Succession Season Finale: Exploring the Potential Death of a Major Character and the Surprising Twist

Ten years ago, the cultural conversation revolved around the fate of Don Draper, the enigmatic protagonist of AMC's Mad Men. Speculation ran rampant about whether he would meet his demise in the show's finale, with fans dissecting every clue, from the falling man in the opening credits to the ad he pitched suggesting a watery demise. However, the finale took a surprising turn as Don ended up at a retreat, dressed in white, and found inspiration for an iconic Coca Cola ad. It was a twist that revealed the emptiness behind his success.

Now, in the finale of Succession, viewers who remember the debate over Don Draper's death may experience a sense of déjà vu. Each season finale of Succession is titled after a poem by John Berryman, specifically "Dream Song 29," a dark and melancholic piece. The references to Berryman's poem, combined with scenes alluding to Kendall as a drowning man, led fans to speculate that Kendall Roy, the show's protagonist, would meet a tragic end.

For most of the episode, it seemed likely that Kendall would face a spiritual death disguised as a professional triumph, becoming the CEO of Waystar Royco but remaining haunted by his father's legacy. However, as the episode progressed, a glimmer of hope emerged for Kendall. Despite his claim that he is a cog built for one machine, viewers know he doesn't truly fit into that mechanism. Even when things seemed to be going smoothly for him, they rarely appeared that way from an outsider's perspective.

In a perverse twist, it is Tom Wambsgans, the slimy and desperate outsider, who succeeds in securing the CEO position by helping push through the Goo deal. The Roy siblings, born into privilege and lacking the experience of clawing their way up from the bottom, cannot match their father's success. Tom's ascent represents a social and professional climber tumbling upwards into a personal hell.

The episode resolves the mystery of Roman's whereabouts, revealing that he is with his mother, Caroline, who has become his closest confidante since Gerri's departure. Kendall and Shiv separately attempt to block the Goo deal at the board vote, each with their own tactics and levels of confidence. When Caroline informs Shiv that Roman has returned, Shiv sees an opportunity to improve the "corporate narrative" and avoid looking like Lady Macbeth part II. However, the confrontation that ensues becomes a fight over Roman's loyalty, highlighting the complex dynamics among the Roy siblings.

Tom finds himself in a delicate position as he navigates a gallery private view with Matson, trying to impress him to secure his own future. Matson expresses reservations about Shiv's suitability for the CEO position and hints at a potential sexual relationship under the right circumstances. Tom, ever the opportunist, doesn't hesitate to betray Shiv and accepts the role as a "sexy new Logan." This