So here we are, 39 episodes in on HBO’s breakout series Succession. Now, this Sunday, the critically acclaimed series will wrap up its fourth and final record-breaking season. And we still can’t solidly predict how Jesse Armstrong’s beast of a creation will end.
Throughout the four seasons, we have witnessed a gripping saga of family dynamics, ruthless power struggles, and treacherous betrayals. Now, as the final episode draws near, we embark on a journey of predictions, examining the possible outcomes and dramatic twists that could shape the epic conclusion of Game of Thrones Boardroom Version.
Will Mattson finally merge GoJo and Waystar Royco? Will he stab Shiv in the back? How about Kendall? Will he become the killer daddy Logan said he never would be? Did Roman live after getting knocked down during the election protests? That he caused?!
Will Logan surprise everyone and rise from the dead? Or will Greg finally ascend to the top and fire Tom?
The Reel 360 News Team has wracked our brains, taken hallucinogens (not really) drank pints and taken whiskey shots (true) and put our heads together to speculate about the final outcome for Succession’s extraordinary run!
The Battle for Succession
At the core of the show lies the battle for succession, as Logan Roy’s children vie for control of Waystar Royco. The finale is likely to feature a culmination of tensions and confrontations, as Kendall, Roman, and Shiv strategize and plot their moves to secure the coveted throne. Each of them has displayed their unique strengths and ineptitudes throughout the series, making the final showdown all the more unpredictable.
The battle in the boardroom could get messy as Kendall, Shiv and Roman each know about each other’s sins. Shiv knows Kendall is responsible for the waiter’s death. She also knows about Roman sending dick pics to Gerri. Both Kendall and Roman are aware that Shiv convinced a rape victim not to testify. Will they threaten to expose each other’s dirty laundry in order to gain the throne?
Kendall’s Last Stand
Kendall Roy, the troubled and tormented eldest son, has been the central figure in the struggle for power. The pilot began with Kendall sitting in the back of his limo, getting amped up to Beastie Boys on his way to work in what he assumed would be an announcement of his ascension to CEO. Daddy had other thoughts.
Despite his numerous failures, Kendall has been positioned as the primary challenger to Logan’s reign. In the finale, Kendall might make a final desperate attempt to take down his father, leveraging his knowledge of corporate wrongdoing and the alliances he has formed over the course of the show.
The fallout from Kendall’s move is likely to have far-reaching consequences for all the characters involved.
REELated:
Shiv’s Ambitions
Shiv, the only daughter of Logan Roy, has always harbored her own ambitions for power and control. Throughout the series, she has shown a knack for manipulation and a desire to distance herself from the family’s toxicity.
She has already decided to navigate the treacherous waters by aligning herself with a white nationalist and the Nordic tech guru. Mencken and Matsson respectively.
The unelected but dangerously close to the White House, Mencken, is already waffling on his promise to block the acquisition, and now that other networks have followed ATN in affirming Mencken’s election, the network’s co-CEOs are all out of leverage.
Her strategic maneuvers could place her in a unique position to seize power or face devastating consequences.
Roman’s Unexpected Rise
Roman, the youngest and often underestimated member of the Roy family, has displayed a mix of immaturity and cunning. While his approach to power struggles has been unconventional, the finale might present a surprising turn of events where Roman’s unorthodox methods pay off. Perhaps he aligns with unexpected forces or unveils a hidden talent for strategic thinking, propelling him into the spotlight and altering the dynamics of the succession battle.
But there are those dick pics and he falsely called the election for a fascist. There will be consequences.
Logan’s Endgame
As the patriarch and ruthless head of Waystar Royco, Logan Roy has manipulated and controlled his family and business with an iron fist. In the finale, Logan might reveal a master plan from the grave, showcasing his unparalleled ability to outmaneuver his opponents. Alternatively, he could face his own vulnerabilities and make a surprising decision about the future of his empire.
The finale could also explore the consequences of Logan’s actions throughout the series, finally holding him accountable for his past deeds.
Unforeseen Alliances and Betrayals
One of the hallmarks of Succession is its complex web of alliances and betrayals. The finale is likely to deliver a few shocking twists, with unexpected alliances forming and treachery lurking in the shadows. Again Mencken and Matsson.
The siblings’ true loyalties might be tested, leading to devastating consequences for those caught in the crossfire. These unforeseen turns could have a lasting impact on the future of the Roy family and Waystar Royco.
Greg is the Man
Over the course of four seasons, Greg has proven himself to be a champion ass-kisser. He knows how to serve those in power, playing all angles. The Roy siblings have proven themselves to be inept at keeping power once they get it. In this scenario, the GoJo deal will go through and see Jeryd Mencken as president. Now, Matsson promised an American CEO. While he hinted at Shiv (backstabbing her brothers again)taking the position, he is not happy that she’s pregnant. And Mencken does not like her politics.
Would Matsson turn to Greg’s mentor Tom? Hmm, probably not. Matsson just doesn’t like him. Greg being the worm that he is, has gotten Matsson’s attention, especially during his ruthless firing of ATN staff.
As the curtain falls on Succession, we can expect a gripping and emotionally charged finale that will redefine the landscape of power within the Roy family and Waystar Royco. With the show’s trademark blend of drama, tension, and biting humor, the conclusion is sure to piss off viewers keeping in step with HBO’s other divisive finales. Looking at you Sopranos and Game of Thrones.
Season 4 is averaging 8.8M viewers per episode, pacing more than 40% ahead of season 3 at the same point in time while more-than-doubling season 1 viewership, and on HBO Max, the series ranked as the top title since its season 4 debut.
The Geek is a working screenwriter, director and screenwriting instructor.
