Succession's Sarah Snook opens up about that polarizing and silent scene between Tom and Shiv in the series finale. As one of the cruel twists of Succession's last episode, Snook's character, Shiv Roy, essentially becomes the deciding vote that elevates her estranged husband, Tom Wambsgans, to the status of Waystar CEO. This is considering they spent most of the final season trading harsh and hurtful barbs. Adding to the complexity, Shiv reluctantly takes Tom's hand in the HBO drama's closing moments.

In an interview with Variety, which was conducted before the current SAG-AFTRA strike, Snook gave her detailed thoughts on what Succession's final Shiv scene actually means. In her detailed response, the Emmy-nominated actor draws on her own experience and strikes a measured tone in terms of discussing the conflicting emotions between Tom and Shiv. Read her quote below:

It’s neither in nor it’s out. It’s sort of succumbing to the power shift. My dad actually used to do that, kind of. When we were driving home from school, he would put his hand out, and then I would put my hand in.

It’s such a wonderful challenge to be able to find a way to hold hands without holding hands at all. I can’t remember exactly what the actual scripted line, in terms of the big print — but enough to say that there’s a reconciliation here, but it’s not enough to be, we’re on the same team. It’s sort of a war of attrition. We reached a point where we’re resolved to our fates, I guess.

And how do I put my hand as delicately in yours without holding it, or being held?

Shiv's Final Scene Proves That Succession Ended At The Right Time

It's been joked that, if Succession season 5 happened, the show would revert to its status quo. Though the first few episodes would be intense, given Shiv's betrayal of Kendall, the Roy siblings would reconcile. By midseason, Shiv would be annoyed by Tom and likely work with Kendall to remove him as CEO. It's the issue with continuing a story like Succession, in which it's necessary to keep the family members interacting and shifting their alliances.

Series creator Jesse Armstrong acknowledged this matter, admitting that there was a version of Succession that could have continued. He implied that the version would be more episodic and laid back. Admirably, despite the desire of HBO executives to keep a hit show going, Armstrong ended the Roy family saga with a final season that was full of excellent episodes and standout moments.

Related: Succession Season 5 - Why It Isn't Happening

It also leaves viewers to debate the big questions, from whether Roman's ending is bleak or optimistic to whether Shiv and Tom can actually make their situation work. With that level of ambiguity, along with the general overall quality, Succession is guaranteed to be among the series that continues to have a legacy long after its conclusion.

Source: Variety