around their squabbling. The Yes Man "winning" because he is the yes man; the guy who desperately wants it, never getting it becos he wants it too much; the one no-one takes seriously so can never realistically have a shot, and "the woman" who is never going to get a shot anyway. Tom's relationship with Greg, and how he leveraged power against his subordinates was another great reflection of his corporate strategy, he was pandering to all above, but ruling over his kingdom by fear/manipulation. Anyone who has worked in corporate has encountered ALL of these stereotypes.
100%. The show is really a portrayal of the corporate machine and how it's never really going to change, no matter what new pieces come in
Definitely. I only worked briefly in the corporate world and couldn't stand it because of all this. Totally clueless and unpleasant people are in the top jobs because they shout the loudest and know the right people, even though they have no real sense of direction, and no knowledge of how the actual work is done by the people below them.
ironic that Roman ended up playing the role of the straight man most of the time
This video really cemented for me why you're better at what you do than the other folks doing it. I've been watching recaps and reviews of this whole last season and not a single one comes anywhere close to the level of depth and analysis that you do, thanks Ryan!!
I agree and did the same as you but Ryan’s analysis is SO much better than the rest . He brings both a new religious abs literary angle that the others don’t have.
depth and analysis? there is nothing in the video that you wouldnt have alreay thought about yourself if you had been paying a reasonable amount of attention to the series. There is very little to this show beyond what you actually see. the Wire it is not.
And the Shiv nickname thing is the most ridiculous thing Ive ever heard. Every Siobhan's nickname is Shiv.
@Paul Scanlon I mean, you're not wrong, but go watch any other succession recap and they miss half of what Ryan brought up
@@paulscanlon7287 great point, except for how much happened off screen the last 2 seasons 😂
@@GenghisWanghis yeah but its not rocket science working it out, is it?
It’s great to see ScreenCrush making videos of this kind of shows.. Loved it!!
In the Pilot. In the helikopter Logan says prior to his stroke: " Frank is dead. Tom is moving up and Shiv is looking for a new position.." Which embodies the finale quite well I think ;-)
I've literally watched and read dozens of articles/videos about Succession and this one said things I never noticed, like Logan's thing with water... awesome guys
This was easily the best breakdown of the last episode of Succession on RUclips so far. Thanks for doing this on this channel!
I read someone (can’t remember who but on Twitter) refer that it’s a reference to King Lear as well. Edgar becomes king at the end and Edgar would disguise himself as Poor Tom. Hence how Tom got his first name.
I like the name referenced in the show: Romulus, Wams.,Shiv, etc…And the series digests who will live up to their name
@@smrgoose364 Yeah, Roy/Rex/King!
Dude thank you for this, I’ve been watching different RUclipsrs but your take is the most complete
Ive been watching your videos for years and this is definately one of the best you have done, congrats!!
I have never really rooted for any of the siblings, tho one cannot deny we are sort of steered into rooting for Kendall.
Storywise I neither expected or wanted it. (the showrunners were smarter than that.)
But on the question "Out of the siblings, who should?" I think it's quite evident it should've been Ken.
(should as in what would've been best of the company and it's chairholders.)
Besides, Shiv didn't give two shits about the waiter - the only time it seemed to burden her was at the very end.
None of them should
@@Oklahoma534did you even read the post? It was about if you had to choose one, which would be best? Obviously none would be best, but if you had to choose one, who would it be?
Conner Roy: I AM THE ELDEST SON OF OUR FATHER.
Kendall: But not of our mother.
Conner was hilariously brutally ignored throughout the series even in that last climactic moment of the show. 😂
Connor Roy was interested in being the eldest boy from a very young age.
He says eldest "boy" too lol
Logan fed on his children’s aspiration to be like him, to be seen and validated. He broke their wings, and shaped them into these wanting things, much like he was, but he was more forceful because he had the story of being “self made”, where as they were made by him. To never amount to anything other than his playthings. All the Roy children now have the opportunity to shape themselves as something outside the freezing shadow of Logan. It’s up to us to decide if we think they ever will.
My perception of the Ken/Rome hug. I think Roman was easily the most affected by Logan and the most impacted by his death. I think Roman was feeling a mixture of anger and love towards Kendall. I also think Kendall was in that moment….the new king…the new Logan….Roman was letting out his frustration, anger, and conflicting emotions towards not only Ken but ultimately Logan in that moment as a proxy . “Why couldn’t it be me”?. It’s as if he was asking Logan that question from the grave. I think Roman was crushing his face against Kendall and “reopening his wound”. His one big wound, “why can’t it be me”?
Let’s get something straight: their kid is not the successor because Tom is the CEO. The next CEO will be chosen by Matsson and the board, and those are not controlled by the Roy family. Besides, who’s to say Tom lasts that long? He could be fired in 6 months.
Yeah nobody wins that's the point but a former ceo makes great resume
@@sanskarvsahu1375 Exactly. It makes a great resume for Tom and Tom alone. Not for his progeny. This isn’t a monarchy
i think the important thing was more that it was an heir of the family name not the company.
I think he meant it in terms of if Logan didn’t pass. Shiv was the only one that could’ve kept it in the bloodline if events played out differently
I also thought Shiv’s final decision was driven by a light bulb that she would be much better off giving the company to two men she could potentially control with sex instead of two brothers who had proven to be ok with leaving her in the dust.
nah she was just jealous. Look at her face when Kendall puts his feet on the desk's father. That's when she knew she just couldnt accept it. what a terrible person
@@noiseforthealgorithm4668 yes, that was the moment her light bulb went off. From that moment until her vote, she was probably thinking about how much of an idiotic decision it was to give Kendall the company. Whether or not she considered the advantages of giving the company to the Swede and her husband is unclear, but the truth of it still stands.
I’m gonna take a wild guess and assume that you all also thought Skyler White was the villain of Breaking Bad 🙄
@@bennuwa If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck, and boils down an entire character’s motivations to “just being a bitch” or “siding with the people she can have sex with” then they’re probably a duck. ✌🏼
@@bennuwa I did? Uhhhh anyone with eyes can easily see you just made that up but okay 😂
I’m so glad you did a breakdown video for this show!
This is the best analysis I've seen so far love review as always Ryan so in depth ,and exceptional keep up the great work👏🏽.
There was another very interesting moment during the vote when Shiv briefly looks over at Roman with his wounds. I feel like she puts together exactly who Kendall is going to be in this position of power and it's what she cant stomach. Not necessarily out of empathy for Roman but because she cant have someone becoming her father who won't give her true affection
Damn Ryan. Always nailing it this might be the best vid I’ve seen on this show let alone the ending
10:30 Nope. It was not when he sat in the chair. It was when he put his feet on the table. Shiv's eyes changed a bit. And it was solidified when borad meeting began. Cocky Kendall killed himself.
as always
I dont think it ultimately was her brother, my interpretation was she put her husband first for once and didnt want to be the person that stole it from Tom.
I agree and I don’t understand Ken’s actions. At 1st he looks to his siblings for “permission” to sit in his dads chair… then he puts his feet up and gets way too comfortable
@@watcherzero5256 I am horribly disappointed if this is indeed the case. I don’t think the writers exposed WHY Shiv chose what she did.
@@smrgoose364 "You don't like to lose, do you Shiv" - Tom in finale.
Shiv saw Kendall becoming Logan plus she was selfish and couldn't let anyone win. Mark Mylod and Jesse Armstrong even said this.
Can I just say - well produced video. Insane research and crazy connection of the dots. 10/10
I am so happy you did a review of this show! Great job! Did you notice that Roman is the only child that Logan told he was proud of… In “Tern Haven”. Of course it was quickly followed up with a slam on being in business kindergarten… however, I thought that was something of note.
This was absolutely excellently done. Great job!
Incredible show.... best acting and writing I've seen in a long time
Loved the Wambsganns connection, but Jesse Armstrong confirmed it was coincidence. The main writers are british and follow cricket, they werent aware of the triple play wambsganns. I think they picked a last name that was a little difficult to pronounce.
I seriously thought after the final vote when Kendall jump in the elevator, he was going up to the roof to take a literal and metaphorical swan dive from the top.
I feel like the only reason they put another person in that elevator to push the button was to show that if it weren't for that he might have
I like that they cut it when he watches the ocean. For all we know he could've jumped in after
An underrated scene is when they have dinner with their mother and Peter. When don’t quite hear the details of their business plan and they get distracted by other matters. Relates to what you said about how it’s not about the CEO position but more a look at their family dynamics.
So glad that screencrush did an explained video for this series!!!!! very well done compared to the others i watched. amazing show THANK YOU
That was a FANTASTIC take on this series! It’s been raining a lot here in L.A., and over the past week or so, I marathoned the whole series at once, for the first time. LOVED it. So your video here was very enjoyable. Love the insights. Cheers.
My favorites were Kendell and Tom. You felt pity for Kendell as the spoiled brat that just didn't get it. He will never be Logan. Logan wanted his company sold. Kendell's ego got bruised with Luckas called him the tribute band to Logan (L to the OG). Moreover Frank gave him the floor to explain his plan to the board, but like brat instead of sitting down and explaining why they shouldn't vote for the deal, he just said no let's just vote. I'm a Roy....Tom on the other won because, yes he will be the puppet, but he's a rich puppet that now will have his wife under him (unlike in other seasons), and Logan's biological grandchild. Even if he gets fired down the line all CEOs have these amazing lavish parachute deals. They could be the worst boss in the world, but they walk away with millions. Its a win/win. Tom will be fine. And Kendelll will get over himself eventually and move on with his life. The barriers at the end scene with the river facing Kendell to me symbolizes - suck it up buttercup. Deal with the defeat and move on.
Love the ending! Logan told them they were not ready to run the business. They were so busy fighting each other and being ‘brilliant’ they didn’t count on Tom playing the long game.
I believe Tom was apart of the GoJo photo bit; he was the one who removed himself from the photo and told the photographer to take a photo with only the GoJo people.
Awesome you’re making videos on succession! I honestly kinda lost interest in most comic book stuff so haven’t watched your videos recently even though I used to always loved them so awesome to come back.
Succession finale in a nut shell is what ant man said to Kang in quantumania: I don't have to win we both just have to lose.
The kids are all absolutely horrible people, but Logan is the real villian of this show.
Also when they wer arguing the camera cut to the boards point of view and showed they could hear everything, so the talk of Kendal killing someone might have trouble for him down the line.
Thank you for pointing out the things they say, the background scenery all have meanings🎉 Even the songs they sing😂 Logan pointed out “You are not serious-people”. He paused after serious. Bravo to Brian Cox🫶 His four children’s dreams, sadly, were already crushed😮💨 I needed your commentary to understand this series deeper🎉
‘Your busted down to Greg tonight!’ ‘Noooo…’ - greg
Can we talk about the little teapot? Best impersonation ever.
I love that you made this video, kinda which you had covered the entire season at least, it was an insane ride
great video! one of the most interesting analysis that I’ve seen so far about the ending
Wonderful video as always - I read Roman’s final scene more sadly. His face shifts from a rue smile to something more sad and empty. He has no one left, same as Kendall. To me he is the most tragic character of all.
You don't think he and Siobhan will be able to have a relationship. She said in Barbados her child needs it's uncles around. And she and Roman seemed on the same wavelength during the sibling blowup. I don't know, I'm a person who likes programming with catharsis, and it doesn't have to be a happy ending. But this tragedy all around is almost breaking me. I hope for a light at the end of the tunnel, even if it's small and dimly lit.
@@emilys4281 Thank you for commenting -- I don't want to crush that hope! Shiv and Roman didn't do anything unforgivable to each other, that's true. Not sure how quickly Roman had an epiphany following that catastrophic Kendall confrontation. It's absolutely open to interpretation.
For me, the entire thesis of the show does not afford Roman to have hope so soon, when everyone else has been so devastated. Except maybe Willa :)
@@Sonoembee IDK about devastated, but at Logan's when people were claiming his belongings, she looked quite worried that Connor may not get the job in Slovenia. With the court battle over burned ballots looming, and Mencken's possible, not so solid slide into the presidency. As Connor said, "a slight hiccup".
If you want to make a Tom-elette you gotta break some Gregs. Gotta keep some Gregs around.
Bravo!! Amazing recap and review. Best one I’ve seen so far.
Wow there was so much I missed! Thanks for this explanation. What a phenomenal show
Excellent analysis! Thank you for those tidbits of connection. I had no idea about Tom's last name!
Truly the best succession analyst ever. That finale keeps getting better and better.
Definitely the deepest and most educated
@@smrgoose364not at all
I was skeptical of shiv and her genius, but after that ending I loathe her entirely
I read somewhere that Colin lurking in the background when Ken was sitting by the river represents Ken’s past and that he’ll be haunted forever bc of what happened with the waiter. Also the camera moves down showing bars in front of the water. Ken will never be able to get to the water, if you think the water represents Waystar or his desire to be CEO.
I'm just happy if this brings back "ether" as a verb, massively underrated phrase imo
I’ve watched lots of analysis of the finale, but this is definitely the best.
We now know that Kendall tried to jump into the water at Battery Park, but they edited that take out and went with the park bench ending.
Jeremy strong went so method that he literally tried to kill himself because it made sense dramaturgically
We know that Jeremy Strong tried to do that, not Kendall lmao
Shiv’s child is not the heir, Tom is only the temporary CEO. Matsson owns everything along with the stock holders. 🙄
Tom is the puppet. The company is lost to the family
@@smrgoose364 absolutely
Eyes also are significant as an allusion to King Lear: someone gets their eye ripped out.
💯💯💯
This series was truly legendary. I’m so happy to see this covered!
It was a supreme bore.
Roman was my favorite character the entire series and I'm happy to see him be the one that truly succeeds.
Edit: You've been killing it lately with these quality videos! Thank you!!
He got no catharsis. His smile faded away quickly. He'll always be a failure and a loser to the father who haunts his subconscious.
@@zipalooie "he got no.." 🤔
I disagree, but that's the great thing about freedom of opinions 😁
He was the one and only Roy who finally understood and was able to admit that everything they are is bullshit. That is exactly an example of catharsis.
@@Adrian-zd4cs he's always known that, it was more so a message for Kendall. He's about to go on a downward spiral into alcoholism and self destruction. He's even drinking a martini, which is what Geri drinks. We know because Roman had previously made fun of her for drinking them. Now they represent something and that something isn't exactly uplifting. His smile faded quickly.
@@zipalooie oh? You've seen the non-existent season 5? 🙄😆
Roman’s story is such a tragedy. None of the children win in this series. He is back to the little boy cowering in the corner waiting… heck begging for abuse. All the business management growth he achieved was lost. It’s like we picked up with him at the beginning of the series when he is jaxking off over the city from his big “daddy make work” office. So sad.
Great acting for this character 👍🏼
This is a fantastic breakdown! I typically avoid these types of videos but I think you nailed this one.
Tom needs Greg. Greg crossed him once and he won’t do it again. Tom was the “Greg” for Logan.
Absolutely excellent analysis thanks!
I was hoping Matsson would play “Ether” after taking over the company. Maybe he could’ve played “Supa Ugly” by Jay after he met with Tom.
Perfect
Mark Mylod on the official podcast was not so hopeful for Roman and foresees him burying those emotions in drugs and alcohol. But he is hopeful for the relationship of shiv and Tom and them being able to work something out of their transactional relationship.
He also confesses that they didn't know what the end would be so any foreshadowing was probably not consciously planted, but maybe retroactively acknowledged.
Thank you! This was very insightful!
I am sad to see this series go. But credit to all involved for a brilliant run and wrap up. There are so many layers to this wonderfully crafted work of art. I'm sure I'll watch it again sometime to see what I missed the first time around.
Are we sure that Kendall was the one “ trying” to reopen the cut above the eye? I felt Roman was giving Kendall the death squeeze as if Kendall in that moment was the last thing maybe ever for Rome to physically hold and possibly hurt due to his childhood abuse that was always looked at as a “ nah not today “ topic. Ken knew this and that’s why he didn’t pull away.
Yeah i did not see that scene as Kendall abusing Roman, but rather the last moment of brotherly love between them before it all blew up. They were usually on pretty good terms throughout the series despite the tension, and I feel Kendall was truly trying to force Roman to embrace him not as a power play but because Kendall knew Roman could never accept that embrace on his own. I think roman was saying "i hate you" and trying to get away because he did not want to be vulnerable.
Roman went for the jugular. I think Ken, in his own way, was trying to take a fatherly role with Roman… in some patriarchal way. Roman just pissed on that and it spiraled from there
literally this. my only disagreement with this video
The hug, pull in and gesture was both of them.. if that’s what you wanna see.
Yes I agree. I thought that Roman was like burying himself into Kendall.
Super great job Ryan and SC. Thank you.
I feel like a prequel to this show would be perfect. Showing a young Logan and his uncle along with the rest of the family would be interesting.
Best breakdown I've ever seen. And I watch a lot of RUclips. Subbed 👍!
This ending highlights the importance of working through your childhood trauma or it can ruin your life.
Shiv was another Greg. Tom's manipulation of her was more subtle. At first, I couldn't figure out why Shiv would give the company to Mattsen after he used her and screwed her over, but I think it was more about the phone call with Tom. She saw a way to reverse that rejection by letting him become CEO. Shiv and Greg are thirsty for Tom's approval.
I highly disagree. She only did it because she refused to loose it to Kendall
I think Tom always loved Shiv and wanted a real relationship with her, but she never respected him. Now she does. I agree with you.
That water metaphor is amazing, I never thought of that. Really need to watch this show again.
An excellent synopsis and analysis.
Her child is not heir to anything since they sold the company
Great analysis, Ryan. Loved it
@17:00 I like this theory, especially given on of the best Wambsgans' lines: “She looks like she caught a fly ball at Yankee stadium."
*This Was INCREDIBLE, Ryan*
This was an excellent video, thank you. Admittedly tho, it was the first shot of your pup that made me click the thumb up. 😊
Thank you for a smart, thorough and interesting vid. I learned a lot, and appreciate the points you made. Great job!
Roman wanted Ken to do that….so he had an excuse of why he wasn’t CEO…to save face
Excellent breakdown!
Wow. This is a terrific analysis. Bravo.
A masterclass in acting and writing from the Succession cast and writing team as alway. Perfect ending with the closure we and the characters needed!
Succession has been perfect right until the end.
I think the end slightly missed it when it comes to Shiv. And it makes a scary powerful statement about women (esp in the corporate world). Choosing abusive and/or subversive positions… the lesser of two evils
far from a masterclass
Best “ending explained” vid since Sunday. Brava 👏🏾
What a great review, thank you for this.
Maybe it was me but I very much expected Kendall to "Unalive" himself at some point after the Vote. I felt like the series was foreshadowing that end for him throughout the series.
The best analysis I've heard so far!
I saw the hug between Kendall and Roman as a tender moment, not an act of violence.
Great analysis!! Filled in a lot of gaps for me
this was so good, thank you
Great analysis, however I'm not sure if Kendall was deliberately hurting Roman by hugging his scars into his shoulder.
It seemed like Roman pulled Ken towards his scars, possibly so that he would look (more) unfit for the job.
He was just talking about how he looks fine for the job, but was upset at seeing Gerri & obsessed about why he isn't going to be the successor & how the scars look fine.
His scars would be a scapegoat for the optics of "why he isn't the successor" but "this looks fine" shows that he's feeling embarrassed, like that lie won't cover it.
He fired Gerri in a moment of pride while he briefly had the role of co-CEO, throwing away his possibility of a relationship with her, and now he has lost all the power he had, as well as Gerri.
also I'm not sure Kendall killed that guy when they were both extremely fucked up, the guy pulled on the steering wheel which made them crash into the water and when Kendall eventually got to the surface he tries to go back down but he's so exhausted he immediately goes back up and clings to the first thing that will make him not go under that water again. He's definitely guilty of not reporting any of this to the police 100% just not the killing of the guy
@@LL-hc3zmhe was intoxicated and fled. The courts would count that as murder.
I think he would be guilty of leaving the scene. He didn’t actually kill him. With the lawyers they can afford I think he would’ve walked away. The intoxication not sure but he wasn’t driving.
@@LuneytoonMaybe manslaughter, not murder
Great comment, I've also got imperssionn that it was act of love...and Rom understood that.. If not he would start a fight with Kendall instead.
Ryan Arey doing a Succession video??
Wow - what a dream match-up 🔥
As a couple of days go by, don't you feel like its perfectly set up for another season?
Tom doing some reverse-viking shit and Shiv leaking like the Titanic to her ex?
Kendall hitting (crack)rock bottom and then somehow redeeming?
Roman and Gerry hatching plans?
Do it, do it!
Also - Mark Mylod said Shiv started to think Ken wasn’t fit for CEO when he put his feet up on the desk. But I also understand your point - it’s a good catch.