Billions (2016)

Paul Giamatti and Damian Lewis take you inside the new Showtime original series about two titanic figures on a collision course in the high stakes world of New York finance: Billions.

A discussion of the extra details of the different and relatable dialogue and vocabulary to the law and finance worlds, so you can understand what certain words mean.

A look at Hedgefund manager Bobby Axelrod, the alpha male, first generation billionaire with real money.

A look at Chuck Rhoades the US attorney for the Southern District of New York which includes Manhattan and Wall Street and is one of the most powerful law enforcement positions in America.

A look at Wendy Rhoades the in house performance coach at Axe Capital where she is swimming with the sharks.

A look at Lara Axelrod who comes from a working class family married to Bobby Axelrod.

The important role New York City plays in the show as not just a setting, but a character in it. It also looks at the importance of food in the show and set design.

A look at the show's central conflicts, the layered characters, their backgrounds, and their core interactions.

A closer look at the contrasts within the show's characters and the gray areas in between. It also looks at how the production accentuates or contrasts them throughout the season.

An inside tip sparks a high stakes game of cat and mouse.

Chuck's probe is derailed temporarily; Axe makes an aggressive move.

Axe makes an activist play, and the move reverberates back to Chuck.

Axe deals with a betrayal. Chuck learns the inner workings of Axe Capital.

Axe unceremoniously disappears. Chuck intensifies his investigation.

Wendy facilitates a deal that hinges on a meeting between Chuck and Axe.

The pressure starts to affect Axe. Chuck uses the past to his advantage.

A tip throws the case into jeopardy. Secrets surface from Axe's past.

A sudden and mysterious disappearance sends both Axe and Chuck spinning.

Axe and Wendy do some soul searching. Chuck suffers a devastating setback.

Axe loses big on a bad trade. Chuck finds proof that could save the case.

Chuck goes in search of Axe and an explosive confrontation.

U.S. Attorney Chuck Rhoades and hedge fund king Bobby Axelrod are digging out of the wreckage. Chuck faces scrutiny from within his office and from the Attorney General. Axe refortifies Axe Capital, and weighs his options for retaliation. The fund wrestles with a precarious economic landscape that threatens the very existence of Axe Cap. Wendy entertains an offer from a rival hedge fund manager. Lara intervenes in an emergency at her children's school.

Axe publicly spars with a rival hedge fund manager and with the help of a talented intern initiates a new financial play to hurt the competition. Chuck deploys his team to quickly find a high-profile case that might save his sinking status. Wendy navigates a minefield of questioning that could result in disaster for Chuck.

Axe considers buying an NFL franchise and develops a new ally. Chuck begins a last-ditch case against a banking titan by developing a low-level informant. Axe Cappers attend the annual Alpha Cup Charity Poker Tournament. Wendy makes a controversial appearance at the tournament by accompanying Axe's competitor as his performance coach. Lara launches her new business.

Chuck develops a new strategy when his case stalls. Wendy helps a tech billionaire assess a candidate for a special project. Axe considers pledging half his net worth to charity. Lara's business faces a rival. Axe and Chuck find themselves in a room together for the first time since their face-off.

Chuck, Connerty and Sacker must rely on an anxious insider who's willing to wear a wire. Meanwhile, Axe's numbers take a big hit, leaving him to scout ideas for a quick play with a huge payoff. Wendy rediscovers her passion for her former job at Axe Capital through an old colleague. The reality of Lara's business starts to affect her marriage.

Axe negotiates with a reluctant seller, who is key to the success of Axe's municipal bond play. Wendy makes a professional decision that adds further conflict to her relationship with Chuck. As attempts to reach a deal with a high profile defendant fail, Chuck's office faces the uncertainty of jury selection. Tensions between Lara and Axe escalate.

Axe assembles a war room in the Hamptons following a disastrous setback in Sandicot for Axe Capital. The fate of the town hangs in the balance while Axe seeks counsel on how to best recoup his losses. Meanwhile, Chuck capitalizes on a high-profile victory, but alienates Wendy in the process, causing the couple to change the status of their separation.

Axe investigates who was behind the breakdown in his Sandicot dealings but faces formidable opposition. Chuck digs up dirt on a political rival. Lara makes a PR trip to Sandicot to ease tensions between the town and the Axelrods. Wendy helps Taylor solve a problem at Axe Capital. Chuck and Senior curry favor with a powerful ally.

Axe is offered inside information from a former employee and considers whether to use it. Chuck faces external pressure to drop an ongoing investigation. Lara plans a lavish birthday celebration for Axe only to discover he's lied to her about his relationship with Wendy. Chuck is willing to support Ira and Senior's investment in a company about to go public.

Axe deals with a major family disturbance involving Lara and the kids. Chuck considers the potential pitfalls of his personal life while being vetted for political advancement. Wendy tries to right a wrong she committed against Axe. At an impromptu dinner Chuck and Wendy open up to each other.

Chuck finds he has much at stake in the success of a new business venture; Senior, too, is heavily invested. Meanwhile, Axe takes out a massive short and takes steps to insure its failure. Wendy wrestles with a familiar and uncomfortable position: caught between Axe and Chuck.

Axe receives news from an unexpected source that he's in the crosshairs of law enforcement. While Axe moves quickly to safeguard his livelihood, Chuck arranges the last pieces of his long game in order to secure victory. Lara marshals her resources to protect what's hers. Wendy and Chuck make a momentous decision about the state of their marriage. Hoping the moderators see this note: the "Season 3" link to the bottom right of this section has the wrong hyperlink. I cannot figure out how to fix this as it appears to be a unique problem. Please fix the link to proceed to the next season.

Chuck receives a mandate from a new boss. Axe braves a difficult choice following his recent indictment. Taylor generates a monster strategy. Lara threatens to pull her money from Axe Capital. Sacker strives to prove herself as Chief of Crim.

Chuck tries to cash in a favor owed to him by an honorable judge. Axe orchestrates creative new avenues for conducting trades. Wendy helps Taylor weather their first major crisis. Connerty continues chasing down Ice Juice leads.

Chuck faces a dilemma when he's given a perverse directive. Axe expands upon a secret venture. Taylor and Wags interview a different type of Axe Capital employee. Connerty and Dake close in on key witnesses in the Ice Juice sabotage. Axe and Lara consider an unexpected agreement.

Axe explores the new arena of venture philanthropy and looks to neutralize old accomplices. Connerty's scrutiny of Chuck intensifies. Chuck tries to reconcile with his father. Wags pursues an intensely personal real estate acquisition.

Chuck trades favors with a co-conspirator. Axe and Chuck fight for the loyalty of the same witness. Connerty gets closer to the truth. Axe sends Taylor to Silicon Valley to explore new business opportunities. Dollar Bill plans a big short position on a pharmaceutical company stock, but not everyone at Axe Cap approves.

Axe tracks down a critical piece of evidence that could destroy him. Both Axe and Chuck reckon with just how far they're willing to go to protect Wendy. The Ice Juice case comes to a head when a judge gives Connerty a difficult deadline.

Axe and Chuck face mounting evidence of their involvement in the Ice Juice sabotage. Taylor questions Wendy's authority and motivations at Axe Capital. Connerty makes his case in court but comes up against unexpected witness testimony.

Axe tries for a fresh start at Axe Capital. Chuck asserts his political autonomy—and wrestles with whether to honor his word to a friend. Taylor asks for more independence at Axe Capital. Lara and Axe negotiate a new arrangement regarding Lara's money. Connerty adjusts to an uncomfortable situation.

Axe makes a bold play to secure capital from a controversial source. Taylor chafes against Axe's recent moves. Chuck recruits the allies he needs to move forward with a new plan. Connerty seeks out a career opportunity.

Axe explores an unappealing investment at a desperate moment. Taylor makes a personal compromise for business. Chuck suspects a major foe may be on to his scheme. Sacker calls in a favor from the FBI. Wendy advises an Axe Capper to make bold moves.

Axe determines his employees' worth at the year-end "comp" meetings. Chuck advances a dangerous plan, but is distracted by a friend in need of help. Taylor and Axe argue over Taylor's place and worth at the firm. Wendy seeks Lara's aid with an internal Axe Cap problem. Connerty discovers a new, secret source of information.

Axe dominates a capital raise event, but is soon challenged by an unexpected competitor. Chuck looks to strike the ultimate blow on an enemy. Wendy reckons with past decisions, and chooses a side. Connerty confronts Sacker about Chuck's activities. Taylor takes a big position.

Season 4 begins with Axe closing ranks, determined to destroy Taylor. No longer U.S. Attorney, Chuck struggles to regain power. Taylor does what it takes to keep their new company afloat.

Axe, still focused on wrecking Taylor and their new company, hits it off with a venture capitalist. Chuck sets his sights on a new position. Wendy asks Chuck to make a change.

Axe has to step in when a tip from Dollar Bill goes south quickly. Chuck faces a threat to his new career aspirations. Wendy and Axe develop a plan to derail Taylor's business. Taylor receives an important guest.

Axe Cap suffers an attack at a crucial moment. Taylor considers going into business with an unexpected partner. Axe asks for Chuck's help. Chuck makes a bold move to advance his own career.

Chuck begins work in a new position. Axe is surprised by a visitor from his past. Wendy deals with the consequences of Chuck's actions. Taylor goes after an organization that has a history with Axe.

Axe discovers a trap set for him by Taylor. Chuck and Wendy navigate marital issues. Wendy rekindles an unlikely friendship. Taylor pursues a new business venture. Connerty formulates a plan to go after Chuck.

Axe and Wendy plan a new attack against Taylor. A favor Chuck did turns out to be a liability. Taylor makes a difficult choice for the good of their company.

Axe helps Rebecca with a business venture. Chuck faces off with US Attorney General Jock Jeffcoat. Taylor ignites a public battle with Axe. Wendy suffers a blow that could jeopardize her career. Axe Capital and Taylor Mason Capital compete in an unlikely arena.

Chuck makes a dramatic move to help Wendy and Senior. Taylor goes after Axe by trying to sabotage someone close to him. Axe contends with difficulties at Axe Capital. Chuck reveals his priorities.

Wendy and Taylor each prep for a big day. Wags gets in touch with his sensitive side. Axe and Wendy's bond solidifies as he recalls a pivotal moment. Connerty reconnects with a figure from his past.

Wendy weighs her options. Senior makes a shocking discovery. Taylor offers an unlikely solution to help their business. Chuck launches an attack at an enemy. Axe contemplates a risky move.

Axe makes a big decision. Connerty gets closer to the truth. Tensions rise, and dynamics shift. Season Finale

Bobby Axelrod reaches a major milestone. Chuck struggles to get his bearings, and he and Wendy navigate a new normal. Tensions are high at Axe Cap now that Taylor Mason is back. Axe faces off against new rival Mike Prince. Taylor wrestles with a decision.

Axe chases a play at Mike Prince's conference. Chuck wrestles with his demons and chooses a new path. Wendy takes the lead as Axe Cap faces a threat. Taylor confronts a figure from their past.

Chuck returns to his alma mater to pursue an opportunity. Axe's big venture is sidelined by a family crisis. Taylor asserts independence with a risky play. Chuck puts Wendy in an awkward position.

Axe's latest move takes him back to his roots but puts him in Mike Prince's line of fire. Chuck steps into a new role and meets an intriguing colleague. Taylor tries to salvage a missed opportunity. Wendy takes on an interesting new client.

Axe must reckon with his past to secure his future. Chuck plots against Axe with the help of some old associates. Chuck and Wendy both try to move on, but get forced together by an emergency. Wendy and Taylor embark on a new venture.

Axe's plans are threatened when an old scheme resurfaces. Chuck wages war on a new front, but a dangerous gambit tests his budding relationship. Taylor looks to make an impact in an emerging field.

Axe makes big plays with an unconventional source of inspiration. Chuck goes to desperate lengths for family. Tensions rise in Wendy's relationships. Chuck and Sacker manipulate a past collaborator. Taylor steps up and takes charge.

Axe dispatches Wags to dig up dirt on Prince, discovering a weakness that could wreck Prince's ambitions. A visit to Axe Cap puts Wendy and Tanner at odds. Chuck looks for alternative methods to save his father, but a college-aged mistake threatens to sidetrack him.

As Prince spirals in the wake of a scandal, Axe looks to take his attack to the next level, putting Taylor's business in the crossfire. Chuck reckons with his failures and his father's mortality. Tanner struggles to finish his paintings, while Wendy worries the money may be getting to him.

As Axe Cap returns to the office, Axe makes a surprise announcement, leaving the team's futures in flux. Wendy's divorce becomes complicated when Chuck sticks his nose in the Mase Carb financials. Meanwhile, Axe rings an unexpected ally to get intel on Chuck.

With victory in sight for his bank, Axe plots to secure his deposits by poaching from Prince, a move that proves more complicated than it seems. Chuck, Prince and Sacker wrestle with the personal cost of their plan. Taylor looks to enlist an old foe. Wags prepares for a big day.

Chuck, Axe and Prince maneuver to outsmart and outpower each other. Taylor finds themself at a crossroads regarding their role as a leader, while Wendy struggles to sort out her personal life. Alliances shift in an all-out brawl that leads the future of Axe Capital down an unexpected path.

Prince revamps the team in his image with mixed results, leading him to question if he wants to keep any of them at all. Chuck, clearing his head upstate, leads a crusade against a local blue blood. Meanwhile, Wags, Wendy and Taylor all try to wrap their heads around their new positions under Prince.

Prince instructs the trading floor on a new play but is met with skepticism. Taylor and Wendy try to nail down Prince's intentions, while Wags struggles to hide a conflict of interest. Meanwhile, Chuck decides to go after the entire billionaire class, first tackling the plight of the New York City doormen.

Prince works to secure a key supporter in his bid for the games but faces an unexpected challenge when news leaks that another player is honing in on the NYC bid. Chuck investigates a mysterious run on the NYAG land bank. Taylor is forced to weigh a different kind of cost when old friends get caught in a business crossfire.

Facing political headwinds against the Olympic Games, Prince turns to Wendy for help. Meanwhile, Scooter and Wags must work together to help secure the games. Taylor chases a holy grail play and Sacker makes a big decision.

With a new player at Prince Cap, the trading floor scrambles to stake out their turf. Meanwhile, Taylor makes a huge bet on a risky play and Chuck tries to bring home a worthy case but encounters an unexpected challenge.

After a donation to the city of New York puts a strain on the firm, Prince must find fresh capital. Despite skepticism from his team, Chuck searches for a way to undermine Prince's largesse. Sacker and a competitor size each other up.

As the Commission’s announcement draws near, Prince must decide just how far he’ll go to secure his bid. Chuck, determined to find wrongdoing in Prince’s pursuit of the games, follows a lead. Mase Carb develops a new algorithm, and Taylor uses it to their advantage. Chuck and Wendy reconnect.

In the aftermath of the Commission’s decision, Prince encourages his team to find new investments, and Wendy prepares for the future. Feeling pressure from Philip, Taylor goes all-in on a questionable play. Rian, eager to escape work stress, comes to an unlikely arrangement with Wags. Meanwhile, Chuck uses New York politics to his advantage.

Chuck fights to unlock the city for the people. Prince and his brain trust hatch a plan to turn the tables. After discovering an investment reversal, Taylor teams up with Philip.

Senior and Chuck’s friends take Chuck on a retreat to regroup. Prince looks to consolidate his wins. Wendy tries to figure out Prince’s bigger picture. Sacker reckons with some old skeletons in her closet.

Prince's plan is put in jeopardy when Chuck unleashes a new kind of attack. Meanwhile, a discovery sets off chaos at Michael Prince Capital. Prince makes an announcement that pushes the tension between Philip and Taylor to the boiling point.

The discovery of Prince's true plan pushes Chuck to undertake his most dangerous gambit yet, one final all-in gamble that will see the loser sent to prison.

Prince's political ambitions come with a surprising twist, and his intentions are met with skepticism. Wendy, Wags and Taylor turn to an old friend for guidance. Chuck aligns with an unlikely ally in hopes of leveraging his freedom.

Prince recruits campaign support and encourages the Prince Cappers to aim high under a new directive for big swings. Chuck negotiates with a ghost from his past to advance a new agenda. Axe shares a glimpse into his new life.

Prince attempts to leverage a past employee's work for his own gain. Chuck rallies the troops at his old stomping grounds. A betrayal from within Prince Cap shakes Wendy's confidence.

Chuck embarks on a case with ties to Prince in his latest attempt to bring down his foe. The Prince Cappers face an ethical dilemma when a crucial aspect of their latest play is revealed. Wendy finds herself asking for guidance.

Prince clashes with his employees over who has ultimate authority. Ira turns to Chuck for help with an embarrassing problem. Wendy and Luke forge a connection. Sacker confronts a figure from her past who poses a threat to her future.

Axe turns to Chuck for a favor involving a common adversary. Prince maneuvers to raise his public profile. Chuck seeks counsel from an out-of-the-box business mind. Wendy works to run employee feedback rounds, even at the cost of Prince's pride.

Prince's latest play promises to enhance his political platform but puts Philip in a tough position. Chuck and Wendy face a family crisis as a consequence of Senior's poor judgment. Wags and Scooter team up to boost employee morale at Prince Cap.

Chuck and Prince venture upstate to rub elbows with a new political force. Prince sacrifices pride to do a personal favor. Wendy helps Wags unpack his deepest desires.

Chuck makes a daring and risky move to demonstrate his unwavering commitment to taking Prince down. Prince gets tipped off about potential mutiny among his ranks. Wendy is tempted by a new opportunity.

Prince makes big changes in the wake of betrayal. Chuck forges unlikely alliances as part of his mission to take down Prince. Wendy finds herself in an impossible position, while Axe and Taylor work to dismantle Prince's sinister moves.

Chuck, Axe and Wendy square off against Prince as the campaign intensity increases. The Prince Cappers' loyalties are tested as this battle comes to a head.

Trust is built and broken as fate hangs in the balance for all when Chuck, Axe and Prince have the ultimate showdown.