Episode
Billions: Optimal Play
Overview
Axe considers buying an NFL franchise and develops a new ally. Chuck begins a last-ditch case against a banking titan by developing a low-level informant. Axe Cappers attend the annual Alpha Cup Charity Poker Tournament. Wendy makes a controversial appearance at the tournament by accompanying Axe's competitor as his performance coach. Lara launches her new business.
Details
- Series
- Billions
- Season
- Season 2
- Episode
- Episode 3
- Air date
- 2017-03-05
- Runtime
- 59 min
Episode context
Optimal Play is Episode 3 in Season 2 of Billions. It aired on 2017-03-05. The runtime is 59 min.
Previous / Next
Episode 2: Dead Cat Bounce
Axe publicly spars with a rival hedge fund manager and with the help of a talented intern initiates a new financial play to hurt the competition. Chuck deploys his team to quickly find a high-profile case that might save his sinking status. Wendy navigates a minefield of questioning that could result in disaster for Chuck.
Episode 4: The Oath
Chuck develops a new strategy when his case stalls. Wendy helps a tech billionaire assess a candidate for a special project. Axe considers pledging half his net worth to charity. Lara's business faces a rival. Axe and Chuck find themselves in a room together for the first time since their face-off.
More episodes from this season
Episode 1: Risk Management
U.S. Attorney Chuck Rhoades and hedge fund king Bobby Axelrod are digging out of the wreckage. Chuck faces scrutiny from within his office and from the Attorney General. Axe refortifies Axe Capital, and weighs his options for retaliation. The fund wrestles with a precarious economic landscape that threatens the very existence of Axe Cap. Wendy entertains an offer from a rival hedge fund manager. Lara intervenes in an emergency at her children's school.
Episode 5: Currency
Chuck, Connerty and Sacker must rely on an anxious insider who's willing to wear a wire. Meanwhile, Axe's numbers take a big hit, leaving him to scout ideas for a quick play with a huge payoff. Wendy rediscovers her passion for her former job at Axe Capital through an old colleague. The reality of Lara's business starts to affect her marriage.
Episode 6: Indian Four
Axe negotiates with a reluctant seller, who is key to the success of Axe's municipal bond play. Wendy makes a professional decision that adds further conflict to her relationship with Chuck. As attempts to reach a deal with a high profile defendant fail, Chuck's office faces the uncertainty of jury selection. Tensions between Lara and Axe escalate.
Episode 7: Victory Lap
Axe assembles a war room in the Hamptons following a disastrous setback in Sandicot for Axe Capital. The fate of the town hangs in the balance while Axe seeks counsel on how to best recoup his losses. Meanwhile, Chuck capitalizes on a high-profile victory, but alienates Wendy in the process, causing the couple to change the status of their separation.
Episode 8: The Kingmaker
Axe investigates who was behind the breakdown in his Sandicot dealings but faces formidable opposition. Chuck digs up dirt on a political rival. Lara makes a PR trip to Sandicot to ease tensions between the town and the Axelrods. Wendy helps Taylor solve a problem at Axe Capital. Chuck and Senior curry favor with a powerful ally.
Episode 9: Sic Transit Imperium
Axe is offered inside information from a former employee and considers whether to use it. Chuck faces external pressure to drop an ongoing investigation. Lara plans a lavish birthday celebration for Axe only to discover he's lied to her about his relationship with Wendy. Chuck is willing to support Ira and Senior's investment in a company about to go public.
Episode 10: With or Without You
Axe deals with a major family disturbance involving Lara and the kids. Chuck considers the potential pitfalls of his personal life while being vetted for political advancement. Wendy tries to right a wrong she committed against Axe. At an impromptu dinner Chuck and Wendy open up to each other.
Episode 11: Golden Frog Time
Chuck finds he has much at stake in the success of a new business venture; Senior, too, is heavily invested. Meanwhile, Axe takes out a massive short and takes steps to insure its failure. Wendy wrestles with a familiar and uncomfortable position: caught between Axe and Chuck.
Episode 12: Ball in Hand
Axe receives news from an unexpected source that he's in the crosshairs of law enforcement. While Axe moves quickly to safeguard his livelihood, Chuck arranges the last pieces of his long game in order to secure victory. Lara marshals her resources to protect what's hers. Wendy and Chuck make a momentous decision about the state of their marriage.
Hoping the moderators see this note: the "Season 3" link to the bottom right of this section has the wrong hyperlink. I cannot figure out how to fix this as it appears to be a unique problem. Please fix the link to proceed to the next season.