TV REVIEW: "Billions" is right on the money!

Power hungry men with lots of money that growl at each other in a case of justice vs corruption. This is a formula that has been used by a lot of networks to create many of the shows we see on TV everyday and yet as popular as it is, it is a method that seems to work allthe time. From Suits, to House of Cards, The Goodwife, Blacklist, and so on; we are pretty much used to the rich folks that think they can get away with anything and probably make more money while at it as the ambitious servant of the law fights to bring them down. Take this formula and apply it to finance, you get Showtime's new series, Billions. 

'Billions' is a fictional drama that takes an insider look at the world of high finance by tracking the approaching collision between two titanic figures- the hard charging, politicaly savvy U.S. Attorney Chuck Rhoades (Paul Giamati), who is fixated on slaying Wall Street corruption while propelling himself into political office and the brilliant, ambitious hedge fund king, Bobby 'Axe' Axelrod (Damian Lewis). The plot focuses on the two men puting a squeeze on each other with touches on both their professional and personal lives, including their women. 

Maggie Siff plays Rhoades’s wife, Wendy, who also (unbelievably) works as an in-house motivational guru for Axelrod. She is the woman between the two peacocking alphas, creating an interesting conflict of interest. The scenes in which Wendy counsels Axelrod’s staff to let go of their insecurities and pump up their egos are absurdly some of the most intense and best scenes of the show. If Billions writers play their cards write, she could easily turn into the star of the show. On the other hand, Lara Axelrod, played by Malin Akerman is Paul’s wife and an occasional equal partner in Axe's enterprise — an easily forgettable detail as her appearances are surprisingly kept at minimal. 

With two bulls at loggerhead, one might expect the show to be all kinds of testosterone-blotted, but it is interesting to see they way in which Rhoades and Axelrod’s characters balance out. While Chuck is mostly melodramatic and neurotic rage, often barking furiously; Axe is always calm and confident. The cut between Rhoades’ wood paneled municipal office and Axelrod’s sparkling white hallways further creates the difference between the two men. Ambition, greed, corruption and manipulation makes for a captivating backdrop throughout the plot. Even though their method of getting things done seem vicious, their goals are transparent; which we cannot say for Wendy who is not clear when it comes to her loyalty. 

A wagon of engrossing psychosocial dynamics mixed with a fine balance of sexual proclivities driven by two Emmy-winning titans, Bilions is right on the money. Siff has thrived opposite heavily male ensembles before, but it is intriguing to witness her play a more influential role. In early episodes we also see features from amazing supporting players including Toby Leonard Moore, Jefrey DeMunn and David Costabile. Though in risk of falling into the category of “typical”, if you ask me, Bilions is about to make milions. 

Bilions airs on Mnet Edge every Tuesdays at 9pm