HBO Review: ‘Industry’ Continues to Be a Top-Notch Under-the-Radar Stress Receptor in Season 3

The world of investment banking is not for the faint of heart. It requires an incredible drive to succeed and a work ethic that isn’t typically anywhere near healthy, and even with maximum effort applied, it’s still possible for fortunes to be utterly disrupted as a result of one bad decision. Industry thrives in that world, giving audiences a window into how harrowing and damaging this lifestyle can be. In its third season, it’s offering more of the same in the best way possible, charting a new course as its young and driven protagonists reconfigure their places and roles in this massive, unending game.

The primary change in season three is that Harper (Myha’la) is no longer working with Pierpoint and more specifically not with Eric (Ken Leung) after being fired at the end of season two. While her new job is supposed to involve menial tasks like moving her boss’ car and picking up lunches, she wastes no time in offering unsolicited strategic advice to Petra (Sarah Goldberg), who, like Harper, doesn’t feel that the set rules always need to be followed if she’s the smartest person in the room. Robert (Harry Lawtey) is also elsewhere, depended upon as the right-hand man for Henry (Kit Harington), a CEO prone to bold decisions that don’t always land well with his investors.

It’s standard for shows to add big names to help bring in new audiences when they return for new seasons, with Glenn Close as a prime example, utilized in both The Shield and Tehran. This show even did it with season two with Jay Duplass’ stint as Jesse Bloom. But the way in which Goldberg, a talented Barry alum, and Harington, best known to the entire universe as Jon Snow from Game of Thrones, are seamlessly folded into this show’s ensemble is shockingly subtle and completely on-brand. There’s no fanfare or startling introduction; they’re just part of the cast as if they were always there.

Smartly, this series continues to amplify its best assets. With nearly two years between each of its seasons, it’s understandable that its core cast might be focused on other endeavors during that time. Myha’la has infiltrated independent cinema with roles in films like Bodies Bodies Bodies and Leave the World Behind, and Marisa Abela, who portrays Yasmin, played Amy Winehouse in the biopic Back to Black. Despite the increased attention on them, they report dutifully back for their breakout parts, and it’s particularly interesting to watch the way in which Harper and Yasmin, who have never particularly gotten along, now relate to each other in their new professional and competitive capacities.

Best described as a less flashy version of Billions mixed with the consequential doom of Succession, this show won’t easily attract new viewers unfamiliar with what’s happened in its first two seasons. Catching up shouldn’t be too difficult, but there are important developments that are barely referenced and add considerable context to enhance the viewing experience. Seeing a calmer version of Eric in particular is disarming since his brutal, spirit-crushing cruelty is much of what drove the first two seasons, and it’s very worthwhile to see him try – and likely not succeed – at a new approach.

This show’s cast is uniformly excellent with no weak links, unlike the systems portrayed within it that definitely don’t leave room for those unable to perform at a certain ungodly level. Goldberg and Harington bring just the right quiet gravitas to their roles, each coming from opposite points of power and fascinating to watch as they grapple with changing influence. Myha’la, Abela, and Lawtey offer even more depth in their exploration of their original characters, guiding a show that often seems like it lacks any moral compass with a vivid fidelity to stressful and satisfying storytelling.

Series Rating: 8/10

Awards Buzz: In the time since this show aired its second season, stars Myha’la and Abela have both seen huge bumps in their profiles, and Emmy nominees Harington and Goldberg also add to its awards meter. Whether the show will get noticed or continue to remain undiscovered is still a question.