There are some shows that,
despite their “mature” themes and setting, are nowhere near as smart or edgy as
they think they are. Billions is one
of those shows.
The premise is tantalising
enough. Set in the world of high finance, the series revolves around a
crusading US Attorney’s (Paul Giamatti) attempts to take down a crooked
billionaire hedge-fund manager (Damian Lewis). Both men are mercilessly
efficient at what they do, and certainly not averse to using every resource at
their disposal to gain the upper hand on the other.
The main issue with Billions is that its creators are under
the impression that “smart” and “edgy” means having their characters talk in
impenetrable finance jargon (don’t know your “shorting” from your “short
squeeze”? Better have Wikipedia on standby) and throwing in some titillating S&M
every couple of episodes. Which is fine, by all means, but don’t expect much
depth or insight to go with all the hedging and shagging. Also, the series’
recurring attempts to use 9/11 as a major plot-propelling device – see? Edgy! –
feel ham-fisted to say the least.
It’s whenever Lewis and Giamatti
are on screen that Billions gives
bang for your buck, which is fortunate, as the attention rarely diverts from
their larger than life characters. Damian Lewis, mixing the right dosage of 1%
charm and smarm while sporting once again that flawless American accent, adds
yet another engaging performance to his enviable CV (the guy’s been in Homeland, Wolf Hall AND Band of
Brothers), but even he’s no match for Paul Giamatti on bulldog mode. He
doesn’t so much recite his lines as snarl them with vitriol running down his mouth, to the point where
he might just literally chew up the scenery. Understated? Hardly, but it’s a
hoot to watch. The scene in which he coerces a walker to pick up his dog’s shit
with his bare hands may just be the most hilarious 5 minutes of television you'll see
this year.
Expect 12 episodes of showmanship
and testosterone-fuelled rants. But if you were hoping for a more profound take
on the dark side of Wall Street, you’re a few bucks short, pal.
3/5
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