In a recent interview, actor Ken Leung, who portrays Eric Tao in HBO’s “Industry,” shared insights about his character’s compelling arc in Season 4. Following the conclusion of Season 3, Leung expressed to series creators Mickey Down and Konrad Kay a desire for a narrative shift, stating, “If we’re going to continue, then we need to open a new circle.” This sentiment reflected Leung’s perception that Eric’s journey needed to evolve, moving beyond his previous mistakes and failures.
In Season 4, Eric returns from retirement to reconcile with important figures in his life, notably his partnership with Harper, played by Myha’la. This attempt at personal growth is abruptly challenged in Episode 6, titled “Dear Henry,” when Eric discovers that Dolly, with whom he has been involved, is only 14 years old. This shocking revelation culminates in a series of dramatic moments, including Eric’s decision to publicly address the situation on CNN to protect his firm, Tao-Stern, ultimately leading to his dissolution of his partnership with Harper.
The writers aimed to portray Eric at his most vulnerable and reflective stages, grappling with his past decisions and failures. While Eric’s relationship with Dolly initially appears to be a mere fling, Leung deepened his portrayal by considering their connection as a potential path toward reclaiming his lost humanity. He noted that understanding Dolly as a possible meaningful figure in Eric’s life added emotional weight to the unfolding drama.
The episode’s tension escalates further with Eric’s powerful “8 Mile” moment on CNN, where he pre-emptively acknowledges his flaws before addressing the criticisms thrown at him and his company. This highlights his desire to regain control amidst his crumbling world while simultaneously nodding to aspects of his character from previous seasons.
Moreover, the emotional fallout following his resignation from Tao-Stern is palpable. Leung adeptly depicts a man broken by his own actions as he confronts his devastating choices. The creators expressed the challenge of bringing a beloved character to their lowest point, emphasizing the narrative’s emphasis on confronting one’s demons rather than escaping from them.
Tension continues to build as Leung discussed a pivotal scene with his on-screen daughter, Lily, which ultimately didn’t make it to the final cut. He explained that the omitted interactions would have shed additional light on Eric’s motivations and struggles as a father, suggesting that even his return to London was fundamentally motivated by a desire to reclaim his relationship with Lily.
The poignant conclusion of Episode 6, set to Judy Collins’ “Both Sides Now,” leaves viewers questioning Eric’s fate — whether he is walking toward a brighter future or into despair. This ambiguity underscores the complexity of his character arc, leaving audiences to ponder about self-awareness occurring too late, a recurring theme in the tragedy of Eric Tao.
As discussions of a potential Season 5 linger in the air, both the actors and creators remain cautious about the future of Eric’s storyline. While Kay and Down outline that characters achieving redemption often step away from the show’s cutthroat world, it remains uncertain whether Eric can find such a path forward after his devastating revelations.
With the series likely heading toward a deeply reflective finale, fans remain hopeful for closure on Eric’s tumultuous journey, excited to see what lies ahead for this complex character.