'Billions' Season 5 Episode 2 Preview: It's Axe vs Mike while Chuck evens the score with Wendy
'Billions' Season 5 had its moments. From dropping early across the world to having a famed WWE star make a cameo on the opening episode, there was enough to guarantee that the new installment was aiming to do one better than its predecessors. That said, the storyline was set up perfectly for Bobby Axelrod (Damian Lewis) and Chuck Rhoades (Paul Giamatti) to lock horns once again. Except, they aren't the only ones in the race for power and justice this time.
Axe had his competition established pretty early on in the form of Mike Prince (Corey Stoll). The icy-cool, chutzpah-oozing billionaire introduced himself as a worthy adversary right from the introductions scene and the Vanity Fair cover with his face plastered on it was just the first prick that Axe felt. The challenge now is not just to outsmart Mike, but to stomp him to the ground— Typical Axe style.
It isn't smooth sailing for Chuck. Not after Wendy (Maggie Siff), and it's about time we call her ex-wife, gets the divorce news out in the open. 'The New Decas' did see Chuck try and make amends, but it does appear the couple has gone pretty far on their own separate ways. We understand that this means a pause on their BDSM activities and it will be a while before we see Wendy play dominatrix again. But for now, we just have to consider their relationship kaput.
In the middle of all this is Asia Kate Dillon's Taylor Mason who is all set to stand back and watch a new battle break. The normally quiet, precise and reserved Taylor went on a batting rampage in the final minutes of the episode. The previous scene does see admission from Taylor to Axe about the fact that the team was sent back to Axe Capital to gather intel. Whether it means they move together or if Taylor has a more elaborate plan is a question that will take some time to be answered.
The promo of the upcoming episode gives a glimpse of the Axe-Mike showdown getting a start while Chuck seems to have made the scoreline 1-1 with Wendy after freezing her assets. The clip also sees an intense conversation where Chuck tells Taylor about what's coming for Taylor Mason Capital to survive. Axe, in the meantime, has a scheme that he seems he's particularly pleased to gloat about: "I will enjoy using this guy to get what I want," he says as a shot of Mike on a plane is seen. Wendy and Axe also have a sinister scheme in mind, something that will surely go down as another riveting episode.
The official synopsis of Episode 2 titled 'The Chris Rock Test' reads: "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." A new character is introduced in the promo in the form of Roma Moffia. Now it is yet to be clear what role she does play, but at the moment, she does seem to be on team Axe.
What are your thoughts on 'The Chris Rock Test'?
'Billions' Season 5 Episode 2 airs Sundays 9 pm ET on Showtime.
