The finale of Succession, titled “With Open Eyes,” concludes its four-season run with a poignant and emotional scene, showcasing the intricate complexities of the Roy family’s dynamic. Amidst the midst of a corporate power struggle and the death of patriarch Logan Roy, the Roy siblings – Kendall, Roman, and Shiv – are presented with a virtual dinner video, recorded by Connor, their brother. In this footage, Logan Roy, known for his ruthless business tactics, is seen relaxed and jolly, sharing trivial knowledge and enjoying the company of his colleagues and family.
The video depicts an alternate universe where Logan Roy is a warm and hospitable individual, removed from his typical demeanor. The reaction of the Roy siblings, particularly Kendal, Roman, and Shiv, is one of fascination and nostalgia, as they witness their father’s previously unseen side. For the first time, Shiv’s face shines with a sense of wonder, and Kendall and Roman reveal their emotional vulnerability, their eyes welling up with tears. This tender scene is a testament to the bond between the Roy siblings and their complex relationship with their father, who was often cruel and ruthless towards them.
A Still From Succession TV Show (Photo: Succession)
The virtual dinner video serves as a heartwarming moment that highlights the depth of Logan’s human side, contrasting sharply with his often cruel behavior towards his children. However, this moment is also tinged with tragedy, as it becomes clear that Logan was incapable of showing this side of himself to his children. Instead, he treated them as competitors, fostering a toxic environment that has left deep emotional scars.
The absence of the Roy siblings from the virtual dinner, recorded only weeks before Logan’s passing, serves as a poignant reminder of this reality. The siblings’ desperate attempts to earn their father’s approval and affection are all the more poignant in light of this revelation. The Succession series has consistently explored the theme of family legacy, with the Roy siblings being raised to carry their father’s honor and reputation. However, this virtual dinner scene serves as a stark reminder that they have no choice but to perpetuate this toxic legacy, trapped as they are under the looming shadow of Logan Roy.
As the finale unfolds, it becomes clear that the Roy siblings will repeat the same patterns of behavior, causing irreparable harm to their own relationships and cementing their familial dynamic. The virtual dinner scene is a sobering confrontation of the Roy family’s tragic legacy, one that lingers long after the credits roll. It is a painful reminder that the Roy siblings are forced to carry on their father’s toxic legacy, doomed to repeat the same mistakes and continue the cycle of pain and suffering that has been passed down through generations.
