Succession creator, Jesse Armstrong, has finally settled a major debate from the show’s fourth and final season. In the episode titled “Honeymoon States,” the Roys gather to mourn the death of their family patriarch, Logan Roy. During the wake, Frank, the executor of Logan’s estate, discovers a concerning document in a private safe.
The typewritten document appears to name Kendall as Logan’s successor to the media empire, Waystar Royco. However, there is a line that starts underneath Kendall’s name and moves up through it, leaving ambiguity as to whether Logan intended to underline Kendall’s name or cross it out, indicating his disapproval of Kendall taking over.
In a scene where the old guard of the family, Frank, Karl, and Gerri, discuss the document with Roman, Shiv, and Kendall, Roman suggests that the document is old and that Kendall has tried to put Logan in jail multiple times since then, implying that the document may no longer be relevant.
While the show never explicitly answers the question of whether Kendall’s name was crossed out or underlined, creator Jesse Armstrong finally provides an answer. During an event in London, Armstrong expresses his reluctance to answer such a question while the show was still running. However, now that the series has ended, he is willing to reveal the truth.
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Armstrong asks the audience, “If you were gonna cross out, you wouldn’t start underneath, would you?” A member of the crowd then shouts, “Underlined!” This confirms that Logan intended for Kendall to be his successor by underlining his name on the document.
In another part of the conversation, Armstrong reminisces about subtly preparing actor Matthew Macfadyen for the series outcome. Macfadyen plays Tom Wambsgans, who ultimately takes over as CEO after Waystar Royco merges with GoJo.
Armstrong reveals that he occasionally reminded Macfadyen to perform a take where he could envision himself as the successor. This suggestion was meant to remind the actor that his character, Tom, was a suck-up but also had a strong and assertive side that could be activated when needed.
The revelation about Kendall’s name being underlined confirms what some fans had suspected and provides further insight into Logan’s intentions for the future of Waystar Royco. However, the show’s ambiguity and open-endedness remain one of its defining characteristics.
Succession has gained significant acclaim for its complex characters and intricate plotlines, exploring the treacherous dynamics within a wealthy media family. The show has received numerous awards, including an Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series.
As fans reflect on the conclusion of the series, the revelation regarding Kendall’s name adds another layer of understanding to the intricate relationships and power struggles depicted throughout Succession. It highlights the manipulation and tension within the Roy family, as each member vies for control of the empire.
The success of Succession can be attributed to Jesse Armstrong’s brilliant writing and storytelling, as well as the outstanding performances from the cast. The show has captivated audiences with its gripping narrative and compelling characters, leaving viewers eagerly awaiting each new episode.
In conclusion, Succession’s creator, Jesse Armstrong, has finally answered a long-standing question from the show’s fourth season: whether Kendall’s name was crossed out or underlined. Armstrong confirms that Logan intended for Kendall to be his successor by underlining his name. This revelation adds another layer to the complex dynamics within the Roy family and highlights the manipulation and tension present throughout the series. Succession will be remembered as a critically acclaimed show that excelled in its storytelling and character development.
