‘Billions’ Season 4 Premiere Recap: American Oligarch

I appreciated the reviewer pointing out where events in the episode that seemed to echo something in the news was written before the event in question. I therefore wondered whether the plot line of Wags being imprisoned in the embassy (consulate?) was devised before or after the murder of Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi embassy in Turkey? Even to the point (logical enough) of looking at cc camera footage from surrounding buildings to try to determine whether he ever left the building. If it was written/shot before that murder, it would be truly an ingenious coincidence.

Totally enjoyable.

Sadly, a good show has jumped the shark.

I sadly found this episode to be pretty farcical. I mean, I'll keep watching, don't get me wrong. But the kidnapping of Wags in a Arab embassy by a Russian (and can we talk about Malkovich's goofy accent?!) was preposterous to the point of silliness. I found my self laughing AT the plot, not just with the great, as always, one liners (Chuck's dad's about slapping him was fabulous). The portrayal of Chuck's shenanigans about town were also a bit heavy-handed (especially the mob hit reenactment), but not nearly as bad as the Axe plotline. Imagining that these type of people could be/are doing these type of things in real life is one of the reasons this show is so great. This episode went too far and pushed "dramatic license" to the brink. I fear a shark jump coming.

I love watching this show for the acting and the writing but it has lost something over the seasons. In the first season Bobby and chuck were interesting because of the contrast between professional life and family life. Now they are so one dimensional the show is not as outstanding.

Has anyone else noticed the similarity of the emerging donald/Kellyanne/George subplot to that of Bobby/Wendy/Chuck? Talk about being stuck between a wall and a hard place.

Love the show, but some questions remain: * Did Wendy ever get a back story? Where is she from? Does she have parents? Siblings? How did she meet Axe? Chuck? * What do Wendy and Chuck do with their children when they are out and about at all hours? The nannies don't seem to live in. * Does Wendy really drive from Brooklyn to Greenwich, CT every day? That's easily 90 minutes to 2 hours unless she goes at off hours. Minor details, but by season 4 they might have addressed them.

Great start to the season with terrific, Mamet-like dialogue. I think Bobby and Chuck have been subtly stripped of a layer of their humanity. Their sole focus is on revenge. In Bobby’s case, he seems even colder than before. I’ve only this season noticed how little chemistry there is between Wendy and Chuck, which I assume is a purposeful element in the show.

Can someone prune Chuck SR.'s eyebrows? They are way out of control.

Not Billions at its best, but Billions being silly - no drama at all

Did this episode of Billions remind anyone else of that episode of MASH when Hawkeye makes sequence of deals (each contingent on a different deal with a different party) to get a new pair of boots?

Billions remains the best show on TV. Asking the writers to tone down the use of the "f" word would be like asking David Mamet not to have his characters drop the "f-bomb" so frequently in Glengarry Glen Ross. In fact, it would be great if Mamet would be a guest writer for Billions. (hint, hint.)

Superb writing, acting and directing makes this series an ongoing delight. Those NY Times readers who are having a problem watching the lifestyles of the one percenters and power brokers are totally missing out on the sly and sophisticated humor depicted throughout. The show is a guilty pleasure to be savored for portraying so perfectly a world that so few people will ever know. Just enjoy!

I loved this episode because it kept me on the edge of my sofa with Fred the cat sometimes slipping off my lap. Great suspense. Fabulous acting. John Malkovich and Jeffrey DeMunn scare me more each season and episode with their intensity. It was wonderful to see Michael Rispoli again, especially in a New York flavor sort of way. He was terrific in "The Sopranos". He plays a great Commissioner. My only complaint is the dang music - must it be so loud and obnoxious and overpowering? For me anyway, it really takes AWAY from the show rather than adding anything beneficial to it.

M*A*S*H did Chuck's storyline better decades ago.

As a progressive who rails against the one percent and lifestyles of the rich and vacuous, I love this show. Despite the robber baron values of Axe, I fight cognitive dissonance and root for him. The cast is superb, and John Malkovich as the reptilian oligarch is the cherry on the sundae. The program certainly has dramatic arcs, but the pleasure is often in the smaller scenes. When Axe ,after recovering Wags, reached over in the car and gave him a big hug showed a very human affection and why we root for this complex character. Taylor glammed up was a total surprise and revealed ambiguities in his character that beg for further exploration. Billions has some of the most sophisticated writing on television today.

Even admitting that there is an element of guilty pleasure in watching this series, it must be further admitted how shallow the lives are that these characters lead, and how impoverished is their vocabulary (or rather that of the show's writers), e.g. using the "f" word incessantly to the point (perhaps it is the point) that the use of that expression loses all of its intended shock effect. The only reason to slog through this dystopian series is the superb performance of the cast (save and except for the wooden Siff) and in the fervent hope that all of these 'dirty rotten scoundrels' get what they truly deserve.

Brilliant on all levels including the haunting scene at the steakhouse, reminds us of the tragic deaths of Messrs. Castellano and Cali. Could the producers reduce the use of the "f" word even slightly, as a senior New York lawyer I deny use of same at all levels of practice in and around New York City. As for Axe, his wonderful interactions with his Mom remind us that although he never 'picked up that voice....' it is still unlikely that at his level of dealings, common sense would require he simply clean up his language. Also, anyone who looks like Damian Lewis does not have to talk like this in the real world!

Contrary to other comments, and agreeing with the reviewer, I loved this episode. (Perhaps helped along by rewatching last seasons finale.) Perfect dialogue and fast paced quips, surprising turns, and, oh so New York. Yes, wealthy New York, a lifestyle I certainly do not live. But the machinations of Chuck, in many familiar restaurants, was such fun to this Native New Yorker. Ace’s surprise with Gregor at the embassy was as delicious as the sable at Barney Greengrass. That the show keeps at such a high quality into the new season makes this viewer a bit giddy. How is it that I can despise these characters, and yet be riveted? That’s the genius of the writers.

Embassies in New York? But still, looks like a fun if not absurd season.

I guess this show has now fully committed to being an absurdist comedy. I heard someone this morning compare Chuck's journey around Manhattan (how lucky for him that everyone was exactly where he hoped they would be) to a Seinfeld episode, which seems accurate. I will adjust my expectations accordingly and continue to watch, but more lame, eyeroll-inducing cultural references like, "as tight as AC/DC in '78", may test my endurance.

Surprised I really didn't enjoy getting back into this show. Think it might have something to do with watching "excess, power and arrogance to the max" in light of our current reality? Also, watched it immediately after the 60 Minutes episode on Monaco (awful excess; why feature that?). Do I hear a fiddle...do I smell something burning...?