Billions

Great series similar in some ways to Wolf of Wall St and Succession. Loved those two as well. Billions is a clever collection of stories set in the high flying banking world, The cast are all fabulous - but let's be honest, the star of the show is / was Damien Lewis who played the lead - Bobby Axelrod (chief at the Axe Capital bank). Coming in at a very close second, in my opinion, is Paul Giamatti. Together, these actors provide outstanding onscreen performances as arch rival characters - with edge of seat excitment. But the class and intensity that Lewis brings to the show is second to none. He is utterly convincing in his role and pulls the cast around him to create compelling episodes in the first 5 seasons.

But all that changed when he left the show. I do not know the circumstances behind his departure, perhaps he felt it was done. Well, now it is and sadly season 6 tries, but will never reach the previous levels.

First 5 seasons were excellent - season 6 is a torture Axe was a sight for sore eyes. Brilliant, brutal, quick, a true killer. Loved to watch the "dance" between him and Chuck. But Prince? Thanks but no thanks. They try so hard to keep the story interesting but they fail. Big time.

It's a different show, but not for the better. Giamatti's new persona and plans make no sense, nor do Corey Stoll's. The main characters who have left the show have diminished it. The new characters have not improved it.

The overdone, complicated lines of every dialogue of any of the lead characters have become so artificial. No one talks so densely in real life even if they were geniuses. Each time an actor opens their mouth they stare concentrating to remember the absurdly intricate ideas.

Billions was a great show with great actors. Up to and including the first 5 seasons I really enjoyed it. But as it often goes, the makers can't get enough of their success and just keep going on. Until the momentum, the excitement and the spirit is gone. This is also largely due to Season 6 being without main actor Damian Lewis. So I watched one episode but it did not get me hooked and after reading some other reviews I thought it best to leave it at that and watch something else instead.