(contains spoilers!)
Industry follows the trials and tribulations endured by a group of investment banking graduates who are fighting for the limited number of permanent jobs up for grabs. They have six months to impress their superiors and prove themselves worthy.
From more humble state school origins than their privileged rivals, Harper, Hari and Robert are the underdogs whilst Eton-educated Gus and sloane ranger Yasmin fit more naturally into a world still very much driven by the old school network.
Harper is most equipped with the killer instinct required for the positions on offer but this alone won't secure her one of the coveted jobs. Friendships are used and abused, rivalries are exploited and colleagues sacrificed to the cause of self-interest.
Despite their machinations, viewing this show isn't hate watching. Due to the sharp scripts and wry character development you find yourself rooting for these young hopefuls, even caring for them.
In the standout episode 'Sesh', Harper screws up a deal and attempts to cover the deficit only to dig herself a deeper and deeper hole - soon becoming as jittery as Ewan McGregor's portrayal of Barings-busting Nick Leeson in Rogue Trader.
The shooting script for this episode is available via the BBC Writers room website and it's well worth a read to see the attention to detail given to things it's easy to miss on screen when you're wrapped up in the drama.
The show also has a sly humour to it. The naturalistic dialogue is littered with a wit that had me laughing out loud more often than when watching many recent shows purporting to be comedies.
Industry looks and sounds great too. The sublime electronic score evokes the wonder of Vangelis' cues for the futuristic cosmopolis of Bladerunner as the gleaming glass and metal structures of modern London tower over the sombre historic landmarks.
It also brings some extra humanity to what is a hostile environment often populated by seemingly soul-less individuals. Indeed it wouldn't be too much of a stretch if one of the characters entertained fantasies of bumping off colleagues in the style of an Anglicised Patrick Bateman.
At the end of the season finale Harper triumphantly surveys the bright lights of The City from Primrose Hill viewpoint whilst we hear Bryan Ferry and Todd Terje's melancholy cover of Robert Palmer's Johnny and Mary - a complex song about the dynamics within a difficult relationship.
It is a bitter sweet note to finish on. She has succeeded, but one wonders at what true cost. And what will she have to do to keep that position? I'm more than ready for season 2 to find out.
Industry follows the trials and tribulations endured by a group of investment banking graduates who are fighting for the limited number of permanent jobs up for grabs. They have six months to impress their superiors and prove themselves worthy.
From more humble state school origins than their privileged rivals, Harper, Hari and Robert are the underdogs whilst Eton-educated Gus and sloane ranger Yasmin fit more naturally into a world still very much driven by the old school network.
Harper is most equipped with the killer instinct required for the positions on offer but this alone won't secure her one of the coveted jobs. Friendships are used and abused, rivalries are exploited and colleagues sacrificed to the cause of self-interest.
Despite their machinations, viewing this show isn't hate watching. Due to the sharp scripts and wry character development you find yourself rooting for these young hopefuls, even caring for them.
In the standout episode 'Sesh', Harper screws up a deal and attempts to cover the deficit only to dig herself a deeper and deeper hole - soon becoming as jittery as Ewan McGregor's portrayal of Barings-busting Nick Leeson in Rogue Trader.
The shooting script for this episode is available via the BBC Writers room website and it's well worth a read to see the attention to detail given to things it's easy to miss on screen when you're wrapped up in the drama.
The show also has a sly humour to it. The naturalistic dialogue is littered with a wit that had me laughing out loud more often than when watching many recent shows purporting to be comedies.
Industry looks and sounds great too. The sublime electronic score evokes the wonder of Vangelis' cues for the futuristic cosmopolis of Bladerunner as the gleaming glass and metal structures of modern London tower over the sombre historic landmarks.
It also brings some extra humanity to what is a hostile environment often populated by seemingly soul-less individuals. Indeed it wouldn't be too much of a stretch if one of the characters entertained fantasies of bumping off colleagues in the style of an Anglicised Patrick Bateman.
At the end of the season finale Harper triumphantly surveys the bright lights of The City from Primrose Hill viewpoint whilst we hear Bryan Ferry and Todd Terje's melancholy cover of Robert Palmer's Johnny and Mary - a complex song about the dynamics within a difficult relationship.
It is a bitter sweet note to finish on. She has succeeded, but one wonders at what true cost. And what will she have to do to keep that position? I'm more than ready for season 2 to find out.
(Originally posted as a Twitter thread)