In the penultimate episode of the third season of the HBO series Industry, titled Useful Idiot, Ken Leung’s character Eric Tao makes a significant move that further cements his reputation as a ruthless and cunning player in the world of high finance. During a series of intense conference-room meetings aimed at securing a financial lifeline for Pierpoint & Co., Eric uses his knowledge of his boss Bill Adler’s brain tumor to undermine his confidence and ultimately force him out of the company.
Eric’s move is particularly callous, even by his standards, as he exploits Bill’s vulnerability and causes him to distrust his own mind. Ken Leung, who has been delivering a standout performance as Eric throughout the series, discusses the character’s motivations and the context behind his actions. Leung notes that Eric has a history of storing information to weaponize later, as seen with Harper Stern’s forged university transcripts in previous seasons. The actor also mentions that Eric’s wheels are always turning, and the idea to use Bill’s illness against him crystallizes during a scene in the bathroom when Eric spots an error in the book they are about to present to Mitsubishi.
Leung reflects on the character’s journey and his relationship with the discriminatory culture surrounding him, revealing that Eric’s behavior is a product of his environment and his determination to succeed in a cutthroat industry. Eric’s actions are driven by his desire to protect his position and ensure the survival of the institution he has become a part of.
The interview with Ken Leung offers insights into the character of Eric Tao and the complexities of his motivations. Leung’s portrayal of Eric has been consistently praised for its magnetism and troubling nature, making him one of the most intriguing characters on television. The actor’s discussion of Eric’s background and the discriminatory culture he navigates provides a deeper understanding of the character’s actions and the challenges he faces in the world of high finance. With the announcement of a fourth season for Industry, viewers can look forward to seeing more of Eric Tao’s manipulative tactics and the consequences of his actions.
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