House of Cards (Netflix Original Series)

[Fro]

This show needs a thread. I'm only 2 episodes in and I'm already hooked. Well done, Netflix.

Anyone else watch(ed)?

[TimeSplitter]

Watched it. Loved it! Looks like Netflix is taking those surveys and turning them into serious content. Kevin Spacey breaking the fourth wall is an outstanding choice for this dark thriller.

[kdestiny]

Outstanding stuff. Can't wait for more

[The_Mike]

Watched it. Loved it! Looks like Netflix is taking those surveys and turning them into serious content. Kevin Spacey breaking the fourth wall is an outstanding choice for this dark thriller.

House of Cards is a remake of a BBC show from the early 1990s, and the gimmick of speaking to the camera comes from that. Spacey really adds a layer of charm to it that is captivating, though.

I watched all of it quite quickly, and I loved it. It's great to be able to go through it at my leisure, without having to wait a week for each episode. I'd like to think this is the future direction of entertainment, though it would dampen down the 'event' feel of really big shows like Game of Thrones, where everybody watches at once and talks about it the next day. I'm anti-social so I wouldn't really mind, but I wonder if it's a good direction for TV to go, becoming more and more of an isolated, insular and personal experience. I'm all for it because it's convenient and cheap, and apparently Netflix were able to lay out the big bucks for a great cast and a high quality series of a decent length. The BBC gets money from practically every household in Britain and can't manage that. I hope this model is sustainable and becomes more the norm, because frankly TV does nothing for me. Far too many obnoxious commercials, far too little quality, and there are so many frustrations with season breaks and holidays and pre-emptions and obvious filler episodes to complete a run or rushed finales because they never got enough time to tell the whole story. You already have to pay twice to see a decent show much of the time anyway (cable + HBO or Showtime), I'd rather cutout the middle-man and pay the show provider directly.

[Mik]

It's the next show on my list.

[JP]

I watched the entire thing over a few days, just incredible.

[Fro]

House of Cards is a remake of a BBC show from the early 1990s, and the gimmick of speaking to the camera comes from that.

I thought it came from Saved By The Bell.

[Jimmy Zero]

I got about 5, or so, episodes in and just kind of lost interest. It's not bad, but I feel like it's just plodding along. I'll probably get back to it soon, though.

[Fro]

The only thing about releasing the whole season at once is that it kills the ability for fans to talk about each episode after they air. Most fans probably prefer to be able to binge watch right out of the gate but I actually kind of miss the weekly release schedule.

Anyway I am about halfway through the first season and still loving it. I feel like the season will end with Frank making a huge revenge play at the Hispanic chief of staff and the president. Maybe he'll get the bumbling VP kicked out of office and take his place.

[Fro]

Episode 8 spoilers

Okay this was the first episode that went off course a bit. I didn't think the trip to Frank's alma mater really needed to take up the majority of an entire episode. And the revelation about him having a gay relationship with his college buddy? WTF. I mean okay, this episode was all about delving a little deeper into Frank's character and his past, but why make him bisexual? Seemed a little out of left field. I assume it will come back into play at some point otherwise it would just be unnecessary. I'd be interested to know if that was also part of the character from the BBC series or not.

[Ringo]

The BBC show is brilliant. Will give this a watch to see if it measures up.

[Fro]

Episode 11 spoilers

This show was always a bit over the top but now it's gone way the fuck over the top. To a fault, in my opinion. Frank's now gone from being a ruthless and cunning politician you could cheer for to a full blown Tony Soprano type villain - which is a little much to swallow. You could see it coming - killing Russo that is - but I was really hoping it wouldn't happen. I still love the show and will keep watching into next season, but I'd like it even more if it stayed a bit more grounded.

Also from a logistical perspective wouldn't the fact that Russo was sitting in the passenger's seat reveal that there was another party involved and thus not a suicide? Also that police chief guy knows that Frank (or rather Frank's assistant) picked up Russo from the station so that's another big loose end.

2 episode to go...

[The_Mike]

Some semi-explanations, Fro:

He's a killer in the BBC series too, though I doubt that dampens down the OTT feeling you get. I don't think Russo sitting in the passenger seat necessarily makes it clear another party was involved, it's not as if he couldn't reach the ignition from where he was sitting and the car was stationary if I recall correctly. I haven't got through the whole BBC series yet so I don't know if bisexuality was brought up, but the impression I got was that they're emulating the sexual politics of the old boy's club, where private schoolboys and those going to elite colleges have a habit of doing some rather gay things together without that actually being part of their regular orientation. It's a social lubricant of sorts among the very wealthy and powerful. Goes on all the time at Eton.

[McBain]

This was alright, but didn't live up to its early promise in my opinion.

[The_Mike]

Didn't see the House of Nerds thing at the correspondents' dinner until just now. Hilarious. Kevin Spacey just has to glance at the camera to make my screen ooze with smarminess. I can see why some people feel it kind of fell apart toward the end, but I am really looking forward to the next season, and I think it's a great sign for Netflix that this show made enough impact for Frank Underwood to show up at the White House Correspondents' Dinner and tell Congress to go fuck themselves.

[Atty]

[Fro]

I wouldn't say it fell apart at the end. As as said before, I think it went a little too over the top at one point but it ended well with

Frank getting the VP gig and Zooey holding a gigantic story that would take Frank down.

Great show overall and I can't wait for season 2.

[The_Mike]

I just finished watching season one of the BBC version. If you thought Spacey's Underwood was OTT at any point... holy shit, Urquhart's a complete monster. "Call me daddy..." Good god... Fantastic show, and I'm amazed BBC TV from the early 90s managed to disturb me far more than anything I've seen lately.

[TimeSplitter]

Season 2 debuts on February 14th. Very excited.

[The_Mike]

Thanks, I was just wondering about that.

[Prototype16]

I just finished watching season one of the BBC version. If you thought Spacey's Underwood was OTT at any point... holy shit, Urquhart's a complete monster. "Call me daddy..." Good god... Fantastic show, and I'm amazed BBC TV from the early 90s managed to disturb me far more than anything I've seen lately.

I watched the BBC version a few years back and it's quality. It benefits from being a lot shorter so he gets on with things a bit more - there was a fair bit of filler in the American one, but generally I thought it was decent and most of the Russo stuff was great

Spoiler based on the BBC stuff

I did watch most the US version fully expecting Zoe to die at the end of the series - it's a good job she didn't though as her character was pretty poorly done for most of it and only became interesting in the last few episodes. Hopefully they continue that and keep her around for a bit, I like the actress

[VanillaJello]

Season 2 trailer. Comes out February 14!

[The_Mike]

I just finished the entire BBC trilogy, so I am looking forward to this. I do wonder to what extent they're going to be following the BBC. They got through three novels in 12 episodes total in the 1990s, Netflix seems only 2/3s through the first one after 14 episodes of their first series. I don't mind plenty of episodes since I really like the show but I do hope they don't meander for as long as possible until the audience gets bored or Spacey leaves or something and they get forced to wrap it all up suddenly. Hopefully they have a plan and an end point in mind.

[Fro]

New trailer.



Can't wait.

[The_Mike]

Looks fantastic. Netflix lost a good number of films and shows at the start of the new year but if they keep producing quality originals, 8 bucks a month is still well worth it. I can't really stand watching actual TV anymore, and the networks do themselves no favours by making on demand a hassle with unskippable commercials and 8-day waits for shows online. They've got to make their money somehow, I get that, but the whole dynamic has been blown out of the water as far as I'm concerned. I shouldn't be paying $60 a month for a terrible experience on cable and $8 a month for something so much better.

[JRSlim21]

I can't wait to see more douche maneuvers by Underwood

[Dave]

Season 2, Episode 1 Spoiler

HOLY FUCKING SHIT.

Of all the things, all the things on TV I did not see that coming. At all.

At all. HOLY FUCKING SHIT.

I want to binge the rest to find what happens, but also feel like I should savour it. One thing's for sure, this sets season 2 up to be absolutely magnificent TV.

When discussing Season 2 can you tag your spoilers with the episode like I have so people don't inadvertently have something spoiled.

[Mills]

God I need to catch up, only halfway through season 1

[TimeSplitter]

Only 2 episodes in:

Holy Shit!!!! That is the most surprised I've been at a tv episode in a long time. Im intrigued by Lucas going paranoid trying to find everything out.

LikeDave, I want to binge, but will try to stretch it out.

Stamper is by far my favorite character. Also intrigued as to the Raymond situation.

[Fro]

Yea good call Dave, that's the way I tagged things for season 1 as well. Can't wait to get going on season 2

[Dave]

Season 2, spoiler up to end of Episode 4

Two holy shit moments in the first four episodes, I'm already looking forward to rewatching this.

I'm not bingeing one episode after the other, but I reckon I'll clear 3-4 episodes a day over the next few (the joys of half-term!).

[McBain]

Season 2, Episode 1 Spoiler

HOLY FUCKING SHIT.

Of all the things, all the things on TV I did not see that coming. At all.

At all. HOLY FUCKING SHIT.

I want to binge the rest to find what happens, but also feel like I should savour it. One thing's for sure, this sets season 2 up to be absolutely magnificent TV.

When discussing Season 2 can you tag your spoilers with the episode like I have so people don't inadvertently have something spoiled.

I know!!!!! Fucking hell. Just about to get episode 2.

[The_Mike]

Out of curiosity who here has seen any of the UK version?

[Dave]

Season 2, spoilers up to the end of Episode 11

3 legitimate holy shit moments in 11 episodes? This is up there as one of my favourite seasons of TV ever.

I can't wait to go back and watch it again and pick up on the little things.

I couldn't figure out Frank's motive for continually pushing for Meecham to stay around, but given the events at the end of Episode 11, it all became crystal clear. And given that the seeds were planted for this on Frank's return home in season 1 this show feels even smarter than it had done before now.

[The Rick]

Such a good fucking show. It definitely made my drama list, and I had it above The West Wing originally. But I don't think I could put it above TWW until it has a few more seasons under it's belt. But if House of Cards keeps this pace, it will be my best Drama of all time. I keep waiting for a down episode, and this just isn't one for me. Great fucking show.

[The_Mike]

It didn't make my list because I thought it rather unfair with only one season. Once I finish season two I am quite likely to change my mind. Frank's the man.

[McBain]

Frank is horrific, but great entertainment.

I omitted this and True Detectives from my list also because it's way too soon to say.

[The Rick]

Finish season 2 and you might be inclined to change your list. But if I was only going on season 1, then I'd agree. Look at Heroes. The first season was so excellent, and had so much promise. Then they started shitting the bed with it.

Also Orange is the New Black is pretty great on Netflix too.

[TimeSplitter]

I'm with Rick, just below The West Wing all time.

[The_Mike]

Finished this yesterday. Brilliant stuff throughout, four thumbs up. Although...

I felt the ending was a tad flat. Not bad by any means but missing a lot of the bite of the rest of the series. Maybe it dragged on a bit too long, it was about ten minutes of chatting and walking between Frank being sworn in and Frank touching the desk in the Oval Office, and so the climax wasn't exactly punchy. I can see how this was adapted from the storyline of the BBC's second season of House of Cards and it works very well, but I felt like it is missing something by not having Frank bear his fangs at the President the way Urquhart did with the King. That last little moment of bastardry, that final kick in the gut by revealing "yes, I really did betray you, and look where I am now" would have made the series pitch perfect to me.

Of course, that's much trickier to do with Walker because he could just turn around and testify against Underwood. I get why it didn't happen, but it leaves the finale missing a little of its potential impact. In the end I was rather impressed and almost moved by Frank finally getting what he wanted. It was a very different vibe from the conflict between Urquhart and the King.

[Fro]

Season 2, Episode 1 Spoiler

HOLY FUCKING SHIT.

Of all the things, all the things on TV I did not see that coming. At all.

At all. HOLY FUCKING SHIT.

I want to binge the rest to find what happens, but also feel like I should savour it. One thing's for sure, this sets season 2 up to be absolutely magnificent TV.

When discussing Season 2 can you tag your spoilers with the episode like I have so people don't inadvertently have something spoiled.

SEASON 2 EPISODE 1 SPOILERS

Yeah, that was a very shocking moment. I should have seen it coming because someone told me that something similar happened in the BBC version so I kinda knew there was a chance he would kill her, but I did NOT expect it in the first episode of the season, and I did NOT expect it to go down like that. They really threw it at you unexpectedly. HOLY FUCK indeed. Although not as bad as certain Game of Thrones deaths.

One reason I didn't see it coming which is sort of a criticism is that it seemed way too risky of a move for Frank to do it himself in a public place like that. I mean I dunno about DC but in Boston they have cameras set up all over the train stations so whenever someone falls onto the tracks they almost ALWAYS have it on tape. And there were people who could have seen him too. So I thought it was a little unrealistic in that regard. Although obviously we can chalk that up to him being in a disguise of sorts and that he chose a dark out-of-sight corner of the platform.

But I absolutely loved the very ending of the episode where he finally talks to the audience. And the F U that ended it.... I literally laughed so loudly at that. It was a bit like the rat from the end of The Departed in how on the nose it was, but I liked that rat and I liked this too. Just acknowledging that the murder was a huge F U to the audience. That was hilarious. This is a show that's so absurdly dark that it needs to take itself lightly from time to time.

I've only watched episode 1 so far, can't wait to watch the rest.

[The_Mike]

About that thing in Season 2, Episode 1:

I'm not convinced Frank went there with the intention of killing her. He was walking away, and then she calls out his name, and it's like he just snaps. That's the second he turns around and hurls her right into the path of the train, and I think if she hadn't been stupid enough to use his name in public she might have walked away from that meeting. I have no doubt he would have killed her to shut her up the second she demonstrated it might be necessary, and I think she was unfortunate enough to choose the second when she's standing right next to the train tracks. I am thinking that this sets the tone for Frank being a bit more impulsive and taking more risks.

[Fro]

About that thing in Season 2, Episode 1:

I'm not convinced Frank went there with the intention of killing her. He was walking away, and then she calls out his name, and it's like he just snaps. That's the second he turns around and hurls her right into the path of the train, and I think if she hadn't been stupid enough to use his name in public she might have walked away from that meeting. I have no doubt he would have killed her to shut her up the second she demonstrated it might be necessary, and I think she was unfortunate enough to choose the second when she's standing right next to the train tracks. I am thinking that this sets the tone for Frank being a bit more impulsive and taking more risks.

S2 E1

He definitely went in knowing he might kill her depending on how the conversation went. You could see from the string of text messages she deleted that Frank set the location. He set it for the perfect place, public enough so she would accept but where he'd also have the chance to kill her.

It was shocking too because she was essentially the main protagonist and seemingly Frank's best and only foil at this point in time. I really don't know who will be his main opposition this season now (recall I'm only 1 episode in).

Frank's wife is almost too big of a bitch. "I'm willing to let your baby wither and die inside you." FFS. And then after that line she decided not to have a baby cuz it made her remember kids are a weakness. I hope they kill her off at some point this season

Side note I would actually prefer it if they released these once a week instead of all at once, but I'm probably in the minority.

[The_Mike]

I see your point, and I didn't really phrase that properly. Though I said I didn't think he went into that intending to kill her, I think you're completely right that he was preparing to do so, but I suspect he would only if it became necessary. I just felt like he hadn't made the final decision until she calls his name, that seems to be the trigger as it made it clear to him she couldn't be trusted to shut up, and I think she could have stayed alive longer if she played her cards right.

I do kinda wish it was released once a week as well, so we could discuss and theorise back and forth. I miss that aspect of a show, but I really think just getting it all when I want it is worth it. Chatting casually here is one thing, but I could never get into a fandom again or go to a dedicated board for a show. The IMDB forums are a cesspit without the swearing, for one.

[Fro]

I see your point, and I didn't really phrase that properly. Though I said I didn't think he went into that intending to kill her, I think you're completely right that he was preparing to do so, but I suspect he would only if it became necessary. I just felt like he hadn't made the final decision until she calls his name, that seems to be the trigger as it made it clear to him she couldn't be trusted to shut up, and I think she could have stayed alive longer if she played her cards right.

I do kinda wish it was released once a week as well, so we could discuss and theorise back and forth. I miss that aspect of a show, but I really think just getting it all when I want it is worth it. Chatting casually here is one thing, but I could never get into a fandom again or go to a dedicated board for a show. The IMDB forums are a cesspit without the swearing, for one.

S2 E1

Definitely only if necessary. He was ready to move on with her when he said "let's put all that stuff behind us" but she wouldn't do so, she had to keep asking questions and saying she had to know. I thought the final trigger was when she said the word murder. And then he set the trap by walking away hastily hoping she would follow him into the dark area hidden behind the wall. And if she had instead walked away at that moment, he wouldn't have had the chance. But she was a dumb broad who fell fight into his death trap.

[Dave]

SEASON 2 EPISODE 1 SPOILERS

One reason I didn't see it coming which is sort of a criticism is that it seemed way too risky of a move for Frank to do it himself in a public place like that. I mean I dunno about DC but in Boston they have cameras set up all over the train stations so whenever someone falls onto the tracks they almost ALWAYS have it on tape. And there were people who could have seen him too. So I thought it was a little unrealistic in that regard. Although obviously we can chalk that up to him being in a disguise of sorts and that he chose a dark out-of-sight corner of the platform.

S2 E1 Spoilers

There were also some sort of engineering works which presumably blocked the lines of sight of any cameras.

Having finished the season I want to watch the British version, but I equally don't want to spoil what may come to be in Season 3.

[The_Mike]

You can safely watch seasons 1 and 2 of the BBC's House of Cards now, but you definitely do not want to watch the third part of that if you want to avoid potential spoilers. Seems they are following the pattern so far, and if they are, it'll blow something big.

[Morrison]

S2 E1

He definitely went in knowing he might kill her depending on how the conversation went. You could see from the string of text messages she deleted that Frank set the location. He set it for the perfect place, public enough so she would accept but where he'd also have the chance to kill her.

It was shocking too because she was essentially the main protagonist and seemingly Frank's best and only foil at this point in time. I really don't know who will be his main opposition this season now (recall I'm only 1 episode in).

Frank's wife is almost too big of a bitch. "I'm willing to let your baby wither and die inside you." FFS. And then after that line she decided not to have a baby cuz it made her remember kids are a weakness. I hope they kill her off at some point this season

Side note I would actually prefer it if they released these once a week instead of all at once, but I'm probably in the minority.

s2, e1:

so claire is a bitch for being cold and ruthless and wishes of being killed off, but frank gets to be 'the man' for murdering people and saying callous shit to the camera? what a shittily ignorant and sexist thing to say.

[Fro]

lol when exactly did I say Frank is "the man"? I would like Frank to get his too but he's the main character so that wouldn't really work but the thing I suggested is plausible

[The_Mike]

That was me who said Frank's the man, but I love Claire too. I enjoy a fictitious villain who is good at what they do and performed well, and both characters fit the bill.

[Morrison]

lol when exactly did I say Frank is "the man"? I would like Frank to get his too but he's the main character so that wouldn't really work but the thing I suggested is plausible

it's a general attitude. not once have you said anything about frank 'getting his,' but one of the only things said about claire is that shes a bitch who should die. it's the same shitty line of thinking that followed skyler around in breaking bad. so LOL all you want, bud, doesn't change anything.

[The Rick]

That was me who said Frank's the man, but I love Claire too. I enjoy a fictitious villain who is good at what they do and performed well, and both characters fit the bill.

I love their characters. I hate them, but want to watch more of them. It is kind of the Cersei Lannister thing from Game of Thrones show and Song of Ice and Fire books. Such a shit head of a character, but I loved those chapters.

[Fro]

it's a general attitude. not once have you said anything about frank 'getting his,' but one of the only things said about claire is that shes a bitch who should die. it's the same shitty line of thinking that followed skyler around in breaking bad. so LOL all you want, bud, doesn't change anything.

Who fucking cares tho. That argument is so uninteresting to me. Viewers and internet commenters are sexist against the wives of popular TV anti-heroes? Yea there's a case to be made but what's the importance? These are fictional people, you don't need to feel bad for them. Besides, give me a good female anti-hero like Walter White or Frank Underwood and I'll probably call her husband a bitch. Reverse the roles and see how people react. The problem to me isn't the viewer response, it's the fact that males and females are always in the same roles.

The comparison to Breaking Bad isn't even valid in my opinion, because Skylar was always a good person (despite getting sucked into criminal activity) whereas Frank's wife IS in fact a bitch. Are you saying she's not? Calling Skylar or Carmela Soprano a bitch (which I personally never did) is sexist by your argument, but calling Claire a bitch is just being an observant viewer. Defending her for the sake of defending the female lead is reverse sexism.

But just so we're clear, Frank is a piece of shit. He is so much more morally reprehensible than Walter White and I would wish death upon his character if that didn't mean the show would be over.

[McBain]

Really enjoyed the second season. Will be interesting to see where they take it in number 3.

[Alf]

Just ploughed through s1 and caining through s2. It's slow as fuck but good.

Rachel has the best most perfect body I have seen. Delicious.

[JRSlim21]

Just finished this. Francis Underwood, you sonofabitch.

If I had to describe this season.... sex and douche maneuvers. All day/

[The_Mike]

Does this make Francis the one who knocks?

[JRSlim21]

Does this make Francis the one who knocks?

Because it technically gives away a spoiler....

Francis should pardon Walter White for his crimes, even in his passing.

[Alf]

About that thing in Season 2, Episode 1:

I'm not convinced Frank went there with the intention of killing her. He was walking away, and then she calls out his name, and it's like he just snaps. That's the second he turns around and hurls her right into the path of the train, and I think if she hadn't been stupid enough to use his name in public she might have walked away from that meeting. I have no doubt he would have killed her to shut her up the second she demonstrated it might be necessary, and I think she was unfortunate enough to choose the second when she's standing right next to the train tracks. I am thinking that this sets the tone for Frank being a bit more impulsive and taking more risks.

He turned round to lure her into the out of view area so he could push her and not be seen.

Finished s2 now. Lovely stuff.

[Fro]

I'm through Season 2 Episode 11 and I'm absolutely loving season 2. I think it's as good or better than the first season.

SPOILER UP TO S2 E11:

I didn't see the threesome coming. I should have, given Frank's past, but I didn't. I thought that was an awesome moment.

Overall I'm just loving this season, all the stuff with Tusk, the Chinese and Remy is great. Obviously it looks (at this point) like Frank will get the President impeached but save himself and take the big seat. I prefer this show when it's about the politics and not crazily over the top with Frank murdering people and people stepping on guinea pigs and threatening to kill unborn babies.

OH and fucking Liam McPoyle from Always Sunny as the hacker who's going to potentially take down Frank? LOVE IT. What a great casting decision and character. And I loved the whole arc earlier in the season with Zoe's boyfriend getting entrapped.

I feel like something bad is going to happen between Claire and the young rape victim who's becoming the poster child. Like maybe Claire will have to kill her by making her OD to get her bill passed.

[Fro]

Finished season 2. Loved it. I think this is the best drama on television currently. Or at least equal with Game of Thrones.

SEASON 2 SPOILERS:

-So are we assuming Doug is dead? I think he probably is but they could still have him survive. Rachel murdering him will obviously put her in the public spotlight and expose her whole story so Frank will have to dead that somehow. Or if he survives then I'm not sure what'll happen. Also, do we think Doug was going to kill her? Probably.
-There was never any real resolution to the Gavin (a/k/a Liam McPoyle)'s arc, right? So I assume he will figure prominently into season 3 as well, which I love. I could see him meeting up with Rachel. The only thing that struck me as unrealistic about his character is that - okay they are using him as an informant to bust other hackers, sort of reminiscent of The Sopranos, which is great - but they're just gonna give him a computer that lets him keep hacking? What would stop him from just running away? Surely a hacker like him could arrange to disappear himself, or do what he did and just find out some government secrets to leverage himself. But I still think he's a great addition to the show.

[Alf]

Fro

He's definitely dead. They did that shot of him with the helicopters overhead and him with his eyes open, the line of dialogue over the top is that he's been missing for 2 weeks.

[JRSlim21]

Yea.

Doug's dead. I don't think Rachel is gone just yet. Curious as to how she fits into the story arc since the only other 2 people she interacted with are dead if you include Zoe. Grayson then slides in and becomes Frank's right hand man to fill in that gap.

I wonder who fills out his Cabinet. And I think we haven't seen the last of the Remy-Jackie relationship.

[Bert]

New season is available Friday.

[The_Mike]

Best. Episode. Ever.

[Fro]

I'm through 3 episodes of season 3. Good so far (as usual) but nothing crazy has happened. I love the Putin character and hope we get more of him. He'll probably end up sleeping with Frank's wife or some shit.

[The Rick]

I have one episode left, and I'm not as enamored with this season as the last two. Don't get me wrong it's still really good, but I think they set such a high bar from the first two seasons that it was impossible to meet this season. The writing is still top notch, but the moments are just not there for me.

[TimeSplitter]

Agreed.

Getting the presidency so early shifts the momentum. I love how they were dealing with his legacy. Adding the Thomas character really pushed that dynamic Looking forward to the re-election next season.

[The Rick]

Just finished it.

For me this is one where I already figured out what the end of the season would be, and Claire leaving Frank indeed happens to cap the season. The season leaves on such a sour note for the last two episodes, that maybe that's why I'm not higher on this season. With Doug killing Rachael/Cassie and Frank losing most everyone around him, things seem quite dour. Plus I felt Doug's whole storyline this season was just boring at times. I skipped past some of the scenes, and I didn't dare do that with the first two seasons.

Then there is the fact that I might be approaching this season from the wrong angle. I didn't come into the season looking for Frank and Claire to get their comeuppance. Instead I wanted to see Frank win against Russia, and get his America works projects rolling even though he is a terrible person in the show. Not all of it working, but not losing almost every battle he faced. I'll think on this season a bit more, but right now I'm kinda down on it.

[The_Mike]

I pretty much agree with The Rick on all of it.

This might work better if there were some conquering hero for us to cheer on as the Underwoods fall, but there's pretty much nobody in the show who is any good in any way. I read a review on the BBC complaining that the show is fantastical and naive by portraying pretty much everyone in politics as a self-centred sociopath but, well, they are, and that's honest but kind of cripples the narrative when there isn't really anyone to like very much. I do still like Frank and I think he was screwed a lot by circumstance, as well as his wife suddenly becoming a basket case of petty insecurities. I really enjoyed Claire's character in the first two seasons but this time she came across as the dreaded whiney woman that writers can't help but dig up and critics can't help but bicker over. She always seemed a better, smarter person than to throw a fit and demand Frank hand her a position and then screw it up.

So we have the evil protagonist failing at every turn, more because everybody else is a fucking asshole than anything else, and I'm not really sure how to feel about that. Should a socialist be glad that Underwood's plan to gut Social Security and Medicare was scuppered by the weather? At least he wanted to do something and made an effort in many areas, everybody else seems to just want to climb the ladder and keep everything else exactly the same. It's all a bit weird coming away feeling sorry for Underwood and just annoyed with everyone else. But for what sounds like a lot of complaining, it was a very enjoyable ride with beautiful cinematography and amazing performances throughout.

[Mark Hammer]

Ignore please.

[The_Mike]

Thinking more about this season, I think my big issue with it is that it doesn't feel like a full season. It feels like it ended at the mid-point, not at some kind of dramatic high point or narrative conclusion.

The entire season felt like it was leading to Claire leaving him, then she does, and... that's it? It feels like an unfinished story when it's basically what we already figured out from the trailer.

[The Law]

I've never been a huge fan of this show (love the British version though) and I thought this season was pretty abysmal. The political plots are poor and unrealistic. They struggle to give things stakes (why do we care about the peacekeeping mission? Why the fuck is Frank sending troops to the Jordan Valley if all he cares about is getting reelected?). The only character who is interesting is Frank, and to a lesser extent Claire. I liked Stamper the first few seasons, but trying to feature him more ended with him being pretty boring.

The Russian president was a highlight. Great actor playing him, and they actually gave Frank a worthwhile adversary. Just wish that plot had actually led somewhere or been more interesting.

In the end, Frank always wins and his victories don't feel earned that often.

[The_Mike]

Frank didn't win shit this season, though. And I thought the point of the Jordan Valley thing was he actually believed he could make huge inroads to peace in the Middle-East. They kept going on about his legacy, and it seems wanting to go down in history as a president of significance was what drove him in pretty much everything, rather than just wanting to get re-elected.

Stamper's stuff was strangely dull, I agree on that. Aside from slightly flirting with his physio, then giving up, he didn't seem to have an ounce of personality left and just did stuff based on the demands of the plot or the orders of Frank.

[The Law]

Frank won the Iowa Caucuses and is on his way to being renominated, so that was a big victory. And it goes from him being behind and his opponents unifying against him to winning without any explanation as to how or why it happened. This entire show is about political scheming and he doesn't pull a scheme that wins him Iowa?

[The_Mike]

I wouldn't count taking the very first step to keeping his current job as a big victory but fair enough, I suppose it was something that went his way. And you're right that it was weird that he just kind of won just because.

[Seanny One Ball]

Should make a Scottish one called hoose of cairds

[Zyphlin]

Really wans't a big fan of season 3. It's not that it was bad...it just felt very flat and uninteresting. I kept watching not becuase what I was watching was necessarily interesting, but House of Cards has been interesting and I kept waiting for it to hit those high notes again.

Part of the problem is one of the least interesting aspects of the show to me is Frank and Claire. I liked and appreciated the rather different nature of their relationship compared to many things on TV. There seemed to be legitimate love there between them, but at the same time had the feeling of a business arrangement more than a romantic pairing. I don't mind a look into Frank/Claire dynamics as an episode theme...but as a whole season? No thanks. Just not that interesting.

This is especially true when it seems so off centered from everything else. The 4th wall breaking comments by Underwood this season emphasized the same thing as the past two...that he actually does truly care greatly for Claire, that it's not just business. And yet, his response at the end seems so counter to that. Meanwhile, Frank was absolutely correct in terms of his comments towards Claire at the end regarding the seat. Leading up to this it's just unfathomable to think she never either thought of, or fully grasped, the notion that Frank being President was FRANK BEING PRESIDENT. I saw little difference in how much impact she had on Frank's decisions in his job as the Whip or as the VP than he has as a Pres. We never really saw that seem to bother Claire before, but all of a sudden she's having a conniption about it.

And that's kind of it. The characters just felt slightly...off. Even down to very little things, like a lot less double tapping from Frank (did he do it once in all his meetings with the Russian prez?)

I enjoy the political stuff on the show, specifically some of it that's at least mildly realistic feeling. Its probably why the debate, or some of the back and forths with the Russian President, were my favorite parts of this season.

Was really disappointed with Stamper's arc as well. Stamper was easily my favorite character of the first two seasons, with the only parts that irked me was the stuff with the chick. This jus basically turned it up to 11. I love Stamper the political operative, the man with power behind the man with power. I didn't even mind a look into the demons that make Stamper what he is. But Stamper the obsessive guy over lost [never really had] love going through rehab? Meh. The little parts where he was acting like what we came to expect from him were some of my favorites of the season. I LOVED the double cross with the journal.

That said, the journal is where they blew the chance of possibly having someone to "root against" in terms of Frank, at least to start. They've repeatedly established Dunbar as "clean" and seemingly principled, going so far as to have her take the stance about Strong's offer. She could grow to be that opponent to possibly get behind...and then, as Frank said, she "joined the guys" when she went for the political power play.

Finally, I think Mike hit on something with it just feeling like it was half a season. "Claire leaving" by itself doens't make a great ending/capp off point, nor does winning a single primary.

[The_Mike]

So, this is back. I'm about 4 episodes in and it is certainly improved from last year. Stuff's actually happening. Although...

Frank's only done one aside to the camera by my count, never knocks on anything, and just doesn't seem himself. And the "let's fuck with Russia while the President's in a coma" thing seems a bit 24. But Frank does have reason to not really feel like his old self right now, and at least the season has been very eventful so far.

[VHS]

Netflix is down... I've never experienced this before.

[The_Mike]

Working for me.

[TimeSplitter]

So, this is back. I'm about 4 episodes in and it is certainly improved from last year. Stuff's actually happening. Although...

Frank's only done one aside to the camera by my count, never knocks on anything, and just doesn't seem himself. And the "let's fuck with Russia while the President's in a coma" thing seems a bit 24. But Frank does have reason to not really feel like his old self right now, and at least the season has been very eventful so far.

Just got done with episode 3:

He's given three asides to the camera. Once in the second episode, and two smaller asides in the third.

[The_Mike]

I do not recollect those ones from the third at all, but I'll definitely take your word for it, I probably just got distracted. Good to know it's still there.

[The_Mike]

Finished Season 5 this morning. In the end I really liked Season 4, but this one again had a lot of the characters feeling off and the election arc felt pretty weak to me.

Conway seemed a poor foil for Francis and Claire. There was little to him beyond being young and handsome, or much back story other than a superficial look at PTSD. Then he starts pulling Anakin Skywalker faces and swears at a pilot and that's the end of that. A lot of things seemed to just pop up and end suddenly, like the revelation about how Frank got his liver. I got the impression in the second half of the season that the election was going to be a bigger thing until somebody decided they could say something about Trump by having Frank win under shady circumstances and then talk about how it's all the public's fault for not really trying to stop him. Then he gives up his position to Claire even though he clearly stopped trusting her, and I've lost any sense of what any character is motivated by.

[Fro]

11 episodes in, 3 to go. It's been a solid season so far but it's really picked up in the last episode or two with...

Walker testifying against Underwood and now Claire starting to finally turn on Frank. Not fully turn on him yet but she's starting to regret his evilness and I can feel a full face turn coming. Hopefully. Her being the one to stop him is only right. Finally she addressed the camera (broke the 4th wall) which I expected would happen. It wasn't that great of a moment to be honest, Robin Wright doesn't have the screen presence to do it like Kevin Spacey does, but I hope it means her character is finally going to get out of Frank's shadow and become more of a protagonist.

The election craziness dragged a little but overall the show is still high quality and I like the new characters (Mark Usher, Romero).

[VHS]

I'm glad Yates died. Lord, he annoyed the piss out of me.

[Fro]

Finished the season...

Finished Season 5 this morning. In the end I really liked Season 4, but this one again had a lot of the characters feeling off and the election arc felt pretty weak to me.

Conway seemed a poor foil for Francis and Claire. There was little to him beyond being young and handsome, or much back story other than a superficial look at PTSD. Then he starts pulling Anakin Skywalker faces and swears at a pilot and that's the end of that. A lot of things seemed to just pop up and end suddenly, like the revelation about how Frank got his liver. I got the impression in the second half of the season that the election was going to be a bigger thing until somebody decided they could say something about Trump by having Frank win under shady circumstances and then talk about how it's all the public's fault for not really trying to stop him. Then he gives up his position to Claire even though he clearly stopped trusting her, and I've lost any sense of what any character is motivated by.

In regard to the Trump comment, I'm almost certain these scripts were written about a year ago so I don't think there's any deliberate Trump commentary. The show runners (and actors) generally state that the show isn't a commentary on current politicians, and I believe them.

In regard to Frank's decision, I do agree with you that the motivation for his changing course seemed a bit thin there.

Overall I really enjoyed this season (particularly the second half) and think it set up season 6 to be maybe the most intriguing season since 1 or 2. The way the key characters are now positioned to butt heads makes for a more compelling conflict that what we've had over the last few seasons, especially with Frank and Claire's positions. I feel like there's a real end game coming into focus.

Spoilers:

RIP Leanne and Yates. I liked both of those characters a lot. Yates and Claire's scenes sometimes felt off because they never said much and just communicated through short sentences, looks, and unspoken words... but I'll still miss him.

Needless to say the show gets very over-the-top at times with all the murders. And sometimes it's a bit too dramatic like when Frank turns to the camera and says "if she doesn't pardon me, I'll kill her". But that's part of the fun of it all, in its absurdity.

[Fro]

I can't help but think this final season is going to seriously suck. The show was all set for Claire to take down Frank in the final season, for them to become foes and for Frank to get his just ending/defeat. Claire has been pretty evil at times too so I'm not sure she would have been the full hero but something like that is what I was expecting.

Now what will we get with Frank suddenly dead? Will Claire be a villain again, to be taken down by someone else? Or just a good president that we (the viewer) want to remain in office despite her prior crimes? What will the conflict be? I don't know that I even care what happens to Claire at this point. She has killed people but I don't despise her like I did Frank.

They obviously needed to cut ties with Spacey and I hope the writers can pull something together because this is a mega challenge to make the show and ending interesting without him.

The above teaser just reminded me that Claire talking to the camera is so much lamer than when Frank did it.

[Donald]

It's a shame what happened with Kevin Spacey. Do you think he'll ever work again?

[Morrison]

It's a shame what happened with Kevin Spacey. Do you think he'll ever work again?

yeah such a shame a dickhead sexual predator fucked up his career by being a dickhead sexual predator.