Actor Asia Kate Dillon talks about the conflict between preserving an ethical centre and keeping a strong sense of identity in Billions Season 4. By Team Viva

An you give us a rundown of how things were left in season 3 and what’s new this season?

The scene where the third season left and the fourth picks up is that Taylor has left Axe capital, he is on the odds with not only Bobby but with Wendy and Ben Kim as well. The only person Taylor has on their side is the loyal Mafee, who as we know was the first person we saw Taylor with in season 2. So it’s been quite an evolution for Taylor in particular.

What motivated Taylor’s decision to pull the Axe capital?

At the beginning of season 3, Taylor was put in charge of Axe capital, while Bobby sorts out all his problems. They handle the ups and downs quite well. And we also see that Bobby becomes obsessed with saving his money and reputation. I also think Taylor gets swapped to their side because when he asks how to help Mafee, Axe tells him that they didn’t need his help right now. Hence, Taylor starts feeling left out. Taylor is too smart to not see the moves ahead more than Axe does. Moreover,  once Axe stepped in and ruined Taylor’s relationship with Oscar for the sake of the business, that broke the trust and loyalty between Taylor and Axe.

It seems as if this season is about shifting loyalty. Who is loyal to Taylor? Whose loyalty did he break?

Loyalty is a huge theme in every season of Billions and particularly the fourth one. There are things from Taylor’s past that are going to come up. I don’t want to spoil anything but I think Taylor would like to be out of access line of fire.

Where do we pickup with Taylor at the beginning of this season?

At the beginning of season 4, Taylor runs his own company, dealing with the ups and downs of what it means to be in-charge of his own ship for the first time. So, during season 3 there is a scene between the two where Taylor really comes down hard on Axe about the money move that he wanted to make.

Taylor is playing a big game this season. I think he is the type of person who functions at their best when put under pressure. The pressure that comes from Axe and Axe Capital is just fuelling Taylor to work even more efficiently than ever. This time we get to see more about Taylor’s past, specifically, in relation to his family.

What do you feel about the script of the show and what excites you the most?

Working in this show was really the best. The scripts are incredible, unexpected, exciting, entertaining and socially relevant. Though I work in the show, but as its fan I would say it makes for a great drama, which is exciting and entertaining.

What is Taylor’s biggest conflict during this season?

I think Taylor’s biggest conflict during season 4 is figuring out how to maintain moral ethical centre and a really strong sense of identity.

What motivates Taylor the most in season 4?

I’m weary of naming it, but I certainly think revenge or money. Also just wanting to be the best at what he does, which is trading since he is a mathematical genius. I think that’s just the world that they live in and the only way that they know themselves.

(The show airs on AXN on every Saturday and Sunday at 10 pm.)