My interest in everyday politics is minimal, which is reflected onto the lack of political shows that I watch. However, when House of Cards was suggested to me by a friend, I decided to give it a shot, for the main reason that it was categorised as a thriller as well. Since it is not like the usual genre of series I'm exposed to, it took me a while to get familiarised with the settings but right after the first couple of episodes, I was hooked on.
It is a story that focuses on Frank Underwood, portrayed by the brilliant Kevin Spacey, who works at the White House as a Whip and had the ambition of being appointed as Secretary of State. But when he was passed over as a choice for candidacy, Underwood decides to go ahead with an articulate plan to surpass everyone and get into a position of the highest power. He takes on the help of his wife, Claire Underwood, who runs a non-profit environmental organisation.
While the first two seasons were engaging enough, so far, the third season is my favourite. Not only is the proper focus on the Underwoods' so called 'perfectly structured' marriage, but now that there is no one left to eliminate from the White House, we get to see a different, more in-depth side to the two major characters. They have lost their sources into which they usually channel their anger and passion and now that they both have gotten what they want, it is interesting to see them struggle with each other's interference, especially since Frank is the President of the United States. The maddening method with which he manipulates power, ties up loose ends and controls people like they are chess pieces, is both a work of genius and very, very scary.
While the first two seasons were engaging enough, so far, the third season is my favourite. Not only is the proper focus on the Underwoods' so called 'perfectly structured' marriage, but now that there is no one left to eliminate from the White House, we get to see a different, more in-depth side to the two major characters. They have lost their sources into which they usually channel their anger and passion and now that they both have gotten what they want, it is interesting to see them struggle with each other's interference, especially since Frank is the President of the United States. The maddening method with which he manipulates power, ties up loose ends and controls people like they are chess pieces, is both a work of genius and very, very scary.
House of Cards is like a reflection as to how the political world operates, though it is contradictory as to whether the details shown in the series and that what happens in reality is the same. The second season's story arc was a little dragging of sorts as compared to it's predecessor and successor seasons, but the third has truly been the kicker and made the whole thing worth a watch.
Happy binge-watching!
Happy binge-watching!
