And just like that, this past Sunday, an era ended with the finale of SUCCESSION. WITH OPEN EYES was also an impressive send-off, even if it wasn’t the most “succession” episode we’ve seen, and tied up what’s sure to be regarded as one of the best shows of all time.
At almost 90 minutes, WITH OPEN EYES had a lot of work to do and, for the most part, accomplished what it needed. Combined with last week’s penultimate episode, we’ve had a proper farewell, with a sense of finality and final words from almost every major character. But, as it should be, the Roy siblings (even Connor) have their show-defining moment that almost felt out of place in its sincerity.
SUCCESSION faced a problem that HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER or GAME OF THRONES did; although these shows are ultimately focused on their characters, the premise is simple – and baked into the name. We couldn’t not see how Ted met his wife or who ended up on the Iron Throne; we couldn’t not see who ended up holding the reigns to Waystar-Royco when the dust cleared. But unlike those earlier shows, SUCCESSION didn’t disappoint, providing a well-thought-out finale. Maybe it could’ve had more twists and turns, but I think it worked out well. Truly, a show fit for a king.
SUCCESSION is now streaming in its entirety on Max.
