Tag: David Costabile

From “Emergency Deodorant” to “Coach K”: Why We LOVE Billions’ Sense of Humor

“There’s a lot of humor in this — a lot of playfulness, which I was not expecting.” — Damian Lewis on Billions

source: Showtime
source: Showtime

Humor derived from life and delivered at the right time and place can make a TV show! And, I believe, it is Seinfeld that perfected the delivery of small but precise details of daily life on small screen! George double-dips a chip in a bowl of dip at a wake and you laugh not just because of what he does but also because you remember the guy who double-dipped at the last party you attended. Elaine’s new boyfriend is a serious close talker and you laugh because you remember the close talkers in your life. Jerry believes you don’t need any extra incentive to kill your dry cleaner and you laugh because you remember the last argument you had with your dry cleaner about the remaining stain on your favorite pants. These are the scenes that stay with you for the longest time because they all come from real life!

Many dramas, as they try hard to stick to drama, forget about this kind of humor; which, given at the right time and place, may be one of the most delicious moments of an episode and can even send a serious message home. We applaud Billions for not shying away from giving us such moments. Continue reading “From “Emergency Deodorant” to “Coach K”: Why We LOVE Billions’ Sense of Humor”

Countdown to Billions Season 2: Look Back to Best of Season 1

Not to fret dear readers, Billions Season 2 is just a day over a month away!

Now, we here at Fan Fun watched and re-watched every episode last season as soon as it hit air, but, I know from my own viewing habits of non-current content, binge-watching is where the future of entertainment lies. And with binge-watching comes a unique perspective gotten from sort of swallowing the entire meal whole. It’s like reading an entire book in one sitting instead of spacing a chapter per week. Also, when you’re binge-watching and transitioning between seasons, there’s a bit of a disconnect if (or when!) you find that some of the characters have been re-imagined somewhat from who they were a year ago. Not sure why I’m going on about this. I guess it’s to get you guys to binge watch Season 1 before the next one starts. 🙂 Also it’s to say that the scenes we found so dear last year may be upended this year. Characters may be reborn. You never know what you’re going to get. I have a sneaking suspicion that we won’t be disappointed!

As a prelude to counting down to the season premiere on February 19, let’s take a look at what we liked best about last season, shall we?

Source: Showtime
Source: Showtime

Continue reading “Countdown to Billions Season 2: Look Back to Best of Season 1”

TOP Damian Lewis Moments 2016:
Billions at PaleyLIVE New York

I cannot agree more with Variety critic Maureen Ryan who writes the following about Billions as she includes the show in her Best 20 New TV Shows of 2016 list:

source: Showtime

“Too many dramas these days, even modestly ambitious ones, mistake plodding glumness and a dour tone for seriousness of intent,” but Billions doesn’t make that mistake. Paul Giamatti, Damian Lewis, Malin Akerman, David Costabile and Maggie Siff all gave fierce, wry, committed performances as high rollers in the Manhattan financial elite, but “the most salient fact about Billions may be that it’s funny. Sarcastic asides, humorous insults and well-targeted quips are folded into it like truffles in a plate of handmade ravioli.”

Well, firstly, I approve this message as a huge truffle fan! And, secondly, believe me, it is truffle-level delicious to be in the same room with Billions cast and creators discussing the show. What an incredibly brilliant bunch! Lady Trader and I were very lucky to attend Billions Season 2 Sneak Peek and Discussion Panel at Paley Center in New York early December and we cannot thank enough for an hour full of intelligence, wit and laughter! Continue reading “TOP Damian Lewis Moments 2016:
Billions at PaleyLIVE New York”

In Case You Missed It: Billions Rocks
PaleyLIVE New York!

Oh what a treat!

BIG THANKS go to the cast and creators of Billions for giving us an hour of intelligent conversation and laughter and to Paley Center for Media for providing beautiful, intimate setting for this dream event!

source: Paley Center
source: Paley Center

A little note to our readers: Hulu is the official media sponsor of Paley Center and a few clips from the event are now available here. We will add a link later if they provide the entire event online. UPDATE December 15, 2016: If you have Hulu, you can now watch an edited version of the panel here and, as a bonus, see me at around 45 minutes and Lady Trader at around 48 minutes asking questions! 🙂

Ok, let’s start with some serious warm-up: JaniaJania has storified the tweets from Billions red carpet as well as from the panel here. Enjoy it and then come back to dive deep into my almost minute-by-minute account of the evening! Continue reading “In Case You Missed It: Billions Rocks
PaleyLIVE New York!”

Billions ROCKS PaleyLive in New York City!

Oh what a treat!

BIG THANKS go to the cast and creators of Billions for giving us an hour of intelligent conversation and laughter and to Paley Center for Media for providing beautiful, intimate setting for this dream event!

source: Paley Center
source: Paley Center

A little note to our readers: Hulu is the official media sponsor of Paley Center and Hulu subscribers will be able to access some exclusive footage or maybe the entire panel discussion here in the coming days.

Ok, let’s start with some serious warm-up: JaniaJania has storified the tweets from Billions red carpet as well as from the panel here. Enjoy it and then come back to dive deep into my almost minute-by-minute account of the evening! Continue reading “Billions ROCKS PaleyLive in New York City!”