Industry season 3: A deep dive into the dark side of high finance

A new chapter in the world of high stakes

The first two seasons of HBO’s Industry introduced us to a world where Gen Zers grappled with the ruthless nature of high finance. Season 3, however, takes a darker turn, showcasing characters who have fully embraced their monstrous tendencies. This season is packed with breathtaking betrayals, horrific choices, and new deplorable characters, proving that the central figures are done with child’s play. They’ve sharpened their claws and are ready to go in for the kill.

A stark contrast: From Mallorca to London

Created by Mickey Down and Konrad Kay, Industry Season 3 opens on the sun-drenched coast of Mallorca, Spain. Here, we find Yasmin (Marisa Abela) partying on her father’s yacht, a stark contrast to the claustrophobic banking floor of Pierpoint & Co.’s dreary London office. The scene quickly shifts to Yasmin’s father, Charles Hanani (Arthur Levy), in a compromising position, setting the tone for the season’s intense drama. Six weeks later, Yasmin is back at Pierpoint, sitting at Harper’s (Myha’la) former desk on Eric’s (Ken Leung) sales team. Her naivety and her father’s recent scandal make her both a target of the paparazzi and a liability to the bank.

The rise and fall of characters

Robert: The last shred of humanity

Robert (Harry Lawtey) has advanced to the associate level at Pierpoint and is perhaps the only character still harboring a sliver of humanity. He is tasked with managing the volatile Sir Henry Muck (Kit Harington) after the disastrous IPO of his green energy tech company, Lumi. Robert’s journey this season is a testament to the thin line between maintaining one’s integrity and succumbing to the pressures of high finance.

Harper: A relentless pursuit

Harper, ousted from Pierpoint at the end of Season 2, has found a new role at the ethical hedge fund FutureDawn, run by Anna Gearing (Elena Saurel) and her conniving portfolio manager, Petra Koenig (Sarah Goldberg). Harper’s ambition knows no bounds, and she forms an alliance with Petra, hoping to rejuvenate her career at the expense of her former employer and Yasmin, the one person she seems to have any emotional attachment to.

The absurdity of ethical investing

One of the most distinct aspects of Industry is its timely exploration of “woke investing.” Through Lumi, the series delves into the absurdity of ethical investing, showing how perceived social responsibility often masks a rotten core. Throughout the eight episodes, viewers witness how the notion of ethical investing is often a facade, hiding the true nature of the business.

New faces and deeper stories

Sweetpea Golighlightly: A modern entrepreneur

This season introduces Sweetpea Golighlightly (Miriam Petche), a self-assured new hire with side businesses on TikTok and OnlyFans. Her character adds a fresh dynamic to the series, reflecting the modern entrepreneurial spirit and the blurred lines between personal and professional lives.

Rishi Ramdani: A life unraveling

Episode 4, “White Mischief,” centers on veteran market maker Rishi Ramdani (Sagar Radia) and his rapidly decaying home life. His cocaine habit and other vices push him to the edge, culminating in a powerful scene where his bewildered wife asks, “Do you know what being a man is?”

Yasmin: At the crossroads

Yasmin stands at the center of this season, desperate to escape predatory men like her father while being pursued by the emotionally stilted Sir Henry. Harboring a shocking secret, Yasmin must decide whether to carve out a life of her own or lean into the monetary security and social standing she’s always had.

Eric: The relentless pursuit of power

For Eric, who has finally made partner at Pierpoint, money and power remain his guiding stars. This season reveals an even darker side of the banker, showcasing his willingness to do anything to outlast the volatility of the business and perhaps even this iteration of the towering bank.

The evolution of Industry

While the inner workings of banking may have initially been the selling point for Industry, Season 3 has evolved into a series about the erosion of relationships, the choices people make for self-preservation, and the cycle of cruelty and malice that some thrive under.

Industry Season 3 will premiere on HBO and Max on August 11 at 9 p.m. ET, with remaining episodes airing weekly on Sundays.

For more details and to watch the trailer, visit Industry.

This season promises to be a thrilling ride, delving deeper into the dark side of high finance and the complex characters that navigate this treacherous world. Whether you’re a fan of intense drama or intricate character studies, Industry Season 3 is set to deliver on all fronts.