TV Series Review : Billions (Season 2)
Aired on : Showtime 2017
My Rating : 7 out of 10
This is the review of the second season. If you haven't watched the first season, I recommend you read the review of the first season, as there may be some spoilers here for you.
If you liked the season 1 of Billions, chances are you will like season 2. Season 1 made a small effort at character building, while focusing more on the entertainment aspect. Season 2, makes no pretense. It's pure entertainment. Sometimes it's contrived, sometimes far-fetched, and sometimes it's decidedly in the category - "only happens in Hollywood". Still, it’s all very enjoyable.
This season starts where the previous one left off. Chuck Rhoades (Paul Giamatti), the New York State Attorney General, and his wife Wendy (Maggie Siff) are separated, but are trying to work out the problems in their marriage. Bobby Axelrod (Damian Lewis) has restored his office building and started out strong. The foundation of the story is still the same - the egoistic rivalry between Chuck Rhoades and Bobby Axelrod and their constant efforts to bring each other down.
In the first season, there were hints that Chuck is interested in a run for the public office. That possibility is realized in this season. A major focus is on his efforts to run for the office of the Governor. Bobby wants to expand his power and legacy beyond hedge funds. For example, he wants to buy a sports team. Although these other parts of the story are important, and interesting, their rivalry eclipses everything else in this season. This time, they engage in far riskier behavior, have even less concern for the legalities of their approaches and their plotting is really insidious. This is presented in a style that relies on gimmicks - forcing twists and surprises. Since these are the main plot points, anything I mention about these would be spoilers.
The characters are as unrelatable and unlikeable as before. The main reasons to watch this show are the mental duel, the behind-the-door deals ad the manipulations. All that is perfectly enjoyable, even with the financial mumbo-jumbo. The pacing helps. It's fast and doesn't let you have too much time to think. Acting is as good as before, and another reason why this season works.
Almost every series adds new characters and new storylines in a new season. This season is no exception. What I liked was, these additions were interesting and did not take up too much time. The focus never shifted to these characters, they were perfect auxiliary. There are some interesting cameos, and references to some real life billionaires. These were really superfluous, but thankfully these were kept as mere sideshows.
I definitely recommend this series and this season. Watch it with the right expectations, and you will not be disappointed. It's correctly rated TV-MA and is not for kids.
