‘Succession‘ Season 4 Episode 4, ’The Aftermath,’ Delivers a Starkly Funny portrait of grief and Power Plays
The Roy siblings navigated the immediate fallout of Logan‘s sudden death in Sunday’s episode of “Succession,” revealing a fragile alliance threatened by ambition and a chillingly pragmatic approach to business as usual. The episode, titled ”the Aftermath,” eschewed prolonged mourning for a darkly humorous exploration of how the family intends to proceed with the sale of Waystar RoyCo to GoJo, even as they grapple with their complicated feelings toward their late father.
The episode marks a pivotal shift from grief to action, demonstrating the Roy children’s capacity to compartmentalize emotion in pursuit of control. While ostensibly united in honoring Logan’s wishes, cracks quickly appear in their facade of cooperation, particularly as Shiv finds herself sidelined in a plan to temporarily fill the CEO position to facilitate the GoJo deal. The episode underscores the series’ central theme: that trust is a rare commodity within the Roy family, and even the slightest perceived slight can unravel carefully constructed agreements.
The siblings initially attempt a unified front, coordinating a public statement and navigating the logistical challenges of Logan’s estate. However, the underlying tensions soon surface. Shiv’s frustration with being excluded from the immediate CEO succession plan is palpable, leading her to express a desire to “wet my beak,” a statement that highlights her brothers’ willingness to exploit her vulnerability.
The episode also subtly acknowledges the potential for damaging revelations about Logan’s character, referencing “bad dad” PR leaks. Kendall’s dismissive response – “what he would do” - suggests a cynical acceptance of his father’s flaws and a willingness to leverage them for strategic advantage.
Ultimately, “The Aftermath” successfully transitions the narrative from mourning to the next phase of the power struggle, setting the stage for further conflict and uncertainty as the Roy siblings attempt to secure their individual futures in a post-Logan world.
