In honor of The Ringer’s list of 100 best TV episodes of the 21st century, Sean Fennessey, Amanda Dobbins, and Andy Greenwald discuss why “The Suitcase” was picked over other episodes of ‘Mad Men’ (2:27), the themes that make it so great (15:33), and the episode’s iconic quote (23:16).

      
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‘Mad Men,’ S4E7: “The Suitcase” | Best TV Episodes of the 21st Century

Brian Koppelman and David Levien give a behind-the-scenes look into Billions, Season 5. Following each episode's airing on Showtime, the podcast will unpack the writing of the script, exclusive stories from production, the ideas behind the music cues, and much more. The 12-episode podcast season will also include interviews with cast and crew members as well as bonus podcast episodes devoted to inside stories from Billions.

TV & Film

Before getting into "The Limitless Sh*t," Episode 7 of 'Billions' Season 5, cocreators Brian Koppelman and David Levien discuss the concept of high-end mental-performance-enhancing drugs; the difficult editing required to pivot into a midseason finale; crew superstars, including the line producer, key grip, and gaffer; obscure references; guest cast; and more (0:05). They next speak with actor-director David Costabile, who plays Mike Wagner, about directing as well as acting in Episode 7, figuring out who Wagner is as a character, old-school NYSE traders, and more (31:05)
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"The Limitless Sh*t," Season 5, Episode 7 With David Costabile

Before getting into "The Nordic Model," S5E6 of 'Billions,' cocreators Brian Koppelman and David Levien discuss the real billionaire art community, this episode's director Shaz Bennett, script-to-screen changes in location, the show's stellar sound department, revealing the layers of Chuck Rhodes Sr., a laundry list of obscure references, guest cast performances and more (0:50). They next speak with actor Stephen Kunken, who plays Ari Spyros, about joining the show as a guest star in the pilot episode, the change in his character's demeanor as the show progresses, "defending" Spyros to fans of the show online, and more (32:30).
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"The Nordic Model," Season 5, Episode 6 with Stephen Kunken

Before getting into "Contract," S5E5 of 'Billions,' cocreators Brian Koppelman and David Levien discuss diving into Bobby Axelrod's childhood; the greatness of the episode's director, Adam Bernstein; and the costume and wardrobe department's effect on the show; they also explain some obscure references and shout-out some guest-cast performances (0:30). They next speak with actress, writer, and comedian Eva Victor about her signature style-satire videos; the dynamic relationship between her character, Rian, and Winston; how Eva's part came about; set stories; and more (36:06).
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"Contract," Season 5, Episode 5 With Eva Victor

Before diving into S5E4, "Opportunity Zone," 'Billions' cocreators Brian Koppelman and David Levien discuss the challenges of filming the opening scene of Episode 4, having Daymond John of "Shark Tank" on the show and the insight he provided, Dominique Wilkins set stories, listener questions, obscure references, and more (0:45). Then they talk with actress Maggie Siff about her coaching scene with Frank Grillo's character, Nico Tanner, auditioning for the part of Wendy Rhodes, the toughest scenes to play as Wendy, and more (35:23).
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"Opportunity Zone," Season 5, Episode 4, With Maggie Siff | Behind the Billions

Before diving into S5E3, "Beg, Bribe, Bully," 'Billions' cocreators Brian Koppelman and David Levien discuss real-life examples of billionaire feuds, script-to-screen changes, a stellar performance from the assistant director, guest cast members, obscure references, and more (0:40). Then they talk with author Ben Mezrich about his time in the writers' room as consulting producer for Season 5 of 'Billions' (32:44). 
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‘Mad Men,’ S4E7: “The Suitcase” | Best TV Episodes of the 21st Century

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