Alexander Sikarevich

As much as I enjoy Billions, I was a bit disappointed in the scene where Taylor and Gregor decide the fate of Gregor’s so-called friends, the Kozlov brothers - stereo-typical Russian thugs. The scene is the last scene of season four episode two, the Arousal Template. As a Russian American, I was disappointed in inaccurate depiction of a “sit down.” A talented actor, John Malkovich, who played Teddy KGB in the Rounders with Matt Damon, should have known better. His meticulous research and depiction of a Russian intellectual Vor (“made criminal “) who was forged by the Soviet system - Teddy KGB, made him a natural fit to play Gregor, a ruthless Oligarch. Nevertheless, the closing scene of episode two. Any Russian knows that there has to be a plain, freezing cold vodka with zakusky (food to chase down the bitter taste of vodka). A bottle of Stolichnaya inside an ice bucket and assorted fish and cold-cuts with pickles and pickled cabbage would have been more appropriate on the table. Of course, caviar on buttered bread would have added to the accuracy of the scene. Conversely, flavored vodka by the bar is completely inaccurate! Never by the bar! Always at the table! Horse radish flavor, yuck! Also, that annoying Kalinka song in the background is reserved for the Russian folk concert rather than the nightclub. Shanson (the Russian Vor struggle tunes) would’ve been more appropriate. Do your research people! Malkovich, speak up. You should know better!