In the Wake of Tragedy, 'Succession' Explores Power Dynamics with a Darkly Comedic Edge
This article discusses key plot points from the fourth episode of the fourth season of "Succession," titled "Honeymoon States."
The recent episode of "Succession" delved into the chaotic aftermath and power struggle that followed the sudden death of Logan Roy. The patriarch's unexpected departure triggered a scramble among his adult offspring and subordinates, each subtly suggesting their suitability to take up the mantle, all the while voicing concerns about how the company's board would react to the potential candidates.
Simultaneously, they grappled with the loss of a towering figure, despite his often harsh treatment of many of them. The episode also marked the comeback of Logan's wife, Marcia (Hiam Abbass), in a seemingly assertive role, while his present, significantly younger girlfriend, Kerri (Zoe Winter), was abruptly dismissed.
"Succession" displayed its knack for blending drama with biting humor. Shiv (Sarah Snook) reading her father's obituary and wistfully remarking, "Dad sounds amazing. I would like to have met dad," is a testament to this talent. The humorous translation of obituary phrases by brothers Kendall (Jeremy Strong) and Roman (Kieran Culkin), equating "a man of his time" to "racist," further emphasized this point.
The episode also highlighted the awkward predicament of Waystar Royco executives, who found themselves in possession of a document that not only contained Logan’s last wishes but also handwritten notes indicating his chosen successor. Discussions about disposing of the paper served as a comic relief, even as it underscored the seriousness of their situation.
The power vacuum brought out ruthless behaviors, as evidenced by Carl's (David Rasche) harsh criticism of Tom (Matthew Macfadyen), thinly veiled as hypothetical doubts about Tom's future.
The episode balanced these power plays with moments of vulnerability, such as Kendall expressing his complex feelings about his late father to Waystar executive Frank (Peter Friedman), saying, "He made me hate him, and he died. I feel like he didn’t like me. I disappointed him.”
The series also highlighted the tenuous nature of not just life, but a corporate legacy. The PR team deliberates on how to downplay Logan's role in his later years to boost the company and its stock – a strategy that Kendall quietly endorses, recognizing it as a move his father would have made.
The succession issue threatens to shatter the fragile unity among Kendall, Shiv, and Roman that had been established before Logan's departure. Shiv's exclusion from a plan to temporarily fill the CEO seat until the GoJo sale closes, and the insincere assurances from her brothers, hint at potential conflicts.
In conclusion, the series skillfully transitioned from mourning to the next phase of business in the wake of the previous episode's dramatic climax. As Kendall noted about Logan and the strategic PR leaks, it's simply "what he would do."