HBO’s Industry has never shied away from shocking twists and Season 4 may have delivered its boldest yet. Eric Tao’s (Ken Leung) departure from the finance world has fans talking and the story behind it is even more intriguing than it seems.
The Twist Fans Didn’t See Coming
In the episode “Dear Henry” SternTao co-founder Eric Tao finds himself cornered. After months of navigating the high-stakes finance world and the takedown of the banking app Tender, Eric is forced out of the industry altogether.
“My reaction was ‘That’s crazy’” says Myha’la who plays Harper Stern. “It’s so sad. We worked so hard to build this and now you’re just going to leave me.”
This marks a turning point for the series and the end of a four-year-long on-screen partnership between Leung and Myha’la.
Behind the Scenes No Scripts Big Surprises
One of Industry’s signature choices is keeping scripts under wraps. Even the cast discovers key twists at the same time as viewers.
“When I read episode six I was like ‘Damn, they killed my bro’” Myha’la adds. “It’s so sad because we’ve been building this world together.”
Ken Leung agrees and says the unpredictability of the scripts keeps performances authentic and dynamic.
Eric and Harper A Partnership to Remember
Even amidst the collapse of SternTao the bond between Eric and Harper remains central. On-screen and off the actors’ chemistry drives the show.
“When they work well together their partnership is something special” Leung says and Myha’la adds “We have that as scene partners and the money the office all that is secondary to how we connect on screen.”
Fans have long admired the duo’s dynamic. It is a blend of tension and loyalty and authenticity that brings the world of finance to life.
Moments That Matter
Beyond Eric’s exit Season 4 has delivered intimate and emotional beats. One standout is Harper’s confrontation with her past and revealing vulnerability rarely seen in her character.
“I wanted Harper to actually be honest” Myha’la says. “It felt earned in this moment and filming it with Ken made it even more real.”
It is these moments that elevate Industry above typical workplace dramas and blend high-stakes business maneuvers with deep personal storytelling.
Trump Figurine A Hidden Detail
Even subtle details have sparked discussion. Leung revealed a miniature Donald Trump figurine that once sat atop his Bloomberg monitor during Season 1 had to be digitally removed for continuity. “They blew the budget just to get that out” he laughs.
It is a reminder of the care and detail that go into each episode and the show delivers jaw-dropping twists.
What Happens Next
Eric’s fate remains deliberately ambiguous. The show leaves it up to viewers to interpret whether his exit is a chance for reinvention or a permanent fall from grace.
Leung notes “If the story wants him to come back it could and if not he’s on his own path now a defiant walk down the middle of the street.”
Fans are left wondering how Harper will adapt to the new reality and whether SternTao can survive without one of its founders.
Why This Twist Matters
Eric Tao’s exit is more than a dramatic cliffhanger. It shows the essence of Industry: ambition and loyalty and the personal cost of high-stakes finance.
For viewers it is a reminder that in this world no one is safe and every decision carries consequences. It also explains why Industry continues to be HBO’s must-watch series for anyone fascinated by the intersection of power and wealth and personal ambition.
Season 4 of Industry proves that even the most established characters are not immune to upheaval. Eric Tao’s shocking departure and Harper’s emotional journey and the unpredictable twists keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
As the series moves forward fans will be watching closely. Can SternTao survive? Will Eric return? And what sacrifices will the characters make next in the relentless world of finance?
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