Industry recap: What happened in seasons 1 and 2?

As a former City insider who has seen my fair share of power plays and backstabbing, I must say that the characters in Industry are as captivating as they are troubling. The show masterfully portrays the cutthroat world of finance, where ambition and survival often trump morality.

Industry is back – and this time, the stakes are even higher.

The critically praised HBO/BBC series, which unfolds in the ruthless realm of London’s financial elite, is back for its third installment.

Anticipate increased cutthroat betrayals, substantial high-value rewards, and a murky overlap between private and work life.

Formed by former City traders Mickey Down and Konrad Kay, Industry is often referred to as the “connecting piece between Succession and Euphoria”.

Ahead of its eagerly awaited return, here’s a handy memory-refreshing recap…

What is Industry about?

Industry recap: What happened in seasons 1 and 2?

When it made its appearance in 2020, the Industry presented us with a team of five determined graduates vying for long-term roles at the esteemed investment bank, Pierpoint & Co, situated in the financial hub of London.

In simpler terms, our quintet moved swiftly through life’s challenges. We have Yasmin (Marisa Abela), a refined and affluent individual, Robert (Harry Lawtey), who rose from humble beginnings to enjoy life lavishly, Hari (Nabhaan Rizwan) who worked diligently, and Gus (David Jonsson), an intellect grappling with frustration.

The wild card? Risk-taker Harper (Myha’la Herrold), a highly driven New Yorker who, it turned out, hadn’t graduated from university but forged her credentials.

Let the big money games begin…

Industry recap

What happened in season 1?

Working tirelessly day and night, fueled by energy beverages and stimulating medication, Hari rarely took breaks – until his colleague, Gus, was startled to discover him unconscious due to a heart attack, in the office restroom.

Yasmin finds it challenging to adapt to the workplace environment, especially due to her supervisor Kenny, who exhibits misogynistic behavior. However, she developes a strong friendship with Harper and decide to share a flat. Meanwhile, Gus and Rob make the decision to live together as well.

After Hari’s demise left him disheartened, Gus decides against participating in corporate politics and consequently fails to secure a permanent position following his six-month trial period. On the other hand, Harper develops a challenging yet supportive mentor-protégé bond with her unconventional supervisor Eric (Ken Leung). She manages to stay resolute, helping Eric generate substantial profits for the bank.

For many years, Eric found himself navigating precariously near dangerous waters. He was dismissed from his job after confining a colleague named “Harpsichord” in a meeting room. However, he was reinstated when he decided to prioritize her career over female camaraderie and withdrew her testimony. With this decision, the initial phase of his employment came to an end.

What happened in season 2?

In 2022, the second season unfolded with Pierpoint traders resuming work at their office following the COVID-19 lockdown.

As I find myself working from home amidst the pandemic’s relentless pressure, I’m compelled to secure new clients to keep my business afloat. In an unexpected turn of events, I manage to persuade the elusive and notorious hedge fund magnate, Jesse Bloom, or as some call him, “Mr. Covid,” to become a client. This high-stakes move was necessitated by our shared residence in a luxury hotel, where he has been amassing his fortune during these unprecedented times.

Rob is currently abstaining from alcohol but has been experiencing a drop in self-assurance at work. However, he demonstrates his value when he starts developing a relationship with a client named Nicole Craig (portrayed by Sarah Parish), who can be quite forward. Meanwhile, Yas leverages her rich family connections to secure business, yet she faces the danger of transforming into the type of domineering boss that she previously disliked.

Gus, who’s currently unemployed, is experiencing a mid-twenties turmoil, including an unsuccessful attempt at home hair coloring. He gets hired as a private tutor for the troubled teen son of Bloom, named Leo (played by Sonny Poon Tip). In the course of events, they develop a romantic relationship, which turns out to be homosexual.

Afterward, Gus takes up employment with an MP known for his Tory beliefs but also his sense of morality. Using this political connection, he manages to secure Leo’s admission into Oxford University. Unfortunately, Gus is let go from his position when he discloses sensitive Westminster information to Jesse, a manipulative individual who exploits everyone around him. In an attempt to make amends, Jesse later offers Gus a job as his assistant.

In a professional context, Harper develops romantic interests towards the New York representative, Danny Van Deventer, who is also known as “DVD” (Alex Alomar Akpobome).

DVD informs her that high-ranking executive Bill Adler from Pierpoint Global, specifically Trevor White, intends to shut down the London branch. However, she would be the only one invited to work at the main office in Manhattan.

As a dedicated cinephile, I found myself joining forces with the underutilized Eric and the assertive Pierpoint salesman, Rishi (Sagar Radia). Together, we concocted a daring scheme to leave our current establishment and establish ourselves at a competing financial institution.

Industry season 2 ending explained

In the final performances, it’s revealed that Nicole had inappropriately pursued Harper in the past. Later, she sexually harasses another trainee from Pierpoint, showing a repeated pattern of such behavior. However, Adler chooses to keep this secret. Outraged by their silence, DVD aligns with the alliance formed by Harper, Eric, and Rishi, who are rebelling against these unacceptable actions.

As a film enthusiast, Harper and I, a dynamic duo, found ourselves in a challenging situation. We ultimately decided to suggest to Adler that he maintains a streamlined London office, with us serving as his elite team, or as we jokingly referred to ourselves, the “super-team”. However, we didn’t leave it lying around like a forgotten DVD; instead, we put our argument forward explicitly.

They warn of revealing Pierpoint’s involvement in Nicole’s repeated wrongdoings. Eager to prevent an impending scandal involving HR and PR, Adler concurs. Excitedly, Harper engages in sexual activities in a bathroom with Rishi the eve before his wedding night.

Enraged by the pervasive issue of sexual assault in the city, wealthy socialite Yas, known as a “nepo baby” (a term referring to someone who has achieved success primarily due to family connections), publicly denounces her powerful father for his history of sexual misconduct and paying off victims. In retaliation, he severed all financial support and even changed the locks on her apartment.

Additionally, Rob is taken into custody for cocaine ownership, yet it’s revealed that he was merely trying to assist an emotional Yasmin, whom he has had feelings for a long time. However, Nicole steps in and pays his bail, reestablishing her authority over him.

In an unexpected turn of events, Eric exposes Harper’s fabricated academic history, seemingly with her best interests at heart. Both Eric and Jesse, acting as father figures, had initially shown care for our mysterious anti-heroine. However, in the end, they both deceived her.

As a passionate film enthusiast, I found myself in a predicament at the end of the season, compelled to dismiss Harper from Pierpoint. Her gaze, a blend of bewilderment and rage, seemed to set her eyes ablaze.

What do we know about season 3?

In the United States, the third season premieres on HBO this coming Sunday, 11th August. It’s anticipated that it will air on BBC One towards the end of this year as well.

Two well-known performers from HBO, Kit Harington (famous for his role in Game of Thrones) and Sarah Goldberg (recognized from the series Barry), have been added to the production. Kit will portray a successful green energy entrepreneur, while Sarah takes on the character of a manager handling ethical investments at a firm.

The drama between Marisa and Harry persists, as Harper, recently trimmed, secures a new position and swiftly transforms into an underhanded rival for Pierpoint. As Eric had instructed her, “Everyone is expendable.” (This version maintains the original’s tone but uses simpler, more conversational language.)

Industry seasons 1 and 2 are available to watch in full now on BBC iPlayer.

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2024-08-10 22:34