‘Succession’ recap: S3 E9 – “All the Bells Say”

Succession ended its 3rd season with a twist few saw coming in what can be described as nothing short of a stunner. This episode was Kiernan Culkin’s strongest episode of the entire series as well. Let’s go ahead and get into those 5 takeaways from the finale. 

5. Will he

Lukas Mattson (Alexander Skarsgård) meets with Roman (Kiernan Culkin) and Logan (Brian Cox) about whether or not the merger of equals is still on the table. Mattson surprises them by saying that he would be more inclined to do a deal like this if he could fully take over. Roman thinks Logan is ready to tell him to fuck off but is surprised when he hasn’t stormed off. What makes Roman even more concerned is when Logan sends him away so those two can talk. 

4. Reconciliation

It seems that Kendall’s (Jeremy Strong) apparent attempt to drown himself has brought the kids closer together. Roman even manages some compassion. At first, they feel that this is all for show and he’s just being a dick, but when he has an extensive breakdown mentally, it becomes clear that Logan has broken him. He tells Rome and Shiv (Sarah Snook) about the accident at her wedding that killed the waiter. This, of course, left them stunned, but they seemingly push that aside when it’s clear that Dad is up to some tricks. 

3. The best

Seeing Roman realize that the man he idolized for his entire life is awful was heartbreaking. What was remarkable is how Culkin played this moment. We could all see his world shattered when it became clear that he sought to sell Waystar out from his children. What brought it home was the final moments of episode 9 when he offered his father love, and Logan just walked away. 

2. Wow

The scene in the hotel room with Shiv, Kendall, Roman, and Logan was one of the best 10 minutes of television all year. A perfect example of the dichotomy between the children and their father. The siblings have and will always want control of Waystar. All three of them feel that it’s their birthright. Logan feels nothing should be given, and his actions clearly show that. The three of them think they can push him out through a loophole found in their mother’s divorce agreement. However, it seems Logan was tipped off and managed to change that just before they arrived. Who told him they were coming? 

1. You broke my heart

It becomes clear that the only way Logan would have known about their plan is if he was tipped off. The only other person who knew was Tom. This is the same man who has become focused on his place in the company. Did he sell them out in exchange for favors from Logan? Whether he did or not, it appears Shiv believes judging by the look she had during the final moments of this season. 

Photo: Graeme Hunter/HBO

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Dewey Singleton

I'm a member of Critics Choice, Hollywood Critics Association, and The Society of Professional Journalists. I am also on Rotten Tomatoes. My bylines include @awardswatch, @deweysmovies, @awardsradar, @weliveentertainment, @bleedingcool, and @insessionfilm. I am married to @sgitw and have two sons.

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