Ep 1. The New Decas

In Billions season 5 episode 1, titled "The New Decas," we are greeted with an intense political landscape as the characters deal with the aftermath of Bobby Axelrod's victory over Chuck Rhoades. With the tables turned, Chuck must now deal with the consequences of his actions and find a way to revive his reputation. Meanwhile, Bobby continues to bask in his success, but things quickly take a turn when he discovers a formidable enemy in the form of Mike Prince, a billionaire who is just as ambitious and cunning as he is.

As the two billionaires face off, the plot thickens with the introduction of several new characters, including Taylor Mason’s new protégé, Sara Hammon. Sara's quick thinking and sharp business acumen quickly make her a valuable asset to Taylor, but her true loyalty remains unclear. With everyone gunning for the top spot, alliances are tested, and secrets are revealed, leaving us wondering who will come out on top.

"The New Decas" is a thrilling start to the much-awaited season 5 of Billions, full of action-packed scenes and intense rivalry between billionaire tycoons. The writing is smart and witty, with clever political references and commentary on the current state of the world. The characters are fleshed out and nuanced, with both their strengths and flaws on full display.

As the season opener, the episode does an excellent job of laying the groundwork for the rest of the season. It sets up the major power struggles and character dynamics that will shape the direction of the show going forward. The pacing is brisk, and there are enough twists and turns to keep the audience engaged and on the edge of their seats throughout the episode.

Additionally, the production value of the show continues to be excellent, with beautiful shots of New York City and sleek, modern office spaces adding to the overall atmosphere of the show. The acting is top-notch, with Damian Lewis as Bobby Axelrod and Paul Giamatti as Chuck Rhoades delivering powerhouse performances as always. Special mention should also be given to Corey Stoll, who plays Mike Prince with unrelenting charisma and confidence, making him a formidable opponent to Bobby from the get-go.

Overall, "The New Decas" is a fantastic start to an already incredible show. It continues to deliver on all fronts, from the writing to the acting to the production, and sets up a riveting storyline for the rest of the season. Fans of the show will not be disappointed.