Succession – Season 4 Episode 9

Published: Jun 27 2024

As Shiv dressed for the funeral, her attention was distracted by the ATN election news blaring on the TV. Roman, following her cue, was busy preparing his eulogy, his voice echoing through the room. Kendall's call interrupted the silence, and Roman excitedly relayed his enthusiasm for the speech. However, Kendall requested Mencken to lower the volume, emphasizing the gravity of the occasion.

Succession – Season 4 Episode 9 1

They were all gathering at Shiv's, but a call from Rava threw a wrench in their plans. She expressed her fears of potential disturbances and insisted on staying upstate, away from the funeral. Kendall, ignoring any consequences, insisted on reaching her within minutes.

Lukas hesitated, sensing the urgency of the situation, but Shiv was resolute, sensing this was the perfect opportunity. They pondered the chances of Mencken blocking the deal, but Shiv remained unperturbed. Lukas reminded them of their small impact on the political landscape, but Kendall's anger knew no bounds. It was his father's funeral, and he wanted his children there. Rava's ramblings of insecurity only added to his frustration.

Tom and Greg, poring over the Mencken timeline, found Tom content with his limited role. Greg, on the other hand, desired to attend the funeral, and Tom concurred. Tom wanted Mencken to know that it was his call that swayed the decision.

The siblings, united in their grief, made their way to the funeral. Shiv speculated about Mencken's attendance, while Roman wondered about Matsson. They discussed the blocked deal and Shiv's indifferent stance. However, Roman and Shiv couldn't help but sympathize with Kendall's plight, deprived of his children's presence.

Their mother's invitation for a Caribbean getaway was swiftly rejected by Kendall and Shiv. Shiv shared her pregnancy news with her brothers, much to Roman's surprise. He joked about the allure of seeing her breastfeed, but Shiv was unamused.

Jess's call about the crowd update was followed by a commotion outside. Their limo was besieged by protesters with signs. As they arrived at the funeral site, Kendall made a demand to Jess. He wanted custody of the kids and asked her to arrange a meeting with some family lawyers. Jess hesitated, wanting to discuss her own situation but sensing the inappropriateness of the moment. However, Kendall insisted on knowing the details, having been a staunch supporter of her goals. Jess revealed that she had been considering a move to another position, and Kendall pondered the reasons behind her decision, wondering if it had anything to do with Mencken.

He uttered that if she harbors any remorse, perhaps she should reevaluate her position. He emphasized the unique opportunities he's offered her, chances she'd never find elsewhere. He labeled her actions as foolish, downright asinine. Everyone present, including herself, seemed to be on the same clueless path. Hugo broke the news to Kendall that Lukas's contact details were a mere facade. Connor had made up his mind to deliver a eulogy, but Shiv cautioned that it was overly lengthy and could invite legal implications.

Roman, spotting Marcia, reminisced about their intimate encounter atop Logan's coffin. Kendall found Roman's eulogy commendable, while Shiv noted that he was simply in his element. Meanwhile, Roman checked in with Frank, indicating his intention to rally support if Kendall had lost his edge after the Mencken debacle.

Greg desired an introduction to Mencken, emphasizing his role on the honorary committee. The siblings spotted their mother approaching and contemplated snubbing her, but Kendall suggested being polite, lest she perish from a broken heart. She was particularly cold towards Shiv's pregnancy news. Lukas, Oliver, and Eba arrived, greeted by Shiv, who had a plan in mind. If Mencken agreed to her terms, it would be prudent for him to offer her the position of US CEO, a role she was undoubtedly destined for. Lukas dismissed her as inexperienced.

Shiv retorted that she could effectively be Lukas Matsson's puppet, playing the role to perfection. Lukas had heard of her pregnancy and inquired if it was true. She retorted that she was a resilient woman, willing to take only 36 hours of maternity leave and leaving the child in the capable hands of their butler.

"He's here," Roman announced, referring to the main attraction. Logan's hearse pulled up outside, and Caroline requested Keri to join them. Keri was accompanied by her brother and a lawyer, prepared for the possibility of being denied entry. Caroline introduced Marcia to Sally Ann, her former Keri, emphasizing that past grievances were now water under the bridge.

The three women sat together, and as Keri wept, Marcia reached out for her hand, offering solace. Tom couldn't attend the funeral due to fires in Baltimore, and Darwin was considering resignation. Greg was elated by the prospect of a vacancy, wondering if he could fill the role. Peter shook his head, but Greg took position next to his uncle, leading Logan down the aisle, accompanied by lively Irish melodies.

For the eulogy, Ewan stepped forward to the pulpit. Greg wondered if they expected him to support Logan's frail legs. He began by stating that it wasn't his place to judge his brother; history would tell that story. He recounted a tale of being adrift on the ocean during their journey to America, staying silent for four days and three nights to evade detection by U-boats. He shared another story about Logan wrongly believing he had brought polio home from school, killing their sister, a claim their aunt and uncle never disproved.

Ewan confessed that while he loved Logan, his brother had wrought immense suffering. He was trashing Logan in front of the world's most influential audience, labeling him as mean-spirited and miserly. Kendall turned to Roman, hoping he could salvage the situation. Surely, there was more to their father than this, wasn't there?

As soon as Roman stepped onto the stage, he faltered. His confidence evaporated, and he desperately sought the comfort of his siblings. Tears streamed down his face, and he struggled to regain his composure. He pondered if Logan was indeed lying in that coffin, wondering if there was a way to bring him back. The entire congregation watched, moved by the sight of a boy broken by the loss of his father.

Kendall stepped forward, clutching the notes tightly. He struggled to articulate Roman's words, his own nose tinged with emotion. He concurred with Ewan's assessment, acknowledging that his father was indeed a brute, unyielding and unforgiving. But he also spoke of Logan's unwavering determination, his refusal to be deterred by those who preached against ambition and action. Logan possessed a vitality that could both hurt and heal, a force that had shaped countless lives and businesses.

Kendall's voice rose with passion as he described Logan's legacy. The money he had amassed, the corporations he had built, the lives he had touched. Logan had been the lifeblood of this civilization, the driving force behind its growth and progress. His willpower and ambition had created a world that pulsed with energy and possibility. Kendall admitted that his father's fierceness and forcefulness had often pushed him aside, but he also recognized that it was this same force that had driven him to succeed.

Kendall's voice rang out, declaring that Logan's legacy was one that could never be denied. He hoped that he possessed a fraction of his father's vim and vigor, for without it, the future would indeed be sluggish and gray. Logan had walked in every room, from the grandest halls of power to the humblest corners of society, leaving his mark everywhere. He had been comfortable in this world, and he had loved it deeply. Kendall concluded with a heartfelt "Amen," and the church erupted in applause.

Shiv then approached the podium, her voice filled with tenderness and remorse. She apologized for the length of the day, acknowledging that it had been a difficult one. She spoke of her father, Logan, who had once terrified her and her siblings when they played outside his office, hoping to catch his attention. He had been a formidable figure, but also a loving one, despite his hardness towards women. Shiv concluded with a heartfelt farewell, declaring that they were all here, doing well, and bidding a fond farewell to the world that Logan had created.

After the funeral, Hugo disclosed to Kendall that Eba had floated the idea of a Shiv CEO to pacify Mencken. As they approached the mausoleum, Kendall's expression turned sour. "Ugh, it's hideous," he muttered. Connor explained it was built by a dot-com pet supply tycoon who abandoned the project. Logan, however, struck a bargain, refusing to be buried in the ground. He won it impulsively at an auction, paying a mere five million. Kendall nodded, acknowledging, "A good deal indeed." The mausoleum seemed spacious enough to accommodate Logan's children alongside their father. Kendall confessed that drinking scotch with Logan was a challenge, while Roman again succumbed to the pressure, fleeing to the limousine.

Shiv inquisitively asked Frank and Karl about the true nature of their father. "He was a salty dog, but a good egg at heart," they replied. "What you saw was what you got." Marcia tearfully reminisced, confessing that Logan had broken her heart and his children's too.

Kendall instructed Hugo to leak information suggesting that Matsson's deal lacked the crucial support of the family and was thus unfavorable. This was Kendall's overt plan to seize control, promising Hugo that even the leftovers from the table would be worth millions. Hugo nodded, amused.

The after-party was adorned with photos of Logan alongside dignitaries. Kendall sought out Colin, aware of his mental health struggles. He extended a job offer, encouraging the strong-willed Colin to join his team. Kendall then approached Mencken, who stood alone in a corner. He desired to voice his opinions, but Mencken sarcastically commented that Kendall now wished to choose the soundtrack. Despite this, Mencken pledged to lend assistance, a gesture that irked Kendall. He derogatorily referred to Roman as "the grim weeper." Connor sought guidance on his next steps, while Shiv arrived as his escort, escorting him to Matsson.

Kendall dispatched Hugo to investigate the outcome of their discussion. Matsson confessed his desire for Waystar, affirming his satisfaction with the deal. Shiv proposed discussing measures to reassure Matsson about his ownership. Mencken reminisced about their shared ideology with Logan, despite their differences.

Matsson rambles aimlessly, boasting about his connections with minor figures or how he could wield influence over someone of his stature. Mencken, on the other hand, takes a more discerning approach, challenging Matsson's American CEO ego with sharp remarks. She remarks, "Oh, I thought you hated me." Yet, she commands respect for the audience and their desires, her love for them palpable.

Shiv rushes to catch up with Tom, confessing that if Logan were still alive, he wouldn't dare miss his funeral. Tom notes that Logan's influence has waned in recent days. He wishes to discuss the pregnancy, uncertain if Shiv intends to keep the child or if it's even healthy. But by all indications, it seems robust. Caroline interrupts their conversation with some chatter, and Tom apologizes to Shiv for not being there. Exhausted from being awake for too long, he feels tethered to the situation. He was the first to bid Logan farewell, so in a sense, he's already said his goodbyes. Both Tom and Shiv are moved to tears. Shiv suggests Tom retreat to their apartment for a few hours of respite, but he refuses, claiming that the hotel staff knows him too well and he detests the familiarity.

Matsson calls Shiv with a triumphant "Yes." He assures her that he can maneuver a US CEO into place. Kendall confides in Roman, revealing that they're at a loss for leverage and desperately need his assistance. Roman responds with a groan, admitting he's not feeling well. Kendall blames this on Roman's blunder with Mencken. He laments that Mencken now holds the reins, while they should have been the ones calling the shots. If they want out of the deal, Roman must convince the board to turn on Shiv. Roman departs, opting to walk, only to stumble into a chaotic scene of fleeing revelers. He begins to heckle and provoke, seeking a fight as a means to inflict pain. Soon, he's left lying on the ground in a fetal position, ignored as people step over him.

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