Friday, February 19, 2016

What I’m Watching: Billions


Billions: Season 1, Episode 4 “Short Squeeze” (B+)

This show has done a fascinating show of characterizing its two protagonists, and this episode was especially effective in getting to the root of who Axe is by showing him in action while Decker described how he sees him. There is so much scenery being chewed on this show, and the way that Axe is painted definitely suggests that he is a god of sorts. But this episode managed to ground him, showing that he is determined to always get what he wants, and that he is going to do it in a way that sends a message. When Noah Emmerich’s Freddie got himself into a mess after eavesdropping on Axe’s conversation, Axe bailed him out right away but then left him behind the next day after the short paid off. I knew I recognized Kerry Bishé from “Scrubs” and “Virtuality” as Elise, the singer who hit on Axe, and what great scenes they shared together as he proved that his marriage was basically more sacred to him than anything else. The end of the episode was highly alarming since Axe appears to be taking a major risk to change his entire life, and though I’m sure he has a plan, it’s still worrisome. Chuck has been known to be harsh with those who disappoint him, and forcing his father to take a loss of nearly $500,000 as punishment for foolishly trying to screw Axe over without considering the implications was typically harsh. Tara got off relatively easy considering the height of her betrayal.

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