Episode 6 of Season 4 “Succession” continues the story of a family unraveling.
Last week, Kieran Culkin grabbed the ball and ran with it as Roman, and this week he continues to self-flagellate. The three siblings (no Connor or Willow this week, and still no funeral–maybe it happened off screen?) are now on their own to run Waystar, maybe complete The Deal with Matsson, and try not blow everything up.
The episode focuses on Jeremy Strong’s Kendall., who’s been a lot in abeyance this season. Since Episode 1 Kendall seemed centered and almost happy. He laughed and smiled a lot. He had none of the angst of last season in which he tried like hell to destroy his father.
But now Dad is dead, Kendall is in charge along with Roman — and cajoling Shiv, who’s much more clever than they give her credit for. Waystar is about to have an investor conference in Los Angeles. They all go there for that, and to drop by their movie studio. The Deal is coming to a boil. And so is Kendall. What Strong does in this episode sort of explains all of last season and will leave many knots in your stomach. I had stop the press screener for a two minute breather because of the tension. If only Kendall could do the same.
For at least the second time this season, David Rasche as Karl lands a verbal punch no one will forget. I just looked him up. I can’t believe he’s 78 years old. He looks great. I remember him fondly from “Ryan’s Hope.” Great character actors just go on and on. They’re who the SAG Awards should be celebrating.
Four episodes remain. I don’t know how they’ll wrap this up. Maybe Shiv will call in her dragons.
