industry recap season 3 episode 7 : Warning: Spoilers ahead for Season 3, Episode 7: “Useful Idiot.”In the penultimate episode of Industry, titled “Useful Idiot,” the atmosphere at Pierpoint has never felt more desperate, resembling the last days of Rome. As the American investment bank celebrates its 150th anniversary, the choice of prosecco over champagne signals impending doom. Amid the festivities, employees engage in reckless behavior, underscoring the chaos as the firm teeters on the brink of collapse.
Sweetpea Sees Through the Illusions
Sweetpea (Miriam Petche) encapsulates the prevailing sentiment when she refers to the situation as “deckchairs on the Titanic.” As Rishi (Sagar Radia) drags her and Anraj (Irfan Shamji) away from the party for last-minute sales, Sweetpea, the season’s understated MVP, dismisses his assurances of an “off-ramp” and instead opts to enjoy what may be the last few hours of their job by getting “hooned” (or wasted) rather than working the phones.
Eric’s Descent into Deception
With stock prices plummeting, Eric (Ken Leung) is on a mission to salvage the situation. Having navigated a mid-life crisis throughout the season, he has now embraced the cutthroat mentality he once criticized in Harper (Myha’la). In a shocking turn, Eric gaslights Bill Adler (Trevor White) into believing his brain tumor has caused him to forget a critical conversation. This manipulative tactic culminates in Eric making Bill the episode’s “Useful Idiot” by withholding a crucial mistake in a presentation until Mitsubishi, a potential savior, is present.
As Bill grapples with the revelation that this conversation never took place, his horror deepens—prompting the poignant question, “For what?!” This moment starkly highlights the moral parallels between Eric and Harper, leaving viewers questioning the lengths they will go to for self-preservation.
Yasmin and Robert Seek Escape
The theme of exit strategies permeates the episode, especially in the subplot involving Robert (Harry Lawtey) and Yasmin (Marisa Abela). As they embark on a road trip to Wales, Rob muses about the “open road” symbolizing freedom. He aims to provide Yasmin, who is grappling with the fallout from her father’s crimes, a much-needed change of scenery. Meanwhile, Hanani Publishing is pressuring Yasmin to become the face of the scandal, adding to her turmoil.
Conclusion
“Useful Idiot” serves as a powerful reminder of the lengths individuals will go to in the high-stakes world of finance. With moral lines blurred and desperation setting in, Eric and Yasmin are left competing in a race to the bottom, revealing the dark underbelly of ambition and survival. As the series approaches its finale, viewers are left wondering just how far these characters will push their ethical boundaries to secure their futures.
