‘Industry’ – Season Two – Review
Buckle up, folks, because Industry Season Two kicks things into high gear and doesn’t let up for a second. HBO’s fiendish finance drama returns with more ambition, more ruthlessness, and a whole lot more chaos as Pierpoint & Co.’s young, hungry analysts dive headfirst into a world of high-stakes trading, office politics, and personal self-destruction. If Season One was all about proving you belong, Season Two is about taking what’s yours; at any cost.
From the jump, Industry doesn’t waste time easing viewers back in. We pick up post-pandemic with Harper Stern (Myha’la Herrold), the enigmatic and street-smart protagonist, having ghosted her job for months, only to claw her way back into the cutthroat world of banking. But this time, she’s not just looking to survive—she’s aiming to dominate. Harper finds herself in the orbit of Jesse Bloom (Jay Duplass), a maverick hedge fund billionaire who represents the new guard of finance: disruptive, brash, and playing by his own rules. Their dynamic becomes a fascinating power play that crackles with tension and opportunity.
But Harper isn’t the only one making moves. Yasmin (Marisa Abela), the privileged but determined socialite-turned-banker, is trying to step out of her father’s shadow and carve out her own ruthless path. Her arc this season takes some dark and deeply personal turns, delving into her complicated family history and her willingness to wield her sexuality as both a weapon and a shield. Meanwhile, Robert (Harry Lawtey) continues his rollercoaster ride of self-destruction, bouncing between moments of charm and complete recklessness as he grapples with what he truly wants from his life and career.
And then there’s Eric (Ken Leung), the volatile, hyper-intense mentor who once championed Harper, now forced to navigate a shifting power structure as new leadership changes the game. His storyline becomes one of the season’s most compelling, as he battles to stay relevant in a world that’s always looking to push out the old guard in favor of the next big thing.
Season Two cranks up the pressure with the introduction of new characters and shifting allegiances. Venetia (Indy Lewis) shakes things up as a sharp junior analyst under Yasmin’s wing, while Rishi (Sagar Radia) and Gus (David Jonsson) maneuver their way through the murky waters of corporate ambition. The arrival of Celeste Pacquet (Katrine de Candole), a senior player in the industry, adds a whole new dimension to Yasmin’s arc, creating some of the season’s most electrifying and intimate moments.
But where Industry truly thrives is in its blistering dialogue, morally gray characters, and unflinching portrayal of finance as a high-stakes blood sport. The writing team, led by creators Mickey Down and Konrad Kay, continue to deliver razor-sharp scripts that feel as authentic as they are thrilling. There’s an energy to the show that’s unlike anything else on television right now—it’s Succession meets Euphoria, with a dash of Wolf of Wall Street swagger, and it never slows down.
Visually, the show remains sleek and stylish, with crisp cinematography capturing the cold, almost surgical precision of London’s finance world. The music choices are impeccable, blending electronic beats and pulsating soundscapes that mirror the frantic pace of the trading floor and the reckless hedonism that comes after-hours.
But make no mistake—this isn’t just a show about numbers and stock markets. Industry is about power, sex, loyalty, and the relentless pursuit of success in an environment that rewards the most ruthless players. Season Two dials up the intensity with deeper character studies, more volatile relationships, and some truly shocking twists that keep you on the edge of your seat.
Industry is currently streaming on Neon.
Image: SKY TV
