Wendy Rhoades, the psychiatrist wife of U.S. attorney Chuck Rhoades (Paul Giamatti) and in-house counselor for hedge fund magnate Bobby "Axe" Axelrod (Damian Lewis), is a power packed role played by Maggie Siff in the Showtime's new financial thriller "Billions." Siff recently revealed that "Billions" intimate scenes are extremely funny to perform off-screen and actors share a great comfort level during takes.
In an exclusive interview with Vulture, Siff admitted that it is impossible to keep a straight face while shooting intimate scenes in "Billions." She further stated that the co-stars were just laughing either in embarrassment or at some joke between the takes.
Siff revealed that actors are clear about the intimate scenes since there has to be a lot of understanding between the characters. The co-stars needed to get very comfortable with each other very quickly, which thankfully they did. The sex scenes thus turned out to be comfortably authentic and delightful.
According to Daily Mail, John Powers from National Public Radio believes Siff's character Wendy Rhoades has the most fascinating and original character, as she happens to understand everyone's feelings. He added that the character, Wendy, a gifted psychologist, plays the deepest game of all by being loyal to both her husband, attorney Rhoades and to Axe.
Powers further revealed that Siff uses her role as a confessor/advisor to nudge people into doing what she wants, perking up the show whenever she is onscreen. Siff, whom one may also recognize as "Mad Men" TV series' Rachel Menken, stated that the show could not be more different tonally.
"Billions," the financial thriller promises to explore another realm of power apart from the much-publicized financial power. It portrays the sexual power struggle between husband and wife. In the series' pilot, viewers are taken by surprise that Paul Giamatti's straight-edged attorney Chuck Rhoades has a bondage fetish. In the final moments of the episode, his psychiatrist wife, Wendy wields the literal power.
"Billions" airs Sundays at 10 p.m. ET on Showtime. "Billions" season 1 episode 6 is scheduled for Feb. 21 premiere, rest 4 episodes will air in March 2016.
Watch "Billions" official trailer: