Industry Season 3 Episode 7 Recap : Spoilers ahead for Industry Season 3, Episode 7: “Useful Idiot.”In the cutthroat world of HBO’s Industry, betrayal is part of the game, but Eric Tao’s (Ken Leung) actions in Season 3, Episode 7 left a chilling impression. Using his best friend and boss, Bill Adler’s (Trevor White) secret battle with brain cancer as leverage, Eric’s maneuvering comes at a moment when Pierpoint is on the brink of collapse, showcasing the lengths individuals will go to for self-preservation.
The Context of Betrayal
The episode unfolds against the backdrop of Pierpoint’s lavish 150th anniversary celebration, where the atmosphere is anything but festive. As the Federal Reserve denies the firm a bailout, panic sets in. Bill, desperately trying to hold the team together, advocates for selling shares to Mitsubishi, a plan Eric ultimately undermines. When CFO Wilhelmina Fassbinder (Georgina Rich) hints that Bill considers Eric a “useful idiot,” it becomes clear that Eric sees a chance to shift the tides in his favor.
Ken Leung’s Insight on Eric’s Decision
In an interview with Decider, Ken Leung elaborated on Eric’s motivations, linking his betrayal to the evolution of his former protégé, Harper Stern (Myha’la). “He’s kind of created a monster in Harper,” Leung noted, suggesting that Eric’s actions are informed by his experiences with her. “Eric sees this business as whatever works, you do, regardless of the effect it has on a fellow human being.”
Leung emphasizes that while Eric is initially moved by Bill’s emotional breakdown during their meeting, he quickly shifts gears. “From that room to the elevator, wheels start to turn,” he explained, indicating that Eric learns from Harper’s manipulative tactics and decides to turn them against Bill.
A Deleted Scene with Impact
Interestingly, Leung revealed that an additional scene was filmed in the elevator where Eric confronts Bill before executing his betrayal. “He stops the elevator door from closing and tells Bill, ‘You made me this. I am this animal, thanks to you,’” Leung shared. This moment would have added a poignant layer to their relationship, highlighting the dark transformation Eric undergoes throughout the series.
Conclusion
Eric Tao’s shocking betrayal of Bill Adler in Industry not only underscores the ruthless nature of the financial world but also reflects the moral decay that can arise from ambition and manipulation. As Eric embraces the very tactics he once condemned, viewers are left questioning the true cost of success in a landscape where friendships are easily sacrificed for survival. As the series approaches its climax, the stakes have never been higher, and Eric’s evolution into a self-serving “animal” may very well seal his fate.
