In episode 5 of Industry Season 4, we witness how Sweetpea Golightly's character steps into the limelight. Her gallantry and perseverance are specifically noted as she evolves at a personal level.
In the episode "Eyes Without a Face," Sweetpea plunges into a dangerous project that is crucial to her career. However, it comes with a huge personal cost.
This HBO series focuses on the personal and professional lives of a group of people who find themselves navigating the complex world of finance. It centers around a top-notch investment bank in London named Pierpoint. Sweetpea works as a highly technically skilled trader in the company.
Keep reading to find out more about Sweetpea's fate in Industry Season 4, Episode 5.
Disclaimer: This article contains major spoilers for Industry Season 4, Episode 5. There is also mention of assault. Reader discretion is advised.
Sweetpea in Industry Season 4, Episode 5: How her pursuit of recognition takes a dark turn
Sweetpea's character in Industry takes a compelling transformation in Season 4, Episode 5. She was initially brushed off by many at the company, but she rises as one of the most brilliant minds in the room. Her character is portrayed by actor Miriam Petche.
In this episode, Sweetpea, accompanied by Kwabena, takes a trip to Accra, Ghana. Her sole purpose in visiting the place is to dig into Tender. It is a fintech company that SternTao has wagered against. Now, Sweetpea is entrusted with the responsibility to find out the legitimacy of Tender, whether it is counterfeit or not.
From the very beginning, there were red flags associated with the company. So Sweetpea is the only one out there to find concrete evidence to back it up. As Sweetpea and Kwabena arrive in Accra, these suspicions turn out to be true. They realize that SwiftGC, which was considered to be the main company associated with Tender, has no actual tangible existence. It is actually just a P.O. box.
Sweetpea's grit against all odds is noteworthy and commendable. In order to gather covert information, she takes on the risky role of impersonating a delegate, which helps her gain access to behind-closed-doors meetings. We also get insight into Sweetpea's vulnerability, as she shares her own objective for this work assignment with Kwabena. She feels this is her golden chance to redeem her image and earn credibility in the company. Her strong need for respect and validation explains Sweetpea's unwavering commitment to this mission.
But here is where things go deeply unsettling. While she is in the bathroom, Sweetpea is subjected to an assault by a stranger. In this violent encounter, the unknown attacker punches her, licks her, and scratches her back. We do not yet know the identity of the assailant or the reason behind this gruesome action. Sweetpea, however, is left scarred, both physically and emotionally.
After this incident, Sweetpea and Kwabena share a tender, vulnerable moment together. This passionate encounter is spontaneous and vehement rather than a thoughtful, romantic moment. It feels more like catharsis in response to the tense environment at that time.
Despite facing these trials and tribulations, Sweetpea does succeed in completing her task. She finds concrete information about SwiftGC, whose claim of the $50 million deal is nothing but a peppercorn. It is also backed by overblown numbers. All of this is informed to SternTao by her.
As Sweetpea returns to London, Harper expresses regret for giving her such a dangerous mission that endangered her safety. However, Sweetpea rejects the pitiful gesture and instead asks for acknowledgment and equity in the company. At the end of episode 5 of Industry Season 4, Sweetpea, in an isolated moment, bursts into tears. She is seen grappling with the emotional impact of her experience.
That is Sweetpea Golightly, a woman who metamorphoses from an invisible character to one of the most powerful characters in Industry. Her character arc is undoubtedly inspiring. But it also reminds us how women are forced to undergo violent experiences in the corporate world shaped by patriarchy. Women are expected to perform resiliently, whilst their sense of safety is not protected at all.
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Also read: Industry Season 4 Episode 5 recap