Succession Season 4 Episode 10: A Riveting Recap of “With Open Eyes”
Succession Season 4 Episode 10, “With Open Eyes,” delivers a shocking and emotional conclusion to the Roy family saga, filled with unexpected alliances, betrayals, and the ultimate power shift as the fate of Waystar RoyCo is decided.
Dive into our comprehensive recap of Succession‘s Season 4 Episode 10, “With Open Eyes,” as we dissect the intense boardroom showdown and the heartbreaking choices that defined the end of an era for the Roy dynasty.
Succession’s Endgame: Setting the Stage for the Finale
The final episode of Succession begins with the siblings scattered, each grappling with the weight of their father’s legacy and the impending vote. The tension is palpable, setting the stage for a finale that promises high stakes and devastating consequences.
Pre-Vote Maneuvering
Before the crucial vote, each Roy sibling attempts to consolidate their position. Kendall believes he’s on the verge of achieving his lifelong dream, Shiv grapples with her ambition and loyalty to Tom, and Roman retreats into a self-destructive spiral.
- Kendall’s pursuit of the CEO role becomes increasingly desperate.
- Shiv’s complex relationship with Tom and her political calculations are pivotal.
- Roman’s emotional fragility and dependence on his siblings are exposed.
The siblings’ individual struggles and interconnected relationships create the foundation for the explosive events to come in the boardroom. Each decision and conversation carries immense weight as they approach the critical vote.
The Boardroom Battle: Alliances and Betrayals
The heart of “With Open Eyes” takes place in the Waystar RoyCo boardroom. The vote to approve or reject the GoJo deal becomes a battleground of shifting alliances, emotional outbursts, and strategic betrayals.
The Vote that Changed Everything
The boardroom scene is rife with tension as each board member casts their vote. Shiv’s decision becomes the focal point, with her wavering between loyalty to her brothers and her own ambitions.
The vote proceeds amidst heated arguments and personal attacks. The siblings’ deep-seated resentments and power struggles come to the forefront as the fate of the company hangs in the balance.
Ultimately, Shiv votes against Kendall, shattering his dreams and fundamentally altering the course of Waystar RoyCo’s future.
The boardroom battle is a masterclass in character-driven drama, highlighting the Roy family’s toxic dynamics and their inability to overcome their individual desires for the greater good.
Kendall’s Downfall: The Loss of a Dream
Kendall’s arc in “With Open Eyes” is particularly tragic. His lifelong pursuit of the CEO role culminates in a devastating defeat, leaving him stripped of his purpose and identity.
The Weight of Expectations
Kendall’s entire life has been shaped by his father’s expectations and his own ambition to succeed him. This pressure ultimately leads to his downfall, as he becomes consumed by the need to prove himself.
Throughout the finale, Kendall clings to the belief that he is the rightful heir. However, his desperation and lack of self-awareness blind him to the reality of his situation.
The final scene with Kendall staring out at the water is a poignant reminder of his isolation and the irreversible damage caused by his family’s toxic dynamics.
Kendall’s downfall is a cautionary tale of ambition, legacy, and the destructive power of unchecked privilege. His story serves as a central theme of the entire series.
Shiv’s Power Play: A Complex Choice
Shiv’s decision to vote against Kendall is one of the most debated aspects of the finale. Her motivations are complex, driven by a mix of ambition, resentment, and a desire for control.
Ambition vs. Loyalty
Shiv’s complex relationship with her brothers and her own political aspirations drive her actions. Despite her loyalty to her brothers, she ultimately prioritizes her own long-term strategy.
Shiv recognizes Kendall’s destructive tendencies and his inability to lead the company effectively. She believes that his ego and lack of self-awareness would ultimately doom Waystar RoyCo.
Her betrayal of Kendall is a strategic calculation designed to position herself for future power, even if it means sacrificing her family relationships.
Shiv’s decision is a testament to the show’s exploration of the ruthlessness required to survive in the world of corporate power. Her choice has consequences that will resonate far beyond the boardroom.
The Fate of Waystar RoyCo: A New Era Begins
With the GoJo deal approved, Waystar RoyCo enters a new era under the leadership of Lukas Matsson. The Roy family’s influence diminishes, signaling a significant shift in the media landscape.
Goodbye Roy’s, Hello New Governance
The sale of Waystar RoyCo marks the end of an era for the Roy family and their control over the company. The consequences of the sale impact everyone associated with the company, including Gerri, Frank, and Karl.
The dynamics between the Roy children shift as the reality of their diminished power sets in. The siblings are forced to confront the consequences of their actions and the irreversible changes in their relationships.
The finale leaves viewers with a sense of uncertainty about the future of Waystar RoyCo and the individuals who once wielded immense power within its walls. The empire built by Logan Roy now has new leadership.
The change in company leadership demonstrates the transient nature of power and the cyclical rise and fall of dynasties.
Roman’s Retreat: Escaping the Family Curse
In the wake of the Waystar RoyCo deal, Roman chooses to disconnect from his family and the high-stakes world of corporate power. His journey in “With Open Eyes” reveals a deeper understanding of himself and his limitations.
A Life Apart
Roman decides that he can no longer function at the level of his siblings and takes a step back to separate himself from the family curse. By the end, he seems content.
- Roman’s is one of the few characters who seems accepting of the new circumstances.
- He’s the only one who seems to be in a relatively good place.
Roman’s choices highlight the emotional toll of the Roy family’s dynamics and the potential for personal growth outside of the corporate arena. He is not the winner, but perhaps survives the experience better than his siblings.
| Key Point | Brief Description |
|---|---|
| 💔 Shiv’s Betrayal | Shiv votes against Kendall, blocking his CEO bid. |
| 💼 GoJo Deal | The sale of Waystar to GoJo is finalized. |
| 📉 Kendall’s Loss | Kendall is left without purpose after losing the company. |
| 🚶 Roman’s Exit | Roman opts out of the family business, seeking a more peaceful life. |
FAQ
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Shiv betrayed Kendall due to a mix of personal ambition and skepticism of his leadership abilities. She didn’t feel he was fit to run the company.
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Waystar RoyCo is sold to GoJo and is now led by Lukas Matsson. The Roy family’s direct control over the company ends.
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Kendall’s final scene captures his isolation and loss of purpose after failing to secure Waystar. All he dreamed about didn’t materialise.
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Roman steps away to escape the toxic family dynamics and pursue a life less driven by corporate ambitions. Family trauma was intense for him.
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The main themes include ambition, betrayal, legacy, and the destructive nature of power within families. Wealth and mental health also play a big role.
Conclusion
The finale of Succession‘s fourth season delivers a complex and heartbreaking conclusion to the Roy family saga. “With Open Eyes” exposes the depths of their toxic dynamics, the consequences of unchecked ambition, and the enduring power of family relationships. The episode leaves viewers contemplating the true meaning of success and the legacy we leave behind.
