Succession’s Pre-Finale Recap: Kendall v. Shiv and Roman’s Fall 

WATCH MORE - With the finale around the corner, who has the best chances of winning? Here's our TAKE: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-74-ZcbPDTRI.html

Honestly I think that Shiv allowing Tom to go home and rest during his grief was actually her taking his feelings into account for once. Plus she told him to go to their apartment and not the hotel he was staying at

Roman's breakdown was brilliantly acted by Kieran, and also hard to watch as well. Roman is the most trauma bonded to Logan, and it's clear that his dad's death has affected him the most. Kieran should win ALL of the Emmys.

Kendall Logan Roy has always been his father’s number one boy.

Kendall doesn’t see the chess board the same way his dad did. Logan was so calculated that his closest confidants, family, and we the audience are still left searching for his motives. Kendall is the complete opposite: his best moments come from impulse, driven by emotion and myopic goals. He cannot overcome this fatal flaw and I believe the smartest people in the room are well aware of it. I think each of the Roy’s will fail in their own predictable ways (shiv - arrogance, kendall - shortsightedness, roman- insecurity).

the fact that sally-ane is actually Brian Cox's wife is amazing

Did anyone notice that Kendall approached Collin and told him "people talk" because Collin is the only person who knows about the murder (besides the two siblings)? That's why Kendall was so worried that Collin was talking to a shrink, and that's why he wants him working for him (NDA). Since Kendall knows he is losing his right arm Jesse, he needs a new one. Logan trusted Collin and told him he was the only person he could talk to, so I think Kendall is making very intelligent choices.

Sally Anne was my Carrie is low key one of the most hilarious lines of this show

I wonder if they'll ever delve into Connor's relationship with Logan, and how he was the only one to know about the Mausoleum.

I think it's Tom as CEO, he pushed through Mencken, Mattson asked Shiv at the viewing party "where is Tom?" And he was hard at work still at ATN, something Mattson would like. Tom was with Logan at the end, he's also logically the best choice besides the children. If you say Greg I'm sorry idk what show you've been watching.

It’s safe to say that Rhea was right about the kids. Shiv left so many loose ends open that the chance Matsson is actually going to make her CEO is very slim despite her thinking she really set herself up. Kendall has all the pieces set up but because of Shiv’s undermining it can easily all slip through his fingers in an instant at the board meeting. Then Roman (who I think will be the kingmaker) constantly shows that while he is smart emotion guides him first and foremost. And I think his last major decision in the show will be to the detriment of the family. Safe to say it’s going to be a very interesting series finale.

This is the version of "The Take" we've been missing, thank you guys

It's too late for kendall to become his dad. His kids are scared of him and wouldn't even roll the window down for him, he's not getting custody. He's a 40 something year old man with lots of known drug issues and has not a single home run. You can't expect me to believe the first time he hits a home run in his life will fall at the most important time. That's ridiculous. He's only still in the game due to nepotism, not merit.

Honestly I don't think this comment section is talking enough about how Connor Roy was interested in politics from a young age

Little Lord Fuckleroy is true heir to the throne.

I genuinely believe---- especially more and more since Logan's death and seeing Kendall's subsequent shift---- that Logan always DID see Kendall as a killer. He just needed to keep him in check enough so that Kendall wouldnt make a legit play for Logan's position while he was still alive. I mean, sure, Kendall did make a play..... several times..... but those instances never came from that killer place that has long been dormant. They came from an emotional, abused space of either revenge or (like what Roman is doing) trying to prove his worth. I think how Logan treated Kendall was a bit like a dog who is abused into becoming a fighter: Logan had him on a chain and was in command, but now he is gone, and the chain is broken, and that dog who was carefully controlled is now running amok. But while Logan always had a plan and a play since he was the creator of this world of his, Kendall hasnt had to struggle in the way his dad did and therefore, I dont think will come out on top. He could never see all of the moving pieces the way Logan could. But hey..... thats my opinion 😊

This might be first time I have heard a difference voice over on this channel and it shook me for a bit 😅

What an absolutely stunning break down. This gives immense clarity on what the show creators are trying to tell. Episode 8 is the most important episodes of all because it tells so much about the roys and their utter hollowness and oblivion to the reality. NRPI, says logan!

One of the most brilliant shows ever, and we get to watch it in real time. How lucky we are.

Quite the parallel between Logan "killing" his sister and Kendall feeling like he's solely responsible for the death of the waiter.

This show sweeps the rug out from the audience which makes it so great. Kendall's Season 2 finale press conference, Conner's Wedding which was barely about Conner's actual wedding and instead Logan's death, and now this last episode. The trailer shows Roman all high and mighty and he completely crashes. Expect the unexpected. Logan has been building momentum and is the clear cut sibling to win but it almost seems too obvious. He has had his fair share of moments that would anoint him as the one. But again we'll all see. I want him to win it but what I want more is a jaw dropping shocking last moment to close out the series where we all take a collective gasp. This show is the best show to ever grace TV, it has a lot to deliver on but with Jesse Armstrong and his genius it's going to be one hell of a ride. I can't freaking wait. He needs to start to script another TV show immediately with his level of genius!

imagine Tom ends up becoming ceo LOL

Great video! The shift from betting on a winner to the cost of winning reminds me a lot of Damages and Better Call Saul, the "fallacy of sunk costs".

As bad as Matsson is in his own right, it’d be so satisfying to see him hand the Roys their biggest and final loss. It’s what they deserve.

The James Cromwell speech should get him an Emmy

Either Kendall will win ny becoming Logan, bittersweet ending etc. Or Mencken and Matson tricks all siblings and go ahead themselves with the deal without the siblings involved.

People aren't remembering how Logan always had the president in his pocket. Corporations have more power than the president does individually. If Kendall can win over the board, Matsson and Mencken have no say in anything. The finale wants you to think it'll be a battle between Shiv and Ken, but I don't think this is how it will happen. I think Ken takes both Waystar and GoJo somehow, and I am prepared for glory as a Kendall truther from day 1

Once again I must commend this channel for trenchant and insightful analysis! Seriously great stuff here.

No one promised shiv that she would be the American CEO. Kendall is going to overdose and roman is a wreck always has been. All 3 kids are going to be taken out by real players. The kids have nothing to offer anymore.

Yes, this is the content i like from this channel

I wonder if Kendall killing that kid will finally come back to haunt him. Definitely something Shiv and Roman could use against him.

Lol, Sjiv isn't in the running. She only thinks she is. Neither "Mr. President" or "The Swede" want her as the USA CEO. At this point, the only possible people ending up as CEO are Kendall, Tom, Greg, Gerry or some guy we never heard of. Either way, the end is a tragedy, for either the siblings destroyed themselves by not working together, or they did so and Kendall prevailed by becoming his dad, which is even more tragic.

What a recap. Best I've seen on RU-vid

Man this is good commentary. Loved the episode and enjoyed hearing this

Best breakdown so far!

Dream Song 29 has also been used as the finale title since season 1. And in each finale, the death of the waiter played a crucial part. Season 1 had the actual waiter dying. Season 2 had Kendall think he deserved being the fall guy for the cruise scandal because of the waiter. Season 3 had him tell his siblings about the waiter. Now I feel like the event is about to come to a head in the finale.

Help us Daniel Jiminez, you’re our only hope

13:30 Another point about John Berryman's "Dream Song 29" that I just noticed is that every season finale of Succession features an excerpt from that poem. Season 1x10: Nobody is Ever Missing Season 2x10: This is Not for Tears Season 3x09: All the Bells Say

Great breakdown ! Articulates and explains things I had missed for sure

Roman seemed the most introspective and had a lot of focus on him taking in everyones eulogies. I wonder if he might break from Kendall just out of rebellion and spite in the board meeting in a way he couldnt do to Logan

This was such an amazing video thank you so much 😊 can wait for the finale

Shiv rises tall, Roman has a fall, and Kendall the KLR is Logan after all.

Love this channel. Keep up the good work, guys!

Honestly, if it turns out Mencken didn't actually win Wisconsin amd ATN loses their credibility and is tied up litigation that knocks it down a major peg and the Roys face the consequences for it, that would be an amazingly ironic ending

Great video! Eager to run in this Sunday

I team shiv! She's a tame version of her evil dad. Also i really like Alex Skarsgård, actually really like him. My favorite ep of him was ep 9

Fantastic recap

I really need all the Roy's to not get what they want, and Gerri to get picked by Matsson as CEO ❤😂🎉

How does shiv put all her eggs on mattson's basket without any assurance from him ? Shiv isn't smart but not that dumb.

Great analysis

Some good craft talk in this one, reminded me of the old days. Keep it up please.

I've read somewhere else Roman's fall on episode 9 might position him for a surprise turn of events on the finale, because this show likes to mess up with people's expectations. I agree more with this video's view, that Roman's fall means he is out of the picture for succession now

My moneys on mattson winning. Then he can either make shiv CEO and keep her under his thumb as always or on TOM. Really looking forward to tom winning this surreal battle after being constantly undermined this season. It makes sense in the modern world, as privileged kids would stand no chance against self made people who tend to have a more Machiavellian outlook to business. Edit: This aged rather well.

nicely done

Seems Shiv was the only sibling that grew emotionally and moved on. Her final act was her way out of that continium hell with her brothers and her own truth. She was always in favour of the sale, always with a foot and a half on another career, and was now able to make a business hard view: that none of her brothers would be good CEOs or at least would try to harm her. She was ready to move on despite not knowing what her future would be...her pregnancy played little to no part in her decisions. She saw what we have knew during all these seasons, including how damaged she is relationship wise. She was always the strongest sibling that had spent the longest time away from her father...REMEMBER? She had built her career away from Logan, he called her in when he got old though she had never worked in the company before, unlike the brothers. She knew she brought all this mess into her already damaged life, so it made sense, character wise, that she would take the hard step to start correcting whatever she could, the HIGH ARCH OF THE CHARACHTER is that the move did not really secure her any power, was not based on revenge nor any scheme.

Howdy from New Zealand! Great recap/review. Theory = Everything depends on Menken, but If Menken double crosses the Roys (blind) and Ok's the Go Jo deal. Matsun inputs Greg as "American CEO". Greg has learnt and is learning and turning/turned in sociopath leaving Tom well behind. Then all the Roys lose and the dynasty ends!

Carolyn's move was smooth but good gracious was it bold.

5:17 I didn't catch that Shiv refered to "she" for the baby when talking to Mattson but "it" to her mother.

My money is on Tom becoming the American CEO.....the the son that never was becomes the king

All three children lose, just like in King Lear. A tragic end for all three of them. Tom either gets CEO or Greg fires him and becomes the US puppet CEO. Ewan has influence and could play a role with that. The other "player" is Gerri. If she gets Roman to "defect" away from Kendall (highly possible), then she could be a more serious CEO than either Tom or Greg, and she'd have the backing of the old guard. Less likely than Greg or Tom, but possible.

I think a lot of people don’t get the point of the 9th episode when they say that Greg can become CEO. The whole funeral sequence alone decided the ending of the show in my opinion. Greg couldn’t stop his grandfather from saying such stuff which shows that at the end of the day Greg is just a scared little helpless puppy (as said by shiv to Logan in the pilot episode). Roman just can’t handle any type of emotional pressure and is still insecure which will effect the CEO role. Shiv says a lot about women in her eulogy but seems to contradict herself by being a smarta** and saying to her mom and Mattsson that she will apply the same method of her mom and dad to not emotionally care for the kid. Mattsson might just not like shiv for being so oversmart. Kendall might seems like the best choice according to the eulogy and all the decisions he is making like his dad but I think he will lose in the end. Because he is not able to oust himself from any guilt which is being inflicted on his wife and family. Safe to say that the ending is gonna be very interesting.

This is excellent. No notes.

We are really underestimating Roman just because he cried and fell on a road. This show's character dynamic changes within 5 min. The finale will be actually the last 10 min from the 90 min of runtime next week.

Greg has no entanglements, no emotional attachments, didnt get done in by Logan Roy, and has nothing to really lose out of everyone. He just may be the last man standing. He is what you call “dumb smart”. Oxymoron of sorts. As he learned from the best on how to be the worst person you can be! And he is always walking around in the background with that sh-t grin.

“You are not serius people “ that is why all of the Logan’s children Will fall and greg and tom will win

Very based video. Reminds me of the Screen Prism days. More please!

Kendall winning with him having Kerry working as his assistant to replace Jess would be super Oedipal lol

I've said it before at other post but after watching the first 3 episodes from Season 1 last night, the American CEO will be Cousin Greg. Go back and watch. Logan was hospitalized at the end of the 1st episode. The 2nd has the kids in a tizzy, jockeying for position. 3rd episode: The surprise return of Logan. Meanwhile, Greg is moving up from vomiting in the furry costume at the park to Waystar offices. Greg is always around, taking in everything and dispensing it to the right person. The show is better watching it back to back rather than week to week.

Tom CEO Greg head of ATN. The Disgusting Bros.

The series finale tittle references to open the eyes, it references me to the ideia of something the siblings overlook: cousin Greg and Tom, the latter is on his downfall after ATN called the fascist president, but Greg is silently walking up the latter and causing chaos between the siblings, just like Littlefinger from GOT: "Chaos is a leader". Greg is up to the throne.

looking closely at the Song 29 poem, you can see every season finale episode’s named there. Nobody is ever missing, This is not for tears, All the bells say, and now With open eyes

Greg and/or Tom was in the car with Matsson at the end.

This is so deliciously bleak. I can't wait to see this last series!

I could see Tom being the American CEO over shiv tbh

The bodyguard knows about Kendall killing the waiter so I feel that might be used somehow. It feels like they've been sitting on that just waiting for the perfect time to use it (kind of like the penultimate episode of Breaking Bad with regard to the info Walt revealed to Jessie about Jane). Also, apologies as it's been so long since I've watched the first season but did anything ever happen with Greg when he had to shred all of those documents but kept some for himself? If not, maybe that will come out in the finale too. My money is on Greg or Tom getting the CEO gig though I would love Geri to come out on top somehow, too. And we still don't know all the details of Greg's night out with Mattson so maybe that will play a role in this. Not sure if they would throw a bone to Connor as far as a CEO gig or some other position in Waystar but he seems to prefer politics. Then again, if Mencken does indeed get the presidency he could give Connor something if Connor helps him and Mattson out. I suppose it depends on those ballots that still need to be counted and whether that's going to get screwed up somehow. I feel like the Roys will all end up losing in true Shakespearean tragedy fashion. And Kendall may indeed kill himself at that point.

I think it’s gonna be me, Jose Munoz

im very sure that mattson will use shiv in getting the company but will install greg as US CEO it just has to be this way

"sooner or later, however well we think we've killed ourselves off, our feelings return" Yo thats powerful team

Fikret becomes the CEO. It’s clear as day.

I love that last lady for calling them out. These guys are pretty emotionally immature and unevolved. How many of particularly black men say that they never had a positive role model in their lives or no one that believed in them?! One encounter is significant enough to make a difference, so how are you denigrating the potential impact of one year of positivity in a child's life?! I think it's perfectly fine to be a "positive role models" collector, and to stay in the child's life. It's up to the kids to ensure that boundaries are maintained and no lines crossed

Plot twist: the American CEO will be Tom or Greg...

My theory is Maatsen screws all of them out of the company. He promises Shiv a ton but nothing concrete and as Logan always said and his final lesson to all his kids was to always get something in writing. Kendall should take over but this will be the complete destruction of them all. Shiv now holds no weight in the political sphere (maybe she commits completely to being a good mother), ego death for Roman who still feels lost without his dad, and Kendall loses his family, power, and influence all in one foul swoop. I could even see some foreshadowing of a suicide attempt or overdose from Kendall after all is said and done. Greg comes into the fold and Tom answers to him. New CEO is Gerri.

Roman used to be my pick...when he lost Gerri, he lost himself. He had the best mentor to be an excellent CEO. I feel sad for him😓 I like Shiv as a character but kinda disappointed in her...I thought she was going to build a different empire or maybe try to be the CEO of Pierce. And that...WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THE PIERCE news station? They completely forget they bought it. Shiv would be perfect if she tried to manage it. And Kendall...well...he is truly Kendall Logan Roy

The best ending would be AntiFa bombing the Waystar tower with all the Roys in it.

Can any Barry and Succession fans who were watching Breaking Bad as it was airing tell me if this is what it felt like awaiting the series finale back in 2013?(!!!)

Does anyone know the song playing thru the entire video ?

Greg as Mattsens american ceo is my dark horse

Matsson and Mencken agreed to Shiv's idea of an American CEO for the company, but they didn't agree to HER in the role. They'd probably both like capable-but-servile Tom in the role.

Thank you for posting this 2 days after the premiere so I had a day to watch so the thumbnail didn’t spoil anything for me

I really hope the final episode has some kind of exchange where Kendal expresses that his father would have wanted him to succeed him, when asked why, he goes on about his qualities, and when it is pointed out that others have those qualities too, Kendal then states that he is family and that counts for something, and then he's asked if he wants his own children to succeed him. I could see a very interesting reaction from Kendal, he could mention that when they're older they'd be just like him and so yeah, he might say he doesn't know them that well because he's busy 'protecting them', but I *really* want him to almost dismiss them, citing that they're children, like toddlers, not fully developed, so they're not important yet, but when they're adults then he'll get to know them and then he'll see, but for now he can't make any judgement because they're just kids, they're not really people, they're "not serious people". It would be a perfect way to recontextualize this father/child relationship, maybe for Kendal but mostly for the audience. Kendal, and Shiv and Roman, all expected to be able to succeed their father just because they are his children, but look at how Kendal treats his kids, how Shiv is preparing to treat her kid, they don't really care for the children, they care about their own legacies, they care about seeming like good parents, but they aren't good parents, and they're gonna probably look down on their kids their whole lives. They will never see their kids as worthy of replacing them, they will only focus on themselves and their power and their own success right up until their death. You could even have Kendal repeat similar phrases that his father said in the first season when he announced he wasn't retiring, Kendal could say he has decades ahead of him, he doesn't need to consider the matter of succession for a long time, and he's going to be capable of leading this company right up until his death, just like his father, so it's not even down to him to care about that kind of thing, let them fight over his corpse after he's dead. And in that moment Kendal comes to understand that his father never gave a shit about succession simply because he would not live to see it through, and that everything Kendal and Shiv and Roman have been doing this whole show, trying to be able to appease their father and win the business just so they could succeed him, Logan Roy simply did not give a shit.

Kendal has never been a team player

Oh I'm definitely rooting for Kendall

I think the most important thing everyone needs to remember is Conor Roy was interested in politics from a very young age.

this has the tone of a first year undergrad sociology assignment

If you're wealthy, you'll always have a happy ending. The opportunity to do other things is always prevalent.

Agree to the Shakespearean comparison. It's no wonder that Jesse Armstrong is English. This show definitely felt very Shakespearean in the way it was presented. And I loved it.

Did y’all just give spoilers on the thumbnail itself.

Something tells me Roman will have a noble turn. Dont know how or why but he's the most human out of siblings so to me it would make sense

Kendal Logan Roy = initials KLR KILLER

As a side note it's creepy how turned on Roman seems to be by Shiv being pregnant.