Five years ago, it was easy to dismiss “Industry” as simply a provocative glimpse into the world of London’s high-finance elite. A show fueled by ambition and excess. But something remarkable happened over three seasons. It didn’t just survive; it thrived, evolving into one of the most compelling dramas on television.
The show’s journey wasn’t immediate. Initial viewership was low, a testament to its daring and unconventional approach. Yet, the creators, Konrad Kay and Mickey Down, possessed a rare gift for dialogue and intricate plotting. They simply needed to refine their focus, to hone the power of their storytelling.
Now, at the heart of the latest season are Harper Stern and Yasmin Kara-Hanani, two characters who have transcended the ensemble. Once wide-eyed recruits at the ruthless Pierpoint firm, they now stand on diverging paths, their shared past feeling like a distant memory.
Harper, driven by an insatiable appetite for risk, launches a new fund specializing in “shorts” – betting against failing companies. Yasmin, meanwhile, seemingly finds stability in a marriage to the immensely wealthy Sir Henry Muck, embracing a life of social events and influence.
The challenge for Kay and Down became clear: how to realistically intertwine these increasingly separate lives. Their history is fraught with betrayal and manipulation, making any renewed connection feel precarious. Past wounds, like Harper exploiting Yasmin’s grief for information, or Yasmin’s callous treatment of someone Harper cared for, linger like shadows.
This season introduces a clever complication. Sir Henry, having lost his parliamentary seat, takes a leadership role at Tender, a payment app dealing in questionable transactions. Unbeknownst to Yasmin, Tender is precisely the kind of company Harper intends to dismantle for profit.
In a conventional world, this would be a simple conflict of interest. But “Industry” operates on a different plane. What should be a matter of market value becomes a treacherous game of deceit, blurring the lines between legality and political maneuvering.
The creators drew inspiration from thrillers like “Michael Clayton,” exploring the moral compromises within powerful institutions. They also echo the cynicism of shows like “Billions,” where the elite operate without a moral compass. A scheme begins to unfold, revealing a willingness to exploit any advantage, regardless of the consequences.
Harper, aided by a journalist with potentially hidden motives, actively seeks to bring down Tender. Yasmin and Henry, in turn, leverage political connections to protect their interests, prioritizing power over principle. The app’s questionable nature becomes irrelevant in the face of a larger rivalry.
The show’s cynicism is bracing, but it’s tempered by sharp writing and insightful observations. “Industry” doesn’t simply present shocking plot points; it prompts genuine reflection. Set against the backdrop of a changing political landscape, the series highlights the widening gap between the wealthy and the rest of society.
A biting commentary on contemporary culture permeates the narrative. A throwaway line – “Apparently Vogue have a photographer here. Quick, hide all the rich white women before they do something brave and inclusive” – encapsulates the show’s satirical edge. It’s a joke that lands precisely because it’s rooted in truth.
Beneath the humor lies a deeper analysis: identity politics, the show suggests, is often just another tool for gaining advantage. Allegiances shift, and motivations remain constant. Harper’s earlier refusal to exploit a rival based on a false allegation, recognizing the true motives of his enemies, foreshadows this dynamic.
Now, anti-wokeness itself has become a force to be reckoned with. A superior bluntly tells Harper, “I hired you as a face,” revealing the cynical manipulation at play. These developments resonate because viewers have become invested in the characters and their struggles.
“Industry” demands attention. It’s not background noise; it’s a show to be actively engaged with. It’s a rare example of a melodrama that evolves into something truly complex and rewarding, a testament to the power of thoughtful storytelling.
