Category: TV/Film Projects

Bobby Axelrod and Wendy Rhoades – A Special Relationship Part VIII

We talked about why Wendy Rhoades is Bobby Axelrod’s most deadly weapon a few week ago. In case you missed it, it is here.

And today we will talk about why Wendy, as much as she is Bobby’s most valuable asset, is also a liability for the company she built along with Bobby. Because, while I admit it sounds ridiculous, Wendy is the reason Chuck wants to take down Bobby Axelrod.

Do you remember when Chuck makes his first move against Bobby and presses him behind the scenes to buy the $83M Hamptons mansion in Season 1 Episode 1 The Pilot? Just after the journalist Mike Di Monda asks him at a press conference that whether he does not go after a billionaire like Bobby Axelrod because he has a “conflict of interest” in his own home! And do you remember when Chuck sneaks into Wendy’s computer to find information about her sessions with Axe Capital employees so he can bring charges against Bobby? Just after he sees Bobby and Wendy on the Axe Capital terrace smoking and laughing in Season 1 Episode 11 Magical Thinking. Continue reading “Bobby Axelrod and Wendy Rhoades – A Special Relationship Part VIII”

Top Billions Songs: Gingersnap’s Playlist

The genius behind the musical palette of Billions is strategically placed epic songs we all know balanced out by meaningful lesser-known artists, all the while lyrically feathered in flawlessly to the content of each episode, scene, or character we see before us. Music is such an integral part of the Billions landscape that we’ve seen concert t-shirts as part of the wardrobe. These past four seasons Bobby Axelrod has worn band shirts for Metallica, Megadeth, Black Sabbath, and Motörhead so it’s no surprise I’ve been rooting for Iron Maiden to make an appearance since season two! Okay rooting is not a strong enough word…I’ve sort of stalked Brian Koppleman about it, who is the co-creator of Billions:

Continue reading “Top Billions Songs: Gingersnap’s Playlist”

Throwback Thursday to Damian Lewis in The Silent Storm

Today we travel back to Damian Lewis in The Silent Storm. I wrote about Norman Harris, probably the most romantic Damian Lewis character, last summer here. And as I was thinking about kind and caring Norman, I was also thinking about Damian’s versatility that he does not have a “screen persona” and he can play any character that comes his way. And I asked myself a question: What Damian Lewis character is the anti-thesis of Norman Harris? Well, the answer came to me in the form of the stern Presbyterian minister Balor McNeil.

source: The Times

Have you seen The Silent Storm yet?

The Silent Storm is slow. It is heavy. It is intense. And, lucky me, that is exactly how I like my movies. So the movie, with powerful performances by two seasoned actors (Damian Lewis and Andrea Riseborough) and a brilliant new comer (Ross Anderson) coupled with the stunning island scenery and psalms sung a capella speaks to me just right. And here is my take on the movie, without any major spoilers, studying Damian’s character more than anything else. Continue reading “Throwback Thursday to Damian Lewis in The Silent Storm”

Bobby Axelrod and Wendy Rhoades: A Special Relationship – Part VII

Damian Lewis and Maggie Siff  bring to life one of the most intriguing and complex relationships we have ever seen on TV. It is sincere and it is strategic. It is friendly and it is flirty. It is personal and it is professional. It is delicate. It is difficult. It is delicious. The first three seasons have revealed there is no romance in their relationship, but there is real partnership. Bobby and Wendy find meaning in what they built together and can draw the best out of each other. In case you missed my earlier posts on these two, you can find them here, here, here,  here, here, and here.

Season 4 is a true testament to why Axe values Wendy at a level where he is even willing to go to jail for her. Do not get me wrong, loyalty rules Bobby Axelrod’s world and he can drop Wendy in a millisecond should he suspect any disloyalty as he did in Season 1 Finale. But as long as he trusts Wendy is one loyal confidante and also the smartest person in the room, there is nothing Axe will not do to keep Wendy safe and happy. And the key is in his words to Wendy in Season 4 Episode 10 New Year’s Day where Bobby remembers the exact time and place he knew Wendy was a keeper. Continue reading “Bobby Axelrod and Wendy Rhoades: A Special Relationship – Part VII”

How did Damian Lewis Become Soames Forsyte? *UPDATED*

source: anywayidontcare.blogspot.com
source: anywayidontcare.blogspot.com

We talked about how Damian Lewis became Dick Winters earlier here. Dick Winters is not only the first “American” that Damian brought to life on screen, but it is also the role that made him an internationally known actor. Accordingly, after his big success in Band of Brothers, Damian was offered roles in Hollywood, including a part in Black Hawk Down which he turned down to do… Well… The Forsyte Saga! 

When asked in an interview with Now Magazine in 2001 about why he turned down Black Hawk Down, Damian Lewis jokingly says:

“I’d had enough of soldiering. Out of a cast of about 10,000, there was only one woman in Band of Brothers. So for my next job I wanted girls in it. I wanted the smell of sweet perfume wafting out from make up each morning.” 😀 Continue reading “How did Damian Lewis Become Soames Forsyte? *UPDATED*”