The Scene That Says It All

Recently, my good friend Lee asked me if I was watching the TV series Billions. Not one for watching much TV, I replied, “No, but I’ll give it a chance.”

OK, so now I’m completely hooked. Nothing quite like analysing words and actions, and Billions is full of deeper truths when you pay really close attention.

In Billions Season 1, Episode 4, “Short Squeeze,” Bobby Axelrod — “Axe” -played by Damian Lewis— takes some of his childhood friends on his private jet to see Metallica in concert. The trip is meant to be a great night of fun, music, luxury, and nostalgia.

While they are away, one of his old friends, Freddie, overhears a stock tip and, acting behind Axe’s back, invests money in a way that could jeopardise Axe’s fund. When the markets swing the wrong way, Freddie panics, convinced he has lost everything.

In distress, he confesses to Axe. Expecting an angry response, Axe calmly tells Freddie that if he had simply come to him, he would have set him up with a safe and profitable investment. Then he adds a line that is both honest and ice-cold. The words completely slip past Freddie in the moment, but their weight is undeniable:

“I don't hold onto a loser. The moment it doesn't feel right, I let it go, get away from it.”

The next morning, Freddie wakes up to discover that his investments have not been wiped out. He runs through the hotel suite, eager to share the good news with the guys, only to find the room completely empty. Axe and the others have already left.

The message is clear: trust, once broken, will not be carried forward.

Ego and Flow

There is an undercurrent to Axe’s financial success. His gut instincts and razor-sharp empathy allow him to read the entire room, but the show also captures a deep truth. When one of his team is questioned by the authorities, who are investigating Axe, he says..

“I do not know how Axe gets his information; it just flows to him.”

When we align with life’s natural rhythm, everything we need simply shows up.

The Line You Cannot Cross Twice

Sometimes we let people off the hook simply because they have been close to us for many years. We cling to labels like “family” or “friend” as though they allow bad or dishonest behavior to go unchallenged.

We all make mistakes, and the right response is to always take full responsibility. That is the Holy Spirit working within us.

Betrayal is different. Once trust is broken, it becomes a weight some of us cannot carry forwards. Not taking it with us can even serve the other person, forcing them to reflect on their dishonest actions. There is no use in saying, “If you do that again, I’m leaving.” Once the line is crossed, trust has vanished.

The Lonely Ascent

The upward ascent often means people will fall away from us. The path can feel lonely and isolating; we perceive ourselves to have lost friends. Yet really, we never lose anything. We always remain whole, carrying a light that cannot be extinguished. The ascent helps us realise it has always been us and God, our higher power, and that man is fallible.

“When one door closes, it is the soul’s way of redirecting you to a higher path.” — Jewish Wisdom

Or as the Bible says:

“They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:31).

This soaring is made possible when we release the weight that holds us back—broken trust, dishonesty, and attachments that no longer serve us. Once we let go, we rise renewed, moving beyond what drags us down, aligned with the path meant for us.

I have known such a journey. I have not fallen out with anyone, though some may perceive it that way. There came a point when I simply stopped people-pleasing and excusing repeated disrespectful behavior. Standing rooted in your core values may not win many friends, but it will certainly bring the right ones.

Alignment Over Attachment

The climb grows lighter when we stop carrying what was never ours to hold. We may be misunderstood or called harsh and cold. Those meant to walk beside us will match our pace, or step up, while those who don't will naturally fall away.

“Surround yourself with only those who lift you higher.” — Oprah Winfrey

Final Thought

“As we move in life, we often discover that some people are a part of our history, but not a part of our destiny. Trust wisely, stand rooted in your values, and allow the natural flow of life to guide you. Forgiveness is possible, but trusting again after betrayal can be near impossible. Choosing the right companions for your journey is clarity, integrity, and alignment.” — Lisa Precious

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All rights to Billions belong to Showtime; this piece is for commentary and educational purposes only.

Watch the scene that inspired this reflection