Infinite Game

Billions started out as an amazing look at the way the money people play. Originally Axe seemed to have some heart with a wife and family and friends who respected him. Chuck a bit less so but he had relationships that spoke of feeling. What has happened is a descent into the madness and chaos that is reflecting our current real life/real time events. Is this entertainment? Is it a weekly lesson in what not to do, who not to be? I'm saddened by this down turn, especially considering the excellant writing and the superb acting qualities of the cast. Where do I turn now? Who do I applaud? I'm left feeling despondant for all their futures. I can't imagine the future for this series.

Earlier in this episode a reference to the film Michael Clayton was made. This paint by numbers soap could use a little of that film's grittiness. The stakes don't feel real and the characters are starting to blend one into another.

...I have very much enjoyed and appreciated this series throughout thus far; bought into the well developed 'stick & move' political and strategic jousting between pro/antagonist but the overall direction in dialogue delivery, framing, amongst other things in this episode felt decidedly removed from literally all other episodes. I know productions juggle direction around depending on scripting etc, but this missed the mark a little imo.

Billions started off as a great show, but it has really lost interest in the last few episodes.

I don't know if it is the writing but the lines and scenes are feeling laboured and wooden. It can't be the fine actors. For example when Taylor, her father and Mafee discuss being played by Wendy. It was so staged. Yet Taylor Mason is a great character. There is screen presence and might support a spinoff show. So what is wrong?

Another example. Mafee storms into Axe Capital to tell Wendy what he thinks. The office crew, instead of starting a rumble, say innocuous things like "You can't call Dollar Bill that." Bill and Mafee then have a confrontation but it is doesn't feel real. So shallow. No punches thrown by these testosterone fueled masters of the universe?

The plot seems to be getting thinner by the week. The protagonists need real enemies and conflict. Instead they are having schoolyard tussles. Another reviewer mentioned celebrity tick-boxing. I agree. It is all well having Axe at an event, say, and encounter a financial superstar or someone appropriate to the scene. But we are getting Iron Chefs cooking pancakes for the breakfast at Axes flat. Meetings held at trending ice cream parlours. Should we print bingo cards?

The producers are constantly adding guest appearances by real celebrities and its making me cringe. For someone who's been in this industry for over 35 years it isn't like that. Especially with the big dogs. Sure we hire a band to play our kid's mitzvah or wedding, but I'm not hanging with Metallica or some trendy ice cream shop one day or whoever they're having on the show next week. Stop with the guest appearances already please. It's not happening.

This used to be a pretty good show. Now it's failing miserably. I think the producers should focus on a short story background of how Bobby got to where he is today. Show 1998 or 2000. Let's see who taught him how to do what he does. That's more exciting than this warfare.