‘Succession’ S4E5 Power Rankings: An Interesting First Round

Matsson dominated Kendall and Roman all episode long, but a couple errors in judgement have left the door open for a someone like Shiv to pounce.

1. Lukas Matsson

Matsson put Kendall and Roman under relentless pressure, and it worked. He succeeded in adding ATN back to the deal, but the terms seem favorable to Waystar. He still won this round decisively, it just wasn’t the blowout win it was shaping up to be for much of the episode. His misconduct towards Ebba is a key bit of information that can be used against him, especially since he revealed it to Shiv. Nonetheless, he holds onto top spot because the deal is still very much under his control.

2. Siobhan Roy

It was going downhill for Shiv at first as she found herself increasingly marginalized. Then, she had a late private meeting with Matsson that probably partially helped get the improved offer in. It probably also helped keep Tom off the kill list, for now. Furthermore, it gave her something on Matsson. She’s a couple reconciliations away from putting herself in a position to pounce on any mistakes by her brothers.

3. Kendall Roy

Kendall drops a spot not because of any material failure, but because of the psychological defeat he and Roman suffered at the hands of Matsson. He actually conducted himself well enough during the negotiations and ultimately got the company a much-improved offer. However, he failed to execute his plan to tank the deal. And in the process, he’s given Matsson grounds to undermine his position. Matsson, of course, happily obliges. What comes next will be critical. We’ve seen how quickly Kendall spirals when he’s not in the right mental state. Could this be the catalyst that pushes him off the edge once again?

4. Roman Roy

Much like Kendall, Roman drops a spot due to the failed execution of their plan to tank the deal. He’s not as volatile as Kendall, but he does have quite a lot to lose. Kendall has a mature corporate understanding and Shiv keeps her options open, but Roman doesn’t quite have what it takes to figure things out on his own. He was also the one to explicitly tell Matsson that they don’t want to sell to him because they don’t like him. That could potentially lead to a lawsuit from the investors which would at least see Roman removed from his position.

5. Marcia Roy

No appearance. Bickered with Connor over Logan’s burial proceedings.

6. Frank Vernon

Matsson reached out to Frank to communicate the improved offer after his fallout with Kendall and Roman. That’s as clear a testament to his position as can be. He is on his way out though, so he likely won’t crack the top five.

7. Gerri Kellman

Gerri moves up a spot simply because she avoided being placed on the kill list.

8. Karl Muller

Karl’s still heavily involved, but like Frank, he’s on his way out.

9. Tom Wamsgans

Tom avoided the kill list and is potentially on the path to reconciliation with Shiv, who had a good episode. He rises up by association.

10. Gregory Hirsch

Kendall came to Greg’s defense and trusted him with a discrete task. Whether to Kendall or Tom, Greg has proven a useful minion. Useful minions are always in demand in these environments.