**Warning, spoilers for Succession season 4 episode 1!**
Although Succession fans celebrated the premiere of the fourth and final season, many were left devastated by the end of episode one, which revealed Shiv Roy and Tom Wambsgans’ divorce.
The new season premiered in the UK on Monday night, and relationships were strained as a result of the epic betrayal at the end of series three, in which Tom (Matthew Macfadyen) revealed to Logan Roy (Brian Cox) that his children were plotting to destabilise his empire.
As the newest episode began, it became evident that the Roy siblings had not talked to their father since the failed coup attempt.
And it quickly became clear that Tom and Shiv’s marriage was also in peril, with the couple taking a break from one other and participating in tense phone conversations.
However, the pair ultimately met at the conclusion of the episode when Shiv (Sarah Snook) returned to their fancy New York apartment to retrieve more items, with Tom asking her if she ‘wanted to chat.’
Instead of discussing ‘all the anguish’ in the marriage,’ a clearly unhappy Shiv offered, ‘I think it might be time for you and I to go on.’
Although not much further was spoken, the pair then crawled into the bed and held each other’s hands in what admirers have named “one of the most beautifully sad break-ups of all time.”
Taking to Twitter as they wiped tears from their eyes, one wrote: ‘So many feelings about that incredible #Succession season premiere but that shot of Shiv and Tom on the bed was so beautifully heartbreaking and perfectly composed.’
Echoing a similar sentiment, another posted: ‘That Shiv and Tom scene is one of the most well written breakup scenes I have ever seen on television. My GOD I will never be over it. Took the damn wind out of me.’
A third said: ‘This scene with Shiv and Tom might be one of the most beautifully sad break-ups of all time. It’s one of those scenes you’ll always remember. That’s art right there.’
Is it truly over for Tom and Shiv? We’re hoping that this isn’t the end.
Succession continues on Monday on and Now.
