But now the focus of the show is Yasmeen and Robert. Her mother and father’s problems run deep. Yasmeen is first seen on her father’s yacht, “Lady Yasmeen”, where things quickly become traumatic. Back in London, Rob sneaks out of bed with the young woman from Pierpoint to visit Nicole (Sarah Parish), a wealthy older woman who has been sexually harassing him. Yasmeen and Robert make terrible choices but also emerge as the most sympathetic characters. There are no kind-hearted people in the business, but these two are often outwitted by more cunning and shrewd game players. By the end of the season, viewers may find their hearts breaking for them.
The sentimental tone of Yasmeen and Robert’s story, suggesting the high cost of ruthless ambition, is unusual for a show that is so unsparingly critical of society. New episodes, for example, show how sexist stereotypes persist. Eric, Robert’s worst mentor ever, has him shout, “I’m a man, and I’m relentless!” as a pep talk. Rishi (Sagar Radia), a dedicated colleague at Pierpoint, has a huge gambling problem. His wife shouts at him, “Do you know what it means to be a man?” It seems oddly outdated coming from a young woman, not even 100 years old, but it fits with the harmful gender stereotypes that constantly surface in the world of industry.
In a final bold move, Industry has upended its own plot and all of its characters have faced such big changes that it will likely have to be restructured if the show is to continue. One of its executive producers recently said: Vulture She hopes there will be more seasons. HBO hasn’t said anything. It’s up to us to figure out how the pieces of this explosive, thrilling series will come back together, which is a fun game in itself.
Season 3 of Industry will be available to stream on HBO in the US from August 11, and on BBC in the UK later this year.
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