Billions: A Personal Perspective part 2
cast of characters
This is part two of a three part series on the show Billions. Part retrospective, part love letter, these posts aim to express my admiration for the show. Click here for part one.
In any great story, the characters are the heart and soul of the story. They provide us with figures to root for, or figures to despise, which anchors the audience, us, to the unfolding story.
That said, the show’s two leads are Chuck Rhoades and Bobby Axelrod. The show is built around them. You love them, you love to hate them. The show switches back and forth between the two as antagonists or protagonists. They are always seeking that edge over each other.
From the moment we meet Chuck Rhoades, played by Paul Giamatti, we're introduced to a character that’s fiercely intelligent and tenacious in his pursuit of justice. However he chooses to interpret it. He’s this bulldog of a lawman, but has his charms and a dash of wit too. Giamatti, who currently seems to hit a rich vein of acclaim in his career, is certainly helped by having some of the show’s best lines. Just watch.
On the flip side, we have Bobby Axelrod. Named after a renowned game theorist, Bobby was brought to life by Damian Lewis, whose magnetic presence embodies the essence of a hedge fund titan. He’s a master of the universe. Axelrod's relentlessness, ambition and strict sense of loyalty (more like fealty from his subordinates) provides a strong opposition to Chuck.
While Rhoades and Axelrod may steal the spotlight, it's the supporting cast that truly brings the world of "Billions" to life. The cast add depth and dimension to the narrative. Even the rather depraved characters like Charles Sr. or Wags (portrayed by the legendary David Costabile), are fun to watch. You just have to love them.
The cast’s dynamics helped the show strike a balance between drama and levity. Each exchange in the show is infused with brilliance and wit, complementing the characters' erudition so the narrative even when serious does not become self-serious and solemn.
Oh, I have to talk about the cameos. So many cameos, I think its like a cameo every other episode. There’s Metallica and Michael Bolton. Elite performers like Sharapova, Alex Honnold and Kareem Abdul Jabbar. Real life money-folks like Mark Cuban and Michael Lewis. Even Jocko and Tim Ferriss have cameos too. These guest appearances add a layer of contemporary intrigue and cultural relevance to the show.
Now that the show has ended. I miss the characters of Billions. The show is more than just a weekly escape, I've found solace and inspiration in the lives of the characters. That even in a cutthroat world, there are moments of triumphs, redemption and profound connection.
Read
The Sandman by Neil Gaiman and various artists
I’ve finally re-read the whole serious. More than just a comicbook, it’s a tribute to stories, story-tellers and the craft of storytelling.