SHOWTIME has a hit in its new series "Billions." After only airing two episodes of a twelve episode season the show has already been renewed for another season. This is all as it should be since "Billions" has a first rate cast, a twisting and twisted plot, and production values that are comparable to well done movies.
The show focuses on a war of wills between an aggressive U.S. Attorney (Paul Giamatti) and a hedge fund giant (Damian Lewis). These two men, Chuck Rhoades and Bobby "Axe" Axlerod, play for high stakes with the winner taking all. Neither man is willing to give an inch and all bets are off as to who will be standing when all the dust clears.
As important as these two characters are to the impact of the show, there is also a wild card in the mix. Wendy Rhoades (Maggie Siff) is married to Chuck and works for Axe. She is a devoted wife and an equally devoted employee and she is determined to keep her home life and her professional life separate. Still she knows where the skeletons are buried in the lives of both men. If she ever does decide to throw her weight behind one side or the other than all bets are off. Wendy is the controlling force.
Also getting involved in the action is Axe's wife Lara (Malin Ackerman). Like her husband she also is deadly, especially when someone threatens her riches. She can seem oh so sweet and loving on the outside but don't tick her off and then turn your back. She will plunge that knife in up to the hilt. Revenge is always the sweetest thing for Lara.
Rounding out the cast is David Costabile as Axe's number one man Mike "Wags" Wagner. Costabile is at his best when his character is at his most venomous. Costabile has recently played the man you love to hate in the series "Suits" and the movie "13 Hours",. He is a tremendously talented actor who always adds flavor when he is cast in a show.
The only negative I can mention about the show is a subplot featuring a dominatrix fetish on the part of one of the main characters. This whole aspect of the man's character seems to have been added for shock value period. It is not necessary and mars the validity of the story.
Everything else about the show is excellent. You can't have two better leads than Giamatti and Lewis. All of the supporting characters and subplots (minus the dominatrix) are totally interesting. So why not jump in and get with everyone else. We are only a couple of episodes in so you can easily catch up with all that is going on.
For solid entertainment this is THE show to watch. You'll find new episodes every Sunday night at 10 on SHOWTIME.
To help you catch up, click on the link below for a free look at episode 1: