The End of an Era: Logan Roy's Death Shakes Succession to its Core
HBO's Succession delivers a stunning bombshell.
In a breathtaking development during the third episode of its fourth season, the groundbreaking HBO series, Succession, sets a new course with a shocking plot twist. This unforgettable episode, fittingly titled "Connor's Wedding," will forever be remembered as the one that marked the end of Logan Roy.
The enigmatic Logan Roy (Brian Cox), head of the Roy family and the founder and CEO of Waystar Royco, is no more. Logan's passing is a narrative earthquake for Succession, surpassing any boardroom powerplay or backstabbing. His death is akin to removing the king from the chessboard or even tossing the entire board in the air, leaving the remaining pieces to navigate emotional and financial chaos.
The truly captivating aspect of this moment is the audacious way Succession handles Logan's death. The series denies Logan a grand exit, opting instead to distance the audience from his demise, much like his children experience it. Succession artfully demonstrates that the crucial element isn't Logan's passing itself, but the reactions of his heirs.
As Logan's offspring - Kendall (Jeremy Strong), Shiv (Sarah Snook), and Roman (Kieran Culkin) - attend Connor's wedding, they receive the devastating news of their father's collapse from Tom (Matthew Macfadyen), who is on Logan's private jet. Tom relays the tragic update and lets the siblings say their final words to their father over the phone. The series underlines the physical and emotional divide between Logan and his children, amplifying the tension of the unfolding events.
Throughout the episode, Succession employs various methods to heighten the significance of this watershed moment. By contrasting the wedding festivities with Logan's death and minimizing the musical score, the show magnifies the sense of shock and helplessness. The fact that Logan's death takes place in the third episode of the season, earlier than anticipated, and before sealing the deal with Lukas Matsson (Alexander Skarsgård), adds to the element of surprise.
Drawing a parallel to the series' premiere episode, Logan's passing compels the audience to remember his near-fatal stroke during his 80th birthday party. Succession serves as a reminder that, despite his previous resilience, Logan is not impervious to fate. By choosing to omit Logan's death from the screen, the series leaves viewers to ponder their own feelings about this formidable media mogul.
As the series progresses, the focus will shift to the aftermath of Logan Roy's death and the brewing battle for supremacy within the Roy family. The circumstances and timing of Logan's demise become secondary to the emotional and strategic repercussions that will undoubtedly shape the remainder of the season. With this jaw-dropping turn of events, Succession has laid the groundwork for a gripping and unpredictable saga ahead.
