Tag: Billions Recaps

“From The Trader’s Desk”: All Good Things…

I’m just the pieces of the man I used to be
Too many bitter tears are raining down on me
I’m far away from home
And I’ve been facing this alone for much too long
Too Much Love Will Kill You – Brian May (Queen)

Welcome to “From the Trader’s Desk”.

As the title of this post states, all good things must come to an end, and for now at least, Bobby Axelrod has left the Billions building. The title also plays homage to another one of my very favorite television series “Star Trek: The Next Generation” as the very last episode was titled “All Good Things…” which I still consider two of my favorite hours on television.

In preparing for this post, I read back most of my previous diatribes, and noticed how much Billions, the character of Axe, the Fan Fun community, and my writing and analysis evolved. I also loved re-reading the interaction with our readers. We had many a spirited debate on these pages, and the discussions were always civil, thoughtful, and good fun. A very sincere thank you to each and every one of you who read all of our Billions posts. And a special thank you to Brian Koppelman, David Levien and the entire cast of Billions for being so kind and generous with their time and contributions to our Billions pieces. Continue reading ““From The Trader’s Desk”: All Good Things…”

Billions on Showtime, Season 5 Episode 12: No Direction Home (Season Finale)

How does it feel?
How does it feel
To be on your own
With no direction home
A complete unknown
Like a rolling stone?

                                                 -Bob Dylan

Well, ladies and gentlemen, this is how you do a Season Finale and how you title it – with a brilliant Bob Dylan song that fits the bill perfectly!

And may I just say I will miss Sundays? Thanks to Showtime releasing the new episodes Saturday at midnight, I watched the show two times until 2am and took notes. Then I slept on it and wrote all day Sunday taking a lot of pleasure in putting together what I see, what I read between the lines, and my favorite part, predictions (I have hits and misses!) about what could happen next in this crazy ride! I give standing ovation to all brilliant minds behind and in front of the camera for surpassing all expectations!

While the season is coming to an end, we still have so much to say about it. We are currently working on a FUN Best of Billions Season 5 post, followed by the updated dining guide, a locations guide and much more. Hope you stay with us between seasons! Continue reading “Billions on Showtime, Season 5 Episode 12: No Direction Home (Season Finale)”

“From The Trader’s Desk”: Is This the End of the Beginning? Or the Beginning of the End? Billions S5 E11 Victory Smoke

Is this the end of the beginning?
Or the beginning of the end?
Losing control or are you winning?
Is your life real or just pretend?
End of the Beginning – Black Sabbath

 

After a quick trip to the West Coast, the Trader’s Desk is back for your Friday enjoyment. I have thoughts, so let’s get right to it.

I have always felt the idea of Axe turning Axe Capital into a bank was a bad idea. Why go through all the changes, and deal with all different types of rules and regulations? It’s not worth it. Also, this whole bank idea was purely emotional. Axe got the bee in his bonnet about the bank after Prince rattled his cage and “stole his shaman” at “The Mike”. It was a frustrated Axe no longer wanting to be the player at the casino but be the house. The problem is, Axe is a gambler, and I went into detail on why I believe that all the way back at the beginning of Season 2. He has become a deca being a speculator. He is good at trading and deal making. Why change and give up that shot of adrenaline?  This bank is all ego and emotion, and it may finally be the nail in Axe’s coffin. Continue reading ““From The Trader’s Desk”: Is This the End of the Beginning? Or the Beginning of the End? Billions S5 E11 Victory Smoke”

Billions on Showtime, Season 5 Episode 11: Victory Smoke

WOW. Is this it? Is this checkmate?

I don’t think a scene-by-scene recap like I always do will not do justice to this utterly crazy episode. That is why I have decided to talk about how Chuck has made sure that Axe gets caught in the trap he set up for him along  with the personal costs of doing that for everyone involved.

So shall we? Continue reading “Billions on Showtime, Season 5 Episode 11: Victory Smoke”

Billions on Showtime, Season 5 Episode 10: Liberty

Ladies and Gentlemen: WOW. WOW. WOW.  I called last week’s episode as the most Billions-y in a while, and as a game theorist, I declare this week’s episode the most game-theoretic to date. Hats off to Billions writers who are at the peak of their powers. I cannot imagine better or smarter writing.  And since alliances shift like sand in this show, I really cannot see where we will end up by the end of this season, but I know we are in for an epic roller coaster. Bring it on!

They gave the first hints of Covid-19 hitting New York in  Episode 9 Implosion with Chuck telling Kate to “go home and stock up on canned food for the coming plague” and Swerdlow (I cannot bring myself to call that man Dr. Swerdlow!) telling Chuck it is great Senior is having his operation before the hospitals are overrun because of the “Chinese bug”. And now Covid-19 has arrived at Axe Capital. Continue reading “Billions on Showtime, Season 5 Episode 10: Liberty”