'Billions' Season 5: After Todd Krakow's coronavirus reference, will Covid-19 become part of the storyline?
'Billions' might be the first TV show to make a coronavirus reference! Just before the Showtime series went off-air, Episode 7, that was billed as the "midseason finale", mentioned the deadly disease lurking in the corners of almost every country.
Titled 'The Limitless S**t', the hour-long drama delved deep into how Chuck Rhoades (Paul Giamatti) managed to get a moral win by getting secretary of the Treasury Todd Krakow (Danny Strong) to resign. In a heated speech, Krakow then said, "There is coronavirus on it and that sh*t spreads!" That reference to Covid-19 is making fans freak out and they can't stop wondering when was the episode shot. It's clear that the makers filmed the episode when the virus had just hit the United States.
After the last episode, one question on fans' minds is: When will it be back after the Covid-19 break? Looking at all the interest, showrunner Brian Koppelman tweeted: "I see all the tweets asking about when the show is coming back. It means so much that so many of you care. Tomorrow is the 12th anniversary of my mom's death. She was my biggest fan. And would have just loved the show so much. Mostly seeing my name on it. But also the stories"
While fans are livid that the subsequent episodes won't air any time soon, many are wondering if Covid-19 may soon become a part of the show. "Hey, the upside is that we get to have a coronavirus reference in the upcoming episodes, isn’t that great!? And everything else current, like BLM and hornets," one fan said and another wrote, "Just the thought of axe capital practicing social distancing, fascinating! Taylor probably introduces some woke themed device/activities."
A few are wondering what will happen post the pandemic. "Covid-19. don't know exactly what they are up to (how they shoot). I guess the season still had scenes to film. Maybe post Covid we won't have to see Chuck having sex again — please NO," one said and another wrote, "Maybe Taylor never comes back due to Covid." Another said, "Indefinitely halted, will be interesting to see how it changes the plot or whether they’ll choose to barely mention it."
Some are looking at the positive side. "The positive thing with this show is they can work it into the storyline. I know working in trading I have been busier than ever in my life the last 2 months," one Reddit comment read. If you're missing ‘Billions’ too much, binge on older episodes from Season 1 to Season 4 on the Showtime App or Hotstar.