The highly acclaimed TV series “Succession” has come to a breathtaking end after a rollercoaster ride full of family drama, power struggles and corporate battles.
The final episode, titled “With Open Eyes,” revealed the Roy family in their true colors — destroying one another. The episode leaves the viewers highly captivated and reflective of the intricate webs of manipulation and power woven throughout the series.
The show portrayed how a family of insufferable billionaires — the Roys — tore each other apart over their media empire. The question was always about who would carry the sordid legacy left by their departed father.
Let’s dive into this remarkable series recap and its mesmerizing season finale that rates “Succession” as a modern television masterpiece.
The Rise and Fall of the Roy Dynasty
“Succession” takes the audience into the heart of the Roy family, led by Logan Roy, a media magnate, and his four cunning and ambitious children: Shiv (Sarah Snook), Kendall Roy (Jeremy Strong), Roman (Kieran Culkin) and Connor (Alan Ruck).
The series shows how the Roy kids have jostled for power over the media empire Waystar Royco, their father, built. The complex dynamics and the power struggles set the stage for an intense battle for succession.
Kendall, the eldest son, at first appears as the perfect heir, but his lack of confidence and addictions limit his chances. The impulsive and witty second son Roman also vies for his father’s approval.
At the same time, Shiv, the only daughter, displays her strategic prowess and sharp intellect as she rises through the company ranks.
Meanwhile, Connor, the detached oldest sibling, is on the periphery of the corporate power struggle.
Throughout the seasons, betrayals abound, alliances are formed and destroyed and characters evolve unpredictably. The series undisputably explores the themes of loyalty, morality, ambition and power’s corrupting nature, making it tantalizing and thought-provoking.
Final Act: “With Open Eyes”
The series’ final episode brings a captivating saga of the Roy family to an end, leaving viewers stunned by the complex dynamics of betrayal, family ties and power. The episode opens with the Roy family’s power struggle for control over Waystar Royco.
As the episode progresses, the aggression escalates as each character wrestles with their motivations and desires.
Full of ambition and resentment, Kendall contemplates a shocking stunt that could change the company’s landscape. His sister Shiv is torn between her aspirations and loyalty to her family and makes a critical decision that could shape her life.
While at their mother’s place, Kendall and Shiv duke it out over who should be the CEO. Both were searching for their brother Roman to secure his vote to block the GoJo deal of buying Waystar when GoJo CEO Lukas Matsson was secretly plotting to betray Shiv. This was discovered thanks to Greg, who used a translation app to eavesdrop on Matsson’s plan to kick Shiv out of the CEO position.
One of Matsson’s reasons for kicking Shiv out is that he views her as a sexual object and tells Tom that he wants to sleep with her.
Kendall uses this information to get Shiv and Roman on his side, and they all agree to stop the deal and let Kendall be the boss. But when they returned to New York, Shiv discovered that Matsson intended to pick Tom as the new CEO.
The Day of the Vote
At first, team Roy seems to be united, and they are ready to crown Kendall as the King. The Roy family is confident that the GoJo deal will die, but there is a turn of events when the voting starts.
Kendall votes against the deal, as do Roman, Stewy, Ewan Roy and Dewi. The voting stopped when it was Shiv’s turn to vote. She panics and leaves the room, causing Kendall to run after her. The vote was 6-6, and Shiv’s vote turned out to be the tiebreaker.
Tensions erupt between the siblings when Shiv reveals that she changed her mind and thinks Kendall is unfit for the position. Kendall believes he is the best suited to be Logan’s successor and declares, “I’m like a cog only built to fit one machine.” Realizing that his presumed “birthright” was being taken away under his watch, Kendall yells, “I’m the eldest boy.”
Back in the boardroom, Kendall tries to keep the negotiations, but it’s already too late. Waystar is already sold to GoJo, and Tom is to lead the new company as the CEO.
The Aftermath
Roman signs the Waystar away and is later seen at the bar alone, sipping a martini. Tom joins his wife Shiv in a black Mercedes, and she congratulates him. Their relationship has been on the rocks for the whole season.
Kendall is in the park alone as he watches the Hudson River waves roll before him in disbelief at what happened. He remains a rich yet broken man who didn’t get a chance to rule his father’s kingdom.
Shiv is reluctant to divorce Tom, who is now sitting on the throne. The finale provides a poignant resolution that showcases the consequences of the characters’ actions while leaving room for contemplation and interpretation.
A Bittersweet Goodbye
Succession series has left an indelible mark on television history with its captivating storytelling, brilliant ensemble cast and razor-sharp dialogue. The series explores the dark side of the corporate world and the intricacies of family dynamics, leaving audiences questioning their morality and the lengths they would be willing to go to protect their legacies.
Succession has delivered a finale that will be talked about for many years and has solidified its status as a modern television masterpiece with the most unforgettable episodes.
