Succession’ Season 4 Premiere Recap: Many Happy Returns

The long-awaited fourth season of HBO's hit show "Succession" premiered on Sunday, October 17, and it did not disappoint. The episode, titled "Many Happy Returns," picked up where the Season 3 finale left off, with Kendall Roy (Jeremy Strong) publicly turning on his father Logan Roy (Brian Cox) during a press conference.

The episode begins with the Roys scattered across the globe, each dealing with the aftermath of Kendall's bombshell. Shiv (Sarah Snook) is in Italy with her husband Tom (Matthew Macfadyen), who is trying to convince her to stick by Logan's side. Roman (Kieran Culkin) is in New York, where he's struggling to come up with a plan for the family's media empire. And Kendall is in a hotel room in an undisclosed location, dealing with the fallout of his actions.

As the episode progresses, we see each member of the Roy family grappling with the consequences of Kendall's move. Shiv decides to fly back to New York to be with her family, but she's met with a frosty reception from Logan, who is furious with her for not being there to support him during the press conference. Roman, meanwhile, comes up with a risky plan to acquire a digital media company, but he's met with resistance from his father and his siblings.

Throughout the episode, the tension is palpable, as the Roys navigate their way through the fallout of Kendall's betrayal. But there are also moments of humor and levity, particularly in the scenes between Tom and Shiv. Their banter and playful teasing provide a welcome respite from the intense drama that surrounds them.

As always, the performances are top-notch. Brian Cox is particularly impressive as Logan, conveying a wide range of emotions as he struggles to maintain control over his family and his company. Sarah Snook is also excellent as Shiv, capturing both her vulnerability and her steely determination.

But perhaps the most memorable scene of the episode comes towards the end, when Kendall and Logan finally come face-to-face. In a tense exchange, Kendall tells his father that he's "going to destroy" him, to which Logan responds with a chilling threat: "You can try."

Overall, the Season 4 premiere of "Succession" sets the stage for what promises to be an explosive season. With Kendall and Logan at odds, and the other members of the family caught in the middle, it's clear that there are going to be many more twists and turns to come.

One of the things that makes "Succession" such a compelling show is its exploration of power dynamics and family dysfunction. The Roys are a wealthy and powerful family, but they are also deeply flawed and deeply human. The show is not afraid to delve into the darker aspects of their personalities, and it's this willingness to confront uncomfortable truths that makes the show so addictive.

But "Succession" is also a show about ambition and the pursuit of success. Each member of the Roy family is driven by a desire to achieve greatness, and they will stop at nothing to get what they want. This makes for compelling drama, as we watch the characters scheme and plot their way to the top.

Another theme that runs throughout the show is the idea of legacy. The Roys are acutely aware of the importance of their family name and the empire that they have built. But they are also painfully aware of the ways in which their actions and decisions can have lasting consequences for themselves and their children.

Overall, the season four premiere of "Succession" sets the stage for what is sure to be another thrilling season of power struggles, backstabbing, and familial drama. The show's incredible cast, led by Brian Cox as the ruthless Logan Roy, continues to deliver nuanced and compelling performances, and the writing remains top-notch, with sharp dialogue and intricate plot twists.