Summary
Shiv's choice to withhold her support for Kendall in the Succession finale was not a deliberate strategical maneuver, but instead a spontaneous reaction stemming from the intricate dynamics within her relationship with her siblings.Shiv's decision to partner with Tom as WayStar Royco's new CEO was motivated by self-preservation, even at the cost of her troubled marriage.
By betraying Kendall and Roman, Shiv effectively puts an end to their rivalry. Though each of the three siblings may achieve personal success, the likelihood of repairing their sibling relationships is minimal.
Shiv's decision to withhold her support from Kendall in the finale of Succession is elucidated by Sarah Snook. HBO's acclaimed series concludes after four seasons with a thrilling and unpredictable series finale. After years of internal strife and jockeying for the position of Logan's successor, Succession concludes with Tom assuming the role of CEO at WayStar Royco.
If Shiv had followed through with her initial plan in the finale of Succession, Kendall would have secured the position. In an interview with Variety, Snook delves into her character's sudden change of heart, which ultimately determines the fate of her own brother. Please find her complete statement below.
I've discussed the show with my friends who are fans, and I enjoy analyzing it with them. Some people believe that Shiv is always thinking several steps ahead. They think that if Tom becomes the CEO and she has a child with him, the closest she can be to power is by rejecting it in this moment.
However, I believe it's simply a natural instinct. It's an automatic reaction that stems from deep-seated sibling rivalry. And this particular moment, when she sees Kendall put his feet up on Dad's desk, triggers a strong emotional response in her. It's like a reflex that just comes out, and to be honest, she's thinking, "Fuck!"
The result:
The situation will remain unchanged, as it has always been. I have consistently been excluded. Despite being promised otherwise, it happened last time. I do not believe she has made up her mind at that moment in Dad's office to say no. However, when faced with the actual situation in the room, she simply cannot bring herself to say yes.
I must stay true to my character, but Kendall sabotages himself in the next scene by lying about the incident involving the child and proclaiming, "I'm the eldest son!" From that point onward, Kendall's situation deteriorates.
Was Shiv's Succession Series Finale Decision Correct?
Succession explored the depths of the Roy family over four seasons, centering around the impending death of their patriarch. The complications arose from his status as the owner of one of the world's largest media companies. Despite the clear build-up, Logan's untimely demise in Season 4, Episode 3 took viewers by surprise. This early occurrence allowed the show to delve into the impact of his loss on his children, which was particularly intriguing considering their newfound unity after years of competing for their father's favor.
The relationship between Kendall, Shiv, and Roman, which had always been turbulent, reached periods of evident sibling love. Given this, it was not easy for Shiv to decide not to support Kendall. Snook explained that her character's decision was not driven by altruism, but rather by self-preservation. Ending up with Tom, the new CEO of Waystar Royco, became her means of securing her own future. However, this also meant she would have to maintain her marriage with him, despite the complications that had already occurred between them.
Kendall and Roman's rivalry came to an abrupt end due to Shiv's betrayal in Succession. Roman is expected to recover from the situation, but Kendall is faced with a prolonged and solitary journey ahead. However, if he manages to accept this outcome, it could potentially be the turning point in his life, as it liberates him from his fixation on surpassing Logan. Individually, all three siblings might ultimately find peace, but the likelihood of their sibling bonds surviving Shiv's betrayal seems bleak.