SPOILER ALERT: This article contains major spoilers for the season 4 finale of Succession.
Succession has been an addictive, edge-of-your-seat drama that explores the intricacies and complexities of the Roy family, a wealthy and powerful media conglomerate that is constantly battling for control and supremacy. The show has been praised for its writing, acting, direction, and production, and its fourth season finale was no exception.
The finale, titled “Retreat,” was the culmination of a season-long battle between Logan Roy (Brian Cox), the patriarch of the Roy family, and his son Kendall Roy (Jeremy Strong), who had been trying to take over the company from his father. In the final episode, a family retreat in a secluded location in the countryside turns into the ultimate showdown between Logan and Kendall, with the fate of the company and the family at stake.
The tension in the episode is palpable from the opening scene, where Logan and Kendall have a tense conversation on a balcony overlooking the picturesque countryside. Kendall, who has been preparing for months to make a move against his father, is nervous and jittery, while Logan is as calm and collected as ever. The scene sets the tone for the rest of the episode, which is a masterclass in tension and suspense.
Things come to a head when Logan decides to hold a family press conference, in which he announces that he is stepping down as CEO of the company and handing over control to his son Kendall. It seems like Kendall has finally achieved his goal, and the tension in the room is palpable as the roars of applause fill the air. But then, everything changes.
In a shocking turn of events, Kendall decides to go off-script during the press conference and deliver a scathing indictment of his father and the company, accusing them of covering up a series of scandals and betraying the public trust. The press conference quickly devolves into chaos, with Kendall and Logan trading barbs and insults.
What follows is an intense and emotional confrontation between father and son, as Kendall refuses to back down and Logan lashes out in anger and frustration. The scene is brilliantly acted by Jeremy Strong and Brian Cox, who have both been phenomenal throughout the season. Strong’s portrayal of Kendall, who is struggling with addiction and a sense of moral outrage, is particularly impressive, and he delivers some of the episode’s most memorable lines.
As the episode reaches its climax, the tension ramps up even further, with Kendall and Logan engaging in a physical struggle that culminates in Kendall choking his father. It’s a brutal scene, and one that underscores the show’s exploration of the dark underbelly of power and control. But just as things seem to be reaching a breaking point, Logan manages to regain control and turn the tables on Kendall.
In the end, it’s unclear who has won the battle for control of the company. Kendall is left humiliated and broken, while Logan is once again in charge, but at what cost? The episode ends on a haunting note, with the family gathered around a roaring fire, their futures uncertain and their relationships fractured.
The finale of Succession is a triumph of storytelling and acting, and a testament to the show’s ability to captivate and engage its audience. It’s a fitting end to a season that has been filled with drama, tension, and unexpected twists, and it sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting and unpredictable fifth season. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the show or a casual viewer, the finale of Succession is a must-see, and a reminder of why this series has become one of the most talked-about dramas of our time.
