Tom and Shiv in 'Succession' 3x03
Source: HBO

Do Tom and Shiv Stay Together in 'Succession'? Many Hope Tom Turns Against Her

Allison DeGrushe - Author
By

Nov. 8 2021, Published 12:02 p.m. ET

Spoiler alert: This article contains spoilers for those who aren't caught up with Succession.

In HBO's satirical drama Succession, almost all relationships are incredibly toxic. When it comes to dating and marriage, they're more for business propositions and less about "true love." Sure, there's been one couple that's stayed together since the very beginning of the series, but they have never had a solid foundation.

Article continues below advertisement

Tom Wambsgans (Matthew Macfadyen) and Shiv Roy (Sarah Snook) have a very rocky relationship. As the series continues, fans of the show notice their connection lessening by the episode. It seems that their marriage is heading for mass destruction, so do Tom and Shiv stay together? Or, does Tom finally ditch his selfish wife and focus on his own life for once?

Do Tom and Shiv stay together in 'Succession'?
Source: HBO
Article continues below advertisement

Do Tom and Shiv stay together in 'Succession'?

As Season 3 of Succession continues airing new episodes, the likelihood of Tom and Shiv making their marriage last is next to none. Throughout their entire marriage, Tom has been the punching bag for Shiv and her billionaire dynasty. In the past, he would've done anything for her. But now, Tom is becoming a powerful and strategic man who no longer trusts or admires his self-centered spouse.

For the past three seasons, Tom has endured bullying from the entire Roy family, including Shiv. Not only did she tell him about her multiple affairs and wanting an open marriage on their wedding night, but she felt the need to get frustrated with him when he continuously brought up her infidelity. Gaslighting: 101 right there!

Article continues below advertisement
Tom and Shiv in Season 1 of 'Succession'
Source: HBO

Also, in the Season 2 finale, Logan brought up the concept of making a "blood sacrifice," meaning only one person goes down for the cruise scandal and the rest get away scot-free. Unfortunately, many pointed fingers toward Tom and said he was the most logical choice. Does Shiv stand up for her husband? Nope, she stuck with her family and called Tom "like family … but also not."

Article continues below advertisement

Though Tom does treat others below him rather awfully (#JusticeForCousinGreg), he doesn't deserve this treatment. He's done all he can for the business and continues to do so, as seen in Season 3. Early in the season, we see Tom offer to go to prison for Logan. Wait, why the heck would he do that? Well, we know why.

Tom doesn't trust Shiv at all, so he's testing her loyalty to him and their marriage.
Source: HBO
Article continues below advertisement

Tom is testing Shiv's loyalty to him and their marriage.

While many believe Tom is seriously considering going to prison for Logan, that's not the case at all. Tom has no intentions of taking the fall and going to jail for Logan and the Waystar family. In actuality, Tom is testing his marriage with Shiv and seeing how loyal she is to him.

When Tom first brings up going to prison, Shiv is all, "Honey, no, you can't do that, it's too dangerous." However, she soon changes her mind and says, "But it is smart..." and considers the plan "punchy." Rather than looking surprised, Tom is disappointed. Wouldn't you be if the one person that's supposed to have your back betrayed you?

Article continues below advertisement

The Succession subreddit is all for this theory. Many users are chiming in on their thoughts of Tom this season, feeling as if he will turn against Shiv and Logan at some point.

One user wrote, "He was testing the waters both with Shiv and Logan. He expected both of them to say, 'Enough. No one is going to jail — I promise you that!' Except, he got the opposite reaction from both of them: 'Oh, thank you for being willing to go to jail if it comes to that.'"

Article continues below advertisement

Another fan under the subreddit said, "[Tom] should continue to play possum, gather up as much intel as he can and then have his lawyer contact DOJ for a deal. Immunity on the document destruction in exchange for spilling his guts. A membership on team Kendall along with that. In my perfect fantasy, Tom will serve Shiv divorce papers on the same day his DOJ deal goes public."

Tom might turn against Logan Shiv in 'Succession'
Source: HBO

With the rest of Season 3 ahead of us, we'll continue to see how Tom and Shiv's relationship plays out. All we know is that we hope Tom can somehow break free from the Roy family and take Greg along with him. Neither of them yearns to be disposable pieces in their familial mayhem.

New episodes of Succession air Sundays at 9 p.m. EST on HBO and HBO Max.

Advertisement
More from Distractify

Latest Succession News and Updates

    © Copyright 2023 Distractify. Distractify is a registered trademark. All Rights Reserved. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.