It’s brilliant, witty, comical, and intriguing. For someone who doesn’t know a lot about the inner-workings of politics, I was skeptical about starting the Netflix original series. The more episodes you watch, the more likely you are to be drug in. With murder, scandal, cheating, scheming, and lying as part of the plot, how could you not be interested?
Kevin Spacey plays Frank Underwood.
This series would probably be called “Revenge,” but that title was already taken. “House of Cards” has been nominated for an Emmy (and Robin Wright won an Emmy for her role of Claire Underwood) because it’s worthy of such stature. In fact, it’s so good that the plans to create a third season were announced last week, and this week Season Two premiers on Feb. 14. What better way to spend your Valentine’s Day than with Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey)?
The series of directors for Season One included David Fincher, James Foley, Joel Schumacher, Charles McDougall, Carl Franklin, and Allen Coulter. Personally, I really like David Fincher’s work. He’s directed films such as “Fight Club,” “The Social Network,” and “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.” Fincher breaks down the fourth wall in films where specific characters talk directly to the audience.
Some people don’t like it because it’s not the norm,
but I think this gives “House of Cards” even more of an edge, and it makes the viewer feel like they personally know the character.
Down to the story line. The time is set to present day in Washington, D.C., and many of the scenes take place within or near historical monuments throughout the city. My favorite character is the main character, Francis or “Frank” Underwood played by Kevin Spacey. Spacey does an amazing job in this role. It’s hard to convince myself that he’s not actually that character in real life.
Spacey with Robin Wright, who plays Claire Underwood.
Underwood is a congressman who is on a mission to rebuild his way up to the top of the politics food chain. Of course, this cannot be done without manipulation and a heavy dose of blackmail. The only person who could accompany Underwood through this type of life is his wife, Claire Underwood (Robin Wright). Claire is just as mischievous and twisted as he is. Their marriage isn’t really a marriage, it’s a partnership with sexual benefits. They’re a pretty face to the press, but what goes on behind closed doors is the complete opposite.
Underwood’s right-hand-man, Doug Stamper (Michael Kelly) is his devotee. Anything the congressman wants, he gets by way of Stamper. Other characters worth mentioning are Zoe Barnes (played by Kate Mara) and Representative Peter Russo (played by Corey Stoll) .
Zoe Barnes is an up-and-coming journalist who works for the “Washington Herald.” Throughout the beginning episodes she tries to do everything she can in order to get her first big break with a headline story. Just when she thinks she’ll be covering generic stories for forever, Underwood comes into her life and her career evolves into something she never saw coming. As for Peter Russo, I love to hate his character.
The representative likes his alcohol and he likes his drugs a little too much.
What happens to him throughout the series makes you want to cheer him on to a new beginning, and then you want to punch him the face for being so stupid.
Underwood is a huge part of all of these individuals’ lives in one way or another. The season starts out a little slow, but there is so much information to learn about all of the characters that it’s necessary. Before you know it you’ll be on Episode Nine and all hell begins to break loose. Watch as Congressman Frank Underwood transitions into being the vice president of the United States. It makes you contemplate how many incidents in the series are relevant to what goes down on Capitol Hill. It’s obvious that some scenes are just for the series, but it also makes you wonder “what if that were to actually happen, is that really how people handle politics?”
After watching the final episode you can’t help but be intrigued as to how the next deck of cards will be dealt and who will win in the game of politics. I’m so excited for Season Two that I posted the preview for it below. If you’re the slightest bit interested, I highly encourage you to watch the first season in preparations for the second season premiere.
About Lauren Estlinbaum
