Succession Season 4, Episode 9 Recap: Church and State
Succession is an HBO series that has captivated audiences with its gripping plot and exceptional cast performances, and season 4 episode 9 did not disappoint. The episode, titled “Church and State,” was all about legacy and the two polar-opposite visions of what it means to lead a good life. This article will provide a detailed recap of the episode and highlight some of the key plot points.
Logan Roy’s Funeral
The episode opens with the Roy family and dignitaries attending Logan’s funeral. For a show that is known for its satirical commentary on the media and corporate world, the funeral offers a rare opportunity to showcase the Roy family’s emotional side. Ewan, Logan’s estranged brother, surprises everyone by taking the stage and delivering an impassioned eulogy.
Ewan’s Speech
Ewan’s speech is an excoriating remembrance of his brother, as he speaks about the traumatic experiences Logan had as a child. His speech is a stark contrast to Roman’s prepared remarks, which focus on Logan’s greatness. Kendall takes inspiration from Ewan’s speech and delivers an emotional rebuttal to Roman’s tribute.
Kendall’s Emotional Rebuttal
Kendall’s rebuttal is a poignant moment, as he pays tribute to his father’s terrible force and fierce ambition. He acknowledges his father’s brutal nature and the devastating impact it had on himself and his siblings. Kendall also offers insights into America’s colonialist and captain of industry’s mindset, explaining that it was a terrible force that a person of conscience could never duplicate.
The Battle for Succession
The funeral scene offers a rare peek into the Roy family’s emotional world, but it also sets the stage for the battle for succession. Roman’s failure to deliver a coherent eulogy opens the door for Kendall to take control of the company. Meanwhile, Greg, Shiv, and Tom are busy plotting their own paths to power.
Tom and Shiv’s Power Struggle
Tom and Shiv’s relationship has been strained throughout the series, with Tom feeling constantly undermined by Shiv’s family. In this episode, their power struggle comes to a head, as Shiv tries to orchestrate a coup to take over the company. However, Tom’s newfound assertiveness throws a spanner in the works, as he refuses to go along with the plan.
Greg’s Role in the Succession
Greg, meanwhile, is caught between a rock and a hard place. He knows that Tom and Shiv’s plan could lead to a power vacuum, but he also doesn’t want to betray Kendall, who has shown him some kindness in the past. Greg’s internal conflict is one of the key storylines that will likely play out in the season finale.
The Divide between Church and State
The title of the episode is a triple entendre that 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.
The Separation of Institutions
The separation of institutions is a crucial element of modern society, ensuring that power is not concentrated in any one individual or group’s hands. However, the episode demonstrates that this separation is much more complicated in practice. The Roy family’s influence extends into the media and politics, blurring the lines between church and state.
The Consequences of Blurring the Lines
The consequences of blurring the lines between church and state are significant, as evidenced by the chaos that surrounds the Roy family. The family’s power struggles have far-reaching ramifications, with potentially disastrous consequences for the wider community.
Conclusion
‘Church and State’ was a fitting episode to set up the season finale, with the tension between the Roys reaching a boiling point. The episode’s title is a reminder that the divide between church and state is necessary for a functioning society, but the series demonstrates that it is much easier said than done. With the season finale promising to be a dramatic and explosive affair, fans will be left on the edge of their seats waiting for the conclusion of this gripping series.
FAQs
1. When will the season finale of Succession be released?
The season finale of Succession will be released on December 12, 2021.
2. Who is the creator of Succession?
Succession was created by Jesse Armstrong.
3. How many seasons of Succession are there?
As of 2021, there are four seasons of Succession.
4. Who stars in Succession?
Succession stars Brian Cox, Kieran Culkin, Sarah Snook, Jeremy Strong, and Matthew Macfadyen, among others.
5. Has Succession won any awards?
Yes, Succession has won numerous awards, including several Primetime Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series – Drama.
