HBO’s ongoing prestige drama, “Industry,” has just concluded its third season, and the complexity of its allure remains difficult to encapsulate. Although frequently likened to HBO’s titans such as “Succession” and “Euphoria,” “Industry” has yet to manifest a definitive overarching theme that its predecessors boasted. However, fans find it much easier to articulate what the show makes them feel. With its pacey, enthralling nature, always teetering on the edge of upheaval, “Industry” has in its third season crafted a unique rhythm, poised to position it as one of 2024’s standout series.
Centered on the frenetic trading floor of the fictitious top-tier London investment bank Pierpoint, “Industry” intricately weaves the professional and personal lives of its young bankers. In its inaugural season, the main figures were fresh graduates, which provided showrunners Mickey Down and Konrad Kay an easy entrée into a world where novices were thrown into the deep end of high finance. With its second season, the series garnered significant critical and popular acclaim, largely due to a more cohesive narrative structure. This latest season continues in this vein, drawing attention for its sharp, dramatic writing that often saturates each episode with high-stakes drama.
Leading the narrative is Myha’la Herrold, reprising her role as Harper Stern, who finds herself in a mundane desk role following her firing in the previous season. Meanwhile, her former mentor Eric Tao, played by Ken Leung, ascends to a higher power at Pierpoint. Marisa Abela expands her portrayal of Yasmin Kara-Hanani, the troubled heiress, besieged by a scandal surrounding her absent father. Concurrently, the perpetually misfortunate Robert Spearing, depicted by Harry Lawtey, grapples with his place in the ruthless industry.
This season’s eight episodes plunge these characters into scenarios where their worst nightmares brush against their most aspirational dreams. The narrative sways like the volatile stock graphs the Pierpoint employees scrutinize daily. For those who find financial jargon intimidating, rest assured; even the actors are often clueless about the trades they vociferously execute, underscoring that the heart of “Industry’s” drama lies not in economic understanding but in immediate emotional conflict.
The brilliance of “Industry” shines in its ability to distill complex financial operations down to their emotional ramifications.
. Whether you grasp the intricate financial strategies or not, the visceral impact of being outmaneuvered by a novice mentee resonates universally. This success can be attributed to the writing prowess and the stellar performances of the ensemble cast, which together homes in on the primal human emotions underlying the high-stakes world of finance.
The dynamic between Myha’la and Ken as Harper and Eric—perpetually caught in a cycle of mutual inspiration and betrayal—extends beyond the confines of Pierpoint. Yasmin and Robert’s arcs similarly seek a professional destiny outside Pierpoint, yet are hampered by their personal demons. Within the ruthless universe of “Industry,” there are no fairy-tale endings, only flawed characters making ethically dubious choices for our engrossing entertainment.
“Industry” eludes clear categorization. It’s not a family drama despite a character ensemble; it can’t be pigeonholed as a “coming-of-age” narrative as friendships are marred by betrayal; neither is it strictly a workplace drama given the intertwining of personal and professional lives. Created by Down and Kay—former investment bankers who quit the very profession they now critique—”Industry” endeavors to dismantle the illusory compatibilities between high finance and fundamental human decency, eschewing moral sermons for unflinching portrayals of moral ambiguity.
What particularly stands out this season is the maturation of both actors and showrunners, who seem to have gleaned wisdom from prior seasons to deliver a finely balanced narrative. By narrowing the focus largely to one trading desk, the show avoids the pitfalls of excessive detail and maintains immersive engagement. The introduction of fresh faces such as Kit Harrington, playing an eccentric old-money CEO, and Sarah Goldberg from “Barry,” who steps in as Petra Koenig to set up a new firm with Harper, injects new dynamism. Emerging talent like Miriam Petche as Gen-Z newcomer Sweetpea underscores the show’s constant evolution.
“Industry” has reached its zenith in viewership and expanded its loyal fan base, evidenced by a finale packed with audacious twists. While generosity is scarce among the characters, it translates to a substantial viewing reward for the audience. With a fourth season already confirmed, “Industry” stands as a worthwhile investment for viewers seeking high returns in the form of compelling television drama.
“Industry” is available for streaming on JioCinema.
Published – September 30, 2024 11:35 am IST
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