Industry Season 3 Episode 2: Smoke and Mirrors Review: Someone Got Played

In the chaotic aftermath of the Lumi power outage, the tension reaches a fever pitch both at Pierpoint and Lumi. As Pierpoint struggles to manage the fallout, Eric tries to spin the narrative, but the harsh reality of Lumi’s deteriorating stock price is impossible to ignore. Sweetpea's distraction with gossip about Lumi CEO Henry Muck’s date with Yasmin adds to the turmoil, while Yasmin’s struggle with the pressure and her near-collapse exemplifies the intense atmosphere.

Eric's harsh words and lack of sympathy only exacerbate Yasmin’s stress, but her return to the phones becomes a crucial moment when she faces FutureDawn’s Anna Gearing questioning the valuation of Lumi. The situation spirals as Bill Adler’s intervention highlights the severity of the crisis, and Muck’s delusional responses only deepen the problem.

Ken Leung Photograph by Simon Ridgway/HBO

Muck’s disastrous attempt to handle the PR disaster, including his ridiculous decision to hold interviews in Lumi’s children’s playroom, adds to the company’s woes. Rob’s frustration with Muck’s incompetence reaches a breaking point, leading to a physically comical and metaphorically charged scene where Rob attempts to suffocate Muck with a stuffed sunflower. Rob’s personal life adds another layer of complexity when he must retrieve a necklace left behind at Nicole Craig’s house, leading to an uncomfortable encounter with Nicole’s daughter.

The episode continues with a dramatic shift as Lumi’s board members make their intention to remove Muck clear. Muck’s retreat into a bathroom with psilocybin sets the stage for Yasmin’s intervention. Her skillful manipulation of the situation, including orchestrating a staged photo op, stabilizes Lumi’s stock and calms the market. Yasmin’s ability to turn the situation around highlights her sharp instincts and cunning, though it also signals her complex relationship with power and control.

Marisa Abela Photograph by Simon Ridgway/HBO

At FutureDawn, Petra’s betrayal of Anna and her scheming with Harper reveals the cutthroat nature of the finance world. Petra’s strategy to hedge against Lumi’s IPO and her subsequent confrontation with Anna showcases the personal and professional rivalries that drive the industry. Harper’s underhanded tactics, including her silent call to Eric, demonstrate her strategic ruthlessness.

Sarah Goldberg Photograph by Simon Ridgway/HBO

Yasmin’s encounter with Muck is a power play of its own. Her manipulation of Muck’s kink and the subsequent exchange in the restaurant bathroom underscores her control over the situation and her willingness to leverage any advantage. Muck’s reaction, including the rare wine he leaves behind, further complicates Yasmin’s emotions.

The episode concludes with a poignant flashback to Yasmin’s time on the Hanani yacht. Charles Hanani’s confession about the dire state of his publishing empire and the subsequent conflict with

Yasmin reflects her strained relationship with her father. Yasmin’s emotional response to the fight and her tears hint at unresolved issues and deep-seated pain.

This episode intertwines personal and professional conflicts really well, illustrating the high-stakes world of finance and the intricate dynamics of the characters involved. The drama, manipulation, and personal stakes all contribute to the rich, multi-layered storytelling that defines the series. Overall, a really enjoyable episode.

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