Let's disagree about Industry

I think I like it but it's hard to tell

What do we think about Industry? I’m at war with myself. The banking and bonking drama is back on BBC for a second series and, a couple of episodes in, I can’t really say I’m enjoying it. I still want to watch it though which appears to have become a new sub-genre of my watching habits. Amateur masochism?

Our young, wide-eyed Pierpoint grads are now hard-bitten third years, it’s one year into the Covid pandemic and as far as I can tell, everyone is bloody miserable. I know, I know, that’s the point. Industry was always cut-throat and cold-hearted but my god, they’re all so vile to each other. Except for maybe Robert who’s trying to rectify the coke-fulled errors of his past and redeem his career by trying to be a half-decent bloke.

Harper and Yasmin are continuing their soul-destroying pursuit of success. Both actresses are sooo good at being ruthless and sympathetic and horrible and sweet all at once.

You have to get through a lot of financial jargon and shagging but there is usually a moment in each episode that reveals some glimmer of humanity or emotional truth that makes you want to come back.

A long time ago I had a temp job at a stock brokerage in the city for just a few weeks and even though it was only a vague approximation of what you see in Industry, it was enough to turn my stomach. The bravado, the bullshitting, the spreadsheets! Sorry but no. My sensibilities are far too delicate for that world.

Industry is a stressful viewing experience but it can be funny too. In the first episode, we meet Rishi’s “podcaster” fiancé as she mansplains Roxanne Gay to Harper. Such clever characterisation with so few words. And as my friend Oli pointed out, the interiors are great. Even little details like Harper’s Eames chair in her flatshare say so much.

Yes, chef!

Speaking of stress, remember back in July when I raved about The Bear? Well, it’s finally here! It’s an incredibly chaotic viewing experience but also very rewarding. Please watch and report back.

See you next time!

Hannah