Succession Recap: The Funeral of Logan Roy

In the penultimate episode of Succession, titled “Church and State,” the Roys gather for the funeral of their patriarch, Logan Roy. This episode is about two polar-opposite visions of what it means to live a good life.

Ewan’s Eulogy

Ewan, Logan’s brother, takes the mic and gives an impromptu speech at the funeral. He recounts two anecdotes from Logan’s youth that shed light on his formative experiences. The Roys’ facial expressions reveal that they never knew about these defining moments from their father’s past.

The First Anecdote

The first anecdote Ewan shares is about the family’s voyage across the Atlantic during World War II. The young boys were forced to keep quiet and still for three nights and two days to avoid attracting German U-boats. This experience may have contributed to Logan’s fortress of self-possession and mental toughness.

The Second Anecdote

The second story reveals a more vulnerable Logan. The young Logan became sick and miserable and took it upon himself to leave boarding school and go home “under his own steam.” By then, the boys had a baby sister, and Logan believed that he brought home the polio with him, which took her life. Logan must have spent his life trying to achieve feats that would dwarf (maybe, accidentally) the act of killing his little sister.

Both Sides

Thanks to Ewan’s impromptu speech and an abortive eulogy from Roman, the Roys get to hear both sides of Logan’s legacy. The episode is titled “Church and State,” which refers to the separation of institutions that form the foundation of secular society, the media convention of isolating journalists from business decisions to ensure editorial independence, and the fact that literal matters of the state are being negotiated in the church where the funeral happens.

Logan’s Legacy

As the characters remember Logan, the audience sees their perspectives shift. Throughout four seasons, Logan has been an enigma to viewers as well as his children. If we’re hearing all this about the patriarch’s formative experiences for the first time, it seems likely that his children are too.

The Roy Children’s Reactions

It’s fascinating to watch the Roy kids’ faces as Ewan recounts these defining moments from his brother’s youth. More than angry at their uncle or worried about what he might say next, Kendall, Shiv, and Roman are rapt. Kendall delivers a terrifying but eloquent rebuttal to Ewan’s speech, revealing both Logan’s greatness and his destructiveness.

Conclusion

“Church and State” is an excellent episode that reveals the complexities of the Roy family dynamics. The funeral of Logan Roy serves as a testament to the power struggles within the family, and Ewan’s impromptu speech provides insights into Logan’s character. The episode is a brilliant example of the show’s ability to weave together complex plotlines while maintaining a strong emotional core.

FAQs

1. What is Succession about?

Succession is an HBO drama series that follows the Roy family, a wealthy and powerful American media dynasty. The show explores themes of power, family, and legacy as the Roys contend with each other for control of their family business.

2. Who stars in Succession?

The show stars Brian Cox, Jeremy Strong, Kieran Culkin, Sarah Snook, and Matthew Macfadyen, among others.

3. How many seasons of Succession are there?

As of 2021, there are three seasons of Succession, with a fourth season in the works.

4. Is Succession worth watching?

Yes, Succession is an excellent show that has received critical acclaim and numerous awards. The show’s ensemble cast delivers outstanding performances, and the writing is sharp and incisive.

5. What makes “Church and State” a standout episode?

“Church and State” is a standout episode because it provides fascinating insights into Logan Roy’s character and the Roy family dynamics. Ewan’s impromptu speech is a highlight of the episode and offers an emotional core that grounds the complex plotlines.