Categories Billions Print Media

Billions and Other Series That Showcase Casting at its Best – May 10, 2019

Billions: An Overflowing Fountain of Talent

by Kristi Turnquist | The Oregonian | May 10, 2019

When it comes to discussing why some TV shows seize our attention while others don’t quite click, viewers and critics often talk about stars, scripts or whether the network scheduled the show at the wrong time.

Yes, all of those are important. But what truly makes the difference between an ambitious dud, and a show you can’t wait to watch? Terrific casting.

Talking about which actors are cast in a TV show may sound about as thrilling as watching reruns. But from the stars to the supporting cast, pairing the right roles with the right actors is essential to making shows stand out.

That’s been true since the I Love Lucy days – who knew Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz would add up to TV gold? – and it’s more important than ever now, in our content-saturated culture.

Here are some contemporary shows and specials that demonstrate what an impact well-cast actors make.

Billions (Showtime): If you’re not watching this smart, sharply written drama about the big personalities, major egos, outsize ambitions and huge fortunes, set among New York financial sharks and politicians, you’re missing out on the best-cast show on TV.

From stars Paul Giamatti as Chuck Rhoades, a New York politico, and Damian Lewis as Bobby Axelrod, an up-from-the-streets hedge fund titan, to recurring characters, Billions is an overflowing fountain of talent. Even if the writing weren’t so clever, the array of top-flight actors digging into their roles with knife, fork and special sauce would make the show a juicy treat.

Continue reading Billions and Other Series That Showcase Casting at its Best – May 10, 2019

Categories Announcement Billions

Billions Renewed for Season 5 – May 8, 2019

More Billions to Be Made

by Denise Petski | Deadline | May 8, 2019

It’s official. Showtime announced that Billions will be back for season five! That means more Damian on our tele. Showtime tweeted:

Then co-creator and show runner Brian Koppelman tweeted:

Continue reading Billions Renewed for Season 5 – May 8, 2019

Categories Billions Poll Recap

The Unbeatable, Unstoppable, Unparalleled MVPs from Billions Season 4 Episode 8 – May 8, 2019

Billions MVP Fanbook

by Gingersnap | Fan Fun with Damian Lewis | May 8, 2019

Source: Twitter @KellyAuCoin77

Welcome back to our ‘Billions MVP Fanbook,’ a compilation post commemorating all those in honor of achievement for the utmost brazen, uber shameless, ultra scheming, unmatched badasses to date – from sports references, music, and tasty food to pop culture remarks, shocking twists and ultimate paybacks.

In case you missed our previous awards, you can catch up with season four episode one, episode two, episode three, episode four, episode five, episode six, and episode seven. Now, let us continue with that tradition as we award our Most Valuable Players (MVPs) this week.

Here are our Billions awards for Season 4, Episode 8, “Fight Night.”

Continue reading The Unbeatable, Unstoppable, Unparalleled MVPs from Billions Season 4 Episode 8 – May 8, 2019

Categories Billions Gallery Trailer Video

Next Time on Billions Season 4 Episode 9 – May 6, 2019

Season 4, Episode 9: “American Champion”

by Gingersnap | damian-lewis.com | May 6, 2019

On the next episode of Billions season 4 episode 9, Chuck makes a dramatic move to help Wendy and Senior. Taylor goes after Axe by trying to sabotage someone close to him. Axe contends with difficulties at Axe Capital. Chuck reveals his priorities. Episode airs on Sunday, May 12, 2019 on Showtime.

To view more sneak peek photos, please visit our Gallery

Episode 9 trailers:

Continue reading Next Time on Billions Season 4 Episode 9 – May 6, 2019

Categories Billions Print Media Recap

Billions Season 4 Episode 8 Recap: Forbes – May 6, 2019

Everyone Takes A Swing In Fight Night

by Dana Feldman | Forbes | May 6, 2019

“It’s the eye of the tiger, it’s the thrill of the fight,” or so the classic Survivor song “Eye Of The Tiger” goes. It’s in the name of charity, but when it’s Axe versus Mason Capital in the boxing ring, it’s about much more than helping a good cause. As the lyrics continue in the song, it’s also about “Risin’ up to the challenge of our rival.”

Continue reading Billions Season 4 Episode 8 Recap: Forbes – May 6, 2019

Categories Billions Print Media Recap

Billions Season 4 Episode 8 Recap: New York Times – May 5, 2019

Raging Bulls

by Sean T. Collins | New York Times | May 5, 2019

This week, “Billions” staged a charity boxing match between its fake-tough traders. I’m surprised that it took this long for the show to get in the ring.

The mano a mano match between Dollar Bill and Mafee on behalf of their overlords, Bobby Axelrod and Taylor Mason, provides the show with a perfect symbol. On the surface the fight is an act of philanthropy, a way to turn competition between rival firms into something productive. And surface is all it is.

Continue reading Billions Season 4 Episode 8 Recap: New York Times – May 5, 2019

Categories Billions Print Media Recap

Billions Season 4 Episode 8 Recap: Vulture – May 5, 2019

Acts of Aggression 

by Sarene Leeds | Vulture | May 5, 2019

When I said I was down for a brawl between Mafee and Dollar Bill in my previous recap, the last thing I expected was for Billions to actually go through with it.

All told, the charity boxing match between Axe Capital and Mason Capital is a delight to watch for its sheer absurdity, made all the more uproarious by Rich Eisen’s sardonic commentary. (Sample observation: “This is probably one of the pussiest fights I’ve ever seen in my life.”) It’s a fantastic metaphor for Billions as well, capturing the raw, brutal nature of its characters, who are fighting tooth and nail in a game nobody is ever going to win. You can set the scene to AC/DC’s “TNT” all you want, and let Dan Soder and Kelly AuCoin indulge in several Rocky fantasies (both get to participate in an “Eye of the Tiger”-soundtracked training montage, with each of their characters coached by real-life MMA/boxing pros). But when it comes down to it, both Mafee and Dollar Bill are two out-of-shape traders who have no business in a boxing ring. Of course the match is a draw.

Continue reading Billions Season 4 Episode 8 Recap: Vulture – May 5, 2019

Categories Billions Print Media Recap

Billions Season 4 Episode 8 Recap: Entertainment Weekly – May 5, 2019

Choose your Tributes! It’s Fight Night!

by Kyle Fowle | Entertainment Weekly | May 5, 2019

Remember last week when Mafee stormed into the offices of Axe Cap to berate Wendy, and Dollar Bill threatened to fight him? Well, that threat has become a reality. Every year some traders throw down in a boxing ring for charity, and Mafee and Dollar Bill can think of no better way to settle their feud than to face off against each other between the ropes. At the top of “Fight Night,” Sara and Wags meet to sort out all the details. They agree on glove weight, prize money—”winner take all” for their chosen charity—and make a little wager of their own while they’re at it.

Continue reading Billions Season 4 Episode 8 Recap: Entertainment Weekly – May 5, 2019

Categories Billions Print Media Recap

Billions on Showtime, Season 4 Episode 8: Fight Night – May 5, 2019

La Dolce Scienza (Sweet Science)

by Damianista | Fan Fun with Damian Lewis | May 5, 2019

Welcome to Fight Night where we have two boxers in the ring and many characters on the street playing the game of La Dolce Scienza (Sweet Science) where they need to find the perfect balance between hitting and not getting hit. Finesse. Slickness. Swagger. Everything on the street is as strategic as it gets on the ring! The cameos of real-life boxing champions Deontay Wilder and Stipe Miocic as well as the boxing references in this fun episode hint that Fight Night is Koppelman and Levien’s tribute to one of their favorite sports.

Continue reading Billions on Showtime, Season 4 Episode 8: Fight Night – May 5, 2019

Categories Billions Print Media Recap

From the Trader’s Desk: Billions S4E7 Infinite Game – May 3, 2019

I’m Going Through Changes

by Lady Trader | Fan Fun with Damian Lewis | May 3, 2019

Now all my days, are filled with tears
Wish I could go back and change these years
I’m going through changes
Changes – Black Sabbath

Welcome back to the Trader’s Desk. This was my favorite episode so far this season. No “fin-speak”, but oh man, the emotions! Wendy is all sorts of lost in this episode. In my last two posts, I wrote about the anger and trust issues Wendy is having that have lead to this point. In “Infinite Game” it all comes to a head.

On a housekeeping note, there will be no Trader’s Desk next week (5/10). Lady Trader has earned a much needed vacation, so I will not be recapping; but if there is financial jargon in Ep. 8 that needs clarification, you can always reach out on Twitter: @lisaglick926.

Continue reading From the Trader’s Desk: Billions S4E7 Infinite Game – May 3, 2019

Categories Billions Poll Print Media Recap

The Unbeatable, Unstoppable, Unparalleled MVPs from Billions Season 4 Episode 7 – May 1, 2019

Billions MVP Fanbook

by Gingersnap | Fan Fun with Damian Lewis | May 1, 2019

Welcome back to our ‘Billions MVP Fanbook,’ a compilation post commemorating all those in honor of achievement for the utmost brazen, uber shameless, ultra scheming, unmatched badasses to date – from sports references, music, and tasty food to pop culture remarks, shocking twists and ultimate paybacks.

In case you missed our previous awards, you can catch up with season four episode one, episode two, episode three, episode four, episode five, and episode six. Now, let us continue with that tradition as we award our Most Valuable Players (MVPs) this week.

Here are our Billions awards for Season 4, Episode 7, “Infinite Game.”

Continue reading The Unbeatable, Unstoppable, Unparalleled MVPs from Billions Season 4 Episode 7 – May 1, 2019

Categories Audio Billions Podcast Recap

Recappables Podcast: Billions S4E7 – April 29, 2019

Breaking Down Everything From the Seventh Episode of Season 4

by Alison Herman and Paolo Uggetti | The Ringer | April 29, 2019

The Ringer’s Alison Herman and Paolo Uggetti discuss the seventh episode of Billions Season 4: “Infinite Game.” They break down Chuck’s pet problem and Wendy and Axe’s attack on Taylor and the difficult decision they have to make because of it.

Infinite Game


Source: The Ringer