By Patrick Lucas
Staff Writer
Showtime’s “Billions” follows a game of dominance between an impulsive, hotshot, billionaire and a powerful attorney.
The first episode of the series does a good job of setting up the show for the remainder of the season. It introduces the characters which is always a bit tedious, however the episode’s pace picks up near the end with some irresistible Wall Street drama that leaves viewers wanting more.
British actor, Damian Lewis plays the part of Bobby Axelrod, an obscenely successful Wall Street tycoon with a beautiful wife and 2 kids. Damien Lewis is perfect in this role, portraying a conflicted man of power like he’s done once before in the series “Homeland.”
Axelrod’s firm is introduced as a shady business with employees that will go to extreme measures for the sake of the company. As the season progresses the development of interesting characters that come out of Axelrod’s firm will be an intriguing aspect of the show to watch for.
District Attorney, Chuck Rhoades (Paul Giamatti) is a powerful New York City politician balancing work and family. Throughout the show, Rhoades declared legal war on Boddy and they will continue to battle it out answering the question of money vs. power.
Maggie Siff plays Wendy Rhoades, Bobby Axelrod’s therapist and Chuck Rhoades wife. This conflict of interest will bring more complexity to Siff’s character and will make for an interesting twist.
Malin Akerman plays Bobby’s wife and employee, Lara. At home she may play the part of the doting wife but on Wall Street, Lara is just as ferocious as the next broker. Malin plays a great female powerhouse and her role is pivotal in showcasing the fierce world that Bobby Axelrod surrounds himself in.
The episode shifted through different locations primarily in the tri-state area. Scenes would move from Bobby’s firm in Connecticut to Chuck’s office in Manhattan. Near the end of the episode it appears that the Hamptons will also be featured as a primary location. If this is the case, it may be a little too similar to abc’s Hamptonite drama, “Revenge.”
Movies like Wolf of Wall Street and The Big Short have been tremendous successes in Hollywood and with the cast and writers in Billions, it’s sure to be a hit. The pilot has set the season up for great storylines with a lot of open ended questions that will force the viewer to come back for more. Tune in on Sundays at 10 pm on Showtime.
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