WHAT IT'S ABOUT: In the fourth season _ the first four episodes were available for review _ former antagonists Chuck Rhoades (Paul Giamatti) and hedge fund pirate Bobby Axelrod (Damian Lewis) have joined forces _ each needing something from the other. This isn't just about money, but about payback. For "Axe," that would be Taylor Mason (Asia Kate Dillon), off now running a rival firm, and Russian oligarch Grigor Andolov (John Malkovich). For Chuck, that would be an array of targets, beginning with the feckless attorney general who dumped him last season, Jock Jeffcoat (Clancy Brown), and his replacement as U.S. attorney for the Southern District, Bryan Connerty (Toby Leonard Moore). As usual, Wendy Rhoades (Maggie Siff) has to carefully navigate her way among the egos.
Meanwhile, two important newcomers arrive this season: Kevin Pollak joins as Taylor's dad, Douglas Mason. Naturally, he wants something. Also, 2012 Tony Award winner Nina Arianda has joined the cast as Rebecca Cantu, a hard-throwing financier and new Axe love interest.
MY SAY: As "Billions" fans know so well, this series unfolds in a universe where the rich get filthy rich and where the craven cower before them, and where no one's held to account because they hide behind lawyers and accountants. Meanwhile, honest elected officials have a habit of getting unelected and others in positions of power simply look the other way. Money, appropriately enough, is the only coin of this realm.
