The much-anticipated conclusion of Succession's fourth season, Episode 10 titled "With Open Eyes," delivered a thrilling and captivating series finale. As the sale of Waystar Royco loomed, the Roy siblings faced each other, determining their allegiances in the decisive battle.
The finale proved to be an emotionally charged episode, surpassing previous levels of betrayal, manipulation, and suspense. It also showcased some of the series' most heartwarming and intriguing moments. Significantly, after four seasons of Succession, viewers finally witness the individual who claims the coveted crown.
We begin with Kendall en route to the Waystar Royco offices, with the radio news reporting that the GoJo deal is likely to be finalized tomorrow. Inside the bustling offices, Kendall strides through the corridors, displaying a mix of apprehension and excitement. He addresses his team, urging them to seize the moment. However, Stewy appears to be against Kendall, putting him in a disadvantageous position.
One of Kendall's associates mentions that he lacks the necessary shareholder and board support to halt the deal. To succeed, Kendall requires seven out of the 13 individuals involved. Currently, he has the support of Paul, Dewi, Ewan, and his own vote, leaving him in need of three more.
Although Roman is absent, if he were to align with Kendall, only one additional vote would be necessary, assuming Kendall manages to win back Stewy. Kendall believes he can convince individuals like Sonya or Frank to join his side.
At Matsson's camp, Shiv learns that Kendall lacks Stewy's vote. She begins calculating their own votes, which include Shiv herself, Simon, Frank, Sandy, Sandi, Diane Liu, Sonya, and potentially Stewy. It appears that they have the necessary support.
Matsson inquires about Tom from Shiv. She presents an honest assessment of Tom's strengths and weaknesses. "He's a highly convincing corporate figure," she admits, "but he's also easily replaceable, like a modular part."
Shiv further comments about her husband, stating that Tom would eagerly submit to anyone in power. Suddenly, Shiv receives a call from her mother, Lady Caroline Collingwood. She informs Shiv that there is someone staying with her who Shiv might be interested in seeing. Roman.
As Shiv boards the plane, she calls Tom. They engage in one of their typical conversations, attempting to discuss their relationship while keeping their true feelings guarded. “I know that we’ve said the worst things,” says Shiv. “But once you’ve said and done the worst things… you’re kind of free.” She asks Tom if he is capable of having a genuine relationship. Tom truthfully admits that he doesn't know.
Kendall contacts his mother and inquires about Roman. However, she refuses to provide any information. Frustrated, Kendall decides that he will also visit Caroline's house to drag Roman home.
Shiv is the first to arrive at her mother's stunning mansion by the sea. Both Roman and Caroline step out to greet her. Roman sports stitches and a cut above his eye, appearing slightly worse for wear. However, considering he had thrown himself into a crowd of angry protestors a few days earlier, things could have been much worse.
Soon after, Kendall shows up and immediately delves into business discussions upon entering the garden where Shiv and Roman are relaxing, and accuses Shiv of getting Roman on her side. Caroline intervenes as the siblings begin to quarrel, urging them to maintain civility. The siblings exchange accusations, calling each other clowns and declaring their doomed situations. Roman asserts that Kendall is living in a fantasy world and lacks the necessary votes. Shiv wears a smug and bemused expression, well aware that she is winning this battle. Roman storms off, while Caroline invites them all to stay for dinner.
Meanwhile, in a gallery in New York, Matsson and Tom observe various artworks. It serves as Tom's final chance to redeem himself and avoid being cast aside. "The colors complement each other nicely," Tom comments to Matsson about one particular piece. "Trippy," Matsson remarks before walking away. Tom is convinced that he is destined for the chopping block. He requests Greg to stay vigilant and keep his eyes and ears open. Tom emphasizes that Greg is in significant trouble without his assistance.
Shiv and Kendall engage in another conversation regarding the GoJo deal and their respective votes. Kendall mentions that Matsson is discussing matters with Lawrence Yee. Shiv claims that she was already aware of this, although it's possible she is bluffing.
Roman arrives on the scene. Shiv presents her brothers with The Hundred idea once again, referring to their news project from the first episode of the season. She proposes its implementation when she assumes control of GoJo, seeking her brothers' support.
"Don't be all Joan of Waystar," Kendall remarks. Shiv retorts that she played her cards better, asserting her victory, and advises Kendall to accept it like a mature individual.
Matsson and Tom find themselves dining together, and Tom is visibly anxious, knowing that this could be the moment he gets fired. Matsson requests Tom to make a soft pitch about himself. Tom responds by emphasizing his loyalty, stating that he follows the boss, understands and implements strategies. He portrays himself as a hard worker, describing his "excess of vigilance" and "high tolerance for pain and physical discomfort."
During their conversation, Matsson confides in Tom, expressing his uncertainty about Shiv. He discloses his desire to sleep with her and believes she reciprocates the sentiment (Tom manages to maintain a composed expression despite the surprising revelation).
Matsson further reveals his dissatisfaction with Shiv's assertiveness when she insisted on releasing the India numbers. He implies that he is searching for someone else. Astonishingly, he suggests, "Why not choose the guy who impregnated her instead of the lady who gave birth?" Matsson expresses interest in Tom.
Though his face remains frozen, Tom admirably refrains from reacting too strongly. He responds, "Right. I could do it." Matsson heads to the bar to order shots, accompanied by his second-in-command, Oscar, who had been sitting elsewhere. Meanwhile, Greg, who had also been seated separately, approaches Tom. Tom reassures Greg that he will be fine. Greg walks over to the bar, where Oscar and Matsson converse in Swedish.
In a stroke of brilliance, Greg opens an automatic translation app on his phone, allowing him to understand their conversation as they chat. The crucial translated phrase is, "Yes, when you tell her that it won't be her."
Caroline sits down to have dinner with her children, who continue their bickering over the GoJo deal. She shares her opinion, suggesting that the deal presents a perfect opportunity for a fresh start for all of them. Kendall interjects, demanding an apology for Caroline's actions in Italy, where she sided with Logan, betraying her children. Caroline avoids directly addressing the issue and instead speaks ambiguously about continuity.
Kendall receives a call from Greg. After requesting something remarkable from Kendall, Greg reveals that Matsson doesn't want Shiv. When Kendall hangs up, he does something surprisingly kind—he informs Shiv that she's being deceived. However, his motive is not entirely selfless, as he hopes Shiv will abandon Matsson and the GoJo deal.
Shiv immediately contacts Matsson, but he doesn't answer—a worrisome sign. Kendall informs Shiv that she has been removed from the new deal announcement drafts, providing the evidence she needs to confirm his claims.
As Shiv storms off to confirm the troubling news, Roman asks Kendall who might replace her. Neither of them knows for sure, but they speculate it could be Lawrence Yee.
Shiv returns, seething with anger. She is determined to completely dismantle Matsson. Shiv acknowledges that Matsson may have the upper hand, but they will still aim for victory. The trio contacts analyst Tellis, who suggests they have a chance in terms of votes. However, it would be best if they present a single strong leader instead of all three of them, as the CE-Bros haven't been beneficial for business. They must finally decide, once and for all, who will take control of the company.
Kendall volunteers himself as a candidate, while Roman believes it should be him. Kendall argues that Roman is not up to the task due to his emotional state during the funeral. Roman defends himself, stating that mourning at his father's funeral should not be seen as a weakness. He storms off once again.
Shiv, arms crossed and eyebrows raised, listens to Kendall's arguments. He claims she cannot be the leader due to her recent alliance with Matsson, which would appear weak to the board. He also dismisses Roman as unsuitable, thus objectively leaving himself as the only viable option. Shiv rolls her eyes in response to her brother's assertion.
On the beach, Kendall continues discussing the idea of "reverse Viking" the deal. He decides to take a plunge into the ocean.
Shiv and Roman engage in a conversation about allowing their older brother to take charge. Roman expresses his doubts about Kendall's suitability, stating, "It can't be him, though." Shiv agrees, remarking, "But it can't be you."
Shiv admits that while she hates Kendall, she fears Roman even more. She believes Kendall would be insufferable, but Roman would be a disaster. Roman acknowledges that he can somewhat see Kendall in that position. He comments that Matsson played Shiv "like a pregnant cello." Shiv suggests that they should give it to Kendall. They jokingly entertain the idea of attempting to kill Kendall while mimicking his voice. Ultimately, they agree to give him the opportunity.
They swim over to a nearby pier where Kendall is relaxing. Shiv declares, "We anoint you. You can smile, bitch." A broad smile spreads across Kendall's face.
The siblings enter the kitchen in a lighthearted and playful mood. They decide to prepare "a meal fit for a king" for Kendall, combining various repulsive ingredients in a blender for him to consume. Caroline enters the room and offers her children frozen "knob ends" of loaves of bread. She takes the cheese away from Roman, claiming it belongs to her husband Peter. However, as soon as she leaves the room, Roman retrieves the cheese from the fridge and starts licking it, resulting in mischievous antics.
Kendall drinks the concoction, and when he can no longer consume it, Roman playfully pours it over his head. The following day, still in high spirits, they all head back to New York.
Upon disembarking the plane, Roman, Kendall, and Shiv are engaged in phone calls, confirming their board seats. Connor contacts Shiv, inviting her to the "great reallocation" event at Logan's house, where family members can choose objects to keep. The siblings decide to head to their father's residence.
At Logan's apartment, Connor explains the rules of the reallocation process. Everyone must place stickers on the objects they desire, and the items will go to the person with the most stickers. Kerry can be seen in the background of another room, suggesting that she hasn't been completely cut off.
Willa mentions that they are clearing out the entire apartment as she has many things coming in. While Connor is heading to Slovenia, Willa plans to stay in New York. Shiv brings up the Wisconsin court issue, which poses a hurdle for Jerryd. Connor explains to Willa that Mencken might not make it, which disappoints her.
As the Roys and Willa enter another room in the house, they notice a video clip playing on a TV in the corner. It shows Logan at a recent dinner, sitting next to Kerry. The scene is heartwarming: Connor tells a joke, Gerri shares a limerick, Karl sings, and Logan recounts a rhyme. The family becomes emotional as they watch the footage. Roman gazes at Gerri.
Tom is also present at Logan's apartment. Shiv asks him about his meeting with Matsson and whether he is going to be fired. Tom responds in a slightly squeaky voice, expressing uncertainty. Shiv informs Tom that she found out she won't be the next CEO. Tom manages to maintain a poker face.
After some tense exchanges, during which Tom suggests that Shiv should still vote for the deal, he eventually reveals, "Shiv, you should probably know... it's me." Shiv's face becomes furious, and she exclaims, "It's you? Bullshit." She storms over to Kendall and Roman, informing them of the news. The siblings storm out, ready to confirm their board positions.
Tom and Greg have a conversation in the bathroom. Tom asks Greg if he disclosed the information. He laments that he was on the verge of securing the top job, but now the opposing team has a real chance of winning. Tom slaps Greg on the head, and in response, Greg slaps Tom on the face. The two engage in a brief scuffle, pushing each other's faces and tugging at their lapels. Tom quickly composes himself and exits the room.
Tom immediately contacts Matsson, conveying that there is a significant problem. The camera then focuses on Matsson, who is seen shouting at his staff, urging them to act quickly. The cars arrive at the Waystar Royco headquarters as the scene unfolds.
Karolina walks alongside Shiv, suggesting that if they successfully block the deal, it might be the right time to get rid of Hugo. In Logan's office, Kendall pauses and then takes a seat in his father's chair. Shiv, Roman, Kendall, and Hugo are present, discussing their expectations for the upcoming meeting. Stewy arrives, and after some expected back and forth, he indicates his support for Kendall. Stewy and Shiv leave to try and convince Sandi to join their side.
Through the glass doors, Roman notices Gerri and expresses his disinterest in seeing her. He starts to panic and considers calling in to vote and possibly going home. He wavers and behaves strangely.
While looking at the stitches on his face in a mirror, Roman exclaims, "Why isn't it me?" He repeats the question while glancing at his older brother. Tears well up in his eyes. Kendall is shocked and terrified, embracing his brother. Roman walks out of the room, sobbing. Kendall remarks, "It could have been you." Holding a drink, Kendall looks out of his father's office window, preparing himself for the imminent showdown.
As the meeting commences, Kendall secures six votes while Matsson also receives six, leaving Shiv as the tie-breaker. Recognizing the immense significance of her decision, Shiv leaves the room to gather her thoughts, with her brother following closely behind. Kendall pleads with her to vote in his favor, even going so far as to claim that losing this vote may lead to his demise.
Shiv admits her doubt in Kendall's capability, which triggers a strong reaction from him. He passionately declares his status as "the eldest boy" and asserts his birthright. In response, Roman points out that Shiv represents the "real" bloodline, taking a dig at Kendall's children. The confrontation escalates into a physical altercation between Roman and Kendall, while Shiv exits the room to cast her vote in favor of the GoJo deal. Once Kendall calms down, Roman somberly tells him, "We're bullshit, we're nothing."
Succession concludes with Tom stepping into the building, greeted by congratulations from everyone, marking a significant symbol of his triumph. This holds particular weight since Tom had been consistently underestimated and ridiculed throughout the majority of the season, if not the entire series. Tom confides in Greg, expressing his intention to dismiss Frank and Karl while retaining Gerri. He also forgives Greg and assures him of a secure position within his realm.
As the shareholders sign the necessary documents to finalize the deal and the press captures images of the newly appointed team, Tom and Shiv travel together in a car towards their home. In this foreboding scene, the couple coldly holds hands, their roles of power dramatically reversed. Roman sits in a bar with a martini, his and Gerri's drink of choice. The final scene of Succession depicts a devastated Kendall walking through a park, gazing at the sea. The show suggests that he has lost everything — his spouse, children, and siblings — in his relentless pursuit of power. As the sound of waves plays one last time, Succession fades to black, leaving the audience with a sense of finality.
