A series isn’t much fun if it doesn’t have a flawed character who somehow resonates with the audience, whether they lean more dark or are a burst of light. Characters who recognize and embrace their flaws are some of the most compelling to watch.

And we couldn’t resist breaking down some of the characters who fit the bill.

Rafe Cameron – Outer Banks

By now, we’ve discussed what went wrong in Outer Banks Season 4 and even mourned the loss of our comfort show. But moving on, the series is full of flawed characters who are somehow endearing.

No one fits the bill better than Kook King Rafe Cameron. He’s objectively a terrible person at times; his long list of crimes includes nearly killing his own sister, for starters. But this is Outer Banks, baby, where Rafe’s flaws somehow work within this series.

A self-professed killer, Rafe is, at times, mentally unstable, driven by traits like revenge and greed. Still, he’s also bound by values like legacy and family, culminating in him doing unspeakable things for oddly noble reasons.

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Rafe knows who he is and he rarely apologizes for it. However, he does make the necessary adjustments and proves himself through actions. And that’s why there’s something strangely admirable about the character—how he knows himself so well and stands in who he is, good, bad, and ugly.

Rafe isn’t a perfect character or even a good person. Still, he’s authentic, which makes him click into place and resonate well amid the class lines that often revolve around superficiality and identity crises in Outer Banks.

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Morgan Gillory – High Potential

Who hasn’t fallen in love with Morgan Gillory and High Potential?

She’s witty, intelligent, messy, and prone to making mistakes in many aspects of her life, but she’s genuinely good-hearted. Her style, openness, and honesty make her stand out. She wears her working-class background on her brazenly bright, gaudy faux fur sleeve.

She is gifted intellectually but realistically stalled in life, making her a less glamorous and more realistic depiction of neurodivergence and genuinely relatable as a character.

She’s imperfect and will be the first to tell you that upfront. She readily accepts that she’s flawed but still strives to be a better mother, friend, and person.

Morgan always holds her own and is true to herself, even though she oversteps boundaries, is pushy, and lacks a filter. That’s what makes her so likable.

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Oliver Wolf – Brilliant Minds

Oliver is absolutely brilliant, as the Brilliant Minds‘ title implies, but he’s such a deliciously complex character, not without many flaws and imperfections. He’s a socially awkward, introverted gay luddite with face blindness! And damn if we don’t love him for it.

Oliver is a fantastic doctor who focuses as much on connecting with his patients as he is on fixing their health issues. His unique approach to practicing medicine is often rooted deeply in a traumatic past of dealing with an emotionally distant mother and a father who battled and died from mental illness.

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Oliver’s flaws and experiences allow him to lead with genuine compassion and sympathy. He not only wholly embraces what makes him different and flawed and his own shortcomings, but he subsequently teaches and inspires other characters to do the same.

Oliver is a quietly inspiring character who continues to battle issues but learns how to step outside of them, and he’s a poster child for how to live one’s life, distancing oneself from shame, self-doubt, and second-guessing.

And we get to see his ongoing journey of unlearning these habits along the way.

Watch Brilliant Minds Online

Beth Dutton – Yellowstone

Beth Dutton has a sharp tongue, quick wit, and the ability to destroy everything in her path, which is one of many reasons she’s one of Yellowstone‘s greatest characters.

She’s a deeply flawed woman hardened by many hurts and betrayals, turning her grief, pain, and previous trauma into a thick armor that makes her nearly indestructible.

She’s fearless, ruthless, intelligent, cunning, unafraid, and unapologetic about doing whatever it takes to get what she desires or handle something. Still, she’s fiercely loyal to most of her family and deceptively soft and vulnerable, particularly when she gets to bury herself in Rip’s arms.

Beth is a host of contradictions, a viper unafraid to strike first, hard, and fast if need be. She is most assuredly an acquired taste to many, but that makes her one of the most genuinely refreshing characters on the air and as real as it gets, baby.

Watch Yellowstone Online

BoJack Horseman – Bojack Horseman

There’s a reason why this character tends to resonate with many viewers when they tune in.

Bojack Horseman is painfully himself throughout the series. He’s selfish, cynical, and totally self-destructive at almost all times. He’s one of the most toxic characters you’ll see, especially to those around him.

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But in knowing that, and how openly he addresses his mental illnesses, addiction issues, and all the ways in which he fails in life, that raw honesty is endearing and refreshing, and in some ways, maybe even deeply inspiring.

He tries to improve, but not so earnestly and consistently that it feels inauthentic and forced. There are no delusions about him.

Watch Bojack Horseman Online

Samantha Jones – SATC

Samantha Jones is a feminist icon of a television character for a reason.

She is sexually liberated in a way that we hadn’t seen, unapologetic about her sexual appetite and desires, brash, bold, and progressive in a way that challenges those around her.

Samantha rarely has a filter. She is blunt to a fault, incredibly vain, and materialistic.

But she is fiercely loyal, protective, and open-minded, and through her relationships, she learns how to be vulnerable, intimate, and committed.

Watch Sex and the City Online

Robert Spearing – Industry

Oh, Robert, the sweet and, at times, pathetic soul that he is, it’s hard not to love every bit of him.

Robert is one of Industry‘s most flawed characters, which speaks volumes for a series that is essentially all about flaws. He’s often out of his depth, someone who tends to lack confidence, fumbles through the basics of his job and is gullible and easily manipulated.

The thing about Robert is that in the world Industry cultivates, he’s mostly a genuinely good person, but because he lacks the ambition, ruthlessness, and arrogance of the other characters, he tends to fall short and stand out.

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But he offers a nice, albeit sad, at times, counterbalance to the other characters, and despite his hopeless love for a woman who’ll never properly love him back or his aspirations to climb up the social class ranks to no avail, you genuinely root for him.

And he holds fast in trying to navigate a world where he’s a guppy in shark-infested waters without sacrificing too much of what makes him. It’s quietly defiant.

Watch Industry Online

Ted Lasso – Ted Lasso

Truthfully, Ted Lasso is so aggressively positive, nice, and kind that it feels surreal and should be one of the most offputting things ever.

It’s a clear facade to some degree, masking deep pain and Ted’s depression, but how he pours himself into being a good person despite how awful he often feels aside is part of what makes the character so great.

Ted Lasso proves that you don’t have to be an asshole just because you’re hurting, and he inspires and often pulls out the best in those around him despite his shortcomings and how he behaves because of them.

Watch Ted Lasso Online

Gregory House – House M.D.

House is an arrogant doctor who completely disregards the feelings of those around him.

And yes, this disregard extends to a mostly abhorrent bedside manner that typically involves him offending everyone in the room.

He’s outspoken, snarky, blunt, and rude, and most of the time, he seems to get off on making people miserable. He also has a pretty bad painkiller addiction that only brings out the worst of his traits when he gets agitated.

But you can never accuse House of not keeping 100 at all times, and there’s something commendable about his willingness to embrace his worst traits without a second thought.

Watch House Online

Rose Nylund – The Golden Girls

How does the saying go? Oh, right, Rose Nylund is as dumb as a bag of rocks.

Her naivete and intellectual challenges make her a flawed character, but her innocence and moments of purity and clarity make up for it.

What’s great about Rose is that she’s conscious of how dumb she sounds often but is also not ashamed of what she doesn’t know.

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She’s always open to learning more and growing and wholly accepts and embraces her shortcomings, even putting up with the ribbing and jokes in the interim.

Most people are too self-conscious to admit when they’re out of their depth, so there’s a bravery to Rose’s authenticity.

Watch The Golden Girls Online

Emily Cooper – Emily in Paris

Emily is easily one of the most annoying characters on the air, and yet, like a bad rash, Emily in Paris persists.

But that’s also what begrudgingly makes us appreciate the character so much. She’s often a walking, talking stereotype of American ignorance, brashness, and entitlement wrapped up in a bubbly package. But she knows who and what she is and how she affects people, and she carries on anyway.

If she can win a person over, she’ll find a way to do so, and her plucky persona and inability to stay down and out even when she should sit down, zip it, take things in, and assess are what make the series so interesting.

She’s bold and smiles in the face of Parisian snobbery, never even considering being anything other than herself.

Watch Emily in Paris Online

Michael Scott – The Office

On The Office, Michael is selfish, self-absorbed, and lacks social and self-awareness.

He’s often narcissistic, and no one sticks his foot in his mouth better. He spends much of the series struggling with these traits and trying to get outside them.

But he cares enough about his colleagues and makes some effort to right things, so his flaws, political incorrectness, and insensitivity work out.

Watch The Office Online

Maggie Bell – FBI

Maggie always takes risks and takes a walk on the dark side of things on FBI.

But she’s so incredibly stubborn that it often gets frustrating.

She always sticks her ground, is opinionated, rarely holds back, and is reckless, making her a genuinely stressful person to watch on cases.

But so many of Maggie’s most frustrating traits make her a great agent, loyal partner, and solid friend, and leaning into these traits rather than straying away from them works for the character.

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Parker – Leverage/Leverage Redemption

There are very few characters like Parker, especially women, making her Leverage‘s breath of fresh air.

Parker has nothing that resembles a filter. She is brutally honest and always speaks her mind while simultaneously displaying a whimsical and childlike innocence.

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She’s whipsmart in an untraditional way, fierce, loyal, and badass. In two different series, she learned how to come to grips with who she is as a person and truly thrive within that.

Parker’s journey towards embracing who and what she is and making everyone around her and the world a better place is one of Leverage’s most lasting impacts.

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Quigley Smitty – The Rookie

Smitty is such a staple on The Rookie that it would be difficult to envision the series without him.

He’s an opportunistic and supremely lazy officer who doesn’t do much unless it’s self-serving and seemingly is riding out the gig until he can retire. On paper, he should be a truly loathsome character as he rarely lifts a finger.

But when he does, he’s shockingly badass and possesses a self-awareness that makes you appreciate rather than resent him. With Smitty, you almost always know who and what you’ll get; something is comforting about that.

He doesn’t mince any words about what he will and won’t do, and he doesn’t feel he has anything to prove, and you have to respect that!

Watch The Rookie Online

Will Trent – Will Trent

Will is constantly evolving as a character.

He battles various issues, from his dyslexia and OCD to his lack of social awareness and inability to get along with others easily.

He seems stuck in his ways, but with time and effort, he comes to grips with who he is and accepts it while making meaningful improvements along the way that enhance his life and those around him.

Of all the characters in Will Trent, he’s one of the most real, grounded, and unapologetic, and also one of the most inspiring.

Watch Will Trent Online

Kitty Song Covey – XO, Kitty

Kitty is such an endearing character, which is one of many reasons Netflix created XO, Kitty for her after the success of the To All the Boys movie franchise.

But Kitty is certainly a character with her fair share of issues, many of which are the catalyst behind her landing in South Korea in the first place.

Kitty is incredibly impulsive, in case moving halfway across the world didn’t already reach that natural conclusion. She is also naive about love and what her true love story should be like possessing some childlike, fairytale idealism far from reality.

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Like many young people coming into their own, she’s often selfish and absorbed, at times lacking insight and awareness about those around her.

But even with all of these flaws, she’s an endearing enough character because she’s genuine about working her way through them and becoming a better person, as well as genuinely figuring out who she is and what she wants out of life.

Watch XO, Kitty Online

Louis Litt – Suits

By now, we all know that Suits has a treasure trove of fascinating and flawed characters who stayed true to themselves and stood in all they were.

But one of the most unexpectedly compelling from the bunch was Louis Litt. He was quick to anger, jealous, often whiny, lacked self-confidence, and desperate.

Louis was also devoted and loyal to those who mattered, smart, and adaptable. He wore his flaws on his sleeve, and despite the occasional moment of being treated like more antagonist and nuisance than ally at various points in the series, his multifaceted portrayal makes him such a great character.

Watch XO, Kitty Online

Somehow, falling somewhere between being an outcast and a mascot.

There are some of our favorite television characters who embrace their flaws, and now, we want to hear about some of yours.

Who would you place on this list? Sound off below!

The post Unapologetically Real: TV Characters Who Embrace Their Flaws appeared first on TV Fanatic.

If the petty drama and nonstop destruction of reputations manage to pull you in, you’ll be treated with enough eye candy to cause diabetes.

If we’re going to have handsome hunks thrown in our faces, we should at least know where else we can stalk – I mean, watch them.

Where there are pretty people on TV, there are petty problems!

With Tell Me Lies Season 2 just about doubling up on the man-meat, it’s time to get to the bottom of where Hulu found these gorgeous guys to play such “unique” characters.

Get ready to swipe right, ladies and gentlemen, because we have a lineup of suitable bachelors for you today!

Oliver

Kicking things off is the solemn and brooding Oliver, a married professor at Baird University. Don’t let that marital status deter you, ladies! This beautiful man is not afraid to step out of the marital bed.

That’s right! This tall drink of water likes to grade on a hot, young thing’s curves now and then.

Not much of a talker? No problem! Oliver is a man of very few words because he’s too busy frowning!

You’ll never have to worry about catching enough sleep because an affair with Oliver is a guaranteed snooze fest. So, grab your Snuggie and saddle up to this wet blanket!

Tom Ellis

Oliver may not be that great, but the actor who plays him is a LEGEND. I may be biased due to my love of his signature series, but Tom Ellis was born to play Lucifer.

If you watched the series, you likely remember little from the plot, but every detail of Tom’s abs and backside. I’m not being creepy. Those parts of his body were always on display.

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I’m not mad about it either because the actor, as Trevor from the CBS show Ghosts would say, kept it and continues to keep it tight. As for how long he’ll grace the small screen on Tell Me Lies, it’s anyone’s guess.

He may be here for the long haul since the series was created by his wife, Meaghan Oppenheimer. Just in case, though, you can catch this sexy Scorpio in other shows and movies like Exploding Kittens, Players, and Miranda.

Leo

Up next, we have the sizzling and tantalizingly sexy Leo! Ladies, this fine fellow is a real firecracker in and out of the boudoir. Hopefully, those satin sheets aren’t flammable!

Leo loves long walks on the beach, holding hands, and headbutting strangers who are rude to his lady friends. If anger issues get your motor running, prepare to peel off into the sunset with this gorgeous guy.

Get lost in those dreamy blue eyes while you can. If there is one thing those luscious lips don’t pucker up for, it’s unresolved trauma and toxicity.

But don’t fret because there’s more behind that handsome face than meets the eye!

When he isn’t assaulting strangers, Leo likes to give out heart-wrenching advice that he is far too young to have, let alone follow!

Thomas Doherty

You don’t have to travel to the “Land of Cakes” to see Thomas Doherty’s talents. His skills have been shining on the small and big screen for a while now.

Most recently, he played the most uninhibited character on the Gossip Girl reboot since Chuck Bass. However, everyone was fair game for a good time with his character, Max Wolfe.

Even though he left his Scottish accent at home to play the role, his character was still one of the sexiest and most interesting of the 2021 Gossip Girl.

Given his character’s recent struggles with Lucy on Tell Me Lies, there’s a good chance Leo may be making his exit very soon.

However, this TV Fanatic has your fix for more of this devilishly charming actor. For some vampire fun, catch him in Legacies and The Invitation.

If you’re in a family way, there’s always Descendants 2 on Disney+, one of Doherty’s first movies!

Evan

Ladies, who is a fan of the handsome, silent type that makes you work too hard for his attention?

If you like a man with no idea what he wants, we’ve got the sweet, clueless, well-meaning gentleman of your dreams!

He may look stoic with those handsome features that never seem to crack.

However, underneath that cool exterior of an imperfect man beats a big heart that he’s just waiting to give to the right little lady.

That is, when he’s not busy giving the D to someone who isn’t his girlfriend. Don’t worry, ladies, because Evan does not stray far! He’ll be around every corner waiting to win you back.

If a soft heart and questionable decision-making skills get you weak in the knees, then give this disturbingly beautiful man a chance!

Branden Cook

While Branden Cook is relatively unknown, he’s still been making splashes in one project or another.

Like any young, handsome, fit actor, he’s already made it onto a police procedural. If there is one rite of passage on TV, it’s starring in the most formulaic of shows.

With a whole episode of Chicago PD under his belt, Cook needs to play a hot new doctor on Grey’s Anatomy and a lawyer on Law & Order to complete the trifecta.

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As far as actors on Tell Me Lies, I have to give it to Branden Cook because despite playing a supporting character, the actor makes the most of every scene and line of dialogue.

Don’t believe me? Then, see Cook in action for yourself in his other credits, such as Masters of the Air and Industry.

Wrigley

Is it getting hot in here, or is that our next eligible bachelor, Wrigley? If you want a guy your mom and dad will love but your south mouth won’t, this man is for you!

Sure, you may have to dip into some acting talent during sexy time with Wrigley so you don’t hurt his feelings, but what he lacks in skill, he makes up for in enthusiasm!

He’s big, goofy, and charming. He’s a German shepherd. But when he shines that beautiful smile your way, you won’t care that his IQ is likely in the toilet.

Unlike some other fellows featured here today, Wrigley doesn’t have the creative juices or narcissism to cheat.

The only thing you’ll have to worry about is him heating up a can of Campbell’s soup in the microwave! So, swipe right on this big, lovable idiot before it’s too late!

Spencer House

Unlike his character, Spencer House is a skillful and intelligent actor. He’s been making waves in the industry since entering it ten years ago.

It doesn’t hurt that he’s handsome in that classic boy-next-door-that-you-grew-up-with sort of way. Like a class clown turned football jock, Spencer House has shown an interest in a range of roles.

It’s a harsh reality, but many actors get hired for the perception that their appearance inspires. In Spencer’s case, he looks like, well, I’ll put it this way — he was cast as the “douchey guy” on Madam Secretary.

Thankfully, he’s managed to pivot by taking on various characters in shows like Space Force, Teenage Bounty Hunters, and The Society.

His credits don’t end there, either, so we’ll likely continue to see the actor in one series or another as his star rises.

Stephen

Sadly, we’ve come to the end of our roster, but we’re not done yet because we’ve saved the worst for last! Get ready to meet the devil himself!

Alright, girls, you aren’t going to find a guy like Stephen anywhere else unless you attend a convention exclusively for psychopaths!

He’s angry. He’s cynical. He’s a sociopath. He’s the exact kind of guy yours and every other mother warns young ladies about!

Maybe it’s how his icy stare pierces through, but this maniacal man will send shivers down your spine in the most chilling way.

So, if you like having your confidence and self-esteem shattered, pick a date with this genuinely unhinged individual. Act now, and we’ll even throw in a lifetime of trauma at no cost!

Jackson White

If you’ve read my Tell Me Lies Season 2 reviews, you likely know how I feel about White’s character. However, my feelings on Jackson himself are the complete opposite.

Despite not being afraid to step into the shoes of a truly evil character, Jackson White keeps things low-key and maintains a healthy work-life balance.

He is such a talented actor to be playing opposite his real partner without it interfering with their relationship. I don’t know about any of you TV Fanatics, but I couldn’t do it.

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White has already starred alongside Kathryn Hahn (Agatha All Along) in the HBO mini-series Mrs. Fletcher, in which he played a character similar to Stephen on Tell Me Lies.

However, the skilled actor doesn’t always play a jerk. His range of talent is evident in titles such as SEAL Team, Pet Semetary: Bloodlines, and The Middle.

Tell Me Lies is a series rife with melodrama and enough pettiness to give the Bravo network a run for its money.

While the series’ strength is the well-written and depicted story, it doesn’t hurt that every male character looks like your next bad decision.

Who’s your favorite hunk from Tell Me Lies Season 2?

What has been your favorite part about Season 2?

Please comment below to let me know, and join me again when I share more insights into your favorite characters and shows!

Watch Tell Me Lies Online

The post Tell Me Lies Season 2: Where Else Have You Seen These Handsome Hunks? appeared first on TV Fanatic.

Was it a “spectacular journey,” as Robert so aptly described in Industry Season 3 Episode 8?

We’re of the mind that it was a resounding yes as Industry delivered a pulse-pounding season that resulted in the series disrupting everything that we’ve known in the finale.

After the Season Finale, Where Can the Series Even Go Next?

One of the biggest takeaways from this supersized hour of prestige television is, “Where does Industry go from here?”

The season had a sense of finality as Industry Season 3 Episode 8 essentially separated all of our favorite characters, sending them down compelling, shocking, or exciting paths.

Pierpoint, as we know it, is no longer, which means this hub that housed all of these characters no longer exists the same way, leaving them out in the world in pursuit of other things.

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But how will that factor into play during the fourth season?

Of them all, there was such a bookend to so much of Robert’s chapter that there were multiple moments throughout the season when it felt like he was signing off the series for good.

Not helping matters is the fact that the talented Harry Lawtey has become such a rising star that surely the thought of him no longer being available niggles at the back of minds frequently.

And Yasmin essentially leans heavily into her aristocratic capabilities, taking her out of the game in many ways.

It mostly leaves a “dinosaur” like Eric skulking around in the ashes, potentially waiting to get into the game again in a new way, and resident strategic survivor Harper Stern continuing to ascend to the type of the financial game.

The Bandits Back Harper, Just As We Suspected

Petra’s attempt to undercut Harper was downright laughable because the woman clearly never read the room when Otto and Harper shared the same space.

They’re cut from the same cloth, and if there was anyone Otto respected in Leviathan Alpha, it was Harper.

He sees himself in her, so it wasn’t surprising that his summoning consisted of him telling her about Petra “tattling” on her and giving Harper an out to screw Petra over and come work with him.

It’s not Harper who isn’t cut out for this business; it’s Petra. Yet Harper was willing to go along to get along with Petra for a bit, but you can tell her heart wasn’t in it.

She was mostly in it for power and flexing her ability to destroy Pierpoint and her revenge tactic on Rishi.

It’s incredible how she took a moment that made her feel weak and intimidated (Eric locking her in the room during Industry Season 1 Episode 6) and made it her new power tactic with the automatic door.

Sweetpea and Anraj finding a company that deserved them was a great end, and it even shows that Harper isn’t some cold, heartless psychopath as everyone alludes to often.

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Industry’s Future is Bright with Morally Gray Harper

Of all the endings from Industry Season 3 Episode 8, Harper’s, naturally, is the most intriguing.

She landed a place in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 and felt powerful, accomplished, and fearless enough to return to NYC after making something of herself.

Harper is standing on top of the world right now, a phoenix who rose from the ashes after setting everything that held her back ablaze.

As a Harper Stern apologist, it’s a thrilling place for the season to end, with so much potential ahead of her.

Her willingness to push boundaries further and operate in the shadows, essentially making her entire shtick shorting the shady companies that screw people over like some financial industry Robin Hood (although she’s certainly taking her cut in all of this), is appealing.

She’s not above using the worst tactics to get what she needs, whether corporate espionage or anything else.

For a character who others always wonder whether or not she’s morally bankrupt, she has a code of her own that dances happily on morally gray grounds without apology — unethical, sure, but based on whose rules?

It’s Only Criminal if You Get Caught

We’ve seen who makes the rules, sets the standards, and determines the ethics.

Are they all not morally bankrupt and self-serving, too?

The audacity to pretend it’s only a problem when someone like Harper opts to play the monopoly board in front of her as the Devil intended.

She’s made the perfect bedfellow in someone like Otto, who sees her for who she is and appreciates its value.

After all, like they said:

It’s only criminal if we’re caught.

— Harper Stern

Another aspect of Harper on top was the fact that Eric even gave a quote for her Forbes debut, and that phone call between the two was everything ripe and delicious about their dynamic.

Harper and Eric Can’t Quit Each Other, To Our Utter Delight

Like Otto, game recognizes game, and with the distance (and likely the realization that Harper is merely a product of what he fostered in her), he spoke to her with that fatherly fondness we love.

For goodness sake, he called her “Harps,” their parting phone conversation had him jokingly (but not really) inquiring about a job and telling her to take care.

When it’s all said and done, their mutual respect for one another will always prevail, and that’s promising.

And so is the mere mention of Jesse Bloom.

He’s out of prison, and one of the first things he did was ask Otto about Harper.

If there is room and space for Jesse Bloom to return to the series in the fourth season, I welcome it.

Can you imagine Otto, Harper, and Jesse working together? Hell, and throw Eric into the mix, too?

It’s like the Avengers of diabolical antiheroes — I would like, no LOVE, to see it.

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The mere prospect that the series could potentially spend next season recentering Harper again is enough to make things exciting.

That’s not to say that Marisa Abela hasn’t been absolutely fantastic this season, as we dove into Yasmin in ways we never did before.

Yasmin Makes the Sensible Choice (It’s also a Selfless One)

Yasmin is one of the most complex women you’ll see on television, somehow upholding so many tropes in a compelling rather than grating way.

She has always been accustomed to a certain lifestyle, so it makes sense that she would gravitate toward whatever could secure her future.

Ultimately, it’s impressive that Yasmin did a selfless thing with Robert by letting him go.

She just did it in the messiest way imaginable, but even then, he understood it and her.

Robert is so gracious and pure that way.

But Robert could never give Yasmin the life she desires and the stability she needs, and no matter how often he graciously loves her despite anything and everything she does, it would be tough for her to ever be with him for real.

Robert is too good for Yasmin, and she knows that. With Robert, she chronically desires to be a better person than she’s capable of or even wants to be, and she likely realizes that.

Yasmin and Robert Find Closure in Industry Season 3 Episode 8’s Steamiest Scene

But she gave him some parting gifts, reaching out to Henry for her own reasons regarding Hanani Publishing, but also Robert.

She set him up with the seed money for his mushroom startup venture via Henry, something that, frankly, Henry would’ve owed poor Robert anyway.

And then she repeatedly told him she loved him while they had the most sensual, romantic, and sweet tryst in the garden of Henry’s massive castle.

It felt like something out of a romantic drama, all warm light, passion, and Abela and Lawtey’s most crackling chemistry of the series yet.

While I’ve never been a fan of this duo in any romantic or sexual context, their lovemaking was a beautiful sight.

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Yasmin told him she loved him repeatedly, reassured him of that constantly, and let him come in her, too, which was pretty significant and intimate for her and them.

In any other series or film, this would be the moment that solidified these two as romantic soulmates, but this is Industry.

Yasmin’s Fate Was Always Sealed, But She Still Had the Control

Industry has told us the entire time that Yasmin is a woman destined to marry a man like her father in some capacity.

For the most part, we get that, as her sexy romp with Robert eventually led her to Henry for an honest discussion that was so loaded with things unsaid that Abela and Kit Harington had the task of conveying so many layers between the lines, and they did it fantastically.

Henry had opened up about the fears he has of being like his father, the troubles with keeping the dark monster that is his depression and suicide ideation away, and that’s why Lumi was so important to him in the first place.

It served as a literal lifeline for a man who has been outrunning his own darkness and barely making it.

But Henry also acknowledged early on that Yasmin had become his reason for living and existing because of his profound love for her.

He was faking the funk, throwing himself into the latest new-age zen persona in hopes that it would be the next thing to keep his mental illness at bay, but Yasmin saw through him and called out his shit.

Love and Pragmatism Go Hand in Hand in the Season Finale

She’s always been able to do that; she’s been “seeing” this man since they laid eyes on one another, as they’re cut from a similar cloth and carry scars because of it.

For Yasmin, Henry is a sensible soulmate and a pragmatic choice.

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If anything abounds with the higher echelon of wealthy, powerful, and prestigious people, it’s the concept of pragmatism ruling.

Their eventual marriage gives them both things they need and desire and is also convenient.

Henry gets the woman who he can be most vulnerable with, who genuinely sees and understands him, who he loves deeply, and the person who fends off his darkness or at least makes it manageable.

And Yasmin gets the financial security, protection, acceptance, reverence, power, and title.

She’s Lady Muck, for heaven’s sake.

Yasmin Finds Absolution, Power, Wealth, and Found Family

A tipping point for Yasmin’s decision was finally getting the healthiest version of paternal love and absolution from Henry’s uncle.

He told her she wasn’t her father, that nothing was her fault, and that she was exceptional.

He gave her physical affection that wasn’t rooted in some twisted sexual desire or an attempt to objectify her.

Henry’s uncle vowed to look after and help her as he does that for the people he loves and his family, and that’s all Yasmin ever wanted, especially after the woman trying to bury her told her that she didn’t have any family left.

Yasmin has enough power to get rid of her father’s mistress when the woman reminds Yasmin of surviving childhood sexual abuse, all because this woman dared to burst the carefully curated life Yasmin now has.

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Yasmin has found a family now, and it provides all the things she needs and wants. She’s made for this — some beautiful face between the pages of Real Country magazine.

She’s not comically shit at this — she controls her own life as Henry’s partner AND trophy.

Harper and Yasmin Remain Industry’s Truest Soulmates

Even Robert understood that fully, and once the shock of their engagement was over, he drove away with that boyish smile and a recollection of how Yasmin confided in him that she never really loved anyone and was just great at letting people think she did.

But Yasmin does love Robert.

And even if that’s up for debate, she unequivocally loves Harper, who is the closest to Yasmin’s genuine soulmate in this series, with their love-hate dynamic and an endless cycle of spectacular theatrics.

It’s totally them to have their first conversation with one another however many months later as if they didn’t say such unspeakably nasty things to each other the last time they spoke and revel in their respective accomplishments.

They’re probably the only real friends each other has ever had.

The Industry sisters, because how else can we describe them at this point, took us on a fantastical ride this season, and their parting moments were enough to make you smile.

For Eric and Pierpoint, the Clock Runs Out on Industry Season 3 Episode 8

Of course, Ken Leung was a force of nature, as he always is (seriously, if he doesn’t get his Emmy nom after this, then what the entire hell are we doing anymore?).

It’s remarkable how Industry Season 3 humbled Eric so much.

Wilhelmina, forever the opportunist, jumped to what was best for her, and just as sure as it seemed like Eric was at the top of that ladder they spoke about in Industry Season 3 Episode 1, Eric was facing a hit again.

Al-Mi’raj Pierpoint was a sight to behold as this century-and-a-half company fell to pieces, and the Arabs had to buy them out, changing everything, firing everyone, and dismantling the company as if it was nothing and never existed.

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All that was left was Eric on a floor looking like a ghost town or mass grave, sobbing at a desk he devoted his entire life and lost his whole life to, and swinging a baseball bat around as if he was the last man standing on the Titanic as it went down.

It was a sad sight to see: death to Industry as we know it via Pierpoint, capped off with the blink, and you may have missed confirmation that poor Bill Adler died.

Money Tames the Beast … the End of the Story is Money

The financial game chews people up and spits them out, and no matter how many years one devotes to a company, one’s legacy washes away with little effort, and one becomes nothing more than a footnote or maybe a dusty plaque on a wall if one is lucky.

In the end, whether you’re a green rookie on the floor like poor Hari or a decades-long veteran like Bill Adler, you are merely a cog in a machine that simply doesn’t slow down or give a solitary fuck.

Perhaps the real victors are people like Harper and Eric, whose notable Money speech summed up the series well.

Money tames the beast. Money is peace. Money … Money is civilization. The end of the story is money.

— Eric Tao

They understand this is how it works and are all the better for it.

For Rishi, Fate Came to Collect, Shockingly and Violently

Of course, in a series of shocking moments, nothing topped Rishi’s (or rather his wife’s) jaw-dropping fate towards the end of Industry Season 3 Episode 8.

Fate is a bitch who comes to collect, and you can’t ever cheat her, now can you?

So much for “Fate is shaving her cunt for me,” I guess. She came hard and fast and had the last laugh.

The anxiety-inducing Industry Season 3 Episode 4 had us gritting our teeth, covering our eyes, and holding our breaths as Rishi continuously took the biggest, most unconscionable risks, seeking all the rewards.

In a scene that felt like it was from an entirely different series, Vin came to collect and channeled Denzel Washington when he said, “I’m leaving here with something.”

Rishi has been playing fast and loose with Vin, operating under some misguided belief that their friendship would preclude Vin from doing what he does to collect; Rishi’s luck finally runs out.

His own behavior led to his tenuous partnership with Harper’s failure. She was out for revenge, particularly after realizing Rishi’s betrayal wasn’t a one-off.

He’d throw anyone under the bus for his own gain, and knowing that he didn’t hesitate to do the same with the delightful and formidable Sweetpea and sweet Anraj was more than enough for Harper to play Goddess of Retribution.

Rishi’s Luck Runs Out in Industry Season 3 Episode 8

Of course, no one truly understood how deep in debt he was, but something tells me it wouldn’t have mattered.

They probably wouldn’t have helped him in any capacity, and he would’ve continued to be reckless no matter what, landing in the same boat because he couldn’t help himself.

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He and Diana had already separated, and he was living in a surprisingly decent-looking apartment rather than their countryside manor.

And Diana clearly still cared about him enough to bring the man a birthday cake despite their separation.

She’s right; you can’t fix broken men, but the tragedy is that she’s no longer around to raise a good one.

Her ranting and raving at Vin about how he exploits and takes advantage of Rishi, knowing he has a problem, inevitably leads to some reaction.

However, when her nagging and reprimands resulted in a bullet between the eyes — that was utterly shocking.

I shrieked loudly, and it visually looked well, with Rishi in a state of utter shock with blood cast off all over his face, sitting in front of a freaking birthday cake with his dead wife bleeding out on the kitchen table of a pristine-looking apartment.

At the same time, Vin rummaged through the house and took whatever could go against Rishi’s massive debt.

Rishi is a shit husband and father, and we’ve known this, but this takes the cake (pardon the pun).

I don’t actually foresee where else they can go with Rishi after something like that. It feels like a bloody, Shakespearean ending to the character.

Robert Finds Happiness (And the Close of His Chapter?)

We can say the same for Robert, who seems to be happily making his pitches in the U.S.

He serves as our narrator of sorts, opening and closing the episode and summating the season and the series as a whole.

Robert looked good, sounded confident, and was maybe in his element.

Robert Spearing: I’m just here to give you an opportunity to join us on the ground floor of what is going to be a spectacular journey. Mark my words.

Industry S03E08

He looks happy, too, which is something.

Maybe after being the Charlie Brown of the series for so long, Pierpoint’s (former) puppy with the basset hound eyes can find happiness without life yanking the rug from beneath him and him plummeting through a trap door.

This finale makes Industry’s renewal exciting and sparks genuine curiosity.

Where else can they go with the series after this?

They fearlessly blew up the show as we know it all season, so what’s next? I can’t wait to find out.

Over to you, Industry Fanatics.

How did you feel about this finale?

Which moment shocked you the most?

Did any of the storylines disappoint you? Let’s hear it below.

Watch Industry Season 3 Online

The post Industry Season 3 Episode 8 Review: Infinite Largesse appeared first on TV Fanatic.

The season’s penultimate installment threw everything at us, leaving fates hanging in the balance, significant changes on the horizon, and kept the foot on the gas.

The financial game is purely savage, but so is the game of life.

When the Future is Always Uncertain, it Ups the Stakes

We’ve already rejoiced over the news that Industry will return with a fourth season.

But with a series like this that always stays on the fringes of mainstream, even in this critically acclaimed third season, it’s no surprise that the powers-that-be write like the ax could drop at any moment.

If the season has done nothing, it has pushed Industry to the absolute limit, leaving it without barriers or safety nets.

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There’s a certain freedom in just gunning ahead full blast towards a season finale that could blow all up and leave everything hanging in the balance.

As a result, there’s a constant feeling that anything can happen at any moment.

Nearly every installment has crammed a season’s worth of plot into an hour, barreling ahead at the speed of lightning like a coked-up Rishi at a casino and nothing (but everything) to lose.

It lends itself to an unpredictability that keeps the series exciting.

You can never anticipate what’s to come next, and nothing (like Pierpoint) and no one (like literally all of our leading players) feels safe or certain.

Industry keeps the audience on edge in that way.

Rising Stars Mean Undetermined Fates and Suspense

Speaking of main players, no one feels safe in an Industry with plot points that can result in danger, death, backstabbing, and betrayal.

It doesn’t help matters that Industry bolsters one of the most supremely talented casts on the air.

Just as Industry is getting its due and proper accolades over time, so are the many actors portraying these characters.

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From Herrold and Abela to Harry Lawtey (who is already capturing the eye and anticipation of many with his notable role in Joker: Folie à Deux opposite of legends like Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, we have a cast that is staying booked and busy.

With that in mind, as they continue their ascent to superstardom and more prominent roles, every second spent with these characters feels precious and like we could be on borrowed time.

With the loss of a pinnacle character like Gus, any plot point that challenges the fate of any of these characters is palpable.

A perpetually sad Yasmin crumbling under the stress, grief, and trauma from all that she’s endured could meet any fate, and it’s a realistic concern.

A newly optimistic Robert relocating to the States and leaving the toxic world of Pierpoint behind feels as plausible as anything else.

Harper, meeting some horrid fate as her survival skills masquerading as reckless ambition and betrayal catch up to her, is as real a possibility as ever.

The fates of our favorite characters can always reasonably hang in the balance, and we feel the anxiety over that. Industry Season 3 Episode 7 is a prime example.

When They Go Low, We Go … To Hell, F*ck That

The third season has damn near beaten the life out of Yasmin, but Marisa Abela has put forth some stunning work.

The hour saw Yasmin a shell of herself.

The thread this woman is hanging on by is such a frayed bit. It’s practically transparent.

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It didn’t seem like things could get any lower for her, but there was a trap door comically.

As if it wasn’t enough that her father embezzled, lied, abused people, and disappeared into the sea, Yasmin has had to face the brunt of it all.

But her father’s publishing company’s desire for her to be the face of shame in place of Charles, serving as the fall woman, was a special kind of low.

It didn’t matter that she was also a victim of Charles or, as we learned later, that they were equally culpable in Charles’ misdeeds.

They were happily willing to throw Yasmin to the wolves for their benefit, not giving her many options and taking full advantage of her precarious state and cash-poor status.

But information is power, and learning and having proof that Hananai Publishing was culpable, too, was the only way for Yasmin to get out of the permanent tarnish.

Survival Trumps Morals in Industry Season 3 Episode 7

Yes, it would’ve jeopardized Charles’ victims and caused them damage as the information was out there, but it also would’ve saved Yasmin.

Her lawyer wanted her to show some grace and take things in stride rather than throw the victims under the bus to save herself under the guise of taking the high ground over Hanani Publishing.

But this is Industry; screw the moral high ground. It doesn’t exist.

Even the most morally centered person would’ve likely opted to take down Hanani Publishing rather than go down in infamy as the poster child of Charles’s discretions.

Yasmin wavered on the idea, trying to make sense of if it was something she wanted to do out of fear of not coming across as a bad person.

But we always knew what Yasmin could choose because it’s in her nature to do so, and if it’s one thing Industry characters can’t fight, it’s their true nature.

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Sparks of Codependency and/or Love

It takes Yasmin to be at her absolute lowest to realize things about herself and her relationships with others, specifically men.

Yasmin has jerked Robert around for as long as we can remember, knowing he harbors genuine feelings for her.

But it was one of the first times she could articulate why, and she went as far as essentially admitting (for the second time this season) that she loves him.

Anytime she comes close to expressing actual love, she torpedos it, typically with sex and anger, and Robert was probably one of the only men in her life who challenged her and wouldn’t allow her to do that to him.

He’s remained steady in her life, and he doesn’t view her as merely a sexual object, and only now, when her entire life has blown to bits, does she value and appreciate that.

It feels like they’re closer to equal standing, and with that fall from grace and the privileges she grew up with, she has a greater appreciation and desire for the working-class guy, whom she used to be out of his league.

Yasmin’s Love for Robert May be Too Late

But to her dismay, just as she’s had these realizations, Robert could be moving on with his life, leaving Pierpoint, yes, but even London behind him in pursuit of a job opportunity in Silicon Valley that he seems genuinely excited about.

You could see the fear on Yasmin’s face over the prospect of losing him when he excitedly shared the news.

Robert seems oddly hopeful, thriving off anticipation as he described it.

It’s the first time we’ve seen him seem genuinely happy and on the cusp of finding freedom.

I almost can’t trust it, as he’s spent most of the series serving as Industry’s kicked puppy.

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Like Yasmin, Robert’s happy announcement fills me with dread and a deep wariness.

So This is What Death Feels Like

The hour does well capturing the Titanic feel of the crisis with Pierpoint’s finest employees partying it up, getting high, and having sex in open-windowed offices.

They were celebrating nicely while Pierpoint was burning on another floor.

You can’t fault Rishi for plotting his escape, especially at Eric’s tip-off and working toward saving his ass since he was already sporting a broken arm, coke nosebleeds, and an enforcer needing payment.

It pays to be in the room where the real action happens, and Eric learned that the hard way.

New CEO Tom questioned his credentials and stake presence as the partners scrambled to figure out their next step.

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For Eric, it’s nothing new; he’s spent his entire career proving why he’s supposed to be in the room without batting an eye.

However, there were two conflicting viewpoints about Pierpoint’s future with Tom versus Adler.

Adler was sustaining himself on legacy and Pierpoint’s status as a bastion of the financial industry for 150 years, so it should’ve been about salvaging the company rather than selling out for convenience.

But Tom wanted to fix the problem the most efficiently possible, whether it meant seeking a bailout from the US Treasury, which proved to be a fool’s mission, or hacking Pierpoint up for parts and selling them to the highest bidder.

The US Treasury bit was hilarious, particularly hearing this woman claim they couldn’t bail out a big bank overseas during an election year.

Tom’s quip about how she’s a Democrat, meaning she only pretends to have a heart was darkly humorous and made me cackle.

But the top floor wheeling and dealing was peak Industry.

We’re Just At the Mercy of Someone’s Ambition

Trevor White has done some of his finest work on the series thus far in that top-floor war room.

He’s a man clinging to the legacy he helped build, the only thing he has in his control.

He devoted his entire life (and health as he’s battling cancer) to Pierpoint, so it’s no surprise he was fanatical about saving it however he could and still plotting to make moves against Tom and ascend to power.

But this industry is a game, and it always has been, and Adler, the poor bastard, was outplayed.

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The people you’re closest always to do the most damage.

He mistook his camaraderie with Eric and the genuinely deep moments they shared as allyship when he should’ve watched his back.

In the end, he, too, was a casualty of Eric’s ambition, something he encouraged when it was directed at others but didn’t expect when Eric used it against him.

Eric Mirrors Harper in a Full Circle Moment

Betrayal is a hell of a thing, and you could see Eric’s mind churning away throughout the hour.

You could tell that he was weighing his options and trying to determine the best way to survive.

And then you could see the exact moment he realized he was about to throw Adler under the bus.

Again, Ken Leung does some fantastic work.

His facial expressions and intonations in his voice convey so much, adding layers between every line or movement.

Eric using Adler’s tumor against him, making him second-guess whether or not he was mentally fit, was a particular type of diabolical.

It opened the floodgates for the company to make Adler their scapegoat, chalking up risk-taking maneuvers like backing Lumi as a byproduct of his tumor and effectively putting the man to pasture.

The fact that Eric, the same man he had commiserated with about aging out of the game, was the one who kicked it off only made things worse.

It reminded me of the adage that you don’t have to outrun the bear, only the person beside you.

Not only did Eric take out a friend and comrade in arms, but he executed that takedown so well that he positioned himself as the new Adler and used Ali and his connections to the Egyptian market as another Nepo Baby to save the day.

Pierpoint lives to see another day, but at what costs?

Like Kenny during the season premiere, it came at Adler’s expense, a brutal takedown.

It was also one of the most purely entertaining developments yet.

The parallels between Eric and Harper deepen with each installment; they don’t have to share the screen to see them.

Petra Takes a Swipe at Harper

We should’ve known that the partnership between Petra and Harper would be tenuous at best.

I mean, Harper is Harper, and Petra prefers walking on the right side of legalities and ethics, even though she bends here and there.

But mostly, Petra brought Harper into the fold and then regretted it when she spent more time fearing that Harper would betray or undermine her.

Harper has always been Harper and hasn’t hidden how she operates, and Petra didn’t mind that when they initially formed their partnership.

It seems unfair to hold Harper doing what she’s been doing and being what she’s been against her like this.

But it seems to hit Petra that if Harper betrayed two superiors and threw her friend under the bus when it called for it, then Harper could do the same to her.

Harper is a Survivor Who Shouldn’t Be Underestimated

In Petra’s mind, she’d rather get Harper before Harper gets her, and the way to take her down was via Otto.

Harper can never have too much power for too long, but in an hour chock-full of betrayals, that one was a punch to the gut, too.

It makes you wonder to what extent will Otto do something, though.

He’s operating on Petra’s word about Harper being reckless with his money.

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But Otto also sees a kindred spirit in Harper, and she’s a scrappy survivor who is never down and out for too long.

If anyone can turn this situation around to her advantage, Harper can.

Petra is petrified of Harper and what she’s capable of, yet she still underestimates her.

That was an exhilarating penultimate finale.

But what on earth can the finale even bring? I’m eager to find out!

Over to you, Industry Fanatics.

Which betrayal shocked (or hurt) you the most?

Will Robert leave for the States?

Let’s hear all of your thoughts and theories below!

The post Industry Season 3 Episode 7 Review: Useful Idiot appeared first on TV Fanatic.

Yes, we got ourselves a renewal, and this little-show-that-could keeps defying the odds in the best possible way.

The best-kept secret is that Industry is one of the most outstanding television series currently airing, yet it somehow manages to fly under the radar.

In a Shadow of Giants, Industry Quietly Becomes TV’s Hidden Gem

It has the grit, edginess, incredible writing, and stunning performances of some of the most buzz-worthy (and Emmy-worthy) series.

Yet, like Succession‘s snarky first cousin or Euphoria‘s glib single aunt, it somehow escapes mainstream accolades and recognition.

But then again, that’s part of the series’ charm, producing some of the most intellectually stimulating but outlandishly out-there writing since Mr. Robot crept onto the scene.

I can name a zillion of the best series to draw comparisons.

Still, despite being inarguably superior to Billions, the truth is that Industry is a series all of its own, carving out its own unique space and happily staying within that lane, only getting better with each episode.

A Strong Case for Patience in TV

But that’s where Industry is afforded something few series get these days: a fighting chance at building an audience and expanding an already fantastic story.

These days, networks or streamers drop series like bad habits if they don’t gallop out of the gate with unrealistic rating numbers and whatever facts and figures they use to justify the abrupt cancelations of TV shows.

There used to be a time when networks would at least allow a show to attempt to build an audience week in and out, give a show time to make some tweaks that may be necessary or give writers the due respect of allowing their stories to unfold at a reasonable pace gradually.

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We’ve been in an instant-gratification era that has spilled over into the television industry.

Networks and even some viewers barely have the patience or attention span to let a good story build.

A slow-burn series could be a death sentence, and anything that dares fall under the radar can typically get put out for pasture before the end credits roll on the second episode.

Industry Defies the Odds and Reaps the Benefits as a Result

Industry stands out as a fairly unique concept with original storytelling rather than falling into the endless loop of prequels, sequels, reboots, revivals, and procedurals plaguing everything from networks to streamers.

But in addition to that, Industry also represents one of the perks of yesteryear, roots we desperately need to return to if there’s ever any hope of having long-lasting quality series anymore rather than an endless stream of limited series.

Industry is representative of a time when networks put complete faith in a series, allowed the creative freedom required to produce and deliver something entertaining and brilliant, and gave viewers time to find, fall in love with, and support the series.

Industry Season 3 is the most buzzworthy season of the series to date, as it continues to pick up speed and crack into mainstream after its debut as one of the most underrated series to come from the pandemic.

It’s underrated enough that it wasn’t remotely considered one of HBO’s biggest series (something that hopefully will change).

Yet, HBO fully invested in the series’ potential, which continues to pay off.

HBO’s Risk Pays Off with Industry’s Success

The third season has seen the most significant ratings growth yet — it improved by a whopping 40% from its sophomore season.

The Industry Season 3 premiere raked in 300,000 viewers across HBO and Max, up 60% from the sophomore season premiere.

It averages 1.6 million viewers cross-platform each episode, but this number is subject to change as HBO counts up to 90 days from the premiere date.

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No, it doesn’t bring in the numbers of House of Dragons or other HBO series of a similar ilk, but it’s all about the climb when it comes to Industry.

All HBO had to do was simply give it the space and time to do what it does best: tell compelling stories and thrill viewers.

We’ve all lamented the testy relationship between viewers and the networks that provide them content via shows.

Networks often cite poor ratings as the reason they pull the plug on series well before their prime.

Meanwhile, viewers are so accustomed to being burned that they’re reluctant to tune into a series until they know for certain that it’ll last a full season, let alone beyond a single one.

Earning the Trust of the Audience Proves Effective

Of course, there’s also the pesky issue where, in an age where the general audience doesn’t tune into things live and streams series on any number of streamers, trying to account for what “ratings” actually mean or should look like anymore is a nightmare and seems to be an outdated process.

The key to any successful series these days tends to be halfway decent promotion and earning the audience’s trust, and if any series has cracked the code on this, it’s Industry.

Industry is a critical darling that has developed a devoted audience, and all are willing to do the heavy lifting and promote the series to anyone willing to listen.

Coming out of the shadow of more popular series like Succession, which has officially signed off, and Euphoria, which is at a startling standstill, has also worked in Industry’s favor.

But viewers simply seeing that the series has actually lasted longer than a season and is now heading into its fourth has certainly reassured folks, and no doubt that come 2026, when the newest season will inevitably make its debut, it’ll be able to build off the success of season three and be better than ever.

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It’s something that HBO is likely banking on, and they’re willing to put their money where their mouth is, channeling Rishi Ramdani in all of his glory since the high risks have done nothing but produce sweet rewards.

Industry is a lesson in trusting the process.

Hopefully, they can be an example of a new rule rather than an exception.

Over to you, Industry Fanatics.

How do you feel about this renewal news?

The post Industry’s Season 4 Renewal Proves Patience & Risks Reap Ratings & Rewards appeared first on TV Fanatic.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Industry has officially been renewed for a fourth season.

The news comes as no surprise, as the British investment banking drama enjoyed explosive ratings growth in recent weeks.

In fact, THR reports that Industry is up a whopping 40 percent over its season two performance and is now averaging 1.6 million viewers cross-platform.

Obviously, its audience is still on the smaller side, but if you’ve been reading our Industry reviews, you know we couldn’t be happier about this renewal!

And if you’ve been sleeping on this show, it’s official time to wake up. There’s no better way to fill the Succession-shaped hole in your heart!

Black Mirror Season 7 Cast Revealed

Speaking of returning British favorites, it’s almost time to delve back into the dark side of modern technology with a new season of Black Mirror.

The show’s seventh season is currently filming, and while it won’t arrive on Netflix until 2025, we just got our first glimpse at the cast, and it is an embarrassment of riches. Check it out:

• Awkwafina (Jackpot)
• Milanka Brooks (Mum And I Don’t Talk Anymore)
• Peter Capaldi (Criminal Record)
• Emma Corrin (Deadpool and Wolverine)
• Paul Giamatti (The Holdovers)
• Rashida Jones (Sunny)

• Billy Magnussen (Road House)
• Cristin Milioti (The Penguin)
• Chris O’Dowd (Bridesmaids)
• Issa Rae (Barbie)
• Tracee Ellis Ross (Black-ish)
• Jimmi Simpson (Westworld)
• Harriet Walter (Succession)

See what we’re saying?

It’s like a freakin’ TV all-star game. You’ve got a good mix of living legends (Giamatti, Capaldi, Ross Walter) and exciting up-and-comers (Magnussen, Simpson, Corrin).

Issa Rae, Rashida Jones, and Cristin Milioti are all on the verge of earning “I’ll watch anything with her in it” status, with the latter appearing in two of the anticipated genre projects in recent memory (the buzz surrounding Max’s The Penguin couldn’t be bigger).

In other words, the cast for Black Mirror’s seventh outing has us fully psyched.

Here’s hoping showrunner Charlie Brooker and his writing staff can rise to the occasion!

Beyond the Gates Gets New Title, Logline, Cast

And finally, we’ve got big news regarding CBS‘ first Black soap opera in 35 years.

The show formerly known as The Gates is now titled Beyond the Gates. Perhaps the network didn’t want to create the impression that the series would center around the messy divorce between Bill and Melinda.

Anyway, today’s title change came with the show’s first casting announcement.

Three daytime vets lead the way, as Tamra Tunie (Law & Order: SVU, As the World Turns), Daphnee Duplaix (One Life to Live), and Karla Mosley (The Bold and the Beautiful) will anchor this historic project.

We also got our first official description of the show’s premise:

“Beyond the Gates is set in a leafy Maryland suburb just outside of Washington D.C., and in one the most affluent African American counties in the United States,” reads the logline.

“Here you’ll find a posh gated community with winding tree-lined streets and luxurious mansions to call home.

“At the center of this community are the Duprees, a powerful and prestigious multi-generational family that is the very definition of Black royalty.”

The show is produced by CBS Studios and the NAACP.

And while there’s sure to be plenty of soapy scandal, the series’ goal is to provide a positive portrayal of Black families — something that’s too seldom seen on television these days.

Over to you, TV fanatics! Are you excited about this new addition to the daytime landscape?

Or maybe you’re pumped about another thrilling season of Industry?

Hit the comments section below to share your thoughts!

The post Fanatic Feed: Industry Renewed For Season 4, Black Mirror Season 7 Cast Revealed, and More appeared first on TV Fanatic.

They break boundaries, challenge authority, and do it all with a mix of style, wit, and fierce independence.

Whether they’re power-hungry department heads, queens of high society, tough-as-nails cops, or even nuns (yes, really!), they don’t just embrace risk — they run toward it, unapologetically standing their ground every time.

What makes them so thrilling? It’s their fearless attitude, razor-sharp tongues, and the way they totally own the screen with unwavering confidence.

Whether they’re dropping one-liners, scheming up something big, or just being their bold selves, these leading ladies define what it means to be unapologetically fierce, even if they’re low-key about it!

Diane Tavener (Slow Horses)

Diana Taverner is a powerhouse of manipulation and ruthlessness as MI5’s Deputy Director-General. She epitomizes cold, calculated leadership, where power and control come before loyalty or ethics.

Diana’s chess-like approach to the intelligence world is all about using people as pawns — whether it’s her subordinates, Slough House’s misfit agents, or anyone who stands in her way.

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She has no qualms about bending the rules or making morally questionable decisions if it means furthering her goals.

Pragmatic to the core, Diana is always focused on the bigger picture, even if it means throwing others under the bus.

Her ability to charm, despite keeping an emotional distance, makes her all the more dangerous. She uses her icy demeanor to stay detached, manipulating those around her without ever letting emotions cloud her judgment.

Her interactions with Lamb reveal a dynamic of mutual respect wrapped in disdain. She views Lamb and Slough House as expendable, but her strategic mind sees opportunities in their failures.

Diana is hungry for First Desk, and she’s not wrong to think she deserves it. She knows how to play the game better than anyone, and her sneaky, behind-the-scenes moves prove just how sharp she is.

Even though the top spot slipped through her fingers once again, Diana’s already plotting to undermine her new boss, Claude Whelan — just like she did with Ingrid Tearney. She’s nothing if not persistent.

Every move Diana makes is a calculated power play. In her world, it’s not about playing nice — it’s about getting results, no matter the cost. And since it’s Slow Horses, you just know she’s not done yet!

Catherine de Medici (The Serpent Queen)

Catherine de Medici is the ultimate power player in the world of French politics. Starting as a powerless young girl, she rises to become one of the most formidable figures in French history, wielding her sharp wit and ruthless strategy like a pro.

Catherine knows early on that surviving the French court means outsmarting everyone around her — and she does it with precision.

Orphaned as a child and married off to a prince who barely notices her, Catherine thrives by playing the long game in a male-dominated world on The Serpent Queen.

Her political savvy is legendary, and she’s willing to go to great lengths to maintain her family’s grip on power. Whether it’s through manipulation, strategic alliances, or even orchestrating a bit of violence, Catherine’s approach is cold, calculated, and always effective.

While she might seem tough as nails, Catherine isn’t without depth. Beneath her hard exterior lies a longing for love and acceptance — especially from her indifferent husband — but she never lets those emotions interfere with her quest for power.

She’s all about protecting her family, even if it means using her children as pawns in her political games, marrying them off to secure alliances and ensure her legacy.

What really sets Catherine apart is her ability to read people and situations like a book. She’s always one step ahead, using court dynamics and human behavior to her advantage.

Swift, ruthless, and incredibly strategic, Catherine is both feared and respected, ensuring that the Medici name remains powerful for generations.

She’s the kind of ruler you don’t mess with — unless you want to be outplayed at your own game.

Harper Stern (Industry)

Harper Stern is the definition of fearless ambition in the cutthroat world of international finance.

She navigates Pierpoint & Co.’s high-stakes environment on Industry with razor-sharp instincts and a rebellious streak that sets her apart from her more by-the-book colleagues.

As an outsider — both as an American and a woman of color — Harper knows she has to play the game differently, and she’s not afraid to take extreme risks to secure her place at the top.

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Her bold moves often involve bending (or outright breaking) the rules, whether it’s going behind the backs of her colleagues to snag major clients or outsmarting her superiors to get what she wants.

Harper has no problem defying authority, knowing that in her world, playing it safe won’t get her ahead.

Her survival instincts kick in every time she’s faced with office politics, and she uses them to her advantage, often manipulating situations to stay in control.

Her cunning actions make her stand out in an environment where only the strongest and shrewdest can rise.

She’s not content to follow the traditional corporate ladder — she’s carving her own path, no matter how many people she has to step over to do it.

Whether she’s closing high-stakes deals or navigating personal turmoil, Harper’s confidence never falters, even when the risks she takes could easily backfire.

Driven, ambitious, and undeniably daring, Harper’s relentless pursuit of success is what keeps her climbing higher, showing time and time again that she’s willing to risk it all to get to the top.

Sister Andrea (Evil)

Evil‘s Sister Andrea is far from your average nun. With her sharp wit, supernatural abilities, and unshakable faith, she’s a spiritual warrior who isn’t afraid to mix it up with demons or church leadership.

While others might tremble in the face of evil forces, Sister Andrea remains fearless, calmly facing off with demonic entities without batting an eye.

Her interactions with the sinister Leland Townsend are pure gold. She calls him out, mocks his attempts to intimidate her, and consistently shows she’s not someone to mess with.

But it’s not just about her supernatural strength. Sister Andrea is bold in every sense — she’s not afraid to speak truth to power, even if that means clashing with the church hierarchy.

When she feels the church isn’t taking the threat of demonic possession seriously, she’s quick to challenge their reluctance, pushing back against the bureaucracy with a fierce resolve.

One of Sister Andrea’s most striking qualities is her hands-on approach to spiritual warfare.

She doesn’t just rely on prayers or rituals; she physically fights, making her one of the most proactive and unconventional figures in the church.

She also plays a mentor to David Acosta, guiding him through his spiritual battles and encouraging him to question things and dig deeper into his faith. Thus, she proves that belief isn’t about blind obedience but personal discovery.

Unconventional, courageous, and deeply connected to the supernatural, Sister Andrea is a force to be reckoned with in her spiritual battles and her fight against the powers that be.

Emily Cooper (Emily in Paris)

Emily Cooper may not always get it right, but she sure knows how to live life on her own terms.

As a young, ambitious American marketing exec, she arrives in Paris full of bright-eyed optimism, blissfully unaware of the cultural clashes, language barriers, and professional challenges that lie ahead.

Instead of adapting, though, Emily sticks to what she knows best: being unapologetically herself.

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She doesn’t speak French, isn’t exactly a marketing genius, and often stumbles with her colleagues. But does that slow her down? Absolutely not.

Emily navigates awkward situations with resilience and humor. Even when her ideas don’t quite hit the cultural mark, she’s determined to prove her worth.

Her bold, colorful fashion choices mirror that attitude. In a world of understated Parisian chic, Emily’s eclectic outfits stand out — but she never compromises.

And when her American “work-hard, play-hard” mentality clashes with the more relaxed French work culture, she keeps pushing forward, convinced that her way is just as valid.

Over time, her bright-eyed optimism and refusal to conform start to win people over. Though she may not change her approach, others come to accept that Emily’s uniqueness is part of her charm.

Whether it’s through her work, style, or personal life, Emily marches to her own beat –and in a world that constantly tries to rein her in, that’s about as bold and brazen as it gets.

Monet Tejada (Power Book II: Ghost)

Monet Tejada is a master of deception, and she’s not afraid to use every trick in the book to keep her grip on power.

She regularly withholds key information from her family on Power Book II Ghost, including her own children and husband, manipulating the narrative to suit her needs.

Whether it’s lying about the family business or covering up major, Monet is always working an angle. She knows how to play both sides, and she’s a pro at pitting people against each other to create drama that benefits her.

Her lies don’t just cause tension; they drive wedges between her children, often leading to explosive confrontations.

Monet thrives on control, and she’ll go to any lengths to keep it. She’s spins half-truths and tells outright lies just to stay in control.

But Monet’s manipulation doesn’t stop at words. She’s willing to get her hands dirty, covering up multiple murders to protect the family while keeping her kids in the dark about who was responsible or what really went down.

She projects herself as the protector, but her motives are always self-serving. She wants to maintain her control and ensure the family’s empire stays intact, no matter the cost.

Monet is ruthless in her approach, and there’s nothing she won’t do to stay in power.

While she might not be the warmest person, one thing’s for sure: she doesn’t hold back when it comes to getting what she wants, and she’s never afraid to play dirty.

Donna (FROM)

Donna is the no-nonsense leader of Colony House, the refuge where many residents seek safety from those terrifying monsters that come out at night in that creepy town.

She runs a tight ship, and she won’t let emotions or soft-heartedness get in the way of survival.

Donna’s tough exterior is her armor in this chaotic and dangerous world she’s inexplicably found herself in. But beneath that, she fiercely cares for the well-being of her community.

From‘s Donna doesn’t sugarcoat reality; newcomers quickly learn that there’s no hope of escape and that the creatures that come out at night are very much real.

She’s blunt, sometimes brutally so, but it’s her way of keeping people grounded in a world where even a momentary lapse in judgment could be fatal.

Whether she’s crushing false hope or snapping someone back to reality with a few choice words, Donna’s leadership is all about survival.

And in a town where one wrong move can be your last, her tough-love approach might just be the key to staying alive.

Stacy Beale (Tulsa King)

Stacy Beale is someone who finds herself walking a tightrope between her duty as an ATF agent and her personal desires, which often leads her into morally murky territory on Tulsa King.

She’s dynamic because she constantly juggles conflicting priorities — her responsibility to uphold the law, her own personal code, and her complicated feelings for mob boss Dwight Manfredi.

Falling for Dwight creates a whirlwind of internal conflict. Her emotional attachment leads her to blur the lines between her job and her personal life, making decisions that put both her career and ethics on the line.

Stacy’s willingness to bend the rules for Dwight, including feeding him information and covering his tracks, shows how far she’s willing to go to protect someone she cares about — even if it means compromising her integrity. 

Yet, in the end, her ultimate betrayal of Dwight to save herself stands out as one of her most brazen moves.

It’s not just because she crossed a dangerous line with the mob but because she threw away a friendship that had been built on trust, even if Dwight had mistakenly given her the benefit of the doubt.

She’s the type of person who uses her position for personal gain, withholding crucial information from her colleagues to maintain control over the situation. 

Stacy’s ability to manipulate the system to her advantage highlights her moral flexibility.

Claiming that her struggles with alcohol clouded her judgment may offer an explanation, but it doesn’t excuse her willingness to toss aside relationships to serve her own interests.

Angie Polaski (Will Trent)

On Will Trent, Angie Polaski is the kind of detective who doesn’t play by the rules — at all.

Whether it’s in her personal life or on the job, she regularly bends or outright breaks the law, driven by a complex mix of trauma, addiction, and a fierce sense of justice.

Angie’s rebellious streak means she often disregards standard police procedures, preferring to rely on her instincts, which leads to both breakthroughs and some serious trouble.

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She’s not one to wait for approval from her superiors, often choosing her own judgment over following orders, which creates plenty of tension in the precinct.

Her defiance isn’t just about being reckless — it’s fueled by her past traumas and her determination to get results, no matter the cost.

When Angie feels justice isn’t being served, she takes matters into her own hands, sometimes skirting or outright violating the law.

Whether it’s directly confronting a suspect or ignoring proper channels to shield those she cares about, like Will, she’s willing to blur the lines between law enforcement and vigilantism.

Her emotional ties to Will often lead her to make decisions that put both of them in risky situations, sidestepping official investigations or bending the rules to protect him.

Angie’s impulsive, spur-of-the-moment actions sometimes land her in dangerous territory, both professionally and personally.

Her willingness to push ethical boundaries makes her unpredictable and, at times, reckless.

But beneath her defiant exterior is someone trying to navigate her own pain while ensuring justice is served — on her terms, even if it means going rogue.

Rhaenyra Targaryen (House of the Dragon)

Rhaenyra Targaryen isn’t someone who simply follows the rules laid out for her.

As the first woman in her family named heir to the Iron Throne, she immediately disrupts expectations, asserting her right to rule with a confidence that’s hard to ignore.

From a young age, Rhaenyra understood the challenges ahead of her, particularly as a woman in a world that favors men for leadership. 

But instead of bowing to tradition, she actively shapes her own path, consistently pushing back against societal norms and refusing to be boxed in by anyone’s expectations.

Her loyalty to her father, King Viserys, runs deep, but that doesn’t stop her from questioning his decisions – especially when it comes to matters of her own future. 

Whether she refuses marriage alliances that don’t align with her desires or forms strategic connections that suit her ambitions, Rhaenyra ensures that she maintains control of her destiny on House of the Dragon.

Even in the face of powerful opposition, she remains undeterred, showing a remarkable ability to maneuver through the court’s complex politics.

Her relationships are complicated, particularly with her family, where tension is constant. Despite this, Rhaenyra carves out her place, unafraid to make moves that might upset the traditional order.

As she grows older, the weight of her responsibilities and the betrayals she experiences only strengthen her resolve.

She’s not just fighting for a throne; she’s fighting to prove that she deserves to be there, no matter who doubts her. 

In a world that consistently tries to undermine her, Rhaenyra’s determination to assert her authority is what makes her stand out as a true leader — one who won’t settle for anything less than what she’s earned.

Beth Dutton (Yellowstone)

Beth Dutton is a force of nature, charging through life with sharp wit and an unstoppable focus on protecting her family on Yellowstone.

As John Dutton’s daughter, she’s relentless in her mission to defend the family’s land and legacy.

Whether in the corporate world or out on the ranch, Beth dismantles anyone who threatens what’s hers, using her intelligence and ruthless business tactics to stay steps ahead of her enemies.

Her fiery personality shines brightest in her relationships. She shares a deep bond with her father, acting as his enforcer and always ready to get her hands dirty.

At the same time, she’s never afraid to challenge him, speaking her mind even when it might lead to a clash. Her ability to stand her ground, even against him, showcases just how strong-willed she is.

Beneath her tough exterior are deep emotional scars, particularly from her troubled past with her brother Jamie. Her hostility toward him is palpable, with no love lost between them.

Yet, in her relationship with Rip Wheeler, she reveals glimpses of vulnerability, showing that beneath all the fire, she is capable of love and tenderness.

Beth’s sharp tongue and quick wit make her both feared and admired. Known for delivering biting remarks and putting people in their place without hesitation, she commands attention wherever she goes.

Her mix of brilliance, ruthlessness, and emotional depth makes her an unforgettable force, always ready for whatever life throws her way.

Shauna Shipman (Yellowjackets)

Shauna Shipman is a complex individual who has lived through some extraordinary circumstances.

As a teenager, she was part of a high school soccer team that was stranded in the wilderness after a plane crash.

Forced to adapt quickly, Shauna’s practicality and ability to make tough, often ruthless decisions played a key role in the group’s survival.

Her ability to navigate such dire situations left a lasting mark, shaping her into someone who handles even the most dangerous, tense moments in life with calm efficiency.

However, the trauma she carries from that time, particularly regarding her complicated friendship with Jackie and the events leading up to Jackie’s death, still haunts her.

This unresolved guilt and emotional baggage show up in her adult life, where she balances dark humor and detachment as coping mechanisms.

Outwardly, Shauna appears to live a fairly typical suburban life as a mother and housewife, but underneath this ordinary facade lies a much darker side.

Shauna’s life today reflects the duality of her nature. She’s involved in an extramarital affair, and her willingness to resort to violence when pushed shows just how far she’ll go to protect her secrets.

Her loyalty to those around her, particularly her former teammates, is often overshadowed by her need to look out for herself.

Manipulation and secrecy are tools she uses to maintain control of her life, even if it means bending moral lines or keeping crucial information to herself.

Shauna is a master at reading people and situations, using her smarts to manipulate circumstances to suit her needs.

Her complex mix of survival instinct, self-preservation, and emotional trauma makes her both fascinating and unpredictable in her approach to life.

Jessica Knight (NCIS)

Jessica Knight is a standout Special Agent who brings an impressive mix of skill, intelligence, and emotional depth to NCIS.

Before joining the team, she worked with REACT, specializing in high-risk tactical operations. Her expertise in crisis situations, combined with her ability to handle extreme pressure, makes her a valuable asset in the field.

Jessica is fearless and determined, whether she’s chasing down criminals or solving complex investigations.

She tackles her job with confidence, but her tough exterior hides the emotional toll of losing her entire REACT team in a deadly explosion. 

Instead of letting that trauma stop her, Jessica returns to the field with remarkable resilience, channeling her grief into determination to seek justice.

Her ability to bounce back from tragedy speaks to her incredible strength and dedication to her work.

While she excels as an individual, Jessica quickly proves she’s also a team player, forming strong bonds with fellow agents like Torres and McGee.

She’s loyal and committed to the mission but doesn’t hesitate to speak her mind or push back when she believes there’s a better way to approach a case. Her tactical experience and instinct often give her a fresh perspective, helping break open tough cases.

Jessica’s assertiveness is one of her most notable traits.

She’s unafraid to challenge her superiors or teammates when she feels strongly about a lead or approach, and she’s persistent in following her instincts — even if it means taking unconventional routes. 

Her tactical brilliance and willingness to stand up for what she believes in make her an invaluable part of the team, while her sharp wit and occasional humor bring a bright spot to high-pressure situations.

Lady Agatha Danbury (Bridgerton)

Lady Agatha Danbury is a commanding presence in high society, known for her sharp wit, strong opinions, and unapologetic attitude.

She’s a force to be reckoned with, effortlessly navigating the male-dominated world of Regency-era London with grace and confidence.

Lady Danbury knows how to bend the rules to her advantage, and she’s not afraid to call out the hypocrisy or absurdities of the upper class. Whether she’s offering advice or delivering biting comments with a smile, she never holds back.

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Despite the rigid social conventions of her time, Lady Danbury refuses to conform to the expectations placed on women, particularly widows.

She’s fiercely independent and often challenges societal norms, making it clear that she’ll live life on her own terms.

She is a champion for love and equality, encouraging those around her to follow their hearts rather than be limited by status or tradition.

Her progressive views on personal freedom and happiness are refreshing, especially in a world where rank dictates everything.

While Lady Danbury is a powerhouse in the social arena, she also has a compassionate side.

After Simon’s mother’s death, she takes him under her wing, helping him navigate his complicated relationship with his father and the trauma of his past.

Her mentorship extends to many young debutantes, guiding them with a mixture of tough love and genuine care.

Her fearless attitude even extends to royalty — she’s not afraid to subtly challenge Queen Charlotte herself, often poking fun at the matchmaking season.

Lady Danbury’s ability to cut through the pretensions of the ton with humor and grace makes her both admired and feared in equal measure.

Jan Bellows (Only Murders in the Building)

Okay, so I kind of cheated with this one. Jan isn’t a leading lady in Only Murders in the Building, but she’s definitely bold and brazen in the most evil of ways.

Jan is the kind of person who lures you in with her charm and sophistication, only to reveal her truly sinister side when it’s too late.

As a talented bassoonist, she initially presents herself as refined and intelligent — someone who catches the eye of Charles and quickly forms a romantic relationship with him.

But behind the cultured musician facade, Jan is a master manipulator, hiding darker intentions that tie her directly to the murder mystery at the heart of Only Murders in the Building Season One.

From the start, Jan knows how to keep people guessing. She appears aloof yet captivating, using her musical talents and mysterious personality to intrigue Charles.

Her relationship with him seems innocent enough at first, but as the investigation into Tim Kono’s murder heats up, it becomes clear that Jan is hiding far more than anyone realizes.

Jan’s manipulation is a work of art. She uses her connection with Charles not just to cover her tracks but to stay dangerously close to the investigation, all while expertly throwing off suspicion.

Her obsession with control drives her to not only deceive Charles but also fake her own stabbing to appear as another victim, all in an effort to keep the spotlight away from her.

But perhaps her boldest move is re-entering Charles’ life after her murderous attempt on him. To go back to the very man she tried to kill shows just how brazen she really is.

Her cunning and dangerous behavior makes her a formidable figure (even in a guest role), and you can’t help but admire the audacity — no matter how twisted it is.

Unstoppable, Unapologetic, and Utterly Fearless

From the fierce to the downright terrifying, these leading ladies don’t play by the rules—and they don’t care if you like it or not.

Whether they’re breaking down barriers or ruthlessly protecting their own interests, these women refuse to back down. 

They may not always be admirable, but they are undeniably unforgettable. Love them or fear them, these characters own their space, making sure no one forgets who’s in charge.

Now it’s your turn — who’s the most bold and brazen leading lady on your list? Drop your pick in the comments below!

The post TV’s Bold and Brazen Leading Ladies appeared first on TV Fanatic.

Which downfall, you might be asking?

With Industry Season 3 Episode 6 delivering the fall of Charles Hunani, Pierpoint as we know it, Eric’s dignity, Yasmin’s career, and the trauma-frenemy Harper/Yas dynamic let’s just cast an entire case of the finest wine into the sea.

A Spectacularly Petty Demise

Charles’ death has been at the center of this story since Industry Season 3 Episode 1, and we’ve been longing to know the truth behind his disappearance and that disturbing confrontation with Yasmin.

And the truth didn’t disappoint.

Of course, Charles and Yasmin’s final moments together were as toxic as every other aspect of their relationship.

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After the assault in the bedroom, a drunken Charles couldn’t leave well enough alone and went off to sing to his heart’s content to his daughter and ask for her forgiveness.

The usual toxic patterns took place, which had Yasmin willingly forgiving her father yet again because codependent relationships are a bitch.

And maybe things would’ve ended on that note if Charles’ little Charles wasn’t prodding Yasmin during that hug, and it didn’t prompt her to discuss the Freudian-sized elephant on the yacht about how Charles desires her sexually and physically.

The entire hour was full of harsh truths and metaphorical (and physical) slaps to the face as some of the most loathsome characters operated as mirrors reflecting on one another.

Industry is excellent like that, though, so we had an onslaught of some of the best performances currently on the air coming at us in rapid succession (pardon the pun), leaving you holding your breath or gasping for air depending on the moment.

It’s difficult to pinpoint who delivered Industry Season 3 Episode 6’s best performance and which duo was slaying a girl’s entire existence because every time I thought, “Oh, yeah, that’s the one right there,” it got even better.

At this point, I’ll happily follow Marisa Abela, Ken Leung, and Myha’la Herrold around with flowers lest they ever go a day without getting their proper due ones for the sheer talent they bestow upon us in every second of Industry.

Industry Teaches Us that We May Never Overcome the Battle Wounds from Our Parents

But let’s get back to that bastard Charles.

The energy was taut, and something shifted in the air when Charles and Yasmin got into their final altercation; as you knew, this would likely be the moment that answered all of our questions.

And neither of them held back in eviscerating each other to shreds, cutting so profoundly to the core of one another’s insecurities and deepest fears.

It was such an incredibly raw performance.

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The codependency between Charles and Yasmin is so profoundly disturbing, and it seemed that Yasmin was the one to recognize how screwed up it all was while Charles was someone who willfully accepted it.

There were always so many uncomfortable layers to their dynamic, as Charles, as a narcissist, saw Yasmin as some extension of himself.

He acknowledged it as he spoke about how she would sit on his lap, completely attached to him until she was five.

Interestingly, he also mentioned how much she would cry, but it’s as if he was too self-absorbed to acknowledge that her crying may have been because of him.

But he also saw Yasmin as this thing to control and this body to use and desire.

Even protecting her was more about his property than genuine love and affection for her as his own.

But She Speaks SEVEN LANGUAGES!

He called her a “talentless whore,” summing up everything she’s always feared about herself and what others think about her.

She’s constantly trying to prove something, and it cuts to the core of her that everything Charles said about her could be true to everyone who crosses her path.

But what an unfathomably ugly thing to say to one’s daughter.

Charles opts to jump into the sea spitefully to challenge what Yasmin said and prove that she loves him and didn’t mean her words.

It was such a quintessentially Charles thing to do.

Of course, he underestimated just how fed up Yasmin was and how easily she could freeze during that moment, rendering her incapable of making the moves to rescue him.

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Charles’ downfall was his arrogance and confidence regarding his relationship with Yasmin.

He left her carrying the guilt of his accidental death and the truth surrounding it, and his final words were etched into her memory and something she’ll carry with her moving forward.

A Butcher Masquerading as a Surgeon

Maybe Eric’s dad was onto something when he said the way to damn a man was to teach him how to count.

I’ve lost count of all the ways Pierpoint is royally f*cked, and Industry Season 3 Episode 6 starts bringing that to a head.

When we weren’t looking, Tom took over as CEO, which uprooted the entire floor as they tried to figure out what these changes meant for them and their futures.

Rishi isn’t pulling any punches when it comes to cornering Eric about all of this, and given what we know after the spectacular “White Mischief,” it’s no wonder why.

But from Anraj to Sweetpea, there’s enough happening on the floor to have others spooked regardless of Eric’s hollow reassurances while he reaches out to Adler every few moments.

Speaking of Adler, they texted about someone being the fall guy. Who was that?

Blood is in the water, and only someone like Robert, who is so accustomed to life f**king him at every chance, would be whistling dixie at the prospect, offering the most hilarious line delivery of Industry Season 3 Episode 6, if not the season.

He’s right; what ELSE is new?

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One of Robert’s most compelling qualities lies therein, even when he’s a simpering hot mess slathered in pomade.

You can’t truly fear rock bottom when you’ve resided there, right?

What Eric probably didn’t anticipate, though one has to wonder why, is how the chickens could come home to roost as Pierpoint’s eventual downfall resulted from vengeance.

Vengeance, Thy Name is Harper Stern

Damn, Harper really did get Daddy’s attention!

Harper had a fascinating balancing act throughout the hour that saw her ambitions at odds with facing truths about who and what she really is and her genuine friendship with Yasmin.

Interestingly enough, Harper had zero regard for Petra and Anna’s friendship when she moved against the woman and asserted Leviathan Alpha as the next up-and-coming.

And she didn’t bat an eye when approaching some of Pierpoint’s most prominent competitors to short them.

Going to a company that harbored all of Pierpoint’s bitter castaways, including Kenny, was ingenious.

Harper and Petra’s moves aligned with Harper’s success tour, which was primarily about her ambitions but with revenge serving as a decadent cherry on top.

However, things got sticky when it concerned Yasmin, and one has to wonder why they didn’t anticipate the truth coming out or Eric coming for them.

When Eric charged into Leviathan’s swanky headquarters to confront Harper, it was such a deliciously charged moment that I found myself leaning toward the scene.

It’s pure art ANYTIME Harper and Eric share a scene, especially since they’ve become contentious.

Every biting dig and remark they hurled at each other with such malice and venom stung worse than the last, and the best arguments are when one’s opposer knows how to slice until it hurts.

Eric’s grandstanding and anger were a refreshing change from the man becoming the living embodiment of the Kermit the Frog meme as he barely managed to make eye contact during Industry Season 3 Episode 3.

Dad is Mad in an Epic Battle of the Words

The cat didn’t have his tongue this time, and he could give as good as he got during this round, from the hilarious proclamation that Harper got “Daddy’s attention” to every indictment against her for being a certifiable monster.

You could see Harper subtly flinch at Eric’s words, a cutting takedown from another person she respects and whose approval, at some point, did matter.

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Harper doesn’t actively try to be a shitty person, it’s apparent that she sees the world a certain way, and so much of her reaction to things is her attempt to survive it and screw over a world that wouldn’t hesitate to do the same to her first.

But the same world doesn’t know what to do with a woman like her, with such drive, ambition, and ruthlessness.

Nevertheless, Harper wouldn’t let that exchange happen without getting her digs in as well — rubbing in the bit about Eric losing his family got him good.

Ironically, the layers are fascinating when you consider the many ways you can describe their multifaceted dynamic; Eric did have a fondness for Harper that harkened to that of a father and daughter as well as mentor.

If Eric loses his real family and her, too, what does that say about him, and what happiness can he ever really achieve?

Harper is Merely a “Monster” of Eric’s Own Creation

He still hasn’t found whatever he’s searching for, and he won’t.

But despite all Eric’s bluster and accusations against Harper, she’s essentially a product of his making, right?

She’s right when she mentions that Pierpoint fostered a particular culture in which people would sooner turn their noses up under the guise that they’re somehow above it all.

Harper has adapted to the culture and world of the finance industry — a world that Eric himself taught her how to navigate and advised her on as they bonded over a shared scrappiness and ruthlessness.

And now, Eric dares to be outraged that the “monster” he stoked, if not created, has turned around and bit its master?

The terrifying thing for Eric was the startling realization that she’s a reflection of him, and unlike many, she sees and understands him.

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Eric’s Cumming and Yasmin’s Going in Industry Season 3 Episode 6

Frankly, one could’ve gone the rest of the series without seeing Eric jerk off, but here we are.

Is it a season of Industry if they haven’t subjected us to some nauseating body fluids with the (in)appropriate sound effects along with them?

It was wishful thinking that a missing rich seaman would be the only rendition of that we’d get, but alas, Industry is always full of surprises.

And so was Eric, after that disturbing bathroom display following the equally as cringe-worthy lunch he took Yasmin on where he desperately and drunkenly attempted to, what? Seduce her?

Seriously, what exactly was he attempting to do?

Because if that was his idea of covertly putting feelers out to see if she’d respond (or hiding behind misunderstandings if she didn’t oblige), he did a piss poor job of it.

Eric became the creepy old man with Yasmin during that meal, and given that her wheelhouse is constantly dealing with men old enough to be her father (including her actual father), lusting after her and only viewing her as a sexual object, that says a lot.

The poor girl just “found out” her father was dead and identified his body.

Everyone wanted something from her, whether it was her “comically stupid” way of doing her job or Eric using her like a therapist before he deposited himself into her.

Yasmin couln’t catch a break.

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This season, Yasmin and Eric’s relationship has been odd because she’s obviously been looking to him for approval as some substitute father figure, but he’s never even considered that.

Yasmin wanted to replace Harper for Eric, and she wanted all the love, affection, and approval you’d get from a dad.

Daddies and Jerks

Except, the more she learned about him, especially as he started sharing that he’s a crappy father to his own kids, the less appealing he became, and in the end, for Yasmin, Eric is no different than her father.

Meanwhile, for Eric, he knew he’d never get a proper Harper replacement with Yasmin because, despite her best intentions, she sucks in many parts of the job.

But she was pretty to look at, and he wanted to have sex with her; with his current midlife crisis, it was nice to have her around, even if he saw her as ornamental and not functional (to borrow from Scandal).

However, the second she humiliated him (although, clearly, Eric, too, has a shame kink), it was easy to discard her for the liability she’d become since her father died.

Sadly, via Harper and Petra, Yasmin gave him the smoking gun to take herself out for good without calling into question his lecherous behavior.

Friendship and Contempt Are Two Sides of the Same Coin

The most unfortunate thing about the state of Harper and Yasmin right now is that we know and have seen how much Harper genuinely loves and cares about Yasmin.

When she learned about what happened between Yas and Charles, her first instinct wasn’t contempt or disgust over what Yasmin did.

Harper instantly understood Yasmin, checked in with her about how she was feeling and what she wanted, and proceeded to do whatever she could to cover for her.

To have Yasmin throw that ultimate act of love back in her face was startling.

It was evident that Harper, regardless of her sisterly rivalry and issues with Yasmin, cares about her in some deep capacity as much as Harper cares for anyone.

Sadly, for Harper, her version of love seems to never be enough for people.

Yasmin spewed the same things about being toxic, selfish, and a bad person as Harper’s brother did.

She’s hearing the same horrible things from Eric, whom she did care about, and has heard that Robert, the boy she genuinely liked, felt the same way.

It seems that even when Harper feels she’s at her best as a friend or is a decent person, it’s never enough for those around her.

But how else could Yasmin take the news that Harper and Petra had a master plan and that, regardless of Harper’s attempts to put the kibosh on using Yasmin to execute it, the result of Yasmin and Pierpoint taking the hit was the same?

The only reason Petra knew Yasmin was “comically shit” at her job was because of Harper.

And Harper didn’t bat an eye at Petra having to undercut her own friend, so why would she expect Petra to extend some level of grace that never existed to her regarding Yasmin?

Love, Hate, and Mutual Destruction

Yasmin and her friendship with Harper became collateral damage in Harper’s vengeance toward Pierpoint and ascent to success.

And it resulted in one of the ugliest, most complex, and explosive exchanges of the series to date between the two.

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Again, the hour honed in on those hard truths, and both women didn’t hesitate to empty the clip on one another with precisely what they thought, each other’s greatest fears and deepest insecurities.

Some things will always stand in the way between them, like how Yasmin is so deeply immersed in her perspective and life as someone who has the ultimate privilege as a wealthy, white-passing, upper-crust woman in England.

It’s what chronically keeps her from ever genuinely understanding even her closest friends, Harper and Robert, because her experiences are so vastly different, and she very rarely can see outside of her own self-pitying shtick and trauma.

Harper carries all of her trauma as armor that she uses to protect herself from everyone, sure, but even push them away and brutalize them if need be.

She hides behind it as a justification for everything she does, making it appear that she’s evaded accountability or ownership of her actions and decisions.

At some point, as a grown woman, you can’t use your childhood and past as a justification for everything.

And Yasmin does use Rob and exploit his feelings for her, just as her sexuality is something she selectively wields for power and control or cries about when it’s used against her.

Harper has never gotten over the fact that Robert rejected her romantically for Yasmin, someone he obsesses over no matter how poorly she treats him.

Industry Slaps, No, Literally!

The two friends-turned-enemies have a laundry list of things to lob at one another because they are at their most vulnerable together and know each other’s weak spots.

Harper, when hurt, goes for the jugular, so while it wasn’t surprising that she managed to summon the infamous last words Charles hurled at his daughter before his death, it was no less gasp-worthy.

But the dual slaps took the cake.

Abela and Herrold were mesmerizing in those final ten minutes of Industry Season 3 Episode 6.

Where do Harper and Yasmin even go from here? I’m eager to find out.

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How about you, Industry Fanatics?

With Industry Season 3 Episode 6 under our belts, only two installments remain in the season; where do you think they’ll possibly take the series now?

Is this the end of Harper and Yasmin’s friendship?

Is Pierpoint on its last breath?

Hit the comments below and share all of your thoughts and theories with us!

Industry airs on Sundays at 9/8c on HBO, and you can stream it on Max.

The post Industry Season 3 Episode 6 Review: Nikki Beach, or: So Many Ways to Lose appeared first on TV Fanatic.

The hour strongly focused on the Pierpoint puppy, which came with some revelations that may impact his future moving forward.

Yet Robert wasn’t alone in having some epiphanies about his future.

Many other characters also had to face the music and what the future of their world and Pierpoint had in store.

Sending a Baby Lamb to Slaughter

They did a whole dog-and-pony show, with a sham inquiry into Lumi, Pierpoint, and the government to unpack why the people had to foot the bill to bail Henry out.

What makes Industry an intriguing series is how the primary characters, regardless of their motivations, are the sort of individuals that you shouldn’t want to see win.

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Yet, as Robert sat there looking like Harry Potter after Pierpoint threw him to the wolves, you wanted the attack on him to stop regardless of whether those challenging him and the entire situation had a valid point.

It’s grotesque that someone as powerful and privileged as Henry Muck could run amok, doing whatever his heart desired, running full steam ahead with passion projects that may be keeping him alive, and then evade accountability when it all goes tits up.

We’ve watched all season as Robert deals with managing the billionaire toddler and all of his dramatics and whims while also juggling the comings and goings of everything Pierpoint.

Despite Eric’s supposed pep talk about being a relentless man and even sharing a room with this man, it was a slap in the face to know that Eric sent him in front of the firing squad woefully ill-prepared.

Robert Deemed Expendable

For Eric, Robert is a young, attractive, white British man in this business, and he could potentially bounce back from the potential fallout at that hearing.

No matter what Robert has done over time, and it’s true that he’s never been the best at his job, all his efforts are for naught to everyone around him.

In their eyes, he’s not cut out for the industry, and Robert is always the most expendable person in the room.

Robert easily should’ve gone down in absolute flames, and it was maddening how his lawyer (who was really Pierpoint’s lawyer, the Pierpoint company woman, and even Henry) were all prepared to cast him aside the second the tides turned if it meant redirecting blame and accountability.

The hour drives home with precision the notion that whether it’s because of a business entity or a billionaire, some working-class wanker who is the epitome of “the little guy” always suffers.

The game is always rigged, and no matter how one tries to ascend to a higher class, it doesn’t change the fact that the same class of people suffer the most.

The Room Where It Happens

The inhabitants of a tiny secret room run the whole world.

It looked bleak for Robert, who spent most of the installment puking his guts out for one reason or another.

But the unexpected game-changer in all of this was Aurore.

Leave it to a politician who politicks with some of England’s wealthiest and most influential people to distract from what was happening and put a cap on things.

She was willing to fall on her sword for a price because she knew the powerful would handsomely reward her sacrifice.

The corruption and elbow rubbing runs unfathomably deep, revealing just how far of a reach the wealthiest and most powerful people have.

Otto happily works behind the scenes with everything, along with Henry’s uncle and others, and it’s demoralizing to learn that they aren’t history; they create.

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In Industry Season 3 Episode 5, History is Told by the Victors

The quote about how history is written by the victors comes to mind, as we literally had to listen to how they casually spun the situation in the news.

Essentially, whether it was Henry or Aurore, everyone came out smelling like roses.

As a publishing company, controlling the media means controlling pretty much everything, which the season has touched on multiple times.

It should’ve been evident that Henry didn’t have a concern in the world about the hearing or all the whispers and allegations against him when we know he’s the same man who took down that damning article and photo about Yasmin and could pull strings in many capacities.

Ultimately, it doesn’t matter how terrible Henry treats his employees or the inappropriate behavior he exudes with women.

It doesn’t matter that hundreds of people have suffered from Lumi’s failure, that the working class took all of these hits they couldn’t afford, or that everything he pitched and sold was a sham and made a mockery of the green movement.

Robert Fails Upward But Not Enough to Matter

In the end, Henry gets to wash his hands of it all, snort a few celebratory lines, and move on with his life, never even blinking at all the casualties and destruction he left in his wake.

Robert’s naivete kept him from throwing Henry and Lumi under the bus, as he probably should have.

Pierpoint was banking on it when they hung him out to dry because if he wasn’t cutthroat enough to turn on Henry or anyone he could for his own benefit, he deserved to fall.

Ironically, Robert’s unintentional loyalty served him well in the end, to some degree, as Aurore’s assumption of culpability protected him.

And that’s what got him in the room with the big wigs, rubbing elbows and sharing drinks and coke with the most powerful men in England as they essentially danced to the misfortune of the working class.

Robert’s proximity to power is fascinating because, on the one hand, he’s in the room even if he’s not necessarily at the table.

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Proximity to Power Still Leaves Robert Powerless

And proximity to greatness can still be pretty damn good and beneficial.

But that same proximity to greatness means that he’ll never actually be those powerful men in the room; he’ll forever be at their mercy and beneath them.

It’s a humbling thought when it hits that your quest toward approval in these circles and ascending a prestigious ladder comes with a ceiling.

It harkens back to what Wilheimina told Eric about when you think you’ve reached the top rung but end up at the bottom of a new ladder.

It’s similar to how Rishi could achieve all of these things and place himself in the circles of the upper crest, but as we saw in Industry Season 3 Episode 4, he’ll never fit in.

None of it matters when, no matter what you do or achieve, the same caste system or systemic oppression that shackles you in varying degrees makes the world turn.

Everyone in that room can happily cackle at how many times they’ve gotten over as they sit on their piles of money, and Robert still goes home to a rundown house with a leak in the ceiling.

Peyote-Fueled Epiphanies

What’s interesting this time is how so many things pile together at once, and it feels as if Robert is finally coming to grips with how little he actually wants this.

Initially, it seemed callous on Yasmin’s part when she told him not to question it when the jailer gave him the keys.

She sees Pierpoint and this industry as a prison for Robert and thinks he’d be best off leaving.

The fact that this doesn’t apply to her, or maybe she feels she belongs in the confinements laid out by Pierpoint, doesn’t go unnoticed.

But Robert had one of the worst trips of his life at the peyote ceremony, and “Company Man” treated us to a truly unhinged dream sequence that featured some of Robert’s low points, the constant drug use, Hari’s shocking death at Pierpoint, Nicole’s apparition peeing out a waterfall and visions of him finding her body the night she died.

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We opened the hour with that damned ceiling leak and Robert reflecting on his late mother, and we caught glimpses of her amid the sequence, too.

Monsters in the Mirror

The complexities of one’s relationship with a parent were captured quickly but well when we heard the voiceover of how Robert described his mother as often too needy and a vapid hole of endless need.

Still, there was the fondness of recalling how much she cared about him, too.

Has Pierpoint become like his mother, minus the nurturing?

Are there some parallels between Robert’s mommy issues and his love for Yasmin?

This woman’s relationship with him is rarely reciprocal, but Robert is her safe harbor when she disappears into him with her wants, needs, and vulnerabilities.

Often, Henry’s words also granted Robert some clarity about his current situation and this industry as a whole.

“I saw a monster. Whatever you do, don’t look in the mirror.”

Henry knows that he is positively monstrous, and he’s at least grounded enough to understand how horrible he is, enough that it fuels his self-loathing.

But that’s the thing about Robert, unlike Henry when he looks in his mirror, he can still smile at what’s reflecting back at him.

It’s mainly because, despite his tireless efforts, he’s not savage enough for this job, and he’s generally still a fundamentally decent person compared to the shark-infested waters around him.

Now, however, it feels as though he may be embracing that, and it’s enough for him to let go of Pierpoint and his aspirations there, which places him at an intriguing crossroads in his life and the series.

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Is Yasmin Destined to Marry the Father She Killed?

Yasmin opened the hour, giving into Henry’s urine kink with a golden shower in the shower.

Later, Henry made her regret it as he dismissed his bad behavior with female employees (something Yasmin knows all too well) and loudly boasted about how she submitted to his will in front of everyone.

Henry’s asshole friend was on a roll, from snorting over Henry to getting another poor woman to pee on him, supporting the notion that Henry does use women with no regard for protecting their privacy or dignity to that diabolical Kamala Harris Café au lait quip.

Yasmin can peel back all the layers of Henry that she wants, but in the end, he’s still a privileged prick with no regard for those around him who look at her like this pretty fixture he can dump all of his issues on.

Henry is like her father, and she is coming to grips with that throughout the hour.

Fate, Destiny, Generational Trauma, and Love Triangles

Ironically, as a result, the love triangle tipped in favor of Robert in the most realistic way we’ve seen in the series yet.

Despite her self-absorbed and selfish Yasmin is when it comes to Robert, it’s one of the first times where it genuinely feels like she could want him for who he is because she knows he’s a good guy and the type of man that she should have and needs in her life.

She recognizes what he offers to her, yet she’s still so out of touch that she expresses how much she wishes he’d fall in love with her instead of realizing that he’s been in love with her this entire time.

Robert has become a safe space for Yasmin, and she’s at a point where she acknowledges that and actively seeks him out in times of need.

But they both seem cognizant that their fates may already have been outlined for him, and she’ll be the girl who ends up with a man like Henry or her dad because she can’t free herself of the shackles of her traumatic background.

It was particularly galling when she freely admitted that she wanted her father not just to like her but to desire her physically or sexually.

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Sins of Our Parents Reign

It’s Freudian levels of fucked up, for sure.

Abela and Lawtey were mesmerizing during that conversation. The rest of the world seemed to float away then, just as it did when she curled up in his bed, and they chatted.

Of course, the cocoon of comfort Robert provided her allowed her to make another admission: she killed her father.

She even waited as if she hoped he’d say more about that, but bless Robert’s heart, he didn’t read far into this admission.

However, he provided the support and safe space she sought despite her testing the waters with that statement.

But now, we must revisit what happened on that yacht.

If the authorities have found Charles’ body, it’s well past time for the truth to come out.

Two Plus Two Equals Fucked

Finally, someone listened to our girl Sweetpea! It only took half the season!

Listening to this woman spill all this financial tea and jargon while dressed up as Geri Halliwell was a hilarious experience.

The juxtaposition of this serious conversation about what must amount to Pierpoint’s complete fall while she and Eric were wearing these ridiculous yet fitting costumes was hilarious.

And her spilling her guts out to Yasmin as Harper ear hustled from the bathroom stall was just outlandish enough for me to enjoy the predicament still.

Harper will always stay ahead of the fray (even if she’s frustratingly and criminally underused).

But Sweetpea and her network of people from various departments and industries concluded that the company had overextended itself, among other things, and that no one would want to work for them.

All of her numbers predict Pierpoint’s downfall, and Eric’s face as he tries to downplay it while inwardly panicking is another masterclass from Ken Leung.

But his most surprisingly compelling moments weren’t dismissing Sweetpea, selling out Robert, or trying to ensure that Yasmin knew he didn’t see her as his daughter AT ALL.

Industry Season 3 Episode 5 Reveals the Storm is Already Here

His most compelling scenes were with Adler.

He’s had a contentious relationship with this man for as long as the series aired, but just as Henry said that all is fair in love and war with this business, Eric and Adler carry on much the same way.

It was one thing to learn that the CEO would be stepping down and someone new would be heading Pierpoint.

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However, in a season that has dwelled heavily on male insecurity, displacement, and masculinity on such a profound level with all of its characters, these two “dinosaurs” learning that some youthful guy would be taking over was such a blow.

Adler and Eric have poured everything into this job and lost just as much because of it.

For Eric, Pierpoint and his drive have cost him his marriage and family — hearing him talk about fighting his ex for custody of girls we know he rarely saw in the first place was pathetic but so honest.

But for Adler, his relentless pursuit of success in this job has cost him his health and possibly life, as he shared that he has an inoperable brain tumor.

It was a raw moment of vulnerability between these two men, who have been adversaries and even frenemies.

Eric displayed such an uncharacteristic amount of emotion after that.

Does Industry Season 3 Episode 5 Allude to the Beginning of the End?

It’s hard to say whether it was the sudden realization that Adler, and by extension, he, weren’t immortal after all or because he understood that the company wasn’t either.

It was probably all of it combined that hit him like a freight train, and again, in a season that has spent so much time on the fragility of masculinity, it was a refreshing and gratifying sight to see these two men be so openly vulnerable and intimate with each other.

Adler’s revelation about his health does feel like the beginning to the end, like this fast-paced series that always barrels ahead, which could be imploding as we near the end.

Is it the end of an era or the conclusion of the whole book on the horizon?

It added an extra layer of uncertainty for the future and uneasiness that aligns with an industry where one minute is when extreme highs and lows are the norm and borrowed time exists.

Changes are on the way; they’ve already arrived.

Ali’s identity, the books, Harper, the Lumi disaster, Adler’s diagnosis, the CEO stepping down — the storm is definitely here.

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“Company Man” highlights what people sacrifice for the company’s sake and what they have to lose.

It was a great way to lead us into the final episodes.

Over to you, Industry Fanatics.

How did you feel about this installment? Let’s hear it below!

The post Industry Season 3 Episode 5 Review: Company Man appeared first on TV Fanatic.

She’s also, without a doubt, one of the greatest characters currently on television.

As Industry’s incredible third season continues to get rave reviews and impress viewers old and new, Harper, who has wholly embraced her self-serving “villain” era, has also solidified herself as one of the most fascinating and best characters of the modern era.

Industry Successfully Produces Multi-faceted Characters at Every Level

Make no mistake, there’s no shortage of dark and morally gray characters on television.

The turn of the century brought an influx of those characters and by now, it’s more of the norm than anything else.

But overall, television, a particularly prestigious series, took the morally gray, complex character and replicated it so often it had little substance and impact.

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That particular character archetype is no longer appealing, and unless we can make magic happen or an actor or the writing brings something particularly special or unique to it, it’s become status quo.

But there’s nothing “standard” about Industry or its characters.

They’re some of the most painfully and brutally authentic characters you’ll encounter, and their unapologetically flawed portrayals make them so compelling.

No character is exempt from this, either, as the guest-starring, secondary, and tertiary characters have just as much rich complexity and authenticity as the primary characters.

Harper Stern is Industry’s Crown Jewel

But while the series presents itself as an ensemble and does well in balancing plot points with each of the primary characters, there’s just something about Harper Stern.

If Industry is telling anyone’s story, it’s hers, and as the central character, we spend a decent amount of time peeling back layers to Harper.

And each one is crisper than the next.

Harper is this tiny force of nature that no one, including us viewers, ever see coming.

In many ways, that’s her superpower, her ability to exploit other people’s perceptions of her, whether due to her race, nationality, gender, class, or ranking, to her advantage.

We live in a world where identity politics rules everything; it’s so deeply embedded in the fabric of our society and how we carry ourselves that there’s no avoiding it.

It’s inescapable whether people love or hate that, and it also has its place in the world.

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Industry Allows Harper, a WOC, to Subvert and Strategically Wield Microaggressions Stacked Against Her

Industry fascinatingly simmers in identity politics, as the financial world lures characters from various walks of life in hopes of making it their primary identity.

Working at Pierpoint, wheeling and dealing with some of the most esteemed and wealthy individuals, means something.

It’s a marker of one’s status and ability to climb the ranks until one reaches a level of power and prestige that pleases one.

Of course, we all know that reaching that level never actually comes.

It’s a high-stakes game and world that these characters are navigating, and even if they ascend to the highest position and acquire all the status and acclaim they desire, there’s no guarantee you’ll stay there.

There will always be individuals who are coming for your spot or willing to fight tooth and nail to get where you are, even if it means taking your place.

It’s a cutthroat and ruthless way of life — a never-ending daily grind.

Harper Stern is a WOMAN, and She’s RELENTLESS

And no one understands this more than Harper Stern.

She clings to the most powerful player in every room like a shadow.

The woman is ALWAYS plotting.

She stays diligent about hustling her way to the top.

The third season of Industry is interesting in that many male characters face challenges in their masculinity and virility.

Their insecurity is seeping through the cracks or their veneer, whether it’s Eric coming to grips with aging in a job force deadset on pushing him out or Rishi, who bulldozes through a picture-perfect world only to reveal that his status is nothing but a facade.

Harper Stern’s Resilence Makes Her a Cut Above the Rest

But as the seasons progress, Harper isn’t a character who faces such issues.

She’s a woman who has fully taken advantage of her place in the corporate world, using all the things that could and would likely hold her back to her advantage.

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While other characters get bogged down by their insecurities and crack under the pressure of trying to keep up, the flames engulf Hapre, and she somehow rises from the ashes stronger than ever.

Harper is Industry’s strongest character, not solely in how she’s written, but mentally.

She’s conniving and diabolical and can orchestrate a plan at the drop of a hat because her mind never ceases.

She doesn’t have an off-switch, making her far more intriguing than she has every right to be.

Some toss words around liberally, whether it’s “narcissist” or “sociopath,” and sometimes it’s such a reductive and binary way of analyzing a character as complex as Harper.

Harper Stern Cements a New Legacy for Women and Women of Color on TV

What’s fascinating about her is that she possesses many traits that we so readily find intriguing and even embrace in men, especially white men, and find laudworthy or idolized.

From the Don Drapers and Walter Whites to the Logan Roys and an endless stream of mostly white males in between, when you think about characters who possess a level of ruthlessness, calculating qualities, and manipulation, it’s with some mix of disgust and admiration.

It’s what separates Harper from the norm because it’s such a rare sight to have a woman, yes, but especially a woman of color, command rooms or screens to the degree that she does.

And what’s worth appreciating is that she doesn’t sacrifice any of her respective identities to do it.

Harper isn’t a woman trying to be a man in a man’s world or a person of color opting to blend into the homogenized, predominantly white financial world rather than stand out.

If anything, she demands that she has a space in the room and the financial world regardless of any of that, and she doesn’t let a steady stream of microaggressions and digs distract or deter her from her goal of becoming one of the most powerful individuals in every room.

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Throughout three seasons, Harper has finally and unapologetically reached this point of asserting herself.

She quickly reminds potential allies, future adversaries, and possible victims of her own ambition that in their world, the only color is green, and Xs and Ys don’t take precedence over 1s and 0s.

It’s a genuinely refreshing sight, and it’s certainly a fascinating take on modern characters, considering how one-dimensional many have become.

Harper is a Force Whose Intellect and Ambition Intimidates Everyone Around Her

Harper Stern possesses many qualities that could easily have others boxing her in.

Yet, she vehemently refuses to relegate herself to any box or boundaries that anyone else or the world itself lays out for her.

She’s brash about it; it’s an ability that evades the average person and is intimidating to many.

No one knows what to do with a woman who is so unapologetically herself and as relentless as the guys have to talk themselves into being.

Harper’s savagery, ambition, and self-preservation terrify everyone around her.

And it’s not as if these traits are foreign on television by any means.

But the combination of these traits in this pint-sized pistol of a Black woman, when every aspect of society tells her and those who perceive her that she’s NOT supposed to be this way, has resulted in something truly unique.

Harper Stern is a Rare Balance of Deeply Flawed, Unrelenting, and Vulnerable

Ironically, in addition to all of these hard-edged traits, she has this deep vulnerability that viewers are privy to, perfectly encapsulating Industry’s fearlessness in showing the duality of its characters.

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There’s nothing remotely one note about Harper or any other characters, and it’s one of many reasons she stands out.

Harper Stern is a deeply flawed character, and viewers respond and relate to her most because of those flaws and vulnerability.

It makes her such an intrinsically human character, even when she’s at her absolute worst.

She’s identifiable, and she resonates in some capacity or another because you just don’t see characters like Harper Stern often, and certainly not in women of color.

Harper isn’t all hubris; we see that in some of her rawest and most internal moments.

She may knowingly plot against an ally or coworker to advance herself, but she’s just as likely to battle anxiety or be on the cusp of a breakdown as well.

Harper Stern Stays in Survivor Mode, Which Adds Context to Her Motivations and Actions

She’s not an unfeeling terminator.

If anything, her feelings make her as deliciously relentless in the first place.

For Harper, the laws of the jungle often apply, and she’d rather kill than be killed or screw someone over before they have the chance to do the same to her.

It’s nothing really personal, either, as her motivations for success are so tied to a troubled and traumatic childhood.

She knows what’s at stake so often, more so than most of the other characters, because she comes from the trenches — a low-income lifestyle that constantly had her in survival mode.

And it’s that survival mode that she carries upon her shoulders like dead weight or a cloak, depending on the day and how she can wield it.

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Harper’s Feelings of Betrayal and Self-Interest are Wonderfully Messy and Entertaining

The third season especially has Harper fueling her own self-interest at the expense of anyone and everyone else.

While that’s nothing particularly new, she seems retaliatory toward Eric in particular.

Her goal remains the same: to serve herself, but Eric’s deep hurt and betrayal have triggered a particularly mean streak in her.

Harper is more than willing to do whatever it takes to get what she wants, but if she can humiliate and scold her former mentor in the process, she seizes the opportunity with gusto.

And through that betrayal, any semblance of loyalty Harper may have held onto before is tenuous at best with those around her.

She casts Anna aside at the first opportunity, undercutting her boss in favor of Petra, who has a similar vision.

Harper is Industry Season 3’s Apex Predator; We Love It

And Harper eagerly hopping into the metaphorical bed with the likes of someone as slimy as Otto is intriguing because if it ever comes down to screwing him over, she’ll happily oblige.

But for now, she’s eager to be in the same circles with individuals who “see” her and respect what they see, a validation she thought she had with Eric before he ousted her in some twisted motivation of protection for his own self-preservation.

Harper proves that if you cast her to the wolves, she’ll return stronger and more vicious.

Whether birth rite or circumstance, she’s hardwired to be this way — a true survivor, Industry’s apex predator who has barely even reached the full potential of how destructive and powerful she can be.

Harper’s reputation precedes her, and she’s made it her mission to ensure that’s the case.

Hell, she had her mentor shaking in his boots and sweating it out, barely able to meet her eyes.

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Harper Stern is an undeniable force, and her ability to be that without restriction makes her one of the greatest characters currently on television.

Over to you, Industry Fanatics.

Are you a Harper Fanatic? Tell us why in the comments below.

Industry airs Sundays at 9/8c on HBO, and you can stream it on Max.

The post Industry’s Harper Stern is Diabolical (And the Best TV Character Currently On Air) appeared first on TV Fanatic.