Throughout HBO's Succession all eyes were on Logan Roy's children. The central question loomed large: which Roy sibling would inherit the media empire Waystar Royco after Logan's inevitable departure? However Succession pulled off a significant surprise. The final season deviated sharply from expectations. Tom Wambsgans emerged as the CEO . This came after a rival tech group acquired the company. This unexpected twist defined Succession's conclusion . While seemingly out of left field there were subtle signals pointing toward Tom's ascent all along.
Tom Wambsgans consistently held viewer interest. Yet he wasn't considered a frontrunner for the Waystar CEO position by most. For three seasons Tom existed as a figure of both ridicule and assurance for Logan Roy and his offspring. They frequently treated him as an outsider undeserving of his place. The final season revealed Tom had reached his limit. Tom was always positioned to be Succession’s ultimate victor but the Roy siblings were too self-absorbed to perceive it.
Tom Wambsgans: The Puppet CEO Lukas Matsson Strategically Needed
From a Narrative Standpoint Tom's CEO Role Was a Calculated Move
Narratively Tom Wambsgans' selection as Waystar Royco's CEO is attributed to Lukas Matsson 's strategic necessity. Matsson required an American CEO to satisfy the existing board post-acquisition. He viewed Tom as a controllable figurehead. Throughout Succession's season 4 Shiv secretly collaborated with Matsson. Her aim was to finalize the GoJo deal hoping for the American CEO role. Again Shiv's ambition clouded her judgment.
Ironically Shiv herself inadvertently suggested Tom to Matsson as CEO material. She consistently portrayed her husband as weak and easily manipulated. She claimed he posed no genuine threat to their plans. This image of Tom was precisely what Matsson sought. He felt threatened by Shiv’s ambition. He favored someone easily managed. Tom fit this profile perfectly. This miscalculation by Shiv became another blow to her already fragile relationship with Tom. Their bond had been eroding over the seasons.
Kendall's Failed Vote: The Decisive Moment for GoJo's Waystar Takeover
One Last Chance for the Roys: A United Front That Crumbled
The Succession finale presented the Roy siblings with a final opportunity. They could prevent Tom's CEO appointment. If Kendall Shiv and Roman united against the GoJo deal they could install Kendall as CEO . This strategy arose during their mother’s Barbados gathering. Briefly it seemed sibling discord might resolve into cooperation.
However back at Waystar HQ Shiv's resolve faltered. She realized Kendall as CEO was unacceptable. He was mirroring Logan's behavior becoming authoritarian and demeaning. She couldn't allow this outcome. Ultimately Shiv voted for the GoJo deal. She chose this path because the prospect of Kendall in their father's position was unbearable to her.
Interestingly Shiv recognized that Tom as CEO still offered her relevance. She would remain connected through their marriage. Blocking the GoJo deal was too uncertain. Her brothers had repeatedly shown untrustworthiness. Their brief period as "CEO Bros" excluded and sidelined her. Faced with the vote she opted for a predictably unsatisfying life as CEO's wife over a potentially devastating life as CEO's sister.
The Roy Children's Inevitable Failure To Secure The Top Position
"Not Serious People": Logan Roy's Harsh Assessment Proved True
Looking back the Roy siblings' failure to attain CEO should have been predictable. Succession consistently depicted them as self-serving incompetent and ruthless. They hardly seemed deserving of power. Yet audiences still anticipated one of them inheriting the company. Logan Roy's pre-death assessment "not serious people" resonated deeply.
By series end sibling distrust was insurmountable. Unity was unattainable. Shiv felt betrayed repeatedly by her brothers. Kendall's public image was tarnished. Roman was emotionally adrift grieving his father. None were fit for CEO. Shiv was uniquely perceptive in recognizing this.
Tom's Ascent Deciphered: Why He Truly Became CEO In Succession's Climax
Beyond Expectations Tom's Seriousness and Adaptability Sealed His Fate
Tom in stark contrast embodies seriousness. He grasps the business dynamics. He understands the expected conduct for advancement. He consistently demonstrated a willingness to sacrifice personal comfort and principles to please superiors. His offer to take prison time for Logan exemplifies this. This adaptability is what Matsson sought in a CEO. Tom's betrayal of Shiv at the close of season 3 initially indicated a lack of integrity. However it also showcased his capacity for strategic opportunism. He is willing to set aside personal values for professional gain.
Brian Cox received acclaim for Logan Roy in Succession . This role humorously contrasts with his recent Netflix holiday movie part.
Ultimately Tom embodies a character archetype Succession frequently examines. He is reserved and operates discreetly. He subordinates personal beliefs for financial rewards. Succession's writers demonstrate interest in this personality. Tom's character is often compared to real-world figures whose business conduct mirrors his. Episodes like "America Decides" underscore this. They allow the show to critique the perilous political dominance of news corporations like ATN in contemporary society.