New frontrunners have emerged in the game of Succession.
During the fourth episode—titled "Honeymoon States"—of the HBO show's fourth and final season, two characters (temporarily) took over Waystar Royco after the death of CEO Logan Roy (Brian Cox): his sons Kendall (Jeremy Strong) and Roman (Kieran Culkin).
All the power moves went down when Logan's family and some friends gathered at his New York City apartment for his wake. Though the grieving quickly took a backseat once one of Logan's executors Frank (Peter Friedman) discovered a piece of paper in Logan's safe which stated that Kendall should take over as CEO. While everyone involved admitted the document was likely old—and there's a possibility Logan might've underlined or crossed out Kendall's name at some point—the paper presented Kendall as the clear frontrunner.
However, in order to get the approval he needs, Kendall offered to have his younger brother Roman join him as co-CEO. A seemingly heartbroken Siobhan (Sarah Snook)—who viewers found out earlier in the episode is pregnant—reluctantly agreed to let her brothers take the interim position. Although, she noted she wants to be involved every step of the way.
Once the board approved of Kendall and Roman taking over, it was time to make their first decision as co-CEOs: crafting a narrative about their late father.
While both siblings had complicated relationships with their dad, they—initially—shut down the pitch to paint Logan as an ailing CEO who needed Roman and Kendall to help him out in his final years. Though, moments later, Kendall went behind Roman's back and agreed to the idea, explaining to communications exec Hugo (Fisher Stevens) that it's what Logan would've wanted for the company.
As for what Roman will say if and when he finds out about Kendall's move? We'll have to wait and see.
Succession airs Sundays on HBO.