What I’m Watching: Industry (Season Finale)

Industry: Season 2, Episode 8 “Jerusalem” (B+)

It’s head-spinning to consider the duplicity of the characters on this show. Harper went ahead and had sex with Rishi just before he got married while she knew that she and Eric had brokered a deal that would cost Rishi his job, and then she went in to find out that he wasn’t actually going anywhere but she was instead. This whole time, it had felt like Eric was watching out most for his beloved Harpsicord, but he didn’t seem to mind being the one to deliver the fatal confirmation that her forged transcript now meant that she was getting fired. Coming back to Pierpoint to be in-house was a strategic pivot, one necessitated by their lack of effectiveness as a standalone operation, but there are obviously additional concerns like the fact that Jesse was texting Harper while on-air and used insider knowledge to help his company. Gus got fired but didn’t seem to mind that, especially since he’s now set up with a job from Jesse that will keep him afloat if not particularly morally grounded. Yasmin taking a stand against her father brought immediate consequences that she’s going to have to deal with as she figures out how to function as an independent human being, something foreign to her since she’s always had an advantage without having to do anything for herself. After getting arrested, Robert chose to call Nicole since his phone died and he had her business card, but that also represents a connection to her that he’s not ready to completely abandon. There’s still no news of a third season, and I do hope we get one since this show has its own energy and a very strong cast.

Season grade: B+
Season MVP: Marisa Abela as Yasmin