It has everything the classic show had 20 years ago: sex, drugs and a bunch of photogenic newcomers. But, most of all, every single character is obnoxious. So is it destined for greatnessThis article contains spoilersWhen the banking drama Industry blared on to our screens earlier this month, one name towered above all others. The first episode was directed by Lena Dunham which, when coupled with its workplace setting, led to a flurry of lazy it’s-Girls-meets-Mad-Men comparisons.
But as the series wears on – and the entirety becomes available to stream today in the
UK and the US – this is looking less and less accurate. Sure, Lena Dunham is involved, but only as a hired hand. This is not her show. And there is none of Mad Men’s languid style here, either. Industry is a show where people hurry through their tasks under the glare of unforgiving strip lights. You cannot imagine anyone ever having an Industry theme night, for example, unless looking stressed to the point of exhaustion suddenly becomes aspirational.