It takes a hell of a lot of work to reach the top, regardless of the industry or service. And when that goal is reached, every effort has to be taken to ensure nothing changes that. At least two questions—however—may emerge. One: how long until the competition finds a way to do something easier, faster or more efficiently? Second and—perhaps—most important: how much do you trust your employees to remain faithful to the company? Such predicaments and others like them look to figure into Season 5 of “Billions.”
The team of Brian Koppelman, David Levien, and Andrew Ross Sorkin are the creators of the show, and all three also serve as executive producers. Koppelman and Levien have co-written screenplays for films such as “Runaway Jury” and “Rounders.” Sorkin is a journalist who penned the hit 2009 book “Too Big to Fail,” a look at the 2008 financial crisis through the eyes of Wall Street and D.C. bigwigs. It spawned a 2011 HBO adaptation of the same name which won Paul Giamatti a SAG award for his portrayal of Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke.
It’s round five of the crooked capitalist versus the lawyer who won’t let up. Damian Lewis and Giamatti are back yet again to reprise their respective roles of Robert “Bobby” Axelrod and Charles “Chuck” Rhoades Jr. Also returning are Malin Akerman and Maggie Siff—playing their significant others—and Asia Kate Dillon as Taylor Mason, appearing to return to their roots this season. Julianna Margulies headlines the new cast of characters this time around which also includes Corey Stoll, Roma Maffia, and Frank Grillo.
Here’s the synopsis:
In season five of BILLIONS, Bobby Axelrod (Lewis) and Chuck Rhoades (Giamatti) see their vicious rivalry reignited, while new enemies rise and take aim. Social impact pioneer Mike Prince (Stoll) poses a true threat to Axe’s dominance, and Chuck feuds with a formidable district attorney. Taylor Mason (Asia Kate Dillon) is forced back to Axe Capital, where they must fight to protect their employees and their assets. Wendy Rhoades (Maggie Siff) reevaluates her loyalties and forges surprising new alliances that put her at odds with both Chuck and Axe. This season, the struggle for power becomes a struggle for survival, and all characters must adapt or risk extinction. Margulies will play Catherine Brant, an Ivy League sociology professor and bestselling author. The series also stars David Costabile, Condola Rashad, Kelly AuCoin and Jeffrey DeMunn.
Season 5 of “Billions” premieres May 3 on Showtime. The stakes just keep going up, so check out the trailer below to see who might be holding the cards and the cash.