Succession: Kendall’s Emotional Breakdown in Season 1 Finale Improvised by Jeremy Strong

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HBO’s critically acclaimed show, Succession, features many unforgettable scenes with Jeremy Strong as Kendall Roy, but one from the first season stands out as the most impactful. What makes this scene even more remarkable is that Strong didn’t follow the script exactly – he spontaneously created his character’s intense emotional reaction on the spot.

The season 1 finale of Succession was packed with drama – a busy wedding, several surprising betrayals, a shocking death, and a last-minute twist focusing on the relationship between the father and son at the heart of the show. That final twist was made even more powerful by an amazing, unscripted performance from Jeremy Strong.

Though the first season isn’t necessarily the show’s strongest, its last scene is perhaps the most important moment of the entire series. It clearly shows that Kendall will always be under his father Logan’s control, and reveals Kendall’s deep, almost childish, need for his father’s approval – a weakness Logan readily exploits.

Jeremy Strong Improvised Kendall Crying To Logan In Succession’s Season 1 Finale

It’s understandable why Jeremy Strong, who played Kendall Roy, feels that working on Succession was deeply affecting. He was incredibly dedicated to his role, so much so that his co-star, Brian Cox, worried about the impact on his well-being, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

A perfect example of this dedication is Jeremy Strong’s completely improvised final scene in the first season of Succession. When the season initially aired on HBO, Strong explained his approach to the scene in an interview with IndieWire.

There are certain scenes in a script that immediately feel daunting. This was one of those. I wasn’t sure how to approach it, but I hoped I’d be able to connect with the emotional core of the character and allow that to guide me, even though I didn’t feel fully in control. The scene ended up feeling incredibly powerful and genuine. It felt like everything the character had been holding back all season finally came to the surface. The director, Jesse, had a clever idea to bookend the scene with a bear hug – starting with a letter delivered in one and ending with an actual hug. I thought that framing device was very effective in conveying the emotional weight of the moment.

I specifically asked the director, Mark Mylod, to leave one particular scene untouched – no rehearsals, no discussion. Brian agreed, and whatever happened in that moment was completely spontaneous. I love working this way – allowing things to unfold naturally, without pre-planning. We all come prepared, but then we just trust each other and see what happens when our performances connect.

When he insisted on filming the scene without any practice, the actor unexpectedly burst into tears. Brian Cox then comforted him with a hug. This unplanned moment ended up being one of the most emotionally impactful scenes between Kendall and Logan Roy throughout the entire series of Succession.

Succession’s Script Didn’t Call For Kendall To Cry

At the end of this important scene, the script only told Logan to open his arms. For Kendall, the direction was that he desperately wanted a hug – something he doesn’t often receive. He glanced around the room, and everything seemed incredibly bright and intense.

Jeremy Strong’s intensely emotional performance isn’t dictated by the script, and his choice to have his character apologize to Logan isn’t written in either. However, it’s precisely these unscripted moments that make the scene truly exceptional.

Throughout all four seasons of Succession, Kendall is a deeply sympathetic character. He constantly tries to prove himself to his father and take over the family business, but is repeatedly defeated and embarrassed. The ending of the first season is particularly devastating for him, and he never truly gets over it.

Kendall’s Season 1 Breakdown Is Succession’s Most Moving Father-Son Moment

Even though the season 1 finale of Succession revolves around a terrible blackmail scheme, it features the show’s most touching father-son interaction. It’s so convincing that you almost believe Logan Roy is truly there for his son, finally offering the love and support he desperately needs.

Logan’s death in season four makes this scene even more impactful, as it’s the only time Kendall and Logan truly share a vulnerable and honest connection. Without that moment, it would be much more difficult to feel sympathy for Kendall.

While Succession has many memorable scenes featuring Jeremy Strong and Brian Cox, this one stands out as particularly impactful. Strong’s performance in this moment is a powerful example of his skill as an actor, as he conveyed such important emotions completely spontaneously, without any prior rehearsal or script.

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2025-11-29 18:51