The Case for Killing Off Tom in 'Succession' Season 4

'Succession’ Season 4 Needs to Kill Off This Character

HBO's critically acclaimed drama series 'Succession' has gained a loyal fan base and numerous awards for its depiction of a dysfunctional and wealthy family struggling for power and control over their media empire. The upcoming fourth season promises to continue the intense and unpredictable narrative, but it also needs to make a bold move to keep the story fresh and engaging: kill off a major character. Specifically, Tom Wamsgans.

Tom, played by Matthew Macfadyen, has been a recurring character since the first season, when he entered the Roy family as a hapless and awkward boyfriend of Shiv Roy. Over time, he has become more involved in the business and politics of Waystar Royco, first as a subordinate to Logan Roy and later as a potential successor to the throne. However, despite his ambitions and occasional moments of cunning, Tom has always been a weak link in the family's chain, both morally and professionally.

In Season 3, Tom's flaws and insecurities were exposed in a humiliating public trial for his involvement in the cruises scandal, which also implicated his mentor and father-in-law, Logan Roy. Tom's desperate attempts to save himself and Shiv from the fallout backfired, as he ended up pleading guilty to lesser charges and becoming a liability for both sides. While Tom managed to survive the season finale, his future is uncertain and his relevance to the main plot questionable.

Therefore, 'Succession' Season 4 should seize the opportunity to eliminate Tom as a major character and shift the focus to other conflicts and dynamics within the Roy family and their rivals. Killing Tom would not only add more stakes and consequences to the story but also provide closure and development for his character arc. Moreover, it could pave the way for new characters and alliances to emerge and challenge the existing power structures.

Of course, killing a character is never an easy decision for writers and fans, especially when it concerns a beloved or complex one like Tom. However, 'Succession' has proven its ability to shock and surprise its audience before, and it should continue to do so in order to maintain its reputation as a daring and relevant drama series. Who knows, maybe Tom's death could even inspire some unexpected twists and turns in the future. In any case, it's time for 'Succession' to take a risk and cut the cord on Tom Wamsgans