Industry season 3 episode 5 recap: Is Pierpoint about to go down in “Company Man”?

Industry season 3 episode 5 recap: Is Pierpoint about to go down in "Company Man"?

As a seasoned observer of the financial world, I must say that Aurore’s decisive actions in this situation are nothing short of remarkable. Her willingness to take responsibility and publicly resign is a testament to her character, a trait often missing in the cut-throat realm of finance. This move not only saves Lumi and Pierpoint from further scrutiny but also sets a precedent for accountability in high places.


Following the intense self-destructive episode of Industry season 3 featuring Rishi, viewers of the HBO series might appreciate a moment to catch their breath. However, tonight’s fresh installment titled “Company Man” offers some respite but remains tense due to Pierpoint’s ongoing controversy for overvaluing Lumi, leading taxpayers to bail out the company. Ouch! It’s not a flattering situation for Pierpoint, yet one thing we’ve come to understand from this series is that those in the financial world aren’t too concerned about their image as long as they are making profits.

In the fifth episode of Season 3 in the series titled ‘Industry’, the spotlight falls on Robert’s involvement in the aftermath of Lumi, as well as his bond with Yasmin. Here, we dissect the key highlights from “Company Man”. (Caution: The following contains significant spoilers for Season 3 Episode 5)

Although “Company Man” doesn’t function as an independent story like “White Mischief”, it predominantly revolves around Robert. The narrative initiates with him engaging in a workout routine before reporting to work. Meanwhile, on the radio, it’s announced that Lumi and Pierpoint will attend a government hearing to clarify their roles regarding the IPO.

Henry and Yasmin are still dating

In regards to Lumi, the series also delves deeper into Henry’s blossoming relationship with Yasmin, as they share an intimate moment while taking a shower together. The show subtly hints at Henry having a unique preference, but he reassures Yasmin that it doesn’t make him a deviant. He requests her to urinate on him as a gesture of vulnerability, something he claims fosters trust. Though this may be uncharted waters for Yasmin, she is not opposed to the idea and eventually complies by urinating on his leg.

At Pierpoint, Robert is being readied to serve as the scapegoat, compelled to attend a hearing where he must provide a statement. He’s been instructed to wear a particular tie and glasses, although he doesn’t usually wear glasses. Everything seems meticulously planned out. Robert is advised to stick to his statement and make Pierpoint appear favorable, regardless of the impact on Lumi. We’ll see how this plays out. Poor Robert!

Industry season 3 episode 5 recap: Is Pierpoint about to go down in "Company Man"?

Sweetpea makes a huge discovery

As a gamer, I find myself immersed in an unusual situation at Pierpoint. Today is their charity day, and the atmosphere is buzzing as everyone dons costumes. However, something heavy weighs on Sweetpea’s heart. She attempts to confide in Yasmin but is met with a refusal. Determined, she approaches Eric instead. Despite his initial dismissal, Sweetpea expresses her intentions to him with a courage that catches his attention. Impressed, Eric suggests that Yasmin should take a day off, given the ongoing hearing. Yet, Yasmin is reluctant. She informs Eric about a crucial meeting she’s arranged for Harper and Petra with someone named Daisy – a potential big break for Pierpoint.

In a private conversation, Sweetpea informs Eric of suspicions she’s gathered from banking and asset management associates, indicating that Pierpoint might be facing significant financial difficulties. Essentially, Sweetpea has learned that the company recently issued a substantial amount of secured senior debt, which is soon due but they may lack sufficient funds to repay it. Their recent Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) have all failed, suggesting a lack of investor interest in Pierpoint. It seems their risky investments might be proving fruitless. Eric appears taken aback by this revelation, yet attempts to downplay it, instructing Sweetpea to focus on her work and not intervene. Simultaneously, he contacts Adler, requesting a meeting.

Robert is sent to represent Pierpoint

Before attending the government select, Robert vomits in the restroom due to a shaky start. As further questions and accusations are leveled at him, Robert discerns that Pierpoint is manipulating him as a chess piece, but he remains steadfast with his statement. He’s informed about the case details — Lumi was taken over by government control, resulting in taxpayer expenses — along with other allegations concerning Henry’s conduct. An unnamed colleague from Lumi claimed that Henry was predatory at work and harassed her, and it eventually transpires that it was his assistant Katie. Robert is taken aback by all this information, and when Henry arrives, he confronts him in the bathroom.

At Pierpoint, Adler arrives to discuss matters with Eric, who reveals their current CEO is resigning without disclosing the successor. Eric expresses his worries, and Adler proposes they meet later for a more in-depth conversation. Intriguingly, Eric queries if there’s an impending storm, to which Adler ominously replies that the storm has already begun. Oh dear.

At the hearing, Henry remains tight-lipped about his personal matters, including any rumors of a relationship with a Pierpoint employee. He maintains that the Lumi’s downfall was just an unforeseen mishap, and accuses Pierpoint of inflating the company’s worth. Turning to Robert, he asserts that it is Pierpoint who should be considered the danger, not him.

Harper overhears Sweetpea’s secret

In a casual and straightforward manner: Harper and Petra meet up at Pierpoint, but before they start, Harper quickly ducks into the restroom. While in there, she overhears Sweetpea and Yasmin discussing secrets that Sweetpea had shared with Eric. Yasmin mentions that the situation is beyond their control. After leaving the bathroom, Yasmin receives a message from Harper saying she can’t make their meeting due to a headache. However, it seems like something else was going on – Harper no longer wants to collaborate with Pierpoint because of what she learned about their possible collapse.

Industry season 3 episode 5 recap: Is Pierpoint about to go down in "Company Man"?

As a gamer, I get wind that Eric considers me dispensable, which has me on edge about keeping my job. I call Yasmin in a panic, and she wonders if it wouldn’t be so terrible to distance myself from all the harmful individuals. The hearing goes on, and Aurore Adekunle steps up to present the government’s viewpoint regarding Lumi. In an unexpected twist, she admits fault for what transpired with Lumi and even resigns publicly, stating her desire to set things straight. This is a massive relief for both Lumi and Pierpoint, as they are no longer burdened with having to shoulder the blame.

Aurore saves Lumi and Pierpoint

Following the government’s decision, Henry extends an invitation to Robert for an evening dinner. They join Otto Mostyn, Alexander Norton, and an additional guest named Aurore. It appears that Aurore is in league with Henry and his family, as she shares drinks with them despite today being reportedly her worst day professionally. She even manages to joke around and reassure Henry that no legal repercussions will be directed towards him. Robert seems bewildered and disheartened by the situation, yet he persists in their company. Remarkably, Robert continues to socialize, even participating in drug use with Henry. Intriguingly, Henry queries Robert about his relationship with Yasmin, to which Robert admits they have been intimate, but insists they are merely friends. Henry expresses his belief that he is smitten by her.

Later on, Yasmin arrives and challenges Henry over the accusations against him, but he dismisses them lightly, suggesting jovially that any woman he’s intimate with is an abuse of power. Despite her growing anger, she finds herself charmed by his witty remarks. However, when someone nearby brings up Henry’s unusual interest in urine, Yasmin becomes furious and leaves. Outside with Robert, she expresses frustration over repeatedly finding herself in such predicaments and confesses to him that things would be simpler if he could just develop feelings for her.

Industry season 3 episode 5 recap: Is Pierpoint about to go down in "Company Man"?

Yasmin gets a call with the news that a corpse, presumably her father’s, has been discovered. Without sharing the details with Robert, she decides to depart, leaving him behind as he heads back indoors.

That evening, Eric and Adler discuss the upcoming leadership change within Pierpoint. Adler announces the identity of the new CEO, hinting at potential layoffs as a result. He mentions that their CFO might educate the new boss on what he calls “the ESG fiasco.” It dawns on Eric that Sweetpea was correct. As their discussion progresses, Adler discloses his personal struggle – cancer diagnosis – and his recent stay at a treatment facility in Switzerland. He expresses reluctance to undergo chemotherapy, fearing colleagues might perceive him as incapable. The topic shifts to Eric’s children, which leaves Eric visibly emotional.

Henry and Robert do ayahuasca

In simpler terms, Henry invites Robert to an unknown location. Upon arrival, they find a group gathered around a campfire, and it’s revealed they are consuming ayahuasca. Despite initial hesitation, Robert takes the offered cup and experiences hallucinations that confront his deepest fears and past traumas. In one instance, he finds himself back on the trading floor at Pierpoint, where Eric gestures as if to slit his throat. He then recalls a tragic moment with Nicole, who appears unwell and urinates in front of him. Henry joins him, mocking him, but later, Robert sees his late mother on a TV screen on the trading floor, which brings a smile to his face.

When Robert regains consciousness, he finds himself sprawled on the ground with Henry nearby, who’s laughing uncontrollably. In an oddly humorous incident, Henry reaches for Robert’s face and says, “We need to figure out how to capitalize on this.” They then venture into the woods together, where Henry warns Robert that his withdrawal symptoms are severe, urging him not to check his reflection in mirrors.

The following day, Robert arrives home and takes a look at himself in the mirror, smiling. Yasmin returns home and asks to share the bed with Robert, where they discuss money, work, and destiny. In jest, Robert says that Yasmin is fated to marry her father, to which she replies that she’s already done so – implying that he has passed away. They both chuckle, but when Robert can no longer see her, Yasmin’s expression changes, appearing serious instead of joking. She snuggles up next to him as the scene fades out, leaving me uncertain about her intentions at this point. Surely she isn’t being truthful, is she?

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2024-09-09 05:28

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