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This series is based upon a high stakes dual between a billionaire hedge fund manager and a shrewd U.S. District Attorney. Within a week, I devoured the entire twelve episodes from season one. Happily, the show is coming back for a second season.
The two principal characters: U.S. Attorney, Chuck Rhoades (Paul Giamatti) and billionaire investor, Bobby Axelrod aka "Axe" (Damien Lewis), are spellbinding. An outstanding supporting cast includes...
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Due to the care and talent of the writers (see list at right >>) and a brilliant cast that brings their work to life, these characters are truly multi-dimensional. No reasonable person could completely love or loathe any of them, but you'll want to watch all of them.
While a certain amount of salaciousness is expected, some scenes in Billions are implausible or gratuitous. Examples include Chuck Rhodes' sadomasochistic sex scenes (some might argue that Eliot Spitzer's record with prostitutes is sufficient historical precedent) and Wendy Rhoades' willingness to slip into a bath naked with Axe -- to have a completely platonic business conversation. Yes, that happens all the time.
These are minor quibbles. Watch the trailer by clicking here >>> or if you are pressed for time, check out this short YouTube video....