HOUSE OF CARDS Season Three Premiere

Article originally written for Seat42F.

 

WARNING: This review contains spoilers from the first two episodes of the third season of HOUSE OF CARDS. Also, if you haven’t watched the first two seasons yet but plan to, don’t read this article.

Netflix’s HOUSE OF CARDS return was highly anticipated, and thankfully it comes back strong. With thirteen episodes available immediately for streaming, many will binge watch their way through in a weekend, unable to wait to see what happens next. Hampered as I am by my wife, who loves the show but detests the binge, it may take me a few weeks to see how things end. But beginning with the first two hours last night, I’d say this season is off to a good start.

The premiere, “Chapter 27,” is very heavily about Doug Stamper (Michael Kelly). When season two ended, Doug is beaten up in the woods by Rachel (Rachel Brosnahan) and left for dead, and many viewers, myself included, feared he had passed. “Chapter 27” shows us that he is not dead, but is going through a months-long recovery process to heal his mind and body, only to find out that Francis Underwood (Kevin Spacey), now President of the United States, doesn’t want him anymore.

I know, that’s not what Frank says, but it’s clear to both the audience and to Doug that that’s what has happened. Frank doesn’t do weak, and by allowing Rachel to get the best of him, Doug has proven himself inadequate for the task at hand. Frank hopes that tossing a few sweet words will pacify his former closest advisor, and Frank does have his press secretary, Seth Grayson (Derek Cecil), keep an eye on Doug. But this is likely more because Frank is protecting himself than any lingering concern for Doug.

For a while, it looks like Doug may go the way of reporter Zoe Barnes, a major character who is killed in the season two opener, though Doug seems likely to go by his own hand or drug use, murdered by Frank’s inaction rather than Frank’s action. But Doug has surprising self-control for an addict, measuring out very small doses of alcohol, and he has surprising optimism for someone who so intimately knows Frank, holding out hope he will be called upon again. Maybe he will.

It’s actually a little frustrating that HOUSE OF CARDS devotes so much of its first hour back to Doug Stamper. I like Kelly’s performance, of course, and his story is very engaging, a good way to skip over a few months without abandoning them all together. But as the installment goes on, I can’t help but wonder what HOUSE OF CARDS’ leading couple is up to, something we see only sparingly.

The second hour takes the teases we get about Frank and his first lady, Claire (Robin Wright), and develops them much further, with the leads taking back the spotlight. Claire is trying to be ambassador to the UN, something Frank’s Republican opponent, Mendoza (Benito Martinez) says he won’t block, but he sort of does. Frank, meanwhile, is trying to push through a massive jobs bills that guts entitlements while fighting a DNC leadership that doesn’t want him to run for election in 18 months.

Claire deserves something more than the ceremonial First Lady position, but I don’t know if she can handle what she dreams of, the first time we’ve really seen her limitations. Mendoza does test her, but he doesn’t seem to be malicious towards her, though the civility could just be a cover, as it is for Frank. Instead, Claire kills her own chances, and I’m surprised the vote ends up being as close as it is, especially with the DNC upset at Frank. Claire is the sympathetic of the two, and I feel bad for her when she fails, but by getting the job in a back-door move by Frank, doing an end run around Congress, I feel she is leaving her husband vulnerable and setting herself up for more negative criticism and likely failure.

Frank is also in dire straights for most of “Chapter 27” and “Chapter 28.” He is blocked at every turn by the opposition and his own party, something he doesn’t understand. The thing is, though, we’ve watched Frank for two seasons at lower levels of government. He recruits pawns; he doesn’t make friends. He also makes plenty of mistakes (does anyone else assume a reporter will run up to get a picture of Frank’s dad’s grave and find the urine after the season-opening scene?). Frank is a very smart operator, and he does find a path forward by the end of the second episode that feels momentarily triumphant (what a great speech!), but I think much of these two hours expose his weaknesses that will lead to his eventual downfall.

It’s bizarre to think that Frank is a Democrat given his lack of empathy for the people, his disregard for social safety nets, and his obsession with jobs. I believe HOUSE OF CARDS may put him in that party purely to keep Republicans from dismissing the show and to do something surprising. Sure, there are calculating, jerk left-wingers serving in government, but his personality and values so much more lines up with the current GOP. This disconnect feels wrong in “Chapter 28,” the first major misstep HOUSE OF CARDS seems to make in three seasons. Well, that, and the fact that they show Stephen Colbert (himself, or his on-air persona from The Colbert Report’s version of himself) still being on the air in 2015, which is very regrettably not true.

Still, it’s very easy to be drawn into this story, so well crafted and acted. Frank and Claire are far from the heroes viewers root for, and yet their enemies are frequently despicable themselves, and so you end up hoping the Underwoods will find success. I don’t think they will end season three on a high note. I’m guessing with no foreknowledge or without having seen the end that this will also be the show’s last, purposely designed as such, despite its popularity and critical acclaim. But I’m very interested to see how they will be taken down and by whom, assuming they are their own worst enemies. By the end of “Chapter 28,” all I wanted to do was watch “Chapter 29.”

The entire HOUSE OF CARDS third season is available now on Netflix.

HOUSE OF CARDS Season 2 Finale Review

Article first published as HOUSE OF CARDS Season 2 Finale Review on TheTVKing.

Everyone watches House of Cards at different speeds. Some will plow through a batch of thirteen episodes within two days of its release. Some may watch a single hour per week, like most TV shows air. I decided to go for a middle ground when picking when to post this review. If you watched two episodes per week every week since season two was posted, you'd be right at the season finale now, as I am.

IMPORTANT: If you have not watched all of season 2 of Netflix's House of Cards yet, I recommend stopping here. Important story points will be spoiled if you continue. You have been warned.

"Chapter 26" is undeniably a big one for House of Cards. Francis Underwood (Kevin Spacey) is losing his tenuous grasp on power as President Walker (Michael Gill), Raymond Tusk (Gerald McRaney), and Linda Vazquez (Sakina Jaffrey) plot to see Francis wind up behind bars, pinning the whole mess with the Chinese on him. His wife, Claire (Robin Wright), who has come through on her end of the bargain, basically tells Francis to step up, no excuses, and complete their scheme. So he does.

Claire has every reason to be frustrated with Francis. While they are a team, and have been so even more in the second run than the first, they respect one another because of their strength and commitment to the cause. Claire hurts people she cares about, playing on First Lady Tricia Walker's (Joanna Going) insecurities, secretly betraying their friendship while seducing her, all the while destroying Megan (Libby Woodbridge), a girl Claire works with. This costs Claire much emotionally, as we see in a private moment on the staircase.

Yet, Claire can live with her actions because, in her mind, the ends justify the means. She resolves not to care about others, even as she can't help but let a little humanity slip through, but in the end, she still is willing to sacrifice them. She's the queen on the chessboard, and sometimes pawns and bishops alike must take the fall.

Francis can learn a lot from his wife, and he does. Many of his power plays have been ruthless, smiling while slipping the knife between the ribs. In "Chapter 26," Francis takes a page from Claire's playbook and uses affection to win over Walker. Kind words, perfectly crafted to appeal to both Walker's ego and soul, worm their way into Walker's head and turn him to Frank's side, which, in the end, results in Francis winning the day and Walker resigning in disgrace, all the while believing Frank has only Walker's best interests at heart.

More impressive than how Frank and Claire carry out their plans is the emotional depth, not lack of emotion, in which they do it. They care about themselves and each other, and they do have things and people they value, but because their frame of reference is so different from most viewers', it's almost like the actors are playing aliens. While a select few grow wise to their methods, many others continue to believe in them. The couple is reptilian in nature, cold-blooded. They can put on a front so completely and sincerely as to draw their prey in, as a true predator does, then somehow manage to keep those masks in place. It's not only brilliant writing, but supreme acting talent that delivers the subtlety needed to pull such characters off, and House of Cards blows me away once again in this season finale.

Now, Frank is the president and the Underwoods seem to have realized their dreams. From here, Francis can't go up, so he must go down. The ending of "Chapter 26" implies that next year's third outing will be the show's last, mirroring the British model's trio of (much shorter) miniseries. Netflix could stretch things out (no ending has yet been announced), having Frank hold onto power longer, but it seems unlikely. With such a high-quality show, working through defined arcs, the end feels nigh.

Frank must lose because viewers will never be able to stomach him winning. He's too conniving, corrupt, selfish, and evil to be allowed to keep the Oval Office. As much as we root for him not to get caught because that will end the game, that is what we want to see in the end. Season two forestalled this feeling by pitting Frank against those almost as bad as he is, Tusk chief among them. Now, it's time for Francis' rule to come to an end.

There are no shortage of people who could and would bring Frank down. If they can unite, he doesn't stand a chance. Hacker Gavin Orsay (Jimmi Simpson), along with his fan-favorite guinea pig, Cashew, knows the government is bad, and seeks to free Lucas (Sebastian Arcelus), who might just be dumb and idealistic enough to go back into the fray. Jackie (Molly Parker) has a bone to pick, as do Tusk and Remy (Mahershala Ali). Rachel (Rachel Brosnahan) could be the key to finding Francis guilty of murder, and with her guardian, Doug (Michael Kelly), now dead in a surprise twist, she's available to assist. And these are only the tip of the iceberg.

Which is why I think time is running out for the Underwoods. Francis and Claire have their day, as many do, but it won't last. I will enjoy seeing them in the seat of power until they aren't any more, and will revel just as much in their downfall. Whatever twists and turns the writers come up with, season three should not be boring in getting to that final destination.

House of Cards will return to Netflix next winter.

House of Cards Season 2 Midpoint Check-in

Article first published as House of Cards Season 2 Midpoint Check-in on TheTVKing.

Note: This review is written after having viewed season two, episode seven of House of Cards, "Chapter Twenty." If you are not that far along yet, please watch some more, then come back to this column.

Season two is shaping up to be a great one for Netflix's House of Cards. There are a number of personal stories interwoven around the main plot, but the central thrust thus far has been a war between Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey) and Raymond Tusk (Gerald McRaney, Simon & Simon, Major Dad). Which has more influence in Washington: money or power? I believe we'll find out as this year continues to play out.

By "Chapter Twenty," Frank has successfully sabotaged Raymond's sway over President Walker (Michael Gill). Rather than being defeated, though, this makes Tusk more determined to have control, switching his allegiances to the other political party, without it being publicly obvious that he has any affiliation with either side of course. This isn't something Frank can stop, and his meeting with Tusk's business partner, Lanagin (Gil Birmingham, Twilight), as well as Stamper's (Michael Kelly) efforts with another partner, Feng (Terry Chen), come to nothing.

That doesn't mean Frank is done, by any means. Frank has wormed his way back into Walker's good graces, expertly dismantling a feud and forming a friendship. It's all an act, from Franks' perspective, just another strategic move in his game, but Walker seems completely taken in, and while money can buy elections, those still in office do have influence.

One wonders how this could end up. Frank wins by manipulation, something easy to do in the halls he's so familiar with, but much harder to do on a national scale in terms of elections. On the other hand, Tusk may be shut out of the White House, but he can buy up as many TV spots as he likes, which can sway public opinion. Frank seems to be scoring minor victories, but is losing overall. I wonder who will come out on top?

It's interesting that Frank is building a Civil War battle model in "Chapter Twenty" of a conflict that resulted in heavy losses on both sides and no clear winner. Might this be how House of Cards lets this war play out? Or is this just how Frank sees things as they are, leading to so much frustration that he smashes his work?

We don't yet know Grayson's (Derek Cecil) true loyalty, which could shift the balance. He confesses to Frank that he's been working for Remy and Tusk, but professes that he thinks Frank is the better man to back. I'm not sure if this is true or if Grayson is really good at what he's doing for Tusk. Grayson does get Remy to remove Ellis (Sam Page), an obstacle, from the Underwoods' circle, but is that Grayson playing Tusk or trying to accomplish his mission? This arc still has too much mystery to make anyone comfortable, but it's this kind of suspense that drives the series.

Luckily, Frank has something Tusk lacks: Claire (Robin Wright). Claire isn't directly involved in the current machinations, but she's there to support Frank, taking him on a run to calm him down. She also helps Frank throw a dinner for Walker and the First Lady, Tricia (Joanna Going), whom Claire befriends, giving the couple even more of a bond to the Underwoods. I've learned never to underestimate Claire, so the fact that Tusk may soon be fighting the two of them, not just Frank, is what should have Tusk worried.

I'm a little confused about why Claire is sabotaging Christina's (Kristen Connolly) reputation. Is Christina merely collateral damage, a way for Claire to get in with Tricia? Or did Christina sleeping with her boss really offend Claire so? Or does conflict in his marriage make Walker confide even more in Frank? Or maybe I just missed something.

Something that might make Frank's life more difficult would be a defection in his own ranks. Jackie (Molly Parker) doesn't seem like the loyal little soldier any more. I guess it's true; once a backstabber, always a backstabber. She has a history of this behavior. Her rebellion would only ever be a minor setback for Frank, he's dealt with worse, but she's playing with fire that could destroy her. Do not ever, ever betray Frank. He might push you in front of a subway or fake an overdose. We're not talking career suicide, we're talking literal suicide.

To make matters worse for her, Jackie is shacking up with the enemy, sleeping with Tusk's man, Remy (Mahershala Ali). I like what we see in Remy, that he's not content for casual sex, revealing something more about him than has been obvious, a noble moral compass. But Jackie is probably just trying to advance her status, and not doing a very good job of it since she doesn't fake the emotions that will help her attain her goal. She is no Frank, and these weaknesses will be her downfall.

It does appear that one of the threats to Frank, the media, has been neutralized. With Lucas (Sebastian Arcelus) discredited and in jail and no one coming to his aid, Frank may have defeated this branch of enemy. Or it may just be dormant, meant to be revived later, possibly with the help of Gavin Orsay (Jimmi Simpson), who seems sympathetic to Lucas' cause.

Amid all this chaos, love may be blooming for Stamper and Rachel (Rachel Brosnahan). Suddenly, Stamper is refusing pretty women in China (ridiculous!) and calling her just to check in. His harsh words on her voice mail are clearly just a cover, though. Who would have thought this might happen? Does it have any chance of working, Rachel being broken enough to be drawn to the man who would protect her? Or is this a distracting side story that doesn't mean much?

Speaking of odd subplots, in "Chapter Twenty," Freddy (Reg E. Cathey) finally gets his own focus. There's a really sweet scene with him meeting the Walkers, but more important, he's suddenly in the press and being offered franchise deals. Is this a sneaky plot by Tusk to knock Frank off his game, trying to steal away Frank's beloved ribs? Or is this a completely separate story? The former seems much more likely given the tight writing of House of Cards, but I appreciate that no ulterior motive has been given for Freddy's fame yet, making it seem like he's earned well-deserved recognition.

By "Chapter Twenty," there's plenty of exciting plot to watch, but no real clear vision of how the season will play out yet. This is completely fine, as House of Cards is great at tying up unexpected threads at just the right time, one in which we don't quite see it coming, but it makes sense in retrospect. It's full of incredible writing and acting, and season two has maintained the quality of the first year, even as the mystique has started to fade away, fans finally figuring out what the DNA of the show is. As long as it keeps up the good work, we should all be satisfied.

Both thirteen-episode seasons of House of Cards are available now streaming for Netflix subscribers. Join me in a couple of weeks for my season two finale review, date TBA.

Deal Another HOUSE OF CARDS

Article first written for Seat42F.

WARNING: This review contains major spoilers from the first hour of the second season of HOUSE OF CARDS. It is recommended that you watch that episode, then return to read this review. There will be no spoilers given from episodes after the premiere, this being written before further installments have been seen by this reviewer.

Netflix’s HOUSE OF CARDS launched their second season in its entirety yesterday. For anyone who worried that the intense thriller might lose momentum in the second year, those doubts were quickly dispelled within the first installment, “Chapter 14,” by a series of major plot twists and the death of a very central character.

As “Chapter 14” begins, Frank (Kevin Spacey) and Claire (Robin Wright) are on their night jog. This is where we left them last year, and provides a seamless continuity between the two seasons. While nothing happens in this first scene, it’s important to give the show its cohesion, and it lets viewers find a framework with which to enter back into the story.

From there, the hanging story arcs are picked up one by one. Zoe (Kate Mara), Janine (Constance Zimmer), and Lucas (Sebastian Arcelus) continue their frustrating investigation into Russo’s murder. Claire sees a doctor about the possibility of getting pregnant, while still fighting Gillian’s (Sandrine Holt) lawsuit. Frank prepares to assume the Vice Presidency and makes plans for who will succeed him, as well as dealing with the nosy reporters. It’s all just how we think the show will resume.

Even many of the minor players pop back up quickly. Doug (Michael Kelly) is forcing Rachel (Rachel Brosnahan) to relocate so Zoe and company can’t find her. Christina (Kristen Connolly) is seen applying for a job with Vasquez (Sakina Jaffrey), continuing her career trajectory. President Walker (Michael Gill) talks with Frank about changes in Congress, though is content to let others make the decisions. Frank gets another batch of ribs from Freddy (Reg E. Cathey). Meechum (Nathan Darrow) remains Frank’s driver and bodyguard, getting ready to transition into the Secret Service. Again, this really makes the series seem like the seasons aren’t separate, very important to ease viewers back in.

There are some new developments early on, such as the introduction of Jacqueline Sharp (Molly Parker, Deadwood, The Firm) as Frank’s hand-chosen replacement as whip, and thus the likely target of the next round of danger and scandal. But because Jackie is introduced in conjunction with Frank’s goals, it doesn’t feel out of place at all.

But then, as soon as we get comfortable, thinking we have the layout of the game figured out, Frank shoves Zoe, arguably the second or third most important player on the show, in front of a subway and she dies.

This is the brilliance of HOUSE OF CARDS. It lets the viewers think one thing, then yanks the rug right out from under them. It never goes into nonsensical territory, and the developments, even those that are surprising, are a natural part of the tale. It’s this unpredictability, though, especially after so much of the installment takes care to set up the opposite, that makes the writing so darn good, and the series highly addictive.

Lest we’ve forgotten the type of man Frank is, he tells us, just after he kills Zoe. He looks at the camera and reminds us he hasn’t let us slide. It’s a chilling end to the episode, the camera lingering on his cufflinks with the initials F and U, very appropriate for Frank’s attitude towards everyone. This is a man that can lie about having taken a life without batting an eye, never loses a wink of sleep for his actions, and most people in his circle would be wise to follow Janine’s example and run far away. He is the reason to watch HOUSE OF CARDS, a compellingly psychopathic character, unique in the television landscape, and masterfully developed by an actor at the top of his craft.

Wright also deserves major credit for “Chapter 14.” At first, I couldn’t figure out why Claire abandons her quest to have a child late in the episode. But after consideration, it has to be that Gillian’s pregnancy left her vulnerable to be manipulated by Claire. Claire doesn’t accept weakness, and if she can use a baby to go after someone else, she isn’t about to leave herself open to the same. Wright conveys all this without dialogue to explain it, and it makes Claire an interesting terror, one who is a quieter, but still appropriate, match for Frank.

At the end, we see Claire learn about Zoe’s death, but her non-reaction indicates she either likely knows that Frank is involved or strongly suspects as much, but she doesn’t care or trusts that Frank had a good reason. She has accepted her husband for who he is, and while may not always respect his wishes, making sure he gets a birthday cake, knows which buttons she can and cannot push, effortlessly getting him to quit smoking, at least for now. And he accepts her influence without a fight, showing us something neat about their seemingly closed-off relationship.

“Chapter 14” should satisfy all fan expectation, and be a highly enjoyable piece of television in its own right. The only disturbing thought I’m left with is, how could anyone possibly ever bring down Frank? The only one with a real motivation and opportunity to do so at this time is Lucas, but he’s hopelessly out of his depth.  I look forward to watching more.

All thirteen episodes of HOUSE OF CARDS’ second season are available now on Netflix.

House of Cards - "Chapter 7"

Article first posted as House of Cards - "Chapter 7" on TheTVKing.

"Chapter 7" marks the halfway point of the first season for Netflix's House of Cards. All thirteen episodes dropped on February 1st, and I thought now would be a good time to check in, before finishing out the season. Expect my next review of the series to post next weekend, covering the season finale.

By "Chapter 7," one of Frank's (Kevin Spacey) biggest missions in the early episodes has been completed. President Walker (Michael Gill) signs Frank's education bill into law. Frank stands behind him, proud as can be, knowing that he has earned himself more of the power that he craves so much, and the trust and respect of the POTUS. Considering that a few short episodes ago Walker stole away Frank's promised Secretary of State position, it's quite a feat.

Not that Frank's intentions are noble; they never are. The education bill is just one more stepping stone on the way to amassing the influence that he really wants, which will likely end with the highest office in the land. Walker may be president now, but he won't be forever, and he's far from the only player in the game. Frank holds many of the cards, and he is biding his time, waiting for the ideal time to make a move. For now, having Walker trust and rely on him is enough. But that won't make up for the betrayal that Frank feels.

Frank is such a complex character, using people as pawns in his game. As he's said, he doesn't crave money, he craves power because it means more and goes further. Getting to stand behind the president for the photo ops helps him achieve that, and it goes a long way towards furthering his other goals.

Of course, one doesn't reach such lofty heights without acquiring a few enemies. Walker's chief-of-staff, Vasquez (Sakina Jaffrey) has no love lost for Frank, and the better he looks, the more it discredits her in front of the commander she serves so loyally. She won't allow him to keep running an end game around her, and a showdown between Frank and Vasquez will surely rear its head soon enough.

Of more immediate concern could be Vice President Matthews (Dan Ziskie, Treme). They try to push Matthews aside at the bill signing, he doesn't get a cherished pen (Frank just gives his away, a trinket, rather than something meaningful), and he isn't consulted about the Democratic replacement for Governor of Pennsylvania, his old office. This makes him feel useless, which is a dangerous thing.

Most people don't consider the Vice President's position all that important. If something happens to the president, then the office matters. Other than that, Vice Presidents often don't get a lot to do. Matthews clearly isn't OK with that, and at least wants the tokens of the job, such as choice photo positioning and ceremonial writing implements. If he isn't paid off with these things, he could stir up trouble.

It's not immediately apparent if Matthews blames Frank for any of any of his slights. Frank plays nice and offers some kind words. This may enough to satisfy Matthews, should others do the same. Or it may make Matthews feel like a fool when he realizes that he has even less say than he thinks he has, played like a fiddle by a master musician, which, make no mistake about it, Frank is.

Frank's choice for the governor's office is Peter Russo (Corey Stoll, Law & Order: LA), an inexperienced Congressmen who has a weakness for drugs and prostitutes. On paper, that may seem like a recipe for disaster, but to Frank, Russo represents an opportunity. After all, if Frank can turn Russo's track around and build him into a great leader, Russo will not only be in Frank's debt, but may even be a puppet Frank can play with at his will. That is, as long as Frank doesn't make him too great.

So far, Russo has fallen right into Frank's trap. Frank manipulates him into getting sober and doing the campaign Frank's way, the whole time letting Russo think things are his idea, and that he has some control over his own race. Instead, it's Frank behind the scenes, pulling the strings, that is making Russo something, and Frank can just as easily undo all this hard work. Should Russo get too big for his britches, Frank can take him down. Frank is just betting that he won't.

The wild card here is Christina Gallagher (Kristen Connolly, The Cabin in the Woods), Russo's former assistant and lover, whom Frank brings back into the circle. The idea could be that Christina will keep Russo in line, convincing him not to call on hookers anymore, and provide him the emotional support that he needs to find his confidence and win. It works in the short term, but given Russo's appetites, there is no telling if she will be enough in the long-term. She wasn't before Frank came along, so it is a shaky gamble.

I am curious as to whether  Doug (Michael Kelly, The Adjustment Bureau) is actually a recovering alcoholic, or if he attends meetings just to keep an eye on Russo. Doug seems to speaking directly to Russo at their most recent gathering, and reports back to Frank on what transpires at the "anonymous" event. Frank trusts Doug explicitly. Is that because Frank rebuilt Doug the way he is doing with Russo, or because Doug is willing to do anything, even act like he has a substance abuse problem, or hide a prostitute, for that matter, to keep their situation status quo.

I love that House of Cards doesn't lay all this out explicitly. It makes viewers think for themselves, and allows guesses and leaps of logic. Even when Frank mugs to the camera, breaking the fourth wall and revealing something of his thoughts, he is still putting on a show, only telling what he wants to tell. He's trying to manipulate us, the audience, as well as the characters that surround him. It makes for an intriguing drama.

As Frank muses about Zoe (Kate Mara), the young reporter he is sleeping with, people only show others what they want them to see. Everyone has a persona. Zoe wants Frank to think that she only wants sex and information from him, and that she's a game player like he is. She is, to an extent. But despite her protestations that she get some meaningful benefit from him, such as a big scoop, she also seems smitten, and her romantic feelings could ruin things for both of them.

I worry about Zoe going forward. Frank thinks he has her under control, and that's what he assures his wife, Claire (Robin Wright). And yet, Zoe isn't always predictable, and she thinks a bit too much for herself to just be a stooge. Her heart guides her sometimes, leading her to decisions she probably shouldn't make, but that's not all she is. Should she begin feeling cast aside by Frank, she could seek revenge, and she has the smarts and tenacity that she could prove a threat in the way others have not.

Frank has kept her, and most everyone else in line, for a long time. But he has a lot of irons in the fire, and there are bound to be slips.

I'd like to take a moment to touch on Frank and Claire's marriage, even though it really isn't featured in "Chapter 7." It's one of the most surprising unions presented on television, an open arrangement, with both allowed to take lovers that are discussed freely with their spouse. They use each other for political gain, and are a powerful team in D.C. But there is also real affection there, with both putting the other first when they need to. It's an odd arrangement, certainly unconventional, but it seems like it's been working for them for a long time. Even when cracks show, it's likely that it will keep working, since they have honest communication, at least, what passes for such for people like them.

In Zoe's arena, the unstable element is Janine (Constance Zimmer). I think that Zoe is sincere about wanting to work with Janine again, and not just because it's a boon to her online employer. But I also think Frank asks Zoe to do the profile on Russo as a favor, and Zoe passing it to Janine isn't what Frank had in mind. Janine is too seasoned to buy Russo's falsehoods, and if she digs deeper, she could cause a few headaches. I see things potentially becoming awkward if Frank comes down hard on Zoe to kill the profile, and Zoe has to ruin what she's rebuilt with Janine, or worse yet, their mutual boss.

There are even more characters and plot arcs I could go into, but this article has gotten long enough. House of Cards is a very intricate web of a political drama, with amazing acting and brilliant writing. Each installment only gets better as we're drawn further into Frank's world. In his position, he has to keep a lot of balls in the air, and even though we only see a portion of them it's a hell of a spectacle to watch and keep track of. This should run for ten seasons, the creative team and cast willing.

House of Cards season one is available in its entirety to Netflix streaming subscribers.

Want to read some of my fiction? It's on my website, JeromeWetzel.com! Also, for the latest updates and article links, as well as commentary on episodes I don't fully review, please follow me on Twitter.

A carefully constructed House of Cards

Article first published as HOUSE OF CARDS Review at Seat42F.

Grade: 96%

Netflix recently launched an original series entitled HOUSE OF CARDS. Based on the book and British series, HOUSE OF CARDS dives into the world of intrigue and betrayal in politics. The first thirteen episodes all went live on February 1st, and another thirteen have been ordered.

HOUSE OF CARDS centers around a man named Francis Underwood, who is known by all as Frank. Frank, representing South Carolina, is a powerful force in Congress, serving as the Majority Whip in the House of Representatives, and is expecting to be named Secretary of State by the president that he helped elect, Garrett Walker (Michael Gill, Guiding Light). But Walker sends his Chief of Staff, Linda Vazquez (Sakina Jaffrey, Definitely, Maybe), to dash Frank’s dreams. Frank pretends to play nice, but secretly vows revenge.

The first thing HOUSE OF CARDS did right was cast Kevin Spacey (American Beauty, Horrible Bosses) as Frank. Spacey brings a level of gravitas to the screen that immediately raises the bar. He plays the part with nuance, and despite being a relatively despicable guy, there is also something intriguing about Frank that makes you want to keep watching.

Frank’s anger is justifiable, so it’s easy to root for him to come out on top, even when his actions cross a line. He may not be a hero, as he is as deep in the muck and the crooked games as his foes, but he doesn’t deserve to be treated this way, and he won’t stand for it.

It’s the duality of someone who is both righteous and a pig that makes Frank such a challenging role. It’s hard to imagine few besides Spacey that would do the part justice.

Frank is aided in his mission by this loyal, and just as ruthless, wife, Claire (Robin Wright, Moneyball). Again, this is another character who has layers, and who must be someone the audience can get behind, even when she’s doing wrong. Once more, casting should be lauded, as Wright handles the part deftly.

Frank and Claire have an interesting marriage, and right away, I find myself wondering if they have ever gone up against each other. If they have, or if something might cause them to be at odds in the future, I have no idea who would win. They are definitely cut from the same cloth, which makes their marriage seem a little cold. But it’s clearly working for them, and they seem to care about one another, so who I am to judge?

Claire is also someone that Frank seems to use as a partner, rather than a pawn. That looks to a rare position in Frank’s life, as the others around him are milked for how they will best serve Frank. This is made extremely clear early on when Frank manipulates the man behind the education bill Frank is supposed to be guiding, offers a couple of positions to possible allies, including his choice for Secretary of State since it can’t be him, Senator Catherine Durant (24′s Jayne Atkinson), and toys with Vazquez.

The other side of HOUSE OF CARDS is about the reporters who cover the political beat in our nation’s capital. There is a smart young woman named Zoe Barnes (Kate Mara, American Horror Story, 127 Hours), who yearns to see her name in print, or at least in a featured blog on the paper’s website. Her bosses shoot her down, until she manages to wrangle a deal with Frank, setting up a mutually beneficial arrangement.

I really dig the paper angle. Obviously, Zoe is the true do-gooder in HOUSE OF CARDS, the one still mostly unspoiled by the election game, and who clings to morals and ideals. She may dance on the line when trying to land Frank, but her work is put forth with a noble purpose. At least in the first episode. It’s likely, as time goes on, this will shift. If you splash in the mud, you do get dirty, and her ambition is definitely pushing her in that direction.

A senior report, Janine Skorsky (Constance Zimmer, Entourage, Grey’s Anatomy), is saddled with assisting Zoe. Zoe asks for help nicely at first, and Janine turns her down. Now, Janine is stuck with the upstart, owing to the rich vein of scoop that Zoe has tapped into. I am anxious to see how their relationship will play out, if Janine can play nice and benefit from being a mentor, or if she will be the bitter, shoved aside veteran.

Between Frank and Zoe, we have two colliding plots that are excellent. They are surrounded by a sweeping cast and a beautiful, engaging setting. Considering the next twelve episodes are already posted, I think I’ll stop here so that I can get back to watching. I can think of no higher recommendation of the series than by saying how much I am itching to see more.

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