Succession – Season 4 Episode 1

Published: Jun 27 2024

It's Logan's birthday, and the entire clan has gathered. Roman is immersed in a conference call, scrutinizing a new branding concept for The Hundred on his screen. This is their upcoming venture, and the artwork is nothing short of appalling. Shiv arrives just as they've finished examining the subpar design. She's been in talks with the Jiminez transition team, her prospects hovering somewhere between uncertain and promising. With dad set to sell in two days, and Roman already penning his resignation letter, they've all been grinding hard. Is it too perfect? Why hasn't anyone attempted this before? Shiv assures them she's on board.

Succession – Season 4 Episode 1 1

After the crowd belts out "Happy Birthday," Logan exclaims, "Jesus fucking Christ." Carrie, Logan's right-hand woman and new romantic interest, stands by his side. Greg arrives with Bridget in tow, prompting Carrie to interrogate him about their relationship. "Is this Bridget RandomFuck?" he jokes, invoking the name of his past flame Marsha, who Carrie informs him is shopping in Milan indefinitely.

As the siblings discuss the intricacies of The Hundred, Tom calls Shiv. He wants to forewarn her about a casual drink he had with Naomi Pierce, lest she stumbles upon photos or hears rumors. He insists it's nothing, but Shiv wants to know why he's even mentioning it. She's fine with him dating her brother's ex, but he clarifies it's purely social, not business. Shiv retorts, "Go get her number from the coat check."

The Hundred is like clickbait for the intellectual elite, Kendall muses. They've embraced the ethos of a nonprofit. When Roman and Kendall sense Shiv's distress, they usher the others away. Another Pierce has appeared at the birthday bash, and they're all at a loss.

Connor is checking the numbers for his one percent stake in the election. They're talking about a hundred million dollars. Even if he spends it all, he'll still be wealthy, but with a hundred million less. Tom sidles up to Logan and broaches the subject of the sale and his marriage. He seeks Logan's perspective on his future should his marriage falter. Logan rolls his eyes and says, "If we're good, we're good." He then calls Carrie to inquire about the food, as Tom's starting to lose it.

The siblings debate whether they should sabotage The Hundred while simultaneously purchasing Pierce. Roman complains that opposing Roman is becoming monotonous. Kendall, however, argues that it's within their realm of expertise. After the sale, they'll have 3 billion, but they'll require 8-9 billion. Their conversation is a hilarious yet sensible discussion about building an empire with an established brand as its foundation.

Tom's snickering echoes throughout the room, mocking Bridget's mysterious bag. "What could possibly be in there? Subway shoes?" Greg, despite his affection for Bridget, concedes she's just another name on the ledger. Tom, however, is relentless, his insults relentless, mocking Greg as a mere jester. Bridget, seeking a fleeting moment of fame, asks Logan for a selfie, only to be promptly overwhelmed by the desire to escape.

The newcomer whispers that Nan might be open to negotiations, but only with Shiv. Logan, perplexed, wonders why the Cardinal isn't present at the gathering and queries Gerri's whereabouts. He impatiently awaits Nan's call, yet refuses to sit idly like a scolded puppy, choosing instead to slip away unnoticed.

Nan, her disdain for her father palpable, might be their wildcard, but Roman refuses to rekindle the family feud. Logan confides in Colin, declaring him his closest confidant. "People, they're just economic units," he muses. "I'm a giant, they're pygmies, but together, we create a market." Logan's words are lost on Colin, who continues to peruse the menu, oblivious to the deeper meaning. Logan ponders if there's anything beyond this moment, but he doubts it. "We don't know. We can't know. But I have my suspicions."

Carrie's call interrupts the silence, and Shiv quips that they'd hear her better if she removed the object from her mouth. Roman quips about Logan's unorthodox physical features, lightening the mood, before hanging up. Connor dreams of wedding coverage to bolster his public image, fearing he'd be a laughingstock if he fell below the one percent mark.

Greg informs Tom of his indiscretion, and Tom's face darkens. "You're screwed," he growls. "Logan's got cameras everywhere." Greg details their encounter, but Tom insists on informing Logan. Shiv, Ken, and Roman arrive at the Pierce estate, greeted by Naomi and Kendall. Nan, her nerves fraying, considers retreating but decides to give it a try.

Logan is on the phone with Nan, when Gerri, Frank, and Karl learn of the kids' involvement. Karl assures Logan there's no need for concern. Logan orders Tom to contact his wife and inquire about her thoughts. "She's never had an original thought in her life," he sneers.

Nan regains her composure and addresses the kids. Greg, having already informed Logan, is instructed to escort Bridget out and search her phone. Nan reveals that the sale is all but finalized with their preferred bidder. They engage in wine-fueled conversation, the atmosphere strange and tense. Kendall warns that Logan intends to destroy their company, but they'll prevent it. Nan refuses to discuss numbers, insisting it's not about the money. Kendall persists, offering a staggering 9 billion, a sum that could rival Logan's offer.

Nan calls Logan, signaling the start of a war. Logan, eager for amusement, demands jokes and roasts. Greg, unsuspecting, falls for the trap and becomes the target of Logan's sharp wit.

Tom, fraught with anger, desired to unleash a harsh "fuck off" upon Nan, but Logan's keen ear caught the kids' whispers directed towards her. His associate murmured that eight was a favorable number, yet Logan countered with a strategic move, suggesting they settle at seven, but begin negotiations at six. Abruptly, Logan veered off course, determined to screw over the kids, instructing Tom to summon them.

Naomi, meanwhile, conveyed Nan's appreciation for the number eight, yet inquired if there was room for further negotiation. The enigmatic T (or Tellis?) replied that they were uncertain of reaching that figure, but it was a possibility.

Tom dialed the trio, his suspicions brewing. He probed if they were being manipulated. Shiv declared her ceiling to be twelve, yet Tom dismissed her with a scathing "fuck off." Shiv speculated that her father would settle at nine or nine-and-a-half, but Kendall, eager for a swift resolution, proposed ten. Roman questioned the rationale behind piling on an additional half-billion dollars, yet T insisted its worth lay in the hands of the highest bidder. Emboldened by their decision, they reported back with a bid of ten billion, to which Tom assured them Nan was pleased. The conversation drew to a close.

Logan, his voice dripping with sarcasm, mocked, "Congratulations on blurting out the biggest number, you fucking idiots."

Shiv returned home, her face etched with urgency, seeking access to her wardrobe. Tom pondered if she desired to speak, but Shiv had heard rumors of him and Greg being referred to as the "Disgusting Brothers." She inquired if Greg was his wingman and learned of his dalliances with models. Tom longed to confide in her, but Shiv believed it was best to move forward without the burden of his secrets. Her heartbroken expression tugged at Tom's emotions. She wanted them to part ways with dignity, wishing each other luck.

The scene unfolded with a poignancy rarely seen in Succession. Logan, meanwhile, stared at a balding man adorned with a toupee, wondering if Cyd's sanity was slipping.

View all