Honeymoon States

"**Honeymoon States**" is the fourth episode of the fourth season of *Succession* and thirty-third of the series overall. It premiered on April 16, 2023 on HBO and Max. It was written by Jesse Armstrong and Lucy Prebble, and directed by Lorene Scafaria.

## Premise

As Roman, Kendall, and Shiv navigate a misstep with Matsson, the Waystar team discusses a pivotal recommendation to the board ahead of the GoJo sale. Angling for position, Kendall seeks support from Stewy and Hugo.

## Plot synopsis

The morning after Logan's death, Shiv learns from her doctor that the results from her amniocentesis confirm a healthy pregnancy. Kendall, although sleep-deprived, joins his family and close associates at Logan's apartment for his wake. He's shocked upon seeing Marcia, who has been "shopping in Milan forever," but she insists that she and Logan kept in touch and still cared for one another after their separation. Tom stands by as Frank, Karl, and Gerri discuss who should be named interim CEO later that day. Gerri and Karl debate who of them would be better fit before Tom nominates himself, only to be quickly shut down. He later attempts to ingratiate himself with Kendall and Roman, but is unsuccessful.

Roman, while with Kendall and Shiv, returns a call from Matsson but is only able to speak to his assistant. Oskar tells them that if they wish to negotiate with Matsson directly, they will need to fly overseas the next day and visit him at their company retreat. Meanwhile, after a bit of negotiating, Marcia agrees to sell Logan's apartment to Connor for $63 million. Hugo confides in Kendall that his daughter sold her Waystar shares before the news of Logan's death went public, which could result in some legal trouble for Hugo.

   Frank discovers what is seemingly a drafted will and testament in Logan's safe. The document, although undated, names Kendall as Logan's successor. Frank, along with Karl and Gerri, informs the siblings of the document but insists that it be taken with a grain of salt. Kendall sees that his name has been underlined in pencil, though Shiv suggests that it may have been crossed out instead, as the line is a bit sloppy. Kendall becomes worried and privately confides in Frank that he believes he disappointed his father, but Frank reassures him.

Roman and Shiv, though unconvinced of the document's credibility, feel discouraged by the possibility that their alliance with Kendall is now broken. They agree, however, that they would still rather it be Kendall than any senior executive. Tom then approaches Shiv and attempts to reconcile with her, even recalling when they first met. Shiv, although visibly emotional, rejects Tom's comforts.

Stewy, Sandi, and her father, whose health has become increasingly worse, arrive at the wake. Kerry arrives to pick up some of her things from the apartment, but Marcia stops her. Kerry breaks down into tears and drops her bag, spilling her things onto the floor. Roman helps her regroup, as she discreetly tells him that she and Logan had plans to get married. Marcia then has her escorted through the back. Kendall repeatedly attempts to discuss the situation with his siblings, but they ignore him. He then seeks comfort from Stewy, who hugs him and agrees to back him during the board meeting.

Roman and Shiv finally agree to sit down with Kendall and voice their concerns, to which Kendall listens attentively. Roman mentions that Waystar's draft succession plan states that the role of CEO be passed down to COO, his current position. Kendall and Roman agree to run the company together, insisting against having Shiv as a third CEO. They explain that they must exclude her simply to please the board, given her lack of experience, but promise that she would be involved in all future company operations. Shiv reluctantly agrees, and Gerri calls them in to speak with her and the other senior executives. Stewy joins them as well, per Kendall's request. After a bit of convincing, the board agrees to have both Kendall and Roman step up, and the boys are congratulated by everyone. Shiv, nonetheless feeling dejected, storms off and trips in front of several guests. Tom rushes over to help her, but she rebuffs him.

Hugo and Karolina pull Kendall and Roman aside to discuss how to best announce their takeover. They first propose a peaceful method of compiling photos of the boys with their father, as well as mentioning the document of Kendall's name. Hugo then suggests the release of a more aggressive statement implying that Logan was unfit to run the company in his final years, even citing his abusive behaviors. Roman is disgusted with this idea, so much so that he kicks Karolina and Hugo out. Kendall goes into the bathroom and fixates again on the document, analyzing the line. Kendall then approaches Hugo privately. Using the information he has on Hugo's daughter, Kendall blackmails Hugo into moving forward with the latter strategy, without Roman or Karolina's knowledge. Hugo complies, and Kendall deviously smiles.

### Notes

1. ↑ It's implied that Shiv is between 15 and 20 weeks pregnant, meaning that the baby was likely conceived while the family was in Italy.
2. ↑ Said by Kerry in "The Munsters".
3. ↑ See trivia.

## Cast

* Brian Cox as Logan Roy (credit only)
* Nicholas Braun as Greg Hirsch
* Kieran Culkin as Roman Roy
* Dagmara Domińczyk as Karolina Novotney
* Peter Friedman as Frank Vernon
* Justine Lupe as Willa Ferreyra
* Matthew Macfadyen as Tom Wambsgans
* Arian Moayed as Stewy Hosseini
* David Rasche as Karl
* Alan Ruck as Connor Roy
* J. Smith-Cameron as Gerri Kellman
* Sarah Snook as Shiv Roy
* Jeremy Strong as Kendall Roy
* Fisher Stevens as Hugo Baker
* Jeannie Berlin as Cyd Peach
* Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson (voice) as Oskar Guðjohnsen
* Stephen Root as Ron Petkus
* Zoë Winters as Kerry
* Scott Nicholson as Colin
* Zack Robidas as Mark Ravenhead
* Larry Pine as Sandy Furness
* Patch Darragh as Ray Kennedy
* Cynthia Mace as Sylvia
* Brian Hotaling as Mark Rosenstock

## Trivia

* Several months after the episode aired, Armstrong, being that he wrote in the addendums himself, confirmed that Kendall's name was in fact **underlined**.

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Succession Ep 4: Honeymoon States | Official Website for the HBO Series | HBO.com
2. ↑ Shows A-Z - succession on hbo | TheFutonCritic.com
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 *Succession*: Season 4, Episode 4: "**Honeymoon States**"
4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Succession | Official Website for the HBO Series | HBO.com
5. ↑ Shows A-Z - succession on hbo | TheFutonCritic.com
6. ↑ Wigler, Josh‎ (April 23, 2023). "‘Succession’ Star Reacts to That “Kill List,” Talks Golden Parachutes and Kendall Roy’s Ascension". *Hollywood Reporter*. Retrieved on January 23, 2024.
7. ↑ Zilko, Christopher‎ (September 5, 2023). "Jesse Armstrong Ends ‘Succession’ Underline or Cross Out Debate". *Indie Wire*. Retrieved on January 23, 2024.