Tag: Paul Giamatti

Analyzing the New Billions Season 5 Poster Art

Trust No One

On Wednesday, April 8, 2020 fans were treated to the highly anticipated  newly released promotional material for Billions season five. And like last year when I analyzed the poster art for season four here, I will analyze (and over analyze) season five all the same. Perhaps for the majority of us, though, waiting for this season’s poster art was bitter sweet as the entire world fights the invisible war. So I’m coming to you live from home during CoVid-19 quarantine.

But this guy’s tweets have been a substantial respite:

Are there spoilers, clues, and hints hidden in the poster art? I immediately began scrutinizing the photos for suggestions and significance. When dissecting the details of the promo material, you’ll never guess what I found. So come with me on a deep dive and see if we can come up with an indication of what’s to come.

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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”

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”

Chuck Seniorisms by the Dozen, Part III

A Baker’s Dozen…and Then Some

You should know by now from my ‘Chuck Seniorisms by the Dozen’ Part I and Part II that Charles Rhoades Senior is one of my favorite characters on Billions. He is played by the extraordinary actor Jeffrey DeMunn, who comes from a theatrical family no less! Buffalo News reported in March 2019 that DeMunn’s father Jim DeMunn and stepmother Betty Lutes DeMunn were two cardinal figures for many years in the local Buffalo theater.

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Wags by the Dozen Part III

Wags Words of Wisdom – Season 4

Wags, and bracelets

Guess what time it is? It’s time for Wags Words of Wisdom, Billions season four. Did you miss our first two dozen that covered seasons one through three? Catch up by reading them here and here.

As I pointed out last time, Mike “Wags” Wagner, played by David Costabile, is my second favorite character on the Showtime hit series Billions-Axe being the first of course. Sure, he’s an acquired taste for some but we gladly claim Wags as our rapacious scumbag. He’s still that pinky ring-wearing, Michter’s whiskey drinking, vintage Mercedes driving, petite handlebar mustache sporting, sharp-dressed man with a childhood affinity for Yosemite Sam, as proven by his ass tattoo of said gun-slinging cartoon outlaw.

Wags continues to be the Chief Operating Officer at Axe Capital-that formidable attack dog, financial consigliere, valet, and leader of the minions. He’s the right-hand man to Bobby Axelrod and just as loyal as the unsullied soldiers are to the mother of dragons.

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