Ep 3. Beg, Bribe, Bully

In Billions season 5 episode 3, titled "Beg, Bribe, Bully," the power struggle between Bobby Axelrod and Chuck Rhoades reaches new heights. The episode kicks off with Chuck, accompanied by his new ally, Attorney General Waylon “Jock” Jeffcoat, visiting a chicken processing plant that supposedly has a history of mistreating its employees. However, when Chuck soon realizes that there might be some ulterior motives behind Jock’s sudden eco-consciousness, he decides to dig deeper.

Meanwhile, Bobby’s business dealings have been hit hard by the recent IPO fiasco, and he is desperate to find a way back on top. After a failed attempt at a partnership with a tech giant, Bobby sets his sights on a promising start-up that could be his ticket to redemption. But as he soon finds out, the company’s controlling shareholder is not easily convinced, and Bobby must resort to his usual tactics of persuasion.

One of the highlights of the episode is the return of Wendy Rhoades, who has been struggling with her own ethical dilemmas since quitting her job as Axe Capital’s in-house therapist. Wendy, who is still under investigation by the Medical Board, has taken up a new job at a psychiatric facility where she is trying to rebuild her reputation and make amends with her former patients.

As the episode progresses, the tension between Chuck and Bobby reaches a boiling point, leading to an intense showdown that showcases the best of both actors’ talents. While Chuck is determined to bring Bobby to justice, Bobby is equally determined to emerge victorious, no matter the cost.

Overall, "Beg, Bribe, Bully" is a well-written and engaging episode that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. With the added bonus of strong performances from the entire cast, including Maggie Siff as Wendy and David Costabile as Bobby’s loyal sidekick Wags, this episode is sure to satisfy both longtime fans of the series and newcomers alike.