We anticipated that this episode of Billions would be monumental, but we had no idea just how groundbreaking it would be.
In the episode titled “Enemies List,” Bobby ‘Axe’ Axelrod, portrayed by Damian Lewis, makes a triumphant return. This isn’t a mere guest appearance; he’s back in full force, poised to topple Michael Prince, played by Corey Stoll.
The episode was so riveting that we have watched in 4 times this week already. Yes, all from a TV show. Absolutely mind-blowing.
After learning that his three most trusted allies had been scheming against him all along, Prince pays a visit to Axe at Haddon Hall in London.
In Episode 9, it was revealed that Mike ‘Wags’ Wagner (David Costabile), Wendy Rhoades (Maggie Siff), and Taylor Mason (Asia Kate Dillon) had essentially sabotaged Prince’s presidential aspirations.
Though Axe is geographically distant, his emotional connection to Wendy remains strong. He’s committed to ensuring nothing harmful befalls her. Fans are eagerly anticipating a romantic union between the two by the end of Season 7, but for now, it’s comforting to know that he’s still willing to go to great lengths to keep her safe.
Prince shows up to deliver a clear message to Axe: he’s aware that the treacherous trio reached out to him while he was in London. He further warns that if Axe even hints at this to Wendy, her career will be irreparably damaged.
“I have her tied to the railroad tracks, and I own the whole damn Transcontinental,” he declares.
Prince has cunningly maneuvered Wendy into becoming the CEO of a sham company, putting her at risk of a lengthy prison sentence if the truth comes to light—clearly, his support for her new role had ulterior motives all along.
After spending weeks gallivanting across the UK, this episode marks Axe’s much-anticipated return to the United States.
Following his brief sojourn in London, Prince is en route to a campaign gala at Lincoln Centre, where U2 is scheduled to perform. As he strides toward the venue, flanked by his entourage, he finds Axe standing squarely in his path.
“Any idea where I could scalp a pair of tickets to this thing?” Axe says, and jaws drop. Goosebumps emerge. Axe is back, baby!
And he’s not alone—he’s accompanied by Derek, who you might remember as the man involved with Prince’s wife, Andy, during their “open marriage” phase. Prince had allowed Derek to be captured by the Chinese government while he was stranded on a mountain hike, as a form of retribution against his wife.
But, as it turns out, Axe has located Derek and secured his freedom!
Axe lays it on the line for Prince: erase all evidence implicating Wendy in Mental’s dubious financial dealings, and in return, Derek will remain silent about their open marriage escapades.
The shock is palpable. As if on cue, the background music shifts to “Angel of Death” by Slayer, a classic thrash metal tune that Axe would undoubtedly endorse.
Prince informs his team that their adversaries are closing in and advises shifting to an all-cash operation. It’s amazing how a single encounter with Axe can turn the tables so dramatically.
The episode concludes with a scene that’s nothing short of momentous—Axe is back on American soil and makes his entrance into a room filled with Taylor, Wendy, Wags, and Rhoades.
“Welcome home Bobby,” Wendy says, while Rhoades adds: “Never thought I’d say it, never thought I’d think it but thank God you’re here.”
“Ain’t that the motherf–king truth,” Axe replies. “Now let’s get to work.”
The episode we were all waiting for.
Axe is back. Life is back.
This show scores. And Damien Lewis is God.
