Perhaps not as sexy as the food or the music, nor as readily noticeable, is the backdrop of books used in a show. Shows that care about such things, like Billions, speak volumes with those carefully chosen volumes. It’s about setting the stage, providing props for the characters and the action. Most interestingly, the placement of books is about saying a thing or two about the character who owns them, in a language both visual and textual (if you look closely enough :)) Alternatively, barring such esoteric “meaning”, at the very least, books laying aboutĀ can be fun Easter eggs that may say a thing or two about the folks who put the show together.
So, join me as we browse through the bookshelves of Billions.
Hello, all! It’s officially springtime here in Minnesota. The trees are blooming and the citizens are sneezing!
the hills are alive with the sound of sniffling
I’ve been far more entertained by the critters returning to my bird feeder after the long, cold winter, than I ever care to admit. Ā I’m pretty sure the only thing that entertains me more, these days, has been Billions. And my-oh-my, season two has been mind-blowing!
Compared to Season 1, this season of Billions, for whatever reason, used a bit less music, fewer seminal tracks to accompany its richly crafted scenes. Music was still important this season, but somewhat less so than last. In my review of last year’s music, you’ll count 36 tracks. Here, the major songsĀ in all episodes amounted to 20. Interesting revelation from this exercise is that they seem to follow a certain pattern in genres from one season to the next. That is to say, the aural landscape of this season seemed to containĀ the same proportion of arena metal, 70’s funk, contemporary alternative, live ballad, perennial classics, and lovely alt-country.Ā All theĀ tracks they chose, regardless of number, hit all the marks.
Let’s follow along with Season 2’s playlist, shall we?
I am an immigrant. I moved to the US for graduate study in late 1990s. MyĀ husband and I, having finished our PhDs, moved toĀ New York in 2001, onlyĀ weeks before September 11, for our first jobs. The city has since given me so much in so many different dimensions and defined me as an individual: a foodie, a film buff, a theatre lover, a feminist, a wine snob, a runner and more… Even though we moved to the South five years later for new jobs, we could not give up on New York. We still have a tiny apartment onĀ the Upper West SideĀ and we are proud part-time New Yorkers š
And, as I mentioned a billion times before,Ā Billions is a dream show for me not only because my favorite actor is in it, but also New York, from its landmarks to city parks to its distinct neighborhoods, appears as a cast member! As someone who feels the only home she has in the world is the city that never sleeps, I particularly love it that BillionsĀ is taking over New York, the BIG film studio that it is, and shooting all over the place, from Manhattan to Queens to Brooklyn to The Bronx to Long Island and to northern suburbs. So thisĀ Billions Season 2 Location Guide is a loving tribute to my most favorite place on earthĀ and a heartfelt thank you to the Billions show creators for giving us a love letter to the city.
Decisions, decision, decisions. We arenāt quite ready to let go of Season 2 just yet and we encourage you to share your āBest ofā in the comments below.
Billions is no longer the new show on the Rhoade. Nope, Season 2 has left us allĀ desperate for Season 3 which thankfully we know is confirmed.
