Warning: Spoilers Ahead for Succession Season 4 Episode 2.
Succession, the dark-comedy drama on HBO, has always positioned itself as a study in power, wealth, and corporate maneuvering. The latest episode, “Climate Change,” takes the show’s central theme to new heights following what can only be described as a game-changing event that may forever alter the course of the show.
The episode begins with Kendall, who is still reeling from the decision of his father, Logan Roy, to back out of the deal to sell Waystar Royco to an internet giant, led by billionaire Stewy Hosseini and Kendall’s former partner, Naomi Pierce. After seeing the impact that his father’s decision has had on the family, Kendall decides to take drastic measures to save Waystar Royco and protect his family’s legacy.
In a meeting with the company’s shareholders, Kendall shockingly announces that he plans to take over the company from his father. The move is met with surprise from everyone in the room, including Kendall’s siblings, Shiv, Roman, and Connor. Kendall lays out his plan to buy the company’s stock from the shareholders, but he needs their help to do it. He promises them that he will be a strong leader, and the company will make huge profits under his leadership.
The shareholders are hesitant at first, but Kendall is able to sway them with his charisma and the promise of a better future for Waystar Royco. Kendall’s siblings are both surprised and outraged at his move, knowing how much it will cost and the sheer magnitude of it all. Roman, in particular, is visibly stunned by Kendall’s ambition, and the two share a tense moment. “You never had this in you,” Roman tells him.
As the episode unfolds, it becomes clear that Kendall is not entirely sure how he is going to pull off the feat of buying shares to gain control of the company. He meets with Stewy and Naomi to discuss how they might be able to help him pull it off, but the conversation does not go as planned. Stewy and Naomi express reluctance to support Kendall’s plan, citing concerns about the risks involved, and the cost.
Meanwhile, Logan is busy plotting his own move to regain control of the company. He meets with his right-hand woman, Marcia, and instructs her to make a deal with Sandy Furness, the CEO of a rival media conglomerate. The deal involves Waystar Royco acquiring one of Sandy’s media companies, which would provide Waystar with a boost in the ratings and revenue. Logan’s plan would put him back at the top of the company, but it would also directly compete with Kendall and his plans.
As the episode comes to a close, it’s clear that succeeding at buying enough shares to take control of Waystar is going to be a difficult and expensive proposition for Kendall. Just as he begins to feel the weight of the challenge, he gets an unexpected call from an old friend, Greg. Greg, who was booted from Waystar and has taken a job at a theme park, tells Kendall that he has stumbled upon some documents that could be valuable in his quest for power. The documents, he explains, are incriminating emails between Logan and other Waystar Royco executives discussing potential criminal activities.
Kendall is visibly excited by the prospect of the documents and tells Greg to meet him at his apartment. As the episode ends, it’s clear that Kendall is not going to let anything stand in his way of taking control of Waystar Royco, including his own family.
The Future of Waystar
Succession has always been a show about power struggles within a dysfunctional, wealthy family. In season 4, the stakes have never been higher, and the battle between Logan and Kendall for control of Waystar has reached fever pitch.
The latest episode, “Climate Change,” sets the stage for what’s sure to be a dramatic and intense season. Kendall’s decision to take over Waystar sends shockwaves through the family and the company. His plan may be ambitious, but it’s also reckless, and it’s not entirely clear how he’s going to pull it off.
Logan, on the other hand, is not one to rest on his laurels. He’s already plotting his own move to regain control of Waystar, and his deal with Sandy Furness is sure to have far-reaching consequences. In the end, it may come down to who can outmaneuver the other and emerge on top.
One thing is clear: the future of Waystar Royco hangs in the balance. Succession has always been a show about the corrupting influence of power, and the latest episode only cements that fact. As the battle for control of the company heats up, it’s clear that no one is safe, and nothing is off the table. Will Kendall be able to pull off his ambitious plan? Or will Logan come out on top once again? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: it’s going to be a wild ride.
