Ep 8. The Kingmaker

In the eighth episode of Billions season 2, titled "The Kingmaker," the battle between Bobby Axelrod (played by Damian Lewis) and Chuck Rhoades (played by Paul Giamatti) heats up as the two try to outmaneuver each other while still dealing with the personal consequences of their actions.

At the beginning of the episode, Axe is still reeling from the fallout of his decision to short the airline industry, which resulted in hundreds of layoffs and a PR nightmare. Things only get worse when he discovers that his rival Taylor Mason (played by Asia Kate Dillon) is working with Chuck and could potentially provide damaging information about Axe's shady dealings.

Meanwhile, Chuck is still trying to win back his estranged wife Wendy (played by Maggie Siff) while also dealing with the fallout from his father's (played by Jeffrey DeMunn) legal troubles. To complicate matters, Chuck's former protégé Bryan Connerty (played by Toby Leonard Moore) is now working against him in order to secure his own position of power.

As both Axe and Chuck work to secure their respective positions, they turn to a powerful political figure known as "The Kingmaker" (played by Eric Bogosian) for help. However, the Kingmaker's demands prove to be steep, and both men must weigh the cost of doing business with him against the benefits of his assistance.

As the tension mounts, "The Kingmaker" offers a compelling look at the high-stakes world of finance and politics, as well as the personal struggles of those caught in the crossfire. With outstanding performances from its talented cast, this episode is a must-watch for fans of the series and newcomers alike.