A Legacy in Jeopardy: Logan Roy's Death Sparks a Family Battle on HBO's Succession
HBO's Succession drops a bombshell for the ages.
In an astonishing turn of events during the third episode of the fourth season, the groundbreaking HBO series, Succession, alters its trajectory with a staggering plot twist. This unforgettable episode, aptly dubbed "Connor's Wedding," will go down in television history as the one that sealed Logan Roy's fate.
The enigmatic Logan Roy (Brian Cox), the Roy family's patriarch and the founder and CEO of Waystar Royco, has met his untimely end. Logan's departure is a narrative earthquake for Succession, eclipsing any corporate maneuver or act of betrayal. His death is akin to removing the king from a chessboard or even hurling the entire board into disarray, leaving the remaining pieces to navigate emotional and financial turbulence.
The truly fascinating aspect of this moment is the daring way Succession tackles Logan's death. The series eschews a grand farewell for Logan, choosing instead to distance the audience from his final moments, much like his children experience it. Succession skillfully demonstrates that the crux of the matter isn't Logan's demise itself, but the reactions of his heirs.
As Logan's children - Kendall (Jeremy Strong), Shiv (Sarah Snook), and Roman (Kieran Culkin) - attend Connor's wedding, they receive the heartbreaking news of their father's collapse from Tom (Matthew Macfadyen), who is aboard Logan's private jet. Tom communicates the tragic update and allows the siblings to say their last words to their father over the phone. The series highlights the physical and emotional chasm between Logan and his children, amplifying the tension of the unfolding drama.
Throughout the episode, Succession employs various techniques to intensify the impact of this pivotal moment. By contrasting the wedding celebrations with Logan's death and minimizing the musical score, the show amplifies the sense of shock and helplessness. The fact that Logan's death transpires in the third episode of the season, earlier than expected, and before finalizing the deal with Lukas Matsson (Alexander Skarsgård), adds to the element of surprise.
Drawing a parallel to the series' debut episode, Logan's passing forces the audience to recall his near-fatal stroke during his 80th birthday party. Succession serves as a reminder that, despite his previous tenacity, Logan is not immune to destiny. By choosing to exclude Logan's death from the screen, the series leaves viewers to contemplate their own feelings about this formidable media titan.
As the series progresses, the focus will shift to the aftermath of Logan Roy's death and the brewing power struggle within the Roy family. The circumstances and timing of Logan's demise become secondary to the emotional and strategic fallout that will undoubtedly shape the remainder of the season. With this shocking turn of events, Succession has laid the foundation for a gripping and unpredictable narrative ahead.
