Kendall is a PROTAGONIST, not a HERO.

Out of all the siblings, Kendall is always the one I find myself rooting for and feeling empathy towards because the show does such a good job at showing us his vulnerable side as well as his caring nature when it comes to the people he loves (him standing up to Logan for his son/ Roman, telling Tom to watch it, being Roman’s emotional support in the last episode etc, etc) but the sad part is that even though some part of Kendall is good, it’s not enough. He will never be emotionally mature and altruistic enough to actually care about other people instead of his own desires and wants. It’s funny because you often hear Kendall talking about therapy and mental health and how he wants to do the “right thing” but it’s all just a false reality that he’s creating to delude himself into thinking that he’s not a bad person. That he’s not his father that he’s better when in reality he’s really not. He’s so much easier to root for than Roman because Roman is self aware. Roman knows he’s a shitty person and doesn’t care because he’s open about putting himself and his interests first

Tom running around ATN doing coke and freaking the fuck out over touchscreens is honestly a mood

Shiv trying to punk Greg is probably a testament to why she'll never win the game. Back in Season 3, there's a scene where Logan is trying to persuade Greg to sign an NDA so he can weaken Kendall's case against him. He initially starts trying to be extra nice to Greg. Once he realizes Greg wants to be given something but doesn't really know how to negotiate, Logan drops the act, admits that Greg has some leverage, and tells him to get back to him and tell him what he wants and ends the meeting. Logan understands that in business you have to appeal to people's self interest as a form of persuasion. This is slightly different in politics where you appeal to people's ideals as a form of persuasion. Shiv is actually good at this: when she helps to persuade that girl who is going to speak at the hearing about the cruises scandal, she does an amazing job appealing to her political ideals to win her over. However, when it comes to Greg, and Tom by extension, she always comes off trying to get her way through brute force, fear/manipulation and disrespect, which works until it doesn't.

This may have been Kendall’s final battle within himself. The killer Logan wanted won, the kendall that didn’t want to become his father lost and it took another betrayal from a sibling to do it. I think Ken is done with them and yes kendall was also planning on betraying shiv and Rome but kendall showed his cards to shiv and was honest about everything. About them still being involved but he’s at the top alone, kendall was honest. Shiv couldn’t be as honest, worst is her deal doesn’t include a place for her brothers.

Logan: "ya gotta be a killer, you're not a killer" Kendall: *kills democracy

I feel like Kendall, if separated from ATN entirely, could be a decent guy, but he’s been forced into sticky situations from birth. This episode in particular shows how he really has nobody to rely on because no matter what he will be someone’s pawn. The only person who’s ever really cared for him in a genuine way is Frank

Shiv could have been honest about Jimenez not willing to compromise himself and tried to convince him on a moral "good guy" basis. But Shiv is terrible at winning people over and doesn't seem to have the patience.

Greg betraying Shiv was also a nice parallel to season 1 when he first capitulates to Shiv and "forgets" the documents in his first loyalty test amongst the Roy siblings.

Watching Shiv threatening Greg was so adorable. Logan never went to Greg without a deal and Greg was scared of him and still asked Logan what he can get. She hasn't learnt that side of the business yet. She did the same to Tom and he betrayed her and now doing to Greg and got burnt. Have a deal!! I hope she learns this fast.

I happen to agree. Kendall likes to think of himself as a “good guy”. That’s as far as he can take it. Also, Kendall will not seek custody. He knows his kids are better off with their mom.

Tom is done with Shiv. Reminded me of Gerri’s reaction to Roman’s apology.

The question is what did Greg get from Kendall to give over the information... By time the conversation behind the glass happened Greg is now fully engaged in Corp politics and understands information can be a commodity. He got something offered, we just don't know what yet.

There are no good guys on this show. Everyone is flawed. Some, much more than others. And that's why I love it. It doesn't pander to the usual sensibilities. All of Logan's children are damaged goods. They're all children. And, oh, god, I loved Conor's crazy speech.

I think if Shiv did call Nate and got a no, Kendall still would have called the election, he just would have needed a little longer to rationalize an argument convince himself he could call it AND be a "good guy" (perhaps thinking "I totally can use ATN to blackmail Menken into being less bad!!!")

Also…y’all remember when Shiv took Greg’s last 20$ in the first two episodes and never gave him his change…

The way you relate the explanations to things the characters have said in previous episodes is fantastically helpful. These sociopaths have selective amnesia and change their narratives to suit their own interests!!

How is Greg better at playing the field than shiv?! 😂😂😂

They burned it all down before Logan was in the ground

This episode was mind blowing! Every one of them is better than the last. Not what the characters do but how the show is written. Next episode the funeral will be cutthroat. Like weddings funerals are where people show up and show out. Who knows who will come out alive! As always. Great rrecap and review 😊

GREAT review. One of the best. 👏 👏 👏

I think Kendall still would have gone with Menkin. He blamed his decision on Jimenez, “some people just can’t make a deal”

In a world this grey, it's never as simple as good or bad... Maybe there aren't any good guys on that level of business.

I wouldn't say Greg built a relationship with Matson, he hung around to be bullied and made fun of and because Matson can't keep his mouth shut, Greg got some good info. That doesn't mean in the sober ( and I do mean sober) light of day Matson has any use for Greg.

I think Tom acted appropriately, Shiv was trying to play both sides the whole time and still kept throwing him under the bus. Plus all 3 siblings were on his ass this entire episode and then in the middle of this very important day she dropped that baby on him(she deserves no sympathy)

Kendall: Saying he did everything to protect his children. SIX CONTINENTS! Also Kendall: Crowning a Nazi into a president just to spite Shiv and Matsson while putting his own children in more danger.

Tom should never have taken that bump 😂

You always point out the small details we forget. :)

I really do feel like this election isn't over yet, and for so many reasons. what do you think about the conversation greg had with jess before confirming Mencken's win, and jess' reactions &action after greg turns his back and walks away? feels like a big Chekov's gun to me

Not looking forward to the recently unhinged Roman saying Logan’s eulogy 💀 feel like we’re in for a train wreck

The very first episode in the very first season introduces us to the principal characters of the Roy family and their business associates. I hated every single one of them. I thought they were out of touch, entitled sociopaths who are absolutely horrible people. Throughout the series, there has been some character development and a glimpse that explains why the Roy children are the way they are. They are the product of two emotionally unavailable, sadistic parents who enjoy pitting the siblings against each other. The siblings are so damaged and at times, one can't help but feel some empathy towards them. Then we see episode 8 of Season 4 and I was reminded of the characters to whom we were introduced in the very first episode of the very first season. They were despicable then and even though we know why they are the people they are, they are still despicable. Roman was the worst. Tom and Greg tied in Second Place and Kendall came in third. I hope Roman and Tom suffer great fallout for cheating the American people out of a free and fair election. The Roys do not deserve to come out on top. I hope the board removes Kendall and Roman as CEOs and that Matsson gets the deal. Anyone who would crawl into bed with fascists deserves to lose and lose majorly

At the 47:30 mark of S4E8, Roman is on fire for a full minute hurling sexist remarks: “he’s not wishy-washy, he’s a guy; the country’s just a bug p waiting to get f; bosom of history; damsels in distress.” What a script they give this guy!

I think most of Toms actions in this episode was less about Shiv and more about a desperate self preservation.

We all know that Darwin will come out on top

I am completely agree. Some people is "defending" somehow Kendal because Shiv o Roman are plotting in political matters only for their own agenda in Waystar while Kendall is having doubts because the election is being manipulated and because Mencken seems "dangerous" for the safety and all that. But that's only the surface, like Shiv saying she is worried about democracy and all these bullshit only to hide her own interest. Kendall doubts roots in 2 things: he is not a good leader after all, when the family comes in starts to lose control over the situation, and 2, and probaby most important, he knows supporting Mencken is maybe not so good for him, because that guy is Roman's wing man, so by doing that, even if that what he needs to break GoJo's agreement, could lead Roman to be "the number one" and that is the Kendall's worst nightmare is that.

Greg continues to inch his way to the top. Royco is a news organization and Greg Roy has the inside scoop. S1E1 foreshadowed all of this. Glad to see my multi-year predictions are coming to pass with each new episode.

I don't know why I keep thinking that Matsson is lying about his numbers and is going to put all the Roys out on their a$$es.

Another strong analysis

My prediction for the end... Kendall slits everyone's throats, takes his children from Rava through bullying and making a deal with her, takes Tom and Greg under his wing and wins everything. And like Michael Corleone, he's won everything at the cost of everyone. He's the King and he's utterly alone. He succeeded Logan and becomes what he hated most, his own father.

Great video as always; but has it always been confirmed that Sophie is adopted?

I agree w your thinking “Kendall taking his kids back point”. Just like Logan did with his kids

I was waiting for your recap all day! So good! Kendall is definitely the anti-hero & I think he’s right about not being a good dad. Not for the Presidential race either. For every other reason through season 1-4. I think Shiv got what was coming to her.

I don’t think Sophia is adopted. The name “Rava” is of Indian origin, and as is the case with all children, there’s a chance for a kid to come out heavily favoring one set of grandparents versus another (ie skip a generation), look at Shibhon.

I think Kendall is a good person who is just very flawed. He’s certainly better than the rest of the family

I think Jeremy Strong is so good at portraying Kendall that I have wanted to root for him, but I know that though he has vulnerability and a desire to be good, he has been raised by such a morally bankrupt parent that he just cannot let go of the desire to win at all costs, no matter who gets hurt. This is the figurative cross Shiv and Roman have to bear also, but somehow Kendall touches my heart more than those two.

Roman is the only one who hasn't sold his soul. He is who he is

There is a possibility that Mencken offering to terminate the Matsson deal in exchange for help was actually Matsson's idea. Matsson probably initiated the chain of events by starting to speak with the scary guy

Kendall’s daughter will say something profound to mencken at the funeral and he will bite back. Or he will see the disdain in her eyes seeing her father speak to him. And Kendall will blow it all up for his children. Reversing the cycle

I actually interpreted final scene as Kendall realizing that he might have fucked up when he chose Mencken as president. It starts with the zoom in on Kendall’s face when Mencken is talking about “something clean in this polluted land” and “welfare Kings and queens” is kind of a this was the moment he knew he fucked up. That’s why he wanted to go see his children afterwards.

I just don't really believe that Shiv altogether changed Kendall's mind. I think he was probably ALWAYS going to do what he was going to do. All that the reveal of Shiv's betrayal REALLY did for Kendall was to give him the small, quick burst of hurt & anger that he needed to get it over and done. His righteous indignation in that moment gave him the little push he needed, kind of like when you get angry at your partner and go clean up the kitchen alone. (If anyone can relate to that, idk?) ALSO, props to the actors for selling it in that scene. Imho, it was a rare weak spot in the writing: the brothers finding out everything bc Shiv pretended to make a phone call, and Kendall oddly follows it up with HIS OWN call, which doesn't make sense, really. Why would Kendall suddenly believe that he could could do better when he JUST GOT SHIV TO DO IT bc he thought Nate might be more willing to play ball with SHIV? And, it was SO QUICK. We watch through the glass, and don't hear either side of the conversation, (for the best, bc the conversation would need to be longer to naturally reveal Shiv's secrets, &would sound weird &abrupt if Nate had exposed Shiv that quickly. I mean, Nate &Ken JUST SPOKE.

What that moment said to me 3:03 Is that even if shiv gets cut out… tom is down

Kendall's introduction in Season One is him singing the Beastie Boys Letter to New York. "Asian, Middle-Eastern and Latin. Black, White, New York we make it happen." I was gutted that he chose the far right extremist for his own self interest, over and above what is good for his family. Team Gerri all the way. The kids are all narcissistic chips off of the old block - I hope they end up with zero control.

I cannot feel that bad for Kendall. With billions in the bank, he has every means to build a happy life.

if this show is based on reality, none of the ethical or legal concerns you have mentioned will matter at all.

WTF people. Almost 2k views and 98 likes. Show Bridge some love for Honor’s sake.

I know!! Not watched your vid yet, just going on your title - he was totally my emotional centre of the show and now I realise nope...he’s just as broken, empty, cynical, narcissistic, sociopathic & venal as them all! 😮

Shiv was/is unhinged.

It's really hard to see where the show can go with only two episodes left. I can't see who, if anyone will be on top at the end of the day. Maybe they'll learn basic human decency in a trailer park if ATN blows up.

I can't think of one character in this series that's actually a good guy

Can someone help me? With the revelation about Gojo’s Indian numbers at the end of episode 7 I thought the deal was D-E-A-D as Mattson had basically committed fraud on a huge scale? So why is Roman and Kendall so keen for the fascist to win in order to kill the deal?

Shiv is trash aswell let's be honest. But this episode they did something very illegal. They only way there is any backlash is if Menkin didn't actually end up winning. If Menkin lost I think they whole company will get fucked. Will no longer be credible

Kendall and Shiv should run things together and Roman should just go to sleep and never wake up.

Shiv should have just called Nate and told him to tell Kendall they’d tank the deal. I doubt she’d be so dumb as to just fake that phone call.

If Mencken is smart he'll have a deal on the cards with Mattson. We know that Mencken is hot shit compared to Waystar, “6G vs Betamax” as Roman said. If we weigh up who has the better nouse for the future/tech it's probably Mattson; even if he’s not a coder himself, he's wise and sane enough not to fire his general counsel in the middle of a buyout. If Mencken could make the India problem go away, could he have the whole of GoJo and ATN onside? P.S. I really hope next week's “inopportune news” is a DOJ investigation into ATN. Roman fucking deserves it

when did they say that kendalls daughter is adopted?

tom was extra dark n unhinged bc he was on drugs

Kendall's eyes are becoming lifeless.

greg is gonna win the biggest in the finale.

Wait is everyone so dumb…. Jess went down on Kendall’s orders to Greg to get him to morally block it…. Greg decided not to… did we all miss that?????

I'm probably in the minority but I say it's all Shiv's fault. If Shiv wasn't working so hard on her own angle and actually tried to get Jimenez to kill the deal so the family can try running Waystar & PGN, Jimenez would be president

Wait am I the only smart person…….. bruh…. Kendall sided with Rom and blocked Shiv cause duh, then he sent down Jess to try and get Greg to wait “just two minutes” to call it…. Yes Kendal “fucked over shiv” but he also wanted to stop Makin

Roman is unhinged Kendall is emotional Shiv is useless Greg is just Greg Tom is primed for CEO of Waystar

Could be

Tom should-ah laid off the bl0w... It didn't do him any favors in an already stressful situation.

Most people think Tom not believing shiv about her pregnancy is understood why. And what was shivs agenda by telling him then. Anyway. Not my fav recap-per bye

B...

Nobody in this show is a good person that is what is so interesting about it, there are levels of bad, all of the characters are evil, selfish and self centered

Why is this guy on team shiv. Good to see Tom standing up for himself

Name one good guy in that show ... The show is about how bad one can be to get to the top ... So don't blame Kendall while literally everyone's scheming

And??

I guess Kendall has never seen Breaking Bad or is a typically hyper oblivious to irony or self awareness, billionaire.

I can t see how people keep wishing for Roman’s demise. Roman just proved these past episodes that even though he may stumble he still gets to where he is going. He s literally the only one that manages to do deals or to execute something. Roman actually went to Menkins hotel to see if the deal is in place if the man can be of use for the Roys. Shiv and Ken did absolutely nothing but empty phone calls and staying out of it while Roman made things happen, went down to the newsroom, went to the hotel, gave orders, secure deals, negotiate with Darwin on the legality of calling Milwaukee. That night there was one man calling all of the shots and it was Roman. He did not trust anyone but himself. Didn’t let Shiv make him doubt himself, stood his ground with Kendall. He learnt from past episodes that having the president in his pocket is what will make all of his past errors go away and secure his future. Something only Logan understood. Roman is the true heir in my opinion. the most competent one at least.

Had to turn this off a couple of minutes in. Youve got a weird way of looking at things, and you make too many assumptions

"Partly her fault" say what?? She deserves to stew.

Are you a good guy? Actually I’m not so sure! Stop judging characters while exposing your true color 🤔💉💉💉

WOMAN BASHING NARRATIVE You haven’t even mentioned, how fucking cold Tom was, somehow that shiv’s fault, and how she tried to Roman to do this, blah blah i’ve never ever in my life heard a mygonist recap on fictional characters and blames the woman character in every scene! Man, U don’t like women. -am I wrong?

Interesting that all the characters came around to SHIV’s narrative? Got a problem with powerful women? I swear to God misogyny all over the place. YIKES! Man, you need help

Great analysis except for the last part, Ken is not torn between doing the right thing. He's just been betrayed by his sister, just discovered she has been actively working against the brothers trying to subvert their plan. So of course Mencken must win, logically to block the deal and to punish Shiv for her actions by choosing someone she ideologically despises.

"Everything I do. I do for my children. ( Except Conner)." ~Logan Roy "Everything I do. I do for my kids. (Except the one with really dark skin.)" ~ Kendal Roy

@3:00 why the fuck would he want her back? I think the confrontation on the balcony was him/them being "done". So, everything you said about Tom and Shiv here reads as cringe simping. I'm not trying to be hateful. Just trying to help you improve your product.