As Industry’s third season nears its end, we see Robert (Harry Lawtey), the show’s most dejected character, making his case to possible backers. “I’m here to present you with a chance,” he says, sporting a rare sincere grin. “Be part of the start of what will be an amazing ride. Trust me.” This scene serves two purposes: it shows Robert’s newfound self-assurance and nods to the devoted viewers who’ve stuck with HBO’s often-overlooked Anglo-American banking drama since it began. Industry has consistently improved each season, but “amazing” truly captures its fast-paced, captivating, and self-confident third run. If the first season showed ambitious youngsters fighting for full-time positions and the second saw them desperately holding onto those jobs, the third finds them established and seeking to make their mark. These new episodes (eight in total, all previewed by critics) prove that the series, often seen as a younger version of shows like Succession, Euphoria, and Skins, has come into its own.
Industry shook things up at the end of Season 2, when the power-hungry Harper (Myha’la) was suddenly fired from Pierpoint & Co. by Eric (Ken Leung), her mentor/rival/father figure. He exposed her fake college degree to punish her for getting too involved with shady hedge fund manager Jesse Bloom (Jay Duplass). “I’m doing this for you,” he claimed just before the axe fell, but Harper’s shocked expression said it all: she saw it as the ultimate betrayal from someone she trusted. One could argue Eric was indeed trying to help her, saving her from potential jail time for her earlier insider trading. As Season 3 begins, both are still dealing with the aftermath of their split.
Harper has landed a new job at a seemingly eco-friendly American investment firm, quickly catching the eye of Petra (Sarah Goldberg), a spot-on new addition to the cast. Eric, now a partner but struggling after his marriage breakdown, tries to fill the Harper-shaped hole by forcing connections with the privileged and troubled Yasmin (Marisa Abela) and Robert. Industry knows its strength lies in relationships, especially the electric chemistry between Myha’la and Leung. While keeping Eric and Harper apart for most of the season is its biggest flaw, their rare encounters ramp up the tension, revealing a fascinating shift in their dynamic. As Harper’s motives grow darker than ever, we see how much she’s absorbed from Eric in her demeanor and how effortlessly she uses his own lessons against him. This season effectively shows that everything these two do is shaped by their separation from the trading floor.
Industry has a knack for improving with each season, and “spectacular” aptly describes its thrilling, captivating, and self-assured third run. If Season 1 was about ambitious young people fighting for full-time positions and Season 2 saw them desperately clinging to those jobs, Season 3 finds them established and carving out their own spaces. These new episodes (eight in total, all previewed by critics) prove that the series, often viewed as a younger sibling to shows like Succession, Euphoria, and Skins, has truly come into its own.
The show excels at portraying the high-stakes world of finance, where every decision can make or break careers. Harper’s journey from ambitious newcomer to a force to be reckoned with is particularly compelling. Her relationship with Eric, once her mentor and now her rival, provides some of the season’s most intense moments. Their separation has only intensified their connection, with each move they make influenced by their shared history and current distance.
Industry’s third season also delves deeper into the personal lives of its characters, showing how their professional ambitions impact their relationships and mental health. Yasmin’s struggles with her privileged background and desire for independence, Robert’s newfound confidence, and Eric’s attempts to navigate his personal and professional life all add depth to the narrative.
The addition of new characters like Petra brings fresh dynamics to the show, while the existing cast continues to deliver nuanced performances. The writing remains sharp, with dialogue that crackles with tension and wit. The series doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of the finance world, exploring themes of power, ambition, and the cost of success.
As the season progresses, the stakes get higher, and the characters’ choices become more consequential. Industry continues to prove itself as a smart, sophisticated drama that offers a compelling look at the world of high finance and the people who inhabit it. With its third season, the show has firmly established itself as must-watch television, no longer living in the shadow of its predecessors but standing tall on its own merits.
The Season 2 finale of Industry ended with a bang as Harper (Myha’la), driven by ambition, was abruptly fired from Pierpoint & Co. Her mentor and rival, Eric (Ken Leung), exposed her fake college degree as punishment for her entanglement with Jesse Bloom (Jay Duplass), a shady hedge fund manager. Eric claimed, “I’m doing this for you,” but Harper’s shocked expression spoke volumes: she felt utterly betrayed by someone she trusted. One could argue that Eric was actually protecting her from potential jail time for her earlier insider trading. As Season 3 begins, both are still grappling with the aftermath of their split.
Harper has cleverly secured a position at a seemingly eco-conscious American investment firm, quickly impressing Petra (Sarah Goldberg), a perfect addition to the cast. Eric, now a partner but struggling after his marriage collapse, attempts to fill the void left by Harper by forcing connections with the privileged and troubled Yasmin (Marisa Abela) and Robert. Industry recognizes that its strength lies in relationships, particularly the electric chemistry between Myha’la and Leung. While keeping Eric and Harper apart for most of the season is its biggest misstep, their rare encounters intensify the tension, revealing a fascinating shift in their dynamic. As Harper’s motives grow darker, we see how much she’s learned from Eric in her behavior and how effortlessly she uses his own teachings against him. This season effectively shows that everything these two do is shaped by their separation from the trading floor.
Industry has a knack for improving with each season, and its third run can be described as nothing short of spectacular – thrilling, captivating, and self-assured. If Season 1 was about ambitious young people fighting for full-time positions and Season 2 saw them desperately clinging to those jobs, Season 3 finds them established and carving out their own spaces. These new episodes (eight in total, all previewed by critics) prove that the series, often viewed as a younger sibling to shows like Succession, Euphoria, and Skins, has truly come into its own.
