Succession is an Emmy award-winning HBO drama series that has captivated audiences since its premiere in 2018. The show follows the story of the Roy family, a dysfunctional and wealthy clan that owns a global media and entertainment conglomerate called Waystar Royco. The patriarch of the family, Logan Roy, is a tough and charismatic CEO who is determined to retain control over his empire no matter what. The show’s fourth season is set to premiere in late 2021, and fans are eagerly anticipating what twists and turns the new episodes will bring.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Succession is the complex and often toxic relationships between its characters. With every season, we see the Roy family members jostling for power, scheming against each other, and struggling to navigate their personal and professional lives. As we look ahead to season four, one of the biggest questions on fans’ minds is who will come out on top in the battle for control of Waystar Royco?
At the end of season three, the Roy family had hit rock bottom. Logan Roy had just thrown his own son, Kendall, under the bus during a congressional hearing, publicly humiliating him and leaving his career in ruins. Kendall, for his part, had finally turned on his father and revealed the numerous ethical and legal violations committed by Waystar Royco. The rest of the family was left reeling from the fallout, with tensions running high and alliances shifting.
As season four begins, we can expect to see the Roy family members continue to plot and scheme in their bid for power. Here are some of the key players to keep an eye on:
Logan Roy:
Despite his many flaws, Logan Roy remains the driving force behind Waystar Royco. His charisma, ruthlessness, and shrewd business instincts have kept the company on top for decades, and he has shown time and again that he will stop at nothing to retain control. However, Logan is also getting older and starting to show signs of decline. His health is deteriorating, and his grip on reality may be slipping. In season four, we can expect to see Logan struggle to maintain his dominance and fend off challenges from within and outside the family.
Kendall Roy:
Kendall had a stunning fall from grace at the end of season three, but he’s not out of the game yet. He still has a loyal following within Waystar Royco and could leverage his newfound status as a whistleblower to gain influence. Kendall has also proven himself to be a savvy strategist, and we can expect him to continue scheming and plotting against his father and siblings in his quest for revenge.
Shiv Roy:
Shiv is the only daughter of Logan Roy and has long been seen as a potential successor to her father. She’s intelligent, ambitious, and has a talent for public relations. However, Shiv’s loyalty to the family has been called into question, and she has clashed with both Logan and her other siblings over the direction of the company. In season four, we can expect to see Shiv attempt to assert herself in the family and make a play for the top spot.
Roman Roy:
Roman is the youngest of the Roy siblings and often seen as the family jester. However, he’s also a smart and ruthless businessman who has shown a knack for deal-making. In season three, we saw Roman begin to assert himself more within the family and express a desire for a more active role in the company. However, he’s still seen as the underdog compared to his more assertive siblings.
Tom Wamsgann:
Tom is Shiv’s husband and a rising star at Waystar Royco. He’s ambitious, flashy, and has a talent for brown-nosing his way up the corporate ladder. However, Tom has also shown a capacity for ruthlessness, and we saw him turn on his closest allies in season three when it became clear that his position was in jeopardy. In season four, we can expect to see Tom continue to play both sides and try to position himself for success.
Of course, there are many other characters in Succession’s sprawling cast who could play a role in the power struggle. Cousin Greg, the bumbling but opportunistic family outsider, has proven to be a surprisingly astute player in the past. Marcia, Logan’s second wife, has an air of mystery around her and could be a wildcard in the family’s machinations. And then there’s the rest of the Roy family, each with their own agendas and allegiances.
At its heart, Succession is a show about power: who has it, who wants it, and what they’re willing to do to get it. As we head into season four, it’s anyone’s guess who will emerge victorious in the battle for control of Waystar Royco. But one thing is for sure: it’s going to be a wild ride.
