Warning: Contains SPOILERS for Succession season 4, episode 9!
Succession season 4, episode 9 is out now, and Roman Roy’s actions in the episode’s final scene have left some viewers scratching their heads. Roman has always been the wildcard of the Roy family, but his choices at the end of Succession‘s penultimate episode are much stranger than anything he has done before. However, Roman Roy’s decision at the end of the episode actually perfectly fits in with his Succession character arc.
Succession is finally coming to a close, with only one episode remaining in HBO’s beloved comedy-drama. Succession season 4 has already been packed, with it featuring all kinds of storylines, twists, and reveals, including the death of Logan Roy. The latter half of season 4 has mostly been focused on Succession‘s tense presidential election, with ATN making the controversial move to call the election for Jeryd Mencken in Succession season 4, episode 8. Now, episode 9 takes place against the backdrop of political unrest, with the Roys gathering for Logan Roy’s funeral.
Roman’s Succession Season 4, Episode 9 Ending Completes His Arc
Succession season 4 has spent a lot of time developing Roman Roy, and the ending of season 4, episode 9 completes his arc. At the end of the episode, Roman storms out of a post-funeral reception and walks alone on the crowded streets of New York City. He jumps over a police barricade and storms into a group of protestors, verbally and physically harassing them. Roman is hit and pushed to the ground, but he doesn’t stop, almost egging it on.
Roman Roy’s actions at the end of Succession season 4, episode 9 show just how much Logan’s abuse has affected Roman. Roman cannot handle genuine affection, with him seeking out conflict and pain from the protestors. It also highlights his increasing political radicalization, which has only been furthered by his support of far-right candidate Jeryd Mencken. Roman Roy is a truly sad and troubled character, and the end of episode 9 shows how damaged he is.
Why Roman’s Final Scene Needed To Be The Opposite Of His Funeral Speech Scene
One interesting part of Succession season 4, episode 9’s ending is that it’s the exact opposite of Roman’s other big scene. While delivering a eulogy at Logan Roy’s funeral, Roman breaks down crying, causing him to have to leave the stage. Roman’s actions at the funeral scene paint him as emotional and timid, which is the exact opposite of how he is portrayed at the end of the episode.
The juxtaposition between Roman’s two episode 9 scenes perfectly highlights Succession‘s complex balancing act, portraying the Roys as characters who can be both sympathetic and monstrous. The difference between the two scenes also shows that Roman is much like his father, with him going through massive mood swings and being able to explode at a moment’s notice. Roman Roy is a complex character, something that Succession season 4, episode 9 beautifully portrays.
New episodes of Succession air Sundays on HBO.
