In a brutal, Shakespearean twist, the “Succession” finale saw none of the Roy siblings ascend to the throne of Waystar RoyCo. Instead, the company was sold to Lukas Matsson, and Tom Wambsgans, the ever-opportunistic outsider, was crowned as the American CEO, a role secured by his complicated relationship with Shiv Roy.
The Rise and Fall of the Roys: An Endgame Breakdown
The final episode, aptly titled “With Open Eyes,” was a masterclass in dramatic irony and character assassination. After weeks of tense negotiations, betrayals, and shifting alliances, the siblings found themselves poised to make a definitive decision about who would lead Waystar RoyCo into the future. Their unified front, forged in the wake of Logan’s death, fractured under the immense pressure, revealing deep-seated insecurities and resentments that ultimately doomed their chances.
The Final Power Play
The initial plan involved Kendall, Shiv, and Roman uniting to block the GoJo deal and install Kendall as CEO. This alliance, however, was fragile, built on a foundation of mutual need rather than genuine affection. The key turning point came when Shiv, plagued by doubts about Kendall’s leadership capabilities and resentful of his perceived sense of entitlement, ultimately voted against him. Her decision, fueled by a potent cocktail of sibling rivalry and strategic calculation, effectively sealed Kendall’s fate.
Tom: The Unlikely King
Tom’s ascension to the CEO role was a shocking, yet oddly fitting, conclusion. Throughout the series, he had demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt and survive within the cutthroat world of Waystar RoyCo. His willingness to endure humiliation, his knack for ingratiating himself with powerful figures, and, crucially, his willingness to be Matsson’s “pain sponge,” positioned him perfectly for the top job. His relationship with Shiv, a volatile mix of love and contempt, proved to be the deciding factor. Matsson saw Tom as a controllable, pliable figurehead, someone who wouldn’t challenge his authority.
Kendall’s Downfall
Kendall’s journey throughout “Succession” was a tragic arc of ambition, addiction, and self-delusion. He desperately craved his father’s approval and the power he believed was rightfully his. In the finale, that craving reached its zenith, only to be crushed. The episode meticulously dissected his flaws: his arrogance, his impulsiveness, and his fundamental inability to connect with others on a genuine level. In the final scene, Kendall is seen alone, staring out at the water, his dreams shattered, left with nothing but the ghosts of his past. His ambition ultimately consumed him, leaving him a hollow shell of a man.
Understanding the Implications: Key Takeaways
The finale’s implications are profound, not only for the characters involved but also for the themes explored throughout the series. “Succession” was never just about corporate power struggles; it was a commentary on family dynamics, wealth, and the corrupting influence of ambition.
The Failure of Meritocracy
The outcome underscores the show’s cynical view of meritocracy. Tom, despite lacking genuine talent or vision, rose to the top through opportunism and a willingness to serve as a puppet. Kendall, despite his undeniable drive and ambition, was ultimately undone by his personal failings and the machinations of his family. This highlights the show’s central argument: that power is often determined by factors other than merit.
The Enduring Power of Family
Despite their constant infighting and betrayals, the Roy siblings remained inextricably bound to one another. Their shared trauma, their competitive nature, and their deep-seated need for their father’s approval shaped their identities and drove their actions. The finale serves as a stark reminder of the enduring power of family, even in its most dysfunctional forms.
Succession Finale: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the finale of “Succession”:
1. Why did Shiv betray Kendall?
Shiv’s betrayal of Kendall was a complex decision driven by multiple factors. Firstly, she doubted his ability to be an effective CEO, perceiving him as unstable and potentially destructive. Secondly, she resented his sense of entitlement, feeling that he believed the position was his by birthright. Finally, she likely saw an opportunity to secure a degree of power and influence for herself through Tom’s position. Her vote was a calculated move to secure her own future, even if it meant sacrificing her brother’s dreams.
2. What will happen to Roman now?
Roman’s future is perhaps the most ambiguous. He seemed to reach a point of emotional exhaustion, accepting his limitations and withdrawing from the power struggle. He’s last seen ordering a drink, seemingly content to disengage from the family drama and the corporate world. It’s likely he will retreat into his wealth, pursuing a life of leisure and detachment. Whether he will find happiness or remain haunted by his past is left to the viewer’s imagination.
3. Did Logan Roy orchestrate this outcome from beyond the grave?
While Logan Roy is deceased, his influence loomed large over the entire finale. His ruthlessness, his manipulative tendencies, and his emphasis on winning at all costs shaped the actions of his children and ultimately contributed to their downfall. His legacy is a poisoned chalice, a constant reminder of the power he wielded and the damage he inflicted. While he didn’t explicitly orchestrate the finale, his past actions directly influenced the outcome.
4. What are the implications of GoJo acquiring Waystar RoyCo?
GoJo’s acquisition of Waystar RoyCo signifies a shift in the media landscape. It marks the rise of a new generation of tech giants and the decline of traditional media empires. This deal has the potential to reshape the industry, impacting news, entertainment, and the flow of information globally. The consequences for the employees of Waystar RoyCo and the broader media landscape are significant and largely unknown.
5. Will Shiv and Tom’s marriage survive?
Their future is uncertain. While Tom secured the CEO position, Shiv’s power and influence within the relationship are diminished. The final scene, where Shiv tentatively takes Tom’s hand in the car, suggests a fragile truce rather than a genuine reconciliation. Their marriage will likely be a transactional one, marked by resentment and a constant power struggle. Whether they can overcome these challenges remains to be seen.
6. What was the significance of the “meal fit for a king” that Kendall prepares?
The meal Kendall prepares is laden with symbolism. It represents his desperate attempt to recreate a moment of familial unity and to assert his dominance as the future leader. It’s a futile effort, a pathetic attempt to manufacture a sense of belonging and control that ultimately fails. The meal goes uneaten, mirroring Kendall’s unfulfilled ambitions.
7. How does the finale comment on wealth and privilege?
The finale highlights the isolating and corrosive effects of wealth and privilege. The Roy siblings are so consumed by their own ambitions and insecurities that they are unable to form genuine connections with others. Their wealth insulates them from the consequences of their actions, allowing them to perpetuate a cycle of dysfunction and abuse. The show ultimately suggests that money cannot buy happiness or fulfillment.
8. Was Kendall ever really going to be CEO?
The finale strongly suggests that Kendall was never truly destined to be CEO. His personal flaws, his inability to build genuine relationships, and his susceptibility to manipulation consistently undermined his chances. He was a victim of his own ambition, blinded by his desire for power and unable to see his own limitations.
9. What happened to Gerri Kellman?
Gerri’s fate is not explicitly addressed in the finale. However, given her strained relationship with Roman and her subsequent dismissal from Waystar RoyCo, it’s likely she will pursue other opportunities, possibly leveraging her experience and connections to start her own venture or join another media company. She is a survivor, and it’s unlikely that her career is over.
10. How does the finale connect to the themes explored throughout the series?
The finale neatly ties together the central themes of “Succession”: family dynamics, ambition, wealth, and the corrupting influence of power. It underscores the show’s cynical view of the corporate world and the human condition, suggesting that greed and self-interest often triumph over genuine connection and integrity.
11. What does the title “With Open Eyes” signify?
The title “With Open Eyes” is ironic, as it suggests a newfound clarity and awareness. However, the Roy siblings remain largely blinded by their own biases and insecurities. They see what they want to see, interpreting events to fit their own narratives. The title highlights the show’s central theme: the difficulty of seeing oneself and the world objectively.
12. Is there any chance of a “Succession” sequel or spin-off?
As of now, there are no confirmed plans for a “Succession” sequel or spin-off. While the show’s creator, Jesse Armstrong, has stated that he has no immediate plans to revisit the characters or the world, he has also left the door open to future possibilities. Whether we will see more of the Roys remains to be seen, but for now, the story has reached its definitive conclusion. The ending is fitting, leaving viewers to ponder the complex motivations and ultimate fates of these flawed characters.