In the latest episode of HBO’s acclaimed series Industry, titled “Dear Henry,” the narrative takes a shocking turn for Eric Tao, played by Ken Leung. As the traders of SternTao are on the brink of achieving their goals against the banking app Tender, Eric finds himself facing a demise from the finance world due to blackmail. Myha’la, who portrays Harper Stern, expressed her disbelief at the twist, stating, “When I read episode six, I was like ‘damn, they killed my bro.’” The emotional weight of Eric’s exit resonates deeply as it not only signifies the end of SternTao but also concludes a four-year creative partnership between Leung and Myha’la.
Throughout the production of Industry, showrunners Mickey Down and Konrad Kay have kept the cast in the dark about their characters’ arcs, leading to genuine reactions from the actors. Myha’la reflected on the experience, saying, “That’s crazy. And it’s so sad. We worked so hard to build this thing and now you’re just going to leave me.” This encapsulates the camaraderie and effort that has gone into their roles.
Understanding SternTao’s Financial Quirks
The episode also humorously touches upon the extravagant expenditures of SternTao, particularly regarding their hotel suite office. Ken Leung’s character claims the cost is $100,000 a month, which Myha’la disputes, suggesting it might be more realistic at $15,000 to $20,000. This banter highlights the absurdity and excess often depicted in the finance sector.
The Dynamic Between Eric and Harper
Leung and Myha’la have developed a compelling on-screen partnership, which has been a cornerstone of their characters’ journeys. Their chemistry was evident from their first encounter during auditions, where Myha’la noted how she instantly recognized Leung’s experience. “Ken is the grown-up. Pay attention to him. He knows some shit I don’t know,” she remarked, illustrating the respect they share as colleagues.
As the series progresses, the duo’s roles have evolved, particularly with the introduction of new cast members. Myha’la humorously describes herself as a “fun aunt” on set, whereas Leung acknowledges her role in helping to foster a welcoming atmosphere among the cast. Their camaraderie reflects the show’s underlying themes of friendship and ambition amidst the cutthroat world of finance.
The Fallout from Eric’s Departure
With Eric’s exit, Myha’la expressed her feelings of sadness and concern for Harper, who is left to pick up the pieces of their shared project. “I felt bad that Eric — understandably — couldn’t inform Harper what was going on,” she stated. This emotional turmoil captures the essence of Industry, which often refuses to give its characters a happy ending, as both actors noted the harsh realities of their narrative.
Leung pondered whether Eric’s departure could lead to personal growth, hinting at the ambiguity of his character’s next steps. “He’s on a vaguely reckless walk… There is a defiance to it,” he explained, leaving viewers to speculate about the implications of Eric’s choices.
Reflections on Character Development and the Show’s Direction
As the season unfolds, the actors reflect on pivotal moments from the storyline, including a significant scene where Harper confides in Eric about her mother’s passing. Myha’la emphasized the importance of vulnerability in that moment, noting that it was a rare opportunity for her character to reveal her true self. “I wanted to explore what happens to her when she actually is that way,” she said, showcasing the depth of character exploration in the show.
The conversation also turned to the political leanings of their characters, with Leung sharing a lighthearted anecdote about having a Trump figurine on his Bloomberg monitors during the first season. However, this was later removed at significant cost, highlighting how the series navigates sensitive topics.
What’s Next for Industry?
As Industry continues to release new episodes, fans are eager to see how the storylines will evolve, particularly in light of Eric’s departure. With themes of ambition, betrayal, and personal growth woven throughout the narrative, viewers can expect more twists and emotional depth as the series progresses.
Fans are encouraged to share their thoughts on the latest developments and speculate on what lies ahead for Harper and the rest of SternTao. As always, the show promises to preserve audiences on their toes with its unpredictable storytelling.
