After his betrayal, Shiv and Tom decide whether or not to get married in “Succession.”
After his betrayal, Shiv and Tom decide whether or not to get married in “Succession.”
The consequences of Tom forsaking Shiv, Roman, and Kendall in favor of their father were revealed in the “Succession” season 4 opener.
Shiv and Tom’s marriage has always been precariously balanced, but after Tom (Matthew Macfadyen) turned on Shiv (Sarah Snook) and sided with Logan (Brian Cox) in the Succession season 3 finale, things got even worse. In the aftermath of the confrontation in Italy, Shiv and Tom are hardly on speaking terms in the season 4 opener.
Shiv returns to their house to get some of her belongings, forcing them to confront one another. She confronts Tom about his antics with Greg and his purported relationships with models. Tom brings up the fact that they had decided to “test the waters” while apart.
Tom had hoped that one day they would be able to talk openly about what had happened and where they were going. Shiv informs Tom that she doesn’t want to “bring up a lot of bullsh*t for no profit,” evidently upset.
Tom tries to talk to Shiv again, but she won’t listen. “I don’t think hearing all that is beneficial for me. Shiv hints that she wants a divorce and says, “I think it might be time for you and I to move on. Because it won’t change anything, she doesn’t want to get into the specifics of all the issues in their marriage.
Shiv is hindered in this area, whereas Tom is more than eager to face his emotions and the complexity of their dilemma. “Go away with our heads held high and say good luck,” she believes the time has come. Her eyes, though, are lying to her. She is crying, but she doesn’t want Tom to see it. She has never felt at ease expressing her feelings to Tom or anybody else.
Tom offers Shiv the opportunity to make out with her, but she declines the offer. If he’s staying or leaving, she inquires. Tom is waiting for her reply. Shiv informs Tom he is welcome to remain with her since she is weary and will stay the night.
This is it then, huh? Said Tom. Tom feels heartbroken that this appears to be the end despite all the problems in his marriage. Together, they lie on the bed, but at opposite angles so they can’t see the emotion that is plainly visible on their faces: grief.
Shiv says, fighting back tears, “We tried it.” Her hand is taken by Tom. Yes, he responds, “We tried it.” Shiv can’t get over Tom telling Logan about her plan with Kendall and Roman to prevent their father from establishing a supermajority and carrying out the GoJo deal, even though she’s never taken Tom’s feelings seriously and has frequently taken him for granted.
Should Shiv and Tom divorce, the effects will be long-lasting. Shiv quickly informed Nan Pierce that she was divorcing Tom earlier in the episode when Nan expressed worry about Tom currently being one of Logan’s closest supporters.
Tom will undoubtedly worry about the impact of his divorce on his relationship with Logan. At his birthday party, Tom tried to bring up the matter with Logan, but Logan never really responded. In the end, Shiv will always be Logan’s child. Tom might find Logan to no longer need him and be cast aside. Tom would effectively have nothing as a result. Greg obviously is an exception.