Chuck Rhoades has returned from his “not sabbatical.” In episode 1, he wreaks quite the havoc on his neighbor, billionaire Melville Revere, and even goes on to make a public declaration about how he wants to clean up more billionaires like him.
Now his speech about “private citizens having more power” did get us thinking that Chuck may quit his position as the Attorney General. But it’s episode 2 that shows us which parts of that speech were really true.
In Billion S6 episode 2, Chuck has picked his next mission: lobbying the Doorman and Custodial Union to fight for their rights.
He is seen to be using a new “screw-everyone” strategy that makes him look ruthless and unpredictable but may not be beneficial in the long run.
In fact, Chuck seems to be borrowing some of these tactics from his father, which can mean nothing but trouble.
Why Is Chuck’s New Strategy Problematic?
Chuck incites the doormen with quite the sensitive bait, reminding them that they too are forefront workers during the pandemic — they risk their lives while the tenants get to escape to holiday homes. So, getting a raise is the least they can ask for.
Chuck sets up a sneaky game, where he allows the doormen’s protest to get shut down via a bribe by Bud Lazzara, a real-estate businessman.
What Lazzara does not realize is that he’s been caught on tape bribing the union leader. Of course, Chuck uses it to get Lazzara to give the doormen a raise.
It should’ve ended here. But like Prince, Chuck’s altruism is at times egotistical. Although it seemed like Chuck would blackmail Lazzaro into owing him a favor, he goes to the press about the bribe, destroying the man’s reputation.
Why does he do this? At first, he says it’s to make known that he’s unpredictable. Then he invokes the Pancake Eaters tale as the inspiration behind his actions.
This is one of the most unforgettable episodes from Chuck’s childhood, but I’ll give you a refresher anyway: When he was a kid, Chuck’s mom would prepare pancakes and bacon every Sunday; the only time their house seemed “normal.”
While young Chuck savored these moments, he knew he had to be on his guard because out of the blue, his father would flare up and violently destroy the pancakes his mother made.
His father explains why he did this:
Keep things fresh and exciting for her. So she doesn’t take it all for granted. And to make her appreciate the Sundays I don’t break it all apart. A woman has a subconscious desire to be dominated. Remember that. Use it.
Charles Rhoades Sr
Chuck Sr is known to be one of television’s best worst dads, and I think it is scary that Chuck drew out a vicious plan from a traumatic childhood incident that he should’ve been healing from instead.
I cannot imagine how this play out from a business-only perspective either — Was screwing Lazzaro completely a good move? Or should have Chuck kept him indebted to him as a back-up for any future plans?
It may have worked out this time, but I don’t think this strategy is going to be in his favor in the episodes coming up.
Sure, you want your enemies to take you seriously. But make enough enemies and you’re raise an army that can take you down.
About Billions
Billions is an American drama created by Brian Koppelman, David Levien, and Andrew Ross Sorkin. The series is set in financial centres based in America.
The series follows hedge fund manager Bobby Axelrod (Damian Lewis), as he accumulates wealth and power in the world of high finance. The series premiered on Showtime on January 17, 2016.
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