'Billions' Season 5 Episode 4 Preview: What plans do Mike and Chuck have for Axe after their team-up?
'Billions' has this habit of springing surprises — nasty and pleasant ones. The latter less so this season as the battle between Bobby Axelrod (Damian Lewis) and Chuck Rhoades (Paul Giamatti) intensifies. Adding to this is the fact they have their own foes to fend off and that has been one of the recurring themes this season so far. Three episodes and it is still hard to presume what would happen in each episode.
From the previous episode, 'Beg, Bribe, Bully,' there is a sense of realization that Axe has got his edge back. From rescuing his son, Gordie (Jack Gore) who dims out enough lights around to become a crypto-millionaire and buying Nico Tanner (Frank Grillo), one of the best artists in the world, he slowly inches towards taking down bitter nemesis, Mike Prince (Corey Stoll).
Stoll's Prince has been a step ahead of Axe and while their ideologies are a stark contrast, the only common factor between the two is the desperate, unimaginable methods to pip each other. While Prince was largely absent in 'Beg, Bribe, Bully,' he is back in 'Opportunity Zone.' Coming back to surprises, there is a surprise team-up — Chuck and Prince. The world should have seen it coming. After all, both share the mutual desire to see Axe's empire crash and burn.
The promo doesn't give much away, but it does a glimpse the main plot point of Chuck and Prince joining forces. "You're in a battle with Bobby Axelrod," Chuck says. "How can I help you beat him?" And the reply: "I give you your opportunity zone, you give me mine." While the plan does remain a close-guarded secret, rest assured that it is meticulous and is designed to hit Axe where it hurts most.
The official synopsis reads: "Axe's latest move takes him back to his roots but puts him in Mike Prince's (Corey Stoll) line of fire. Chuck steps into a new role and meets an intriguing colleague. Taylor (Asia Kate Dillon) tries to salvage a missed opportunity. Wendy (Maggie Siff) takes on an interesting new client."
From the synopsis, there are two more plotlines involving Taylor and Wendy. Both characters have had crucial storylines this season. While it was all about regaining effectiveness for the normally ice-cool, brilliant Taylor, it was about carving an identity and having a sense of freedom for Wendy. It is safe to assume these plotlines will continue to spillover through the rest of the season.
Three episodes so far have seen the introduction of three new characters and a Becky Lynch cameo, and yet, there is no sign of Julianna Margulies ('Good Life'). She was one of the actors slated to join the new season 'Billions' and fans hope to see the role she plays in what has been a compelling installment so far.
The creators have been pretty tight-lipped about her character. Brian Koppelman, the creator, in a recent interview with EW, outlined her role. Marguiles plays Catherine Brant and is introduced as an Ivy League sociology professor and best-selling author. He also added that "her story and Chuck's intertwine a bit." With this, it is clear that Chuck's arc this season is going to be a lot different.
As always, there is a sense of intrigue that 'Billions' provides, and this time it the Chuck-Prince team-up that sparks interest.
'Billions' airs on Sundays at 9 pm ET on Showtime.