Succession - Season 4

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Remind me who is Collin?

Logan's best friend

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Kerri is so annoying!

Agreed! I hate the character and find her annoying and kind of a wrong note among the mix of fantastically-written characters.

Team Gerri!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My DH kept saying "I don't think he's really dead" and I was like "no they definitely killed him" and we had this conversation for about 40 minutes until they wheeled him out on the gurney. It was kind of funny given that Roman also kept saying he didn't believe he was dead.

Oh, sorry -- spoilers (just watch the freaking episode, why are you on a Succession thread on Sunday night right after the show airs if you don't want spoilers???)

This episode really highlighted the show's particular strengths where they are always catching the reactions and facial expressions of secondary and tertiary characters as a way of framing the story. I loved all the shots of Frank, Carl, and Gerri in various scenes as they reacted to the kids reacting to their dad dying.

Also really liked the way Kendall really stepped up and into his role as eldest brother (I know Connor is technically eldest but I mean of the trio) once they finally got the news Logan was dead -- being the one to tell Shiv and also stepping up to tell Connor, being the one to convince the other two that they needed to be thoughtful about their actions because of the scrutiny they'd get later, and finally leading the others to agree that they needed to draft the official statement and also be the face of the messaging.

You could sort of see Kendall maturing into the role over the course of the episode, and I actually found that pretty realistic. Very normal in moments like that for people to refer to childhood sibling dynamics, and Roman acting/feeling helpless and unable to process any of it (also feeling guilty/blaming himself), Shiv being the most openly grieving their dad as the one who probably hated him the least and had the most warm relationship with him, and Kendall stepping into a kind of big brother/paternal role and being ready to think long term more quickly, while also offering emotional support to younger siblings. It just rang very true for me.

Also LOVED when Shiv snapped at/made fun of Tom on the speaker phone with everyone, and then apologized, and then Tom immediately said it was okay, it was a tough day. And Shiv's surprise and then kind of tenderness toward him when he said that. Just really amazing moment from Sarah Snook and a very subtle but great way to show how Logan's death is/will impact their marriage and possibly change the course of their divorce. As someone else said upthread, Tom really does love Shiv and she has a genuine soft spot for him and I could easily see her leaning on him in this time and him rising to the occasion because all he ever wants is for her to need him instead of the other way around.

I don’t know. I’m the youngest of 3 and I was the strong one that stepped up and handled everything. My older siblings are 3 and 4 years older and didn’t want to speak, etc. I’m the one that wrote the obituary and gave the eulogy and hosted the after reception.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My DH kept saying "I don't think he's really dead" and I was like "no they definitely killed him" and we had this conversation for about 40 minutes until they wheeled him out on the gurney. It was kind of funny given that Roman also kept saying he didn't believe he was dead.

Oh, sorry -- spoilers (just watch the freaking episode, why are you on a Succession thread on Sunday night right after the show airs if you don't want spoilers???)

This episode really highlighted the show's particular strengths where they are always catching the reactions and facial expressions of secondary and tertiary characters as a way of framing the story. I loved all the shots of Frank, Carl, and Gerri in various scenes as they reacted to the kids reacting to their dad dying.

Also really liked the way Kendall really stepped up and into his role as eldest brother (I know Connor is technically eldest but I mean of the trio) once they finally got the news Logan was dead -- being the one to tell Shiv and also stepping up to tell Connor, being the one to convince the other two that they needed to be thoughtful about their actions because of the scrutiny they'd get later, and finally leading the others to agree that they needed to draft the official statement and also be the face of the messaging.

You could sort of see Kendall maturing into the role over the course of the episode, and I actually found that pretty realistic. Very normal in moments like that for people to refer to childhood sibling dynamics, and Roman acting/feeling helpless and unable to process any of it (also feeling guilty/blaming himself), Shiv being the most openly grieving their dad as the one who probably hated him the least and had the most warm relationship with him, and Kendall stepping into a kind of big brother/paternal role and being ready to think long term more quickly, while also offering emotional support to younger siblings. It just rang very true for me.

Also LOVED when Shiv snapped at/made fun of Tom on the speaker phone with everyone, and then apologized, and then Tom immediately said it was okay, it was a tough day. And Shiv's surprise and then kind of tenderness toward him when he said that. Just really amazing moment from Sarah Snook and a very subtle but great way to show how Logan's death is/will impact their marriage and possibly change the course of their divorce. As someone else said upthread, Tom really does love Shiv and she has a genuine soft spot for him and I could easily see her leaning on him in this time and him rising to the occasion because all he ever wants is for her to need him instead of the other way around.

I don’t know. I’m the youngest of 3 and I was the strong one that stepped up and handled everything. My older siblings are 3 and 4 years older and didn’t want to speak, etc. I’m the one that wrote the obituary and gave the eulogy and hosted the after reception.

The point is that these specific characters were reverting to childhood roles and relationships. Roman has always been the baby in the family with the least emotional maturity (I mean, they all have issues with this, but Roman has very stunted emotional development and massive attachment issues) and he really retreated into that. Each time something had to be done, he would look lost and then kind of plead with one of his siblings to do it. He didn't want to be the one to tell Shiv or Connor, didn't want to make decisions, didn't want to accept Logan's death even after it was very clear to everyone else. He spent much of the time literally sitting on the floor like a toddler. He can act with a lot of bravado and cynicism, but this crisis revealed how vulnerable and immature he is.

Whereas Kendall, who has acted like a petulant child for much of the show, seemed to suddenly come into himself a bit, realizing that he is the heir apparent and winding up the most calm and forward thinking of the kids. And I don't even really mean in terms of handling his dad's death or planning the funeral (he suggested the just "do Reagan's with a few tweaks"), but I mean in terms of the company and their future there, and the family as a business entity.

But Shiv also understood her role, being the public face of the family at the press conference. But you also see her turning back to Tom, and it will be interesting to see how that evolves. Tom knows he's screwed if the divorce goes through -- without Logan he has nothing. And Shiv could use a shoulder to cry on. But I could also see her rejecting him specifically because he needs her so much, and becoming skeptical of his feelings towards her. I'd personally love to see Shiv drop Tom and go it alone, maybe undercutting Kendall by aligning with one of the older players (Frank or Gerri) in order to sway the board towards her. Mostly because I think it would be fun to watch Sarah Snook playing ascendant and Jeremy Strong playing thwarted. I don't actually care who winds up running Waystar (or that anyone does, would also be fine with the Swede swooping in and stealing it while the stock price is low).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I thought it dragged a little tbh.

Also, and this really bothered me: giant corporations don’t have to all of a sudden draft a statement when their old CEO dies. You don’t think Fox News has a very clear plan for what happens if Rupert Murdoch dies in a bathroom? Of course they do! The idea that anyone would be scrambling or improvising made no sense.

The scene with Kerry was the best scene. Both on the plane and getting into the car.

This actually rang true to me. The whole point of the show is that Logan wouldn’t admit to himself that he would ever die and couldn’t bring himself to do proper succession planning (even after almost dying in the first episode). If it ever came to Logan’s attention that someone else was making plans for what happened after his demise, it would be the end for them. Everyone at the company had to participate in his delusion that he was immortal. The first episode of this season, in the conversation with Colin, was the first inkling that he was actually considering his own mortality.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why did Willa and Connor have so many people on the yacht but very few people saw them get married? They had dozens of empty seats.

I think they canceled the actual ceremony and reception out of respect for Logan's death, and decided to privately wed instead. I don't think everyone just got off the boat because Logan wasn't going to show.

And the big wedding wasn’t Willa’s preference in the first place. Connor wanted it for PR value for his Presidential campaign. She always wanted a private wedding. Also maybe it reflects the fact that Connor doesn’t need to run for President anymore, since he can’t impress Logan.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Kerry is pointless. Less of her, please.

That's the point. She is supposed to be pointless and an irritant to the rest of the family. Do you know anything about Rupert Murdoch? Google his wives and his recent engagement to a former counter singer/televangelist.

Did you notice how horrible she looked when she walked back to talk to the company leaders on the plane? She was absolutely in shock and was suddenly all smiles and less aggressive. Unless Logan provided for her in his will she is completely sol.

Was I the only one who wondered if maybe she was in the bathroom with him? (Mile high club?)

Yes definitely wondered that too although I assume he could just kick everyone out of one area of the plane to do it if he really wanted to.

Agree. I thought about it, as well, but there was a bedroom on the plane (Tom went in there to call Greg) and they said Logan “was short of breath and went into the bathroom,” and then someone heard a noise and they had to use the key to open the door. So I think not.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I thought it dragged a little tbh.

Also, and this really bothered me: giant corporations don’t have to all of a sudden draft a statement when their old CEO dies. You don’t think Fox News has a very clear plan for what happens if Rupert Murdoch dies in a bathroom? Of course they do! The idea that anyone would be scrambling or improvising made no sense.

The scene with Kerry was the best scene. Both on the plane and getting into the car.

This actually rang true to me. The whole point of the show is that Logan wouldn’t admit to himself that he would ever die and couldn’t bring himself to do proper succession planning (even after almost dying in the first episode). If it ever came to Logan’s attention that someone else was making plans for what happened after his demise, it would be the end for them. Everyone at the company had to participate in his delusion that he was immortal. The first episode of this season, in the conversation with Colin, was the first inkling that he was actually considering his own mortality.

Yes, agree. For a normal company, it would be unheard of to not have any plans in place. But Logan was delusional that he was immortal. The only question I have about that (not a business expert) is - obviously, with a family owned private business, he could or not do whatever planning he wanted. But aren’t they a publicly traded company with a board and associated accountability? In that case, I do think he would have been forced to not leave it all open. I wonder if his will will similarly cause a lot of issues.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Remind me who is Collin?

Logan's best friend

His body guard/driver. The guy he went to the diner with during his birthday party.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I thought it dragged a little tbh.

Also, and this really bothered me: giant corporations don’t have to all of a sudden draft a statement when their old CEO dies. You don’t think Fox News has a very clear plan for what happens if Rupert Murdoch dies in a bathroom? Of course they do! The idea that anyone would be scrambling or improvising made no sense.

The scene with Kerry was the best scene. Both on the plane and getting into the car.

This actually rang true to me. The whole point of the show is that Logan wouldn’t admit to himself that he would ever die and couldn’t bring himself to do proper succession planning (even after almost dying in the first episode). If it ever came to Logan’s attention that someone else was making plans for what happened after his demise, it would be the end for them. Everyone at the company had to participate in his delusion that he was immortal. The first episode of this season, in the conversation with Colin, was the first inkling that he was actually considering his own mortality.

Yes, agree. For a normal company, it would be unheard of to not have any plans in place. But Logan was delusional that he was immortal. The only question I have about that (not a business expert) is - obviously, with a family owned private business, he could or not do whatever planning he wanted. But aren’t they a publicly traded company with a board and associated accountability? In that case, I do think he would have been forced to not leave it all open. I wonder if his will will similarly cause a lot of issues.

They're a publicly traded company. Towards the end of the show Roman shows the stock price on his phone.

Logan doesn't get to pick in his will who his his successor, the board does. So it is important who controls the board votes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I thought it dragged a little tbh.

Also, and this really bothered me: giant corporations don’t have to all of a sudden draft a statement when their old CEO dies. You don’t think Fox News has a very clear plan for what happens if Rupert Murdoch dies in a bathroom? Of course they do! The idea that anyone would be scrambling or improvising made no sense.

The scene with Kerry was the best scene. Both on the plane and getting into the car.

This actually rang true to me. The whole point of the show is that Logan wouldn’t admit to himself that he would ever die and couldn’t bring himself to do proper succession planning (even after almost dying in the first episode). If it ever came to Logan’s attention that someone else was making plans for what happened after his demise, it would be the end for them. Everyone at the company had to participate in his delusion that he was immortal. The first episode of this season, in the conversation with Colin, was the first inkling that he was actually considering his own mortality.

Yes, agree. For a normal company, it would be unheard of to not have any plans in place. But Logan was delusional that he was immortal. The only question I have about that (not a business expert) is - obviously, with a family owned private business, he could or not do whatever planning he wanted. But aren’t they a publicly traded company with a board and associated accountability? In that case, I do think he would have been forced to not leave it all open. I wonder if his will will similarly cause a lot of issues.

They're a publicly traded company. Towards the end of the show Roman shows the stock price on his phone.

Logan doesn't get to pick in his will who his his successor, the board does. So it is important who controls the board votes.

I know Logan doesn’t get to pick. But he can leave his shares to an heir, which can tilt the balance of power on the board.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Remind me who is Collin?

Logan's best friend

His body guard/driver. The guy he went to the diner with during his birthday party.

I watched it again and still don't see the scene people are saying is so profound wtih Colin.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I thought it dragged a little tbh.

Also, and this really bothered me: giant corporations don’t have to all of a sudden draft a statement when their old CEO dies. You don’t think Fox News has a very clear plan for what happens if Rupert Murdoch dies in a bathroom? Of course they do! The idea that anyone would be scrambling or improvising made no sense.

The scene with Kerry was the best scene. Both on the plane and getting into the car.

This actually rang true to me. The whole point of the show is that Logan wouldn’t admit to himself that he would ever die and couldn’t bring himself to do proper succession planning (even after almost dying in the first episode). If it ever came to Logan’s attention that someone else was making plans for what happened after his demise, it would be the end for them. Everyone at the company had to participate in his delusion that he was immortal. The first episode of this season, in the conversation with Colin, was the first inkling that he was actually considering his own mortality.

Yes, agree. For a normal company, it would be unheard of to not have any plans in place. But Logan was delusional that he was immortal. The only question I have about that (not a business expert) is - obviously, with a family owned private business, he could or not do whatever planning he wanted. But aren’t they a publicly traded company with a board and associated accountability? In that case, I do think he would have been forced to not leave it all open. I wonder if his will will similarly cause a lot of issues.

They're a publicly traded company. Towards the end of the show Roman shows the stock price on his phone.

Logan doesn't get to pick in his will who his his successor, the board does. So it is important who controls the board votes.

I know Logan doesn’t get to pick. But he can leave his shares to an heir, which can tilt the balance of power on the board.

Has anybody been keeping a spreadsheet with voting shares? There's an official board of directors page on the "company website" https://waystarroycompany.com/board-of-directors/

I want to see fictional economic analysis (a la the Logan Roy obituaries) where they speculate the possible ripples in a board shakeup.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I thought it dragged a little tbh.

Also, and this really bothered me: giant corporations don’t have to all of a sudden draft a statement when their old CEO dies. You don’t think Fox News has a very clear plan for what happens if Rupert Murdoch dies in a bathroom? Of course they do! The idea that anyone would be scrambling or improvising made no sense.

The scene with Kerry was the best scene. Both on the plane and getting into the car.

This actually rang true to me. The whole point of the show is that Logan wouldn’t admit to himself that he would ever die and couldn’t bring himself to do proper succession planning (even after almost dying in the first episode). If it ever came to Logan’s attention that someone else was making plans for what happened after his demise, it would be the end for them. Everyone at the company had to participate in his delusion that he was immortal. The first episode of this season, in the conversation with Colin, was the first inkling that he was actually considering his own mortality.

Yes, agree. For a normal company, it would be unheard of to not have any plans in place. But Logan was delusional that he was immortal. The only question I have about that (not a business expert) is - obviously, with a family owned private business, he could or not do whatever planning he wanted. But aren’t they a publicly traded company with a board and associated accountability? In that case, I do think he would have been forced to not leave it all open. I wonder if his will will similarly cause a lot of issues.

They're a publicly traded company. Towards the end of the show Roman shows the stock price on his phone.

Logan doesn't get to pick in his will who his his successor, the board does. So it is important who controls the board votes.

I know Logan doesn’t get to pick. But he can leave his shares to an heir, which can tilt the balance of power on the board.

Has anybody been keeping a spreadsheet with voting shares? There's an official board of directors page on the "company website" https://waystarroycompany.com/board-of-directors/

I want to see fictional economic analysis (a la the Logan Roy obituaries) where they speculate the possible ripples in a board shakeup.

I would love this too

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I thought it dragged a little tbh.

Also, and this really bothered me: giant corporations don’t have to all of a sudden draft a statement when their old CEO dies. You don’t think Fox News has a very clear plan for what happens if Rupert Murdoch dies in a bathroom? Of course they do! The idea that anyone would be scrambling or improvising made no sense.

The scene with Kerry was the best scene. Both on the plane and getting into the car.

This actually rang true to me. The whole point of the show is that Logan wouldn’t admit to himself that he would ever die and couldn’t bring himself to do proper succession planning (even after almost dying in the first episode). If it ever came to Logan’s attention that someone else was making plans for what happened after his demise, it would be the end for them. Everyone at the company had to participate in his delusion that he was immortal. The first episode of this season, in the conversation with Colin, was the first inkling that he was actually considering his own mortality.

ITA