Succession S4 Episode 4: A Fan-Favorite Greg Theory Just Got The Axe
Warning: this article contains spoilers for "Succession" Season 4, Episode 4 — "Honeymoon States."
Greg the Egg had a stumble.
After last week's game-changing death, the characters on "Succession" are in mourning, sort of. Amidst the tears, condolences, and real estate obsessed-wakes, the Waystar Royco board is deciding their next leader. After all, with Logan Roy (Brian Cox) gone, Waystar Royco's throne remains unattended. While several names are thrown out, the title ultimately goes to Kendall (Jeremy Strong) and Roman Roy (Kieran Culkin).
Getting to that conclusion, however, was a rather contentious one.
In a neat little twist, corporate bros Karl (David Rasche) and Frank (Peter Friedman) reveal that Logan intended for Kendall to be his heir. Who else is mentioned on the "list of wishes"? Mr. Greg Hirsch (Nicholas Braun), cousin to the Roys. While it's unclear why exactly Greg is on the mysterious piece of paper, his inclusion leaves him excited. After being told that Kendall might be CEO, Greg immediately assumes that Logan wanted his nephew to be his son's second-in-command. "Nice try, kid," Frank says amidst the laughter.
It's admirable that Greg thinks he can be Kendall's No. 2, but it's a pretty far-fetched idea, which is probably why it was included in the first place. Since the first season of "Succession," fans have theorized that Greg will eventually end up running Waystar Royco. Having the Roys and Waystar Royco execs shoot down Greg's aspirations is an extremely not-so-subtle way to shoot down the theory that fans have held dear for years.
Greg won't be running Waystar Royco and that's OK
Ever since Greg first came on the scene in the pilot, he quickly became everyone's favorite lovable buffoon. Theories quickly began to formulate that the childish Greg was actually cold, conniving, and cruel, faking his way to the top of the food chain. Others suggested that the Machiavellian Greg was slowly stumbling his way to the top. Becoming CEO was always far-fetched, but Greg has displayed clear intentions to move up in the world, and what's a better opportunity than running the company? Greg's greed would push him to the top but that just isn't a viable case anymore.
Unfortunately, the show explicitly called out this theory, poking fun at it in the most "Succession" way possible. The episode, however, gave us the most Greg moment yet, where he simply assumes that he's the winner in this corporate game of thrones. While it sucks that Greg won't be the king of WayStar, the series has presented a clear roadmap of what to expect in the coming weeks. Kendall and Roman are officially leading the company as they sell it off to Gojo. Of course, Kendall is already undermining Roman.
Greg previously was Kendall's second-in-command in a way, joining him during key portions of Seasons 2 and 3, only to betray him. Could Greg, somehow, noodle his way back into Kendall's comfort zone as the season progresses? Only time will tell.