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Ambition as a Double-Edged Sword in High Finance
In the cutthroat world of high finance, ambition often becomes a double-edged sword. At the prestigious London investment bank Pierpoint, the setting for the Gen Z banking drama Industry, recent university graduates strive for wealth and power. Harper (Myha’la), Yasmin (Marisa Abela), and Rob (Harry Lawtey) are eager to prove their worth and demonstrate their tenacity on the harsh trading floor. However, Pierpoint is a unique form of torment: ambition serves as a tool only when paired with a readiness to deceive, manipulate, and outmaneuver others to ascend the ranks. While ambition can open doors, it can also lead to betrayal.
According to cocreator Mickey Down, when assessing the characters’ journey, “They can be considered pretty heinous individuals” due to their moral compromises. Yet, it is this flavor of deceit that captivates viewers, contributing to Industry becoming the internet’s newest obsession and earning it favorable comparisons to HBO’s previous hit, Succession. Nevertheless, Industry stands out in its own right.
Now entering its third season, known for its audacity and tension, Industry continues to occupy the coveted Sunday night 9 PM timeslot that was once dominated by Game of Thrones and The Sopranos. The series retains the magnetic qualities that drew viewers in since its debut in 2020—full of bravado, heart, and reckless ambition. This season, Down and cocreator Konrad Kay have heightened the stakes even further, exploring the intricate and often dark relationships intertwined in London’s elite circles encompassing media, politics, and finance.
The upcoming episode, intriguingly titled “White Mischief,” is set to mark the midpoint of the season. In a recent Zoom interview from their homes in London, Down and Kay discussed the show’s evolution and future direction.
JASON PARHAM: I read that the initial concept for this season was “coke and boats.” What was HBO’s reaction?
MICKEY DOWN: We had a broad understanding of what the season’s business narrative would involve. We also believed we could infuse some genre elements into the show. We were already delving into Yasmin’s storyline regarding her missing father, which we found intriguing. Our idea was to show the impact this situation had on her in the media. We just hadn’t determined how to present it. So, we proposed a secondary timeline that would incorporate some mystery elements, starting off in that context. We sent an email to HBO titled “coke and boats” to outline our vision for the show’s opening.
Incredible.
MD: We informed them that we wanted to revisit this timeline at suitable moments, creating a gradual reveal of what transpired on the boat. Their feedback was very encouraging.
The show continually pushes boundaries with bold content such as explicit scenes, extravagant yacht parties, and drug use. Did HBO ever suggest you tone it down?
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