Money-making monsters

Money-making monsters

As a seasoned viewer with a keen eye for financial dramas, I must say that “Industry” has become my latest obsession. This series, set in the cut-throat world of investment banking, is not just about money; it’s about the people who manipulate it and the consequences they face.


Add Industry to your watchlist

It’s time to get unsettled once more as we delve back into the lives of characters who are self-centered, cruel, and reckless towards others. Moreover, they are wealthy beneficiaries of late-stage capitalism, seemingly unfazed by the widening inequalities their prosperity represents. Yet, despite their questionable personalities, audiences worldwide continue to be captivated by them and their financial success. So, why do we find ourselves drawn back into their world and their bank accounts? In this case, the show is Industry, featuring new recruits at Pierpoint investment bank, which has gained significant popularity in the TV scene.

Initially, exceptional acting performances – the series has catapulted Harry Lawtey, Marisa Abela, and David Jonsson to stardom. At its core is the complex mentor-student relationship between Ken Leung’s Eric and Myha’la’s Harper, devoid of sexual stereotypes but brimming with reverence, admiration, and deceit – they captivate in every shared scene.

Afterward, the script stands out as genuine, given Mickey Down and Konrad Kay’s past involvement in that environment. Watching a trade being carried out, with “some puts on the S&P tied to a call on gold”, is similar to watching American football: I can’t fully comprehend it, only by observing everyone’s responses. However, we all understand the struggle of working under an unpredictable boss and the rush to complete a report while en route to dinner, even if in Harper’s world she needs to make a detour to buy £50 worth of lilies for the table. Despite their ruthless nature, they remain relatable as humans.

Money-making monsters

For centuries, stories about wealth and its impact on individuals have captivated audiences, with Shakespeare’s “The Merchant of Venice” being one such example. However, our perspectives on these themes seem to be evolving over time. As depicted in the 1987 film “Wall Street,” the character Gordon Gekko famously asserted that greed is good. During the 1980s, popular shows like “Dallas,” “Dynasty,” and our own “Howards’ Way” and “Capital City” portrayed wealth in a more accepting light. These programs suggested that money could buy extravagant lifestyle choices without causing internal harm, be it physical or mental. Although JR Ewing was often portrayed as the rich villain, his virtuous younger brother Bobby also didn’t seem to have any qualms about summoning the family helicopter with a whistle.

Let’s examine these popular TV shows about finance, like “Industry,” “Billions,” “Succession,” and notice how their themes have grown darker. While they may possess luxurious yachts and mansions, they also seem to be sacrificing something deeper. We get a glimpse into the inner workings of their lives, and often find that the reality is less glamorous than it appears. As one character from “Industry” puts it, “It’s difficult to earn money through your passion, unless your passion is money itself.

What happened? Life, I guess. From 9/11 and the economic crash that saw thousands lose their savings while a tiny number secured a fortune, to politics on both sides of the Atlantic and Covid. A series of events to remind us that, beyond a natural need for economic security, indulging in greed alone is ultimately unsatisfying and leads to soullessness. Look at how many tech-giant Croesuses end up giving millions away. A 2024 Gordon Gekko would probably tweak his message to: “Greed is good, because of all the good you can do with it.”

In this tale, we encounter the young professionals from the field of Industry, as they embark on a personal struggle between worldly success and spiritual fulfillment. Though their hands might clasp large bonus checks, their eyes reveal a different narrative. At present, they are still within reach for redemption. This classic conflict tugs at our heartstrings, making us empathize with them – and indirectly, with ourselves.

Read More

2024-10-01 20:35