Unveiling Unpredictable Plot Twists: A Jaw-Dropping Recap of Succession Season 4 Episode 9 and the Unexpected Logan Funeral Moments

Summary

Succession season 4, episode 9 sets the stage for the series finale, featuring shocking events at Logan's funeral that change everything.

Kendall's fight for custody exposes his resemblance to Logan, as Roman's emotional collapse hampers his prospects at Waystar Royco. The eulogy speeches showcase the Roy siblings' contempt for their father, with the finale foreshadowing a Kendall and Roman versus Shiv conclusion.

Warning: Contains major spoilers for the ninth episode of season 4 and the finale of Succession!

Serving as the second-to-last installment of the groundbreaking dramedy series, Succession season 4, episode 9 lays the groundwork for the highly anticipated conclusion. Premiering in 2018 on HBO, this show unravels the manipulations and treacheries of the immensely affluent Roy family as they navigate the cutthroat world of high-stakes business. Created by Jesse Armstrong, Succession is infused with sharp satire that exposes the excesses of the ultra-wealthy and offers insightful commentary on the state of corporate power. While the final episode holds much in store, episode 9 of season 4 carries significant weight in the overall narrative.

10 Kendall’s Custody Battle Proves He’s Just Like Logan

HBO has always been known for its exceptional original content, but shows like Succession take it to another level by turning each episode into a must-see event. Season 4 was already a rollercoaster of a ride with significant changes in the GoJo deal and intense conflict between Shiv and Tom. However, the unexpected death of Succession's main antagonist, Logan Roy, completely altered the game. Episode 9 of Succession season 4 continued this gripping storyline, set against the backdrop of Logan's funeral. Given the deep-rooted family conflicts within the Roy family, it was inevitable that the funeral would be far from smooth sailing. Nevertheless, Succession season 4, episode 9 shocked viewers by making the event more astonishing than anyone could have ever anticipated.

Throughout season 4 of the show, Kendall's relationship with his kids and ex-wife Rava has been a minor subplot. However, in episode 9, it becomes a significant aspect of his character. The episode reveals that Kendall is now determined to obtain full custody of his children. He even schedules a meeting with a family lawyer to pursue this course of action. Despite Kendall's professed desire to distance himself from his father, his actions concerning his kids demonstrate that he has ultimately turned into a copy of Logan. Just like Logan, who tore his children away from their mother and then neglected them, Kendall now seems to be following in his father's footsteps.

9 Why Marcia Supports Kerry At Logan's Funeral Despite Kicking Her Out Of His House

Furthermore, Kendall's manner towards his siblings mirrors Logan's attitude towards his children, as he has adopted his father's abusive behavior. However, unlike Logan, Kendall lacks the quick wit to respond to every challenge, as demonstrated in the finale of Succession. This implies that Kendall is not as intelligent as his late father. Kendall sought full custody in an attempt to emulate his merciless father, but he was ill-prepared to take on the corporate world.

In succession season 4, it became apparent that Kerry had been involved in a romantic relationship with Logan prior to his death. This revelation led to tension between Kerry and Marcia, resulting in Marcia angrily evicting Kerry from Logan's house. However, their paths unexpectedly intersected again at Logan Roy's funeral, which marked a significant shift in Marcia's attitude. Now, Marcia shows support for Kerry, as both women have come to the realization that they were merely pawns in Logan's manipulative games. As Shiv points out, Logan Roy's mistreatment of women is evident by the presence of his former wives and lovers gathered together in a single pew at the funeral. Over time, Marcia and Kerry put their differences aside and form a united front.

8 Roman's Speech & How It Ruined His Waystar Chances

Roman Roy had been slated to deliver a eulogy at his father's funeral in Season 4, Episode 9 of Succession. However, when he took the stage, Roman immediately broke down, leading his brother to step in. While it is understandable to be emotional at a father's funeral, this vulnerable moment proved detrimental to Roman's prospects at Waystar Royco, given the cutthroat nature of the Succession world. The leaked video of his eulogy caused not only Waystar employees, but also President Mencken, to laugh, deeming Roman weak and damaging his reputation.

This perception was validated in the finale, as Roman's retreat to the villa further exemplified his inability to compete on the level of corporate giants in America. The humiliation suffered at the funeral was exacerbated in the last episode when Kendall's tight embrace caused Roman's stitches to burst, which symbolized his unraveling. Roman, one of the more likable characters in Succession, owes much of his appeal to Culkin's remarkable performance. In recognition of his outstanding talent, Culkin was elevated from a supporting to a lead role in the Emmy's final season, further solidifying his ascent as a brilliant actor.

7 What Ewan Roy's Speech Reveals About Logan

6 What Kendall & Shiv's Funeral Speeches Really Mean

During Logan's funeral, there was an unexpected twist when his brother, Ewan, delivered a poignant eulogy. In his bold and unfiltered speech, Ewan fearlessly exposes the truth about Logan's character. Despite Logan's desire to appear magnanimous, Ewan asserts that his brother's insatiable greed far outweighed his meager philanthropy as Logan Roy's immense wealth remained untouched. However, the most profound revelation from Ewan's eulogy lies in his emphasis on how Logan abandoned any pretense of being a decent human being towards the end of his life, ultimately resulting in immense pain and darkness permeating the world.

Kendall and Shiv both deliver speeches at their father's funeral, providing revealing insights. Despite their deep dislike for Logan, the Roy siblings use this opportunity to prioritize their financial motives rather than expressing their true feelings. Their speeches serve as disingenuous PR tactics, falsely portraying Logan Roy as a heroic and influential figure within Waystar Royco.

5 Connor's Tomb Reveal Makes His Funeral Speech Cut Even Sadder

At Logan's burial, Connor discloses his knowledge of Logan's $5 million tomb, expressing surprise that Logan had not informed the other Roy siblings. Despite his desire to deliver a eulogy, Shiv preempted his speech, exacerbating the sadness of the burial arrangements. This revelation hints at a potentially deeper bond between Logan and Connor, distinct from that of the other Roy siblings.

4 Tom's Breakdown & His Relationship With Shiv

In Succession season 4, episode 9, Tom experienced an emotional breakdown that seemed to signal a potential revival in his relationship with Shiv. Their relationship had been strained throughout the entire fourth season, but this moment of emotional connection briefly repaired their bond, leading Shiv to allow Tom to sleep at the apartment. Nevertheless, in the world of Succession, no act of kindness goes without consequences, and the Roy children were unable to maintain lasting and meaningful connections with others.

Their reconnection made Tom's explosive attack in the previous episode even more shocking. He resorted to sexism in order to oust Shiv and advance his own position. While Tom's vulnerability was evident in the episode before, he cunningly manipulated the situation to highlight Shiv's perceived weaknesses, particularly her pregnancy. It served as a cautionary tale for Shiv, reminding her that letting her guard down for a moment could have disastrous consequences. Similar to Roman's emotional breakdown, Shiv's vulnerability gave Tom the opportunity to strike.

3 Why Mencken Supports Shiv & Matsson's CEO Plan

Instead of blocking GoJo's buyout of Waystar Royco, Kendall and Roman needed Jeryd Mencken to become Succession's president. However, Shiv and GoJo CEO Lukas Matsson come up with a strategy to ensure the deal goes through. They suggest to Mencken that Shiv becomes the CEO of GoJo's American operations, and Mencken appears to support this idea. Mencken's presidential campaign revolves around protecting American businesses and exploiting xenophobic fears of foreign technology. This plan allows Mencken to portray GoJo as a strong contributor to America's economy.

2 How Succession Season 4, Episode 9 Set Up For The Finale

Succession season 4, episode 9 takes place amidst political turmoil following Mencken's election as president, as protesters flood the streets of New York City. In the closing scene, Roman Roy infiltrates the protestors, engaging in verbal and physical abuse towards some of them. This foreshadows the impending chaos, as the Roys' mounting instability and tendency to make reckless decisions indicate that unsettling events will transpire in the Succession finale.

With Logan's death and burial, the penultimate episode lays the groundwork for an explosive finale by establishing the roles of all the key players and positioning them for the ultimate power struggle. Seeds sown throughout the episode come to fruition in the finale, including Roman's emotional breakdown hindering his plan and Shiv's reunion with Tom leading to her downfall. Most significantly, season 4, episode 9 serves as a pivotal moment for each of the Roy siblings, teaching them invaluable lessons and ultimately leading them to betray Kendall in the end.

1 Succession Set Up Its Kendall & Roman Vs Shiv Ending

Finally, in Succession season 4, episode 9, the stage is set for the Kendall and Roman vs. Shiv showdown. Despite their previous opposition to the GoJo deal, Kendall and Roman are now compelled to confront Shiv as she appears to be keeping the deal alive. Taking a stand against her, Kendall and Roman turn to the board for action, leading to a thrilling face-off that ultimately determines the shocking outcome of the Succession series finale.

Naturally, as the penultimate episode, Succession season 4, episode 9 is filled with unexpected plot twists and turns, ensuring that the finale is not devoid of suspense. In the previous episode, Kendall purposely mistreats Roman in an attempt to undermine their alliance, mirroring Logan's behavior towards him. The ultimate humiliation is what pushes Roman to switch sides. Although the siblings briefly form a united front, Kendall is ultimately betrayed by his own actions and becomes a victim of his siblings seeking revenge against their father.