Man, what an absolutely depressing episode. Which is ironic as Tom points out at one point, as birthdays should be smiley affairs. Well, not in the Roy's word. I'm sure it's not the first dour birthday between the lot of them, they've all probably seen more than their fair share. But this one, Kendall's 40th, what we witness is unimaginable trauma bubble up to the surface as he does the only thing he knows how to to to stop it: down 40s (nice touch writers).
This has to take it as the most emotionally affecting episode of the season. I was whooping and cheering so loud at parts my neighbors texted asking if I was alright (it's 9PM on a Sunday that means Succession time so you should already know the answer is NO!) to watching the events unfold mouth agape to even still sitting on my couch shell shocked just able to process everything that's happened. I felt Kendall's frustrations more than I ever have as someone totally asympathetic towards him as a character (sue me I'm a Logan guy). I felt Shiv's frustrations too, another surprise since I haven't exactly appreciated her seemingly losing her marbles this season (that is not to say I think the show is wrong to do this, quite the contrary, I love how dynamic characters standings are in the public opinion. Yay Tom now amirite, give Matthew Macfadyen his Supporting Actor Emmy now Television Academy or I'll never forgive you). And Romulus, my sweet Romulus, better take care to check his pockets as a few marbles seem to be slipping out of his possession unbeknownst to him as well.
To say nothing else, this episode was a fantastic gut punch. Plenty of laughs, plenty of business maneuvers, two parts betrayal one serving of melancholy: it's the perfect post Thanksgiving feast! Can't believe the season is wrapping up already, it's been one for the ages.