After 39 episodes, HBO’s critically acclaimed drama (or was it a sitcom?) series, Succession, reached its highly anticipated conclusion with its final episode on Sunday, leaving audiences in awe and contemplating the intricate web of power, family dynamics, and corporate maneuvering.
With a riveting storyline and exceptional performances, the series’ finale delivered a captivating ending that will resonate with viewers for years to come.
The series finale, titled “With Open Eyes,” masterfully tied up loose ends while maintaining the tension and intrigue that have become synonymous with the show. The episode skillfully wove together various plotlines (Matsson and Shiv, Tom and Greg, Kendall and Roman), ensuring that each character’s fate was addressed and resolved in a satisfying manner. The relentless power struggle within the Roy family reached its zenith, and the consequences of their actions came crashing down upon them.
At the heart of Succession was the enigmatic and formidable Logan Roy, brilliantly portrayed by Brian Cox. During the previous seasons, Logan’s intricate and calculated moves took center stage as he orchestrated a series of events that would solidify his grip on the company and ensure his legacy.
With Matsson’s (Alexander Skarsgård,) GoJo finally taking over and placing Matsson’s frontman Tom in charge, Logan’s legacy is now an enigma, especially with Matsson saying he’s going to tinker under the hood and tear Waystar Royco apart.
Throughout the series, Kendall (Jeremy Strong) and his sister Shiv (Sarah Snook) emerged as significant players in the family power dynamics. Roman (Kiernan Culkin) was their emotional center, reminding us constantly that even as adults, they are still children at heart.
The series finale brought their individual character arcs to a climax, with both making game-changing decisions that had far-reaching consequences. During the boardroom scene, Strong and Snook’s performances were outstanding, conveying the inner turmoil and conflicting loyalties their characters grappled with until the final moments.
REELated:
Succession’s final episode did not hold back when it came to exploring the emotional fallout experienced by the Roy family. From betrayal and resentment to fragile alliances and personal revelations, the finale delved into the depths of each character’s psyche, exposing their vulnerabilities and exposing the price they paid for their insatiable hunger for power. The superb writing and exceptional performances of the entire ensemble cast made these emotional moments resonate with authenticity and poignancy.
One of the remarkable aspects of Succession’s finale is its ability to provide closure while leaving room for speculation. The ambiguous ending of Kendall looking out at the ocean or Shiv “The Knife” coldly holding Tom’s hand in the limo leave viewers pondering the future of Kendall, Shiv, and Roman and the empire Logan built and the siblings ultimately lost.
It invites discussions about the consequences of their actions and the lasting impact they have on their relationships and the business world they inhabit. This open-ended conclusion ensures that Succession will continue to be a topic of conversation long after the series finale has aired.
Succession will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy in the realm of television dramas. With its expertly crafted storytelling, complex characters, and exploration of power dynamics, the series has solidified its place among the greats. The series finale serves as a fitting conclusion to a thought-provoking narrative that has captivated audiences and kept them invested in the world of the Roys.
Bottom Line: The Succession series finale delivered a captivating ending that tied up loose ends, showcased outstanding performances, and left viewers with much to contemplate. The game-changing decision of Shiv, and the emotional fallout experienced by Kendall and Roman all contributed to an enthralling conclusion.
As the credits rolled, Succession cemented its place as one of the most compelling and memorable television dramas (or was it a sitcom) of its time, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of modern storytelling.
The Geek is a working screenwriter, director and screenwriting instructor.
