I have few observations from Succession's 4.04, Honeymoon states, that I need to get off my chest.
There is zero scenario where Shiv makes sense as interim ceo. Misogyny is absolutely a major reason why she was not at Waystar earlier to gain more business experience but it was frustrating to read takes that even conceded the valid points about Shiv but still insisted Kendall and Roman wronged her.
It may not feel right or fair but Kendall is right that three CEOs looks like special pleading. And, if it's going to be two, Shiv makes the least sense as Domestic President and newest member on the board. Let's not forget that the interim job is to complete the sale of Gojo to Waystar. This requires experience that Shiv does not have and Kendall whether you think he sucks at it or not does. I will add people love lumping Roman and Kendall together for not having experience or questioning their intelligence. Kendall has more experience than Roman and we start the series with Kendall about to be named CEO before Logan decides he's not ready to retire. They are not the same. As for Roman being given the COO role and having minimal experience it's still more than Shiv unfortunately.
Shiv may be right to be on alert as to whether her brothers keep their word and not exclude her but I am just as worried that Shiv could preemptively fuck over Kendall in the name of keeping her options open and looking out for herself like she said in 4.01. Those of us who understand Roman know he was most likely to go back to Logan. Those of us who understand Shiv also know she is most likely to undermine her brothers. Tom is exhibit A when she was propping him up at Waystar to be potential CEO and helping him get promotions as part of “their plan.”
It was not lost on me that Shiv jabbed Kendall by claiming he was jonesing, was the first to raise that it was crossed out, and downplayed letter by calling it moot (fair) and his name a scribble (it was typed).
I hate when the siblings fight each other. When Kendall first tries to talk to Shiv she says yes but walks away. Later when he tries to talk to Shiv and Roman they initially ignore him until he yells at them. I appreciated Kendall insisting they talk it out amongst themselves before they joined the broader group. They are still all acting with mixed motives but I am hoping they’ll do more right than wrong to each other.
Lastly, Kendall is right to burn Logan's legacy regardless of his motivations. Roman would never do it even if it were the right call. The sibs/Waystar are going to need all the help they can get to stabilize the stock prices and their value going into sale. You better believe Matsson is going to try to offer even less money now and keep ATN which Tom had mentioned to Logan in 4.03 since ATN is a profit center.
p.s. if you’re one of those Shiv haters who think she’s evil or whatever nonsense this is not for you.














