Industry TV Series Banking Drama: Neither Villains nor Rock Stars
The portrayal of bankers in popular culture has long been influenced by films like Wall Street, American Psycho, and The Wolf of Wall Street, often depicting them as ruthless individuals chasing wealth at any cost. However, the creators of the critically acclaimed TV series Industry aim to challenge that image. Set inside the fictional London office of Pierpoint & Co, the series delves into the world of international investment banking, offering a nuanced take on the financial industry.
Konrad Kay, who co-writes Industry, reflects on how bankers faced a “lazy” and “villainous stereotype” following the 2008 financial crisis. While finance workers have long been vilified or glamorized, Kay and co-creator Mickey Down believe that bankers are “neither villains nor rock stars.” Instead, the characters they create are real people, shaped by the cutthroat world of capitalism, where ambition and power take center stage.
A Closer Look at the Characters
Industry primarily follows three Gen-Z finance workers: Harper Stern, Robert Spearing, and Yasmin Kara-Hanani. Each of them enters the high-pressure world of Pierpoint & Co with their own backgrounds and ambitions, which significantly affect their paths to success. According to co-creator Mickey Down, the show emphasizes the stark differences in opportunity based on race, gender, and social background.
The character Harper Stern, played by Myha’la Herrold, stands out as one of the most ruthless and driven individuals in the series. However, the creators are careful to write her character from a place of understanding. Harper is a young Black woman from a disadvantaged background, driven by an almost ruthless ambition to succeed. As Down notes, despite criticisms of Harper’s behavior, “we write her with love.”
Navigating the High-Stakes World of Finance
Industry doesn’t shy away from depicting the complex moral landscape of investment banking, from the adrenaline-fueled environment to the ethical compromises that characters must make to thrive. It explores the nuances of success and power, revealing that not everyone has the same opportunities to rise to the top. The show’s portrayal of gender, race, and class is central to its narrative, highlighting the different “ceilings” faced by individuals based on their identity.
In the current season, the series introduces Sir Henry Muck, played by Kit Harington, a hyper-privileged eco-entrepreneur who adds another layer of complexity to the world of Pierpoint & Co. With its thrilling storylines and complex characters, Industry challenges viewers to reconsider their preconceived notions of bankers and the financial world.
Conclusion
While Industry offers a thrilling portrayal of life in investment banking, it also serves as a deeper exploration of ambition, power, and identity. By portraying characters with both love and criticism, the creators push against the traditional stereotypes of the finance world, offering a more nuanced and realistic take on what it means to succeed in one of the most competitive industries.
External Link: BBC Article
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