In episode 6 of Succession's fourth season, "Living Plus," we are taken deeper into the post-Logan world, where the Roy siblings continue to grapple with the power vacuum left behind by their father. The central plot revolves around Kendall, who has taken it upon himself to push forward the Waystar Royco project "Living Plus," a kind of luxury real estate venture that promises a high-tech utopia for wealthy retirees. Kendall's enthusiasm for the project is, however, shrouded in ambiguity. It's unclear whether his ambition is driven by a genuine belief in the success of the venture or if it's merely a way to prove his capability as CEO in the wake of his father's death. This duality in Kendall's character - both visionary and self-destructive - is a running theme throughout the series and is magnified here.
Jeremy Strong's performance as Kendall is masterful, as he navigates the delicate balance between confidence and anxiety. The episode culminates in a crucial presentation scene where Kendall pitches "Living Plus" to investors. The tension is palpable, with the entire boardroom waiting to see if Kendall will succeed or falter under the pressure. Strong's portrayal of Kendall's barely contained nerves adds to the tension, as does the erratic pacing of the scene. The editing here, with quick cuts between Kendall's face, the audience's reactions, and the cold, sterile visuals of the "Living Plus" promotional video, heightens the sense of impending disaster. Yet, in true Kendall fashion, he manages to pull off a somewhat successful presentation - though the cracks in his facade are visible.
The episode's direction by Lorene Scafaria skillfully handles the various moving parts, juxtaposing Kendall's public performance with the private machinations of his siblings, particularly Roman, who is becoming increasingly paranoid and frustrated with his brother's rising prominence. Roman's impulsive decision to fire several key executives demonstrates his desperation to assert control, mirroring his late father's ruthless style of leadership. Kieran Culkin's portrayal of Roman's emotional volatility adds depth to his character, as we see him struggling with his own insecurities, compounded by the loss of his father and the growing realization that he might not be able to fill Logan's shoes.
Overall, the episode expertly explores themes of legacy, insecurity, and the dangerous allure of power. The writing remains sharp, with biting dialogue that underscores the tension between the Roy siblings as they continue to vie for dominance. The glossy presentation of "Living Plus" is also a clever commentary on the hollow promises of corporate America, with the episode drawing a parallel between the artificial utopia Kendall is selling and the dysfunctional family dynamic at the heart of Waystar Royco.
