Chuck Rhoades, the powerful U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, is tipped to a case of insider trading with links to Axe Capital and the billionaire hedge fund king Bobby “Axe” Axelrod. This sets Chuck on a collision course with one of the most powerful men on Wall Street. While it could be a career-defining case for Chuck, he must tread carefully, because his wife, Wendy Rhoades, is the in-house performance coach at Axe Capital and Axe’s key confidante. But a costly purchase by Axe gives Chuck the opening he needs, setting off a cat and mouse game where the stakes are high and intensely personal.
Axe installs rigorous compliance measures to gird the company against the investigation by Chuck and the US Attorney’s office. When Wendy questions Axe’s methods, he compels her to prove her loyalty to the firm. Chuck’s investigation is temporarily derailed when he has to divert resources to a case against an Axe rival, billionaire Steven Birch. Axe’s black bag man and fixer, Hall, develops a mole inside the US Attorney’s office, while Axe makes an aggressive move under the guise of a charitable contribution to the symphony in order to settle an old score.
Chuck discovers that while he pursued Steven Birch, the rival Eastern District has made inroads in the Axe case and that he needs to get it back. Chuck horse-trades to regain control of a key witness, Pete Decker, a hedge fund manager with ties to Axelrod. At the same time, Axe makes an activist play for YumTime, a family owned bakery corporation. This move reverberates back to Chuck by way of a very personal connection between his father and YumTime. Wendy is thrown into a moral dilemma when she discovers via a confidential session that one of the few female Portfolio Managers at Axe Capital is going to have her career sabotaged. And Lara Axelrod tries to protect Axe’s reputation from a potentially damaging “tell all” book.
Axe takes a spontaneous trip to see Metallica with his childhood friends and meets a woman who makes him face the limits of his own freedom. He also must fend off a short squeeze - an attack on one of his important holdings - led by Chuck's father. Back in New York, Chuck learns about the inner workings of Axe Capital, but he must also take action against his father for stock manipulation. Plus, Axe reckons with a betrayal and upon his return makes a momentous decision about the direction of his firm.
Axe orders his traders to unload their positions, and he unceremoniously disappears from Axe Capital, plunging the firm into chaos. As Axe questions his life choices and plans a trip on his new yacht, Wags and Wendy struggle to maintain order and morale. In response to Axe’s disappearance, Chuck intensifies his investigation, which leads him to a farm in Iowa, where he discovers a key witness to a questionable trade. Armed with the damning evidence, Chuck sends the FBI into Axe Capital to make a surprising arrest.
Axe plans a scorched-earth defense against the public attack on his company - threatening his relationship with Wendy in the process. Chuck's interrogation of Dollar Bill does not go as planned, and political pressure mounts for him to recuse himself in the face of a protracted legal battle. Wendy, caught in the middle, engages in deft shuttle diplomacy to facilitate a deal in the best interests of both men. But everything hinges on a face-to-face meeting between Chuck and Axe to finalize the agreement.
The pressure from the US Attorney starts to affect Axe, who gets into a physical altercation with an acquaintance over an incident involving his kids. Chuck continues to conceal his involvement with the case while using the past to get the upper hand. Wendy meets with an attractive headhunter to consider a career change - and more than just job opportunities arise. And the case against Axe Capital gains a powerful weapon when Connerty turns a member of Axe's inner circle into an informant.
Axe receives a tip about a mole inside his company, throwing the US Attorney's case into jeopardy. Connerty faces a moral dilemma in how to respond, leading to conflict with Chuck, who finds himself reconsidering his position as both he and Wendy look toward a future without Axe Capital looming between them. As the investigation begins to encroach on Lara's private life, a secret from Axe's past surfaces, threatening everything he has built.
The repercussions of the revelations come home to roost with public demonstrations, inside insurrection, and fleeing investors. A sudden and mysterious disappearance sends both Axe and Chuck spinning. Connerty, Chuck and the FBI go into manhunt mode. Meanwhile, Lara has to contend with the brotherhood of firefighters who are furious about Axe's behavior—and in an effort to circle the wagons, makes a painful sacrifice.
The death of a member of the Axe Capital family forces both Axe and Wendy to do some soul searching, while creating a devastating setback for Chuck. Much to the dismay of the Southern District, they take another loss when an insider trading case is dismissed by a corrupt judge. In a brilliant counter move, Chuck enlists Lonnie Watley to expose the judge, while greasing the rails for a future move. Axe takes his revenge on some of his defecting employees.
Axe loses hundreds of millions of dollars on a bad trade and turns to Wendy for help. Chuck sets out on an odyssey to secure powerful allies in the fight against Axe. Lu balks at Lara's suggestion she become the new chef at Axe Capital -- and takes her sister back to the old neighborhood to remind her of their roots. Meanwhile, Sacker and Connerty close down the Axe Capital investigation just as Chuck finds evidence -- right in his own home -- that could salvage the case.
Axe learns that Chuck has new evidence against him that could land him in prison. As Lara makes plans for the Axelrod family to flee the country, Axe accuses Wendy of leaking the info to Chuck. A defiant Wendy realizes how far Chuck has gone in his pursuit of Axe and threatens to expose him. Having sacrificed so much to this case - including possibly his marriage - Chuck finds Axe for an explosive confrontation.
In the aftermath of their Season One confrontation, U.S. Attorney Chuck Rhoades and hedge fund king Bobby Axelrod are digging out of the wreckage. Chuck faces scrutiny from within his office and from the Attorney General. Axe refortifies Axe Capital, and weighs his options for retaliation. The fund wrestles with a precarious economic landscape that threatens the very existence of Axe Cap. Wendy entertains an offer from a rival hedge fund manager. Lara intervenes in an emergency at her children’s school.
Axe publicly spars with a rival hedge fund manager and with the help of a talented intern initiates a new financial play to hurt the competition. Chuck deploys his team to quickly find a high-profile case that might save his sinking status. Wendy navigates a minefield of questioning that could result in disaster for Chuck.
Axe considers buying an NFL franchise, and finds a new ally. Chuck begins a last ditch case against a banking titan by developing a low-level informant. Meanwhile, Wendy makes a controversial appearance at the Alpha Cup Charity Poker Tournament by accompanying Axe's competitor as his performance coach. Lara launches her new business.
Under pressure to make progress, Chuck develops a new strategy. Wendy helps a tech billionaire assess a candidate for a special project. Axe considers pledging half his net worth to charity. Lara's new business faces a rival. Meanwhile, Axe and Chuck find themselves together in a room for the first time since their face off.
Chuck, Connerty and Sacker must rely on an anxious insider who's willing to wear a wire. Meanwhile, Axe's numbers take a big hit, leaving him to scout ideas for a quick play with a huge payoff. Wendy rediscovers her passion for her former job at Axe Capital through an old colleague. The reality of Lara's business starts to affect her marriage.
Axe negotiates with a reluctant seller, who is key to the success of Axe’s municipal bond play. Wendy makes a professional decision that adds further conflict to her relationship with Chuck. As attempts to reach a deal with a high profile defendant fail, Chuck’s office faces the uncertainty of jury selection. Tensions between Lara and Axe escalate.
Axe assembles a war room in the Hamptons following a disastrous setback in Sandicot for Axe Capital. The fate of the town hangs in the balance while Axe seeks counsel on how to best recoup his losses. Meanwhile, Chuck capitalizes on a high-profile victory, but alienates Wendy in the process, causing the couple to change the status of their separation.
Axe investigates who was behind the breakdown in his Sandicot dealings but faces formidable opposition. Chuck digs up dirt on a political rival. Lara makes a PR trip to Sandicot to ease tensions between the town and the Axelrods. Wendy helps Taylor solve a problem at Axe Capital. Chuck and Senior curry favor with a powerful ally.
Axe is offered inside information from a former employee and considers whether to use it. Chuck faces external pressure to drop an ongoing investigation. Lara plans a lavish birthday celebration for Axe only to discover he's lied to her about his relationship with Wendy. Chuck is willing to support Ira and Senior's investment in a company about to go public.
Axe deals with a major family disturbance involving Lara and the kids. Chuck considers the potential pitfalls of his personal life while being vetted for political advancement. Wendy tries to right a wrong she committed against Axe. At an impromptu dinner Chuck and Wendy open up to each other.
Chuck finds he has much at stake in the success of a new business venture; Senior, too, is heavily invested. Meanwhile, Axe takes out a massive short and takes steps to insure its failure. Wendy wrestles with a familiar and uncomfortable position: caught between Axe and Chuck.
Axe receives news from an unexpected source that he's in the crosshairs of law enforcement. While Axe moves quickly to safeguard his livelihood, Chuck arranges the last pieces of his long game in order to secure victory. Lara marshals her resources to protect what’s hers. Wendy and Chuck make a momentous decision about the state of their marriage. Season finale.
Chuck receives a mandate from a new boss. Axe braves a difficult choice following his recent indictment. Taylor generates a monster strategy. Lara threatens to pull her money from Axe Capital. Sacker strives to prove herself as Chief of Crim.
Chuck tries to cash in a favor owed to him by an honorable judge. Axe orchestrates creative new avenues for conducting trades. Wendy helps Taylor weather their first major crisis. Connerty continues chasing down Ice Juice leads.
Chuck faces a dilemma when he's given a perverse directive. Axe expands upon a secret venture. Taylor and Wags interview a different type of Axe Capital employee. Connerty and Dake close in on key witnesses in the Ice Juice sabotage. Axe and Lara consider an unexpected agreement.
Axe explores the new arena of venture philanthropy and looks to neutralize old accomplices. Connerty’s scrutiny of Chuck intensifies. Chuck tries to reconcile with his father. Wags pursues an intensely personal real estate acquisition.
Chuck trades favors with a co-conspirator. Axe and Chuck fight for the loyalty of the same witness. Connerty gets closer to the truth. Axe sends Taylor to Silicon Valley to explore new business opportunities. Dollar Bill plans a big short position on a pharmaceutical company stock, but not everyone at Axe Cap approves.
Axe tracks down a critical piece of evidence that could destroy him. Both Axe and Chuck reckon with just how far they're willing to go to protect Wendy. The Ice Juice case comes to a head when a judge gives Connerty a difficult deadline.
Axe and Chuck face mounting evidence of their involvement in the Ice Juice sabotage. Taylor questions Wendy’s authority and motivations at Axe Capital. Connerty makes his case in court but comes up against unexpected witness testimony.
Axe tries for a fresh start at Axe Capital. Chuck asserts his political autonomy—and wrestles with whether to honor his word to a friend. Taylor asks for more independence at Axe Capital. Lara and Axe negotiate a new arrangement regarding Lara's money. Connerty adjusts to an uncomfortable situation.
Axe makes a bold play to secure capital from a controversial source. Taylor chafes against Axe’s recent moves. Chuck recruits the allies he needs to move forward with a new plan. Connerty seeks out a career opportunity.
Axe explores an unappealing investment at a desperate moment. Taylor makes a personal compromise for business. Chuck suspects a major foe may be on to his scheme. Sacker calls in a favor from the FBI. Wendy advises an Axe Capper to make bold moves.
Axe determines his employees' worth at the year-end "comp” meetings. Chuck advances a dangerous plan, but is distracted by a friend in need of help. Taylor and Axe argue over Taylor's place and worth at the firm. Wendy seeks Lara's aid with an internal Axe Cap problem. Connerty discovers a new, secret source of information.
Axe dominates a capital raise event, but is soon challenged by an unexpected competitor. Chuck looks to strike the ultimate blow on an enemy. Wendy reckons with past decisions, and chooses a side. Connerty confronts Sacker about Chuck's activities. Taylor takes a big position.
Season 4 begins with Axe closing ranks, determined to destroy Taylor. No longer U.S. Attorney, Chuck struggles to regain power. Taylor does what it takes to keep their new company afloat.
Axe, still focused on wrecking Taylor and their new company, hits it off with a venture capitalist. Chuck sets his sights on a new position. Wendy asks Chuck to make a change.
Axe has to step in when a tip from Dollar Bill goes south quickly. Chuck faces a threat to his new career aspirations. Wendy and Axe develop a plan to derail Taylor’s business. Taylor receives an important guest.
Axe Cap suffers an attack at a crucial moment. Taylor considers going into business with an unexpected partner. Axe asks for Chuck’s help. Chuck makes a bold move to advance his own career.
Chuck begins work in a new position. Axe is surprised by a visitor from his past. Wendy deals with the consequences of Chuck’s actions. Taylor goes after an organization that has a history with Axe.
Axe discovers a trap set for him by Taylor. Chuck and Wendy navigate marital issues. Wendy rekindles an unlikely friendship. Taylor pursues a new business venture. Connerty formulates a plan to go after Chuck.
Axe and Wendy plan a new attack against Taylor. A favor Chuck did turns out to be a liability. Taylor makes a difficult choice for the good of their company.
Axe helps Rebecca with a business venture. Chuck faces off with US Attorney General Jock Jeffcoat. Taylor ignites a public battle with Axe. Wendy suffers a blow that could jeopardize her career. Axe Capital and Taylor Mason Capital compete in an unlikely arena.
Chuck makes a dramatic move to help Wendy and Senior. Taylor goes after Axe by trying to sabotage someone close to him. Axe contends with difficulties at Axe Capital. Chuck reveals his priorities.
Wendy and Taylor each prep for a big day. Wags gets in touch with his sensitive side. Axe and Wendy’s bond solidifies as he recalls a pivotal moment. Connerty reconnects with a figure from his past.
Wendy weighs her options. Senior makes a shocking discovery. Taylor offers an unlikely solution to help their business. Chuck launches an attack at an enemy. Axe contemplates a risky move.
Axe makes a big decision. Connerty gets closer to the truth. Tensions rise, and dynamics shift.
Bobby Axelrod reaches a major milestone. Chuck struggles to get his bearings, and he and Wendy navigate a new normal. Tensions are high at Axe Cap now that Taylor Mason is back. Axe faces off against new rival Mike Prince.
Axe chases a play at Mike Prince's conference. Chuck wrestles with his demons and chooses a new path. Wendy takes the lead as Axe Cap faces a threat. Taylor confronts a figure from their past.
Chuck returns to his alma mater to pursue an opportunity. Axe's big venture is sidelined by a family crisis. Taylor asserts independence with a risky play. Chuck puts Wendy in an awkward position.
Axe's latest move takes him back to his roots but puts him in Mike Prince's line of fire. Chuck steps into a new role and meets an intriguing colleague. Taylor tries to salvage a missed opportunity. Wendy takes an interesting new client.
Axe must reckon with his past to secure his future. Chuck plots against Axe with the help of some old associates. Chuck and Wendy both try to move on, but get forced together by an emergency. Wendy and Taylor embark on a new venture.
Axe's plans are threatened when an old scheme resurfaces. Chuck wages war on a new front, but a dangerous gambit tests his budding relationship. Taylor looks to make an impact in an emerging field.
Axe makes big plays with an unconventional source of inspiration. Chuck goes to desperate lengths for family. Tensions rise in Wendy’s relationships. Chuck and Sacker manipulate a past collaborator. Taylor steps up and takes charge.
Axe dispatches Wags to dig up dirt on Prince, discovering a weakness that could wreck Prince’s ambitions. A visit to Axe Cap puts Wendy and Tanner at odds. Chuck looks for alternative methods to save his father, but a college-aged mistake threatens to sidetrack him.
As Prince spirals in the wake of a scandal, Axe looks to take his attack to the next level, putting Taylor's business in the crossfire; Chuck reckons with his father's mortality; Wendy worries the money may be getting to Tanner.
As Axe Cap returns to the office, Axe makes a surprise announcement, leaving the team’s futures in flux. Wendy’s divorce becomes complicated when Chuck sticks his nose in the Mase Carb financials. Meanwhile, Axe rings an unexpected ally to get intel on Chuck.
With victory in sight for his bank, Axe plots to secure his deposits by poaching from Prince, a move that proves more complicated than it seems. Chuck, Prince and Sacker wrestle with the personal cost of their plan. Taylor looks to enlist an old foe. Wags prepares for a big day.
Chuck, Axe and Prince maneuver to outsmart and outpower each other. Taylor finds themself at a crossroads regarding their role as a leader, while Wendy struggles to sort out her personal life. Alliances shift in an all-out brawl that leads the future of Axe Capital down an unexpected path. Season finale.
A discussion of the extra details of the different and relatable dialogue and vocabulary to the law and finance worlds, so you can understand what certain words mean.
A look at Hedgefund manager Bobby Axelrod, the alpha male, first generation billionaire with real money.
A look at Chuck Rhoades the US attorney for the Southern District of New York which includes Manhattan and Wall Street and is one of the most powerful law enforcement positions in America.
A look at Wendy Rhoades the in house performance coach at Axe Capital where she is swimming with the sharks.
A look at Lara Axelrod who comes from a working class family married to Bobby Axelrod.
The important role New York City plays in the show as not just a setting, but a character in it. It also looks at the importance of food in the show and set design.
A look at the show's central conflicts, the layered characters, their backgrounds, and their core interactions.
A closer look at the contrasts within the show's characters and the gray areas in between. It also looks at how the production accentuates or contrasts them throughout the season.
