Some great TV has come from writers backing themselves into a corner, then maneuvering themselves out. Billions has put itself in the same position with an opposite approach: hurtling into open space, no guiding limits in sight.

What makes Billions great is that it's not just about guys concerned about the size of their bonus one-upping each other; it's about power triumphing over categories of age and sex.

"Tie Goes To The Runner" is so overcrowded with possibilities, it's anybody's guess at this point.

But as its third season airs, I have come to appreciate the purposefulness of its exaggerations. Billions is written in extended metaphors, strings of expletives, grandiloquent monologues, fire and brimstone soliloquies

They may be smart men, but they can be baited into doing some very dumb things for the sake of their pride and the need to demonstrate their prowess. And that's a hell of a lot more fun to watch unfold on scripted television than it is on cable news.

Yes, I know it's halfway towards being drivel, as Showtime shows so often are, but the other half, like I said, is like nothing else at all.

It has a sharp script, a terrific ensemble cast and admirable attention to food and rock music. For pure enjoyment, little else on television touches it.

Giamatti and Lewis are terrific to watch, of course, and Billions' other real strength is in the casting of the supporting roles

For my money, Billions is currently TV's most compelling fable about wealth and power in modern life.

In trusting characters like Taylor and Wendy to share the screen with big swingers like Bobby and Axe is what makes Billions so compelling.

None of this is subtle, but Billions has never been subtle. And it shouldn't be with this stuff.

Overall, the series may just be trying to recreate that magnificent Giamatti moment, but now that Billions has shown it can get there, it's worth keeping an eye on this hitter.

There's no slow build or gradual re-acclimation into this world to be found here; we're thrown into the deep with seemingly every character who ever appeared on the show. As a feat of plate-spinning, it's impressive.

Compliance while the female employees look at him disgustedly. Strange bedfellows, indeed! Can't wait to see where we're headed.

Billions season 3 is interested in the idea of consequences, its tone varies demonstrably from the free-wheeling, reckless humor of season 2. The change grounds the series a bit more, brings it back down to earth.