The Mind-Blowing Twist They Didn't Show in the Succession Series Finale

Summary

The Succession series finale cut a small but pivotal scene showing Shiv voting against Kendall, which would have been illuminating.

According to actor Sarah Snook, Shiv found it distressingly simple to vote against Kendall and felt certain about her decision. Kendall's actions, such as sidelining Shiv and displaying bias, played a part in her choice.

According to actor Sarah Snook, who plays Shiv Roy in Succession, the series finale of the show removed a brief yet significant scene. After four seasons, the final episode of the show determined the fate of the Waystar Royco empire. The board members, including Shiv and her siblings Kendall and Roman, gathered to cast their final vote on the Gojo deal. Despite the growth and reconciliation among the Roy siblings, the ending took an unexpected turn when Shiv changed her vote, ultimately leading to Gojo acquiring the company and sabotaging Kendall's chances of becoming CEO.

In an interview with Variety conducted prior to the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike, Snook discloses that the Succession series finale omitted a moment where Shiv voted against Kendall. Snook describes the scene as short but enlightening. She also provides insight into the process of filming these crucial scenes. Read her comments below.

We did that twice. Mark Mylod, the way he directs the scenes, allows them to unfold naturally. When the boys were fighting in the aquarium, I took the opportunity to casually stroll over to the boardroom, poke my head in, and deliver a simple "No" before leaving. It wasn't a dramatic moment or anything.

At that particular moment, it was surprisingly easy for Shiv to confidently reject the situation without any doubt. But then came the aftermath, realizing that Tom was now the CEO and questioning my own position. I suppose the processing of these thoughts occurred during the boardroom scene with Matsson and in the car.

Why Did Shiv Vote Against Kendall?

Based on the events of the Succession finale, it can be argued that Kendall's actions lead to his downfall. Shiv exits the voting room feeling uncertain and expresses the need to gather her thoughts before making a decision regarding the company and her family. However, Kendall and Roman do not respect her need for personal space and immediately follow and pressure her. If they had given her enough time to reflect, the outcome may have been different, possibly even in Kendall's favor, and preserved their sibling relationship.

Shiv also appears frustrated by Kendall's behavior, as he already isolates her, shows favoritism towards Stewy, and assumes the role of CEO before the vote even takes place. Kendall's behavior worsens his case, as he openly panics and acts entitled at the mere possibility of losing his vote. Consequently, he validates his sister's suspicions about him.

According to Snook in the interview, Shiv's actions in the final episode of the Succession series were driven by instinct rather than a deliberate decision to side with her estranged husband, Tom. Snook also highlights Kendall's casual behavior, such as putting his feet on their deceased father's desk, as a red flag that influenced Shiv's change of heart. Although the finale doesn't explicitly depict the moment she declines, the unknown added to the scene's impact.