House of Cards series discussion [Archive]

Deadite

03-11-13, 06:51 PM

So what did you think? Personally I quite enjoy it, halfway through. Spacey's excellent as usual. Music is great, every episode so far has been absorbing. Epi 5 was the highlight, though! My only quibble is the intro; it's kind of blah.

Any thoughts on season 2?

Also, what was your method of watching? I'm curious, since this series was released in full, if anyone watched it all as a marathon (!), or an episode or two a day/night, or maybe in two or three sittings like a miniseries?

Yoda

03-11-13, 06:59 PM

I watched it 3-5 a day for a little under a week, I think it was. That's how I watch almost everything I have total access to. I have to really be nuts for something to take in more than a few a day, and even then it's usually half-hour comedies or something.

So, thoughts. Spoilers below...

I liked it a lot. Great opening scene. I think the first two episodes are far and away the best, though. It meanders a little in the middle. There's some character background which is definitely interesting, but doesn't feel particularly woven into the other story, which feels far more urgent and engrossing. I don't have any problem with what Underwood ended up doing: pretty much everything the show had shown us up to that point pointed to it, and it's obvious early on that the series is asking for just a little bit of license in terms of reality.

Still, it's hard to suspend disbelief when a show only wants you to do it a little. When it wants to be 75% real, like this one does. I kept getting hung up on little things, like the implausibility of a President using an Inaugural address to push a specific piece of legislation. :laugh:

But hey, Spacey's fantastic, the character's a lot of fun, and I was genuinely engrossed in trying to figure out what his plan was, which was both a blessing (for obvious reasons) and a curse (it made every side story feel like a pointless diversion). I feel it's very clearly in the second-tier of television programs: not the absolute best, but just below that. A notch below the Breaking Bads and Game of Thrones' of the world, but a clear step above most of the other dramas. A very-good-but-not-great first season.

I think it'll be tough to improve on the first season, because a lot happens and they've only left themselves so many places to go. I think it's very likely we've seen the best of it already. But I'll definitely be waiting eagerly for season 2.

4-ish.

seanc

03-11-13, 09:46 PM

I watched about three episodes a week for a month. I enjoyed it quite a bit but would agree with yoda that it is in the second tier of television. No where near Mad Men or Breaking Bad for me. One of my main issues is I found nobody to connect with whatsoever, every single one of the main characters is reprehensible. I think they tried to make Mara's character more sympathetic towards the last third of the season, but too little too late for me.

I also felt that there were three or four episodes towards the middle of the season that were so bad they almost lost me. I didn't need to see Underwood singing or hear about his sexual experimentation. He was a prick before, he was a prick after. The series picked up again though and finished strong. I still wish the biggest twist had not happened, but looking forward to season two.

Skepsis93

02-14-14, 07:27 PM

Shall we bump this for season 2?

I just went from liking to loving this show in the space of one episode.

I absolutely love what they're doing with Spacey's character. I feel like the anti-hero has been done pretty thoroughly on TV in recent years (Dexter Morgan, Don Draper, Walter White) and Frank spent much of Season 1 as the brilliantly smart, manipulative, charming a**hole you can't help but root for just a little. The use of direct-address, involving us in his plans, obviously played a big part in that. But when he killed Russo, he went from anti-hero to straight-up villain, but we were already trapped in his web. The incident in episode 1 of this season (ballsy move to put that in the first episode, by the way) cemented that feeling, with it being a direct, opportunistic action rather than the more passive Russo murder. Holding off on breaking the fourth wall until the very end was a brilliant choice: we think we've escaped the chaos, only to be told, "Did you think I'd forgotten you? Perhaps you hoped I had." Chilling.

Yoda

02-14-14, 09:11 PM

Starting the second season in just a few minutes! Knowing me I'll probably watch quite a few this weekend and have it finished by early next week.

Unfortunately, someone spoiled something for me. Something sizable. But hopefully the rest of the show's interesting enough that it doesn't end up ruining much.

Yoda

02-14-14, 10:20 PM

Oh man. You're totally right about the end of the first episode. That was perfect.

Equilibrium

02-15-14, 02:59 AM

I was so excited for the second season...imagine my excitement when i realized they dropped the ENTIRE second season on netflix as opposed to just the first episode..

Here we go... :)

Lucas

02-15-14, 11:38 AM

I'm only 4 episodes in but I think its great so far, especially ep.4. I must say "the Moment" in episode 1 really caught me by surprise.

http://pixel.nymag.com/imgs/daily/vulture/2014/02/14/14-fedora.o.jpg/a_560x375.jpg

Yoda

02-15-14, 12:17 PM

Amusingly, my parents are four episodes in, too, and that's how many I watched. Seems like a natural stopping point for a lot of people.

I'm definitely finishing this weekend. The only challenge now is to keep myself busy enough with work today that I don't go through more than 5-6. Because if I get up into 7 or so, the temptation to cram the last 2 in is going to be hard to resist, and that's a bit much.

Tacitus

02-15-14, 01:53 PM

Just starting season 2, watched the first one months ago and probably should have re-watched it before jumping in again, seeing as how we're dumped straight into things.

Season 1 was the best TV I've seen since The Wire ended, no question. ;)

Incidentally, has anyone seen the original BBC series? It's on Netflix UK anyway, don't know about elsewhere.

I watched it again after the new version's first run, having not seen it since it first aired nearly a quarter of a century ago. It's slightly dated, but not anywhere near as much as I'd feared, and the late Ian Richardson's Urquhart is a masterful performance.

Yoda

02-15-14, 01:58 PM

Yeah, I can't wait to go back and watch the old one--Netflix smartly has that all streaming, too. I hear it's obviously less polished/produced, but has exceptional dialogue, so I'm looking forward to it.

I liked season 1 a fair bit (as you can see from my post above), but I like it even more now. For whatever reason I decided I wanted to rewatch it a couple of months ago, and I found I liked it even more the second time. I think I take back what I said, putting it below the top-tier of programs. But in a weird way: I wouldn't tell someone else it's one of the best. But I'm finding it hard to deny that I, personally, enjoy it a whole lot. I can't say with a straight face that it's writing or plotting is as exceptional as the best series' out there, but just in terms of sheer enjoyment and entertainment value it's up there.

Tacitus

02-15-14, 02:04 PM

You'll not be encroaching on spoiler territory watching the original either, if that's stopping anybody.

You've got the rise to power of the scheming Chief Whip of the ruling party with a young (and attractive, natch) cub reporter seemingly the only one who's wise to what he's doing. The intricacies of each version differ.

To Play The King is also wonderful. ;)

EDIT - Yep, I know what you mean about writing and plotting but it's masterful television.

Tacitus

02-16-14, 12:23 PM

Got to episode 6 and, well, I'm not enjoying things as much as season one.

Asides from thinking the whole Dark Web stuff really heavy-handed, they're missing Kate Mara.

Spacey's performance in both seasons is hugely watchable but it's a role he can do in his sleep. The real enjoyment in terms of performance, for me, came with Mara and particularly Robin Wright.

So far, the strong female characters from Season one - Sandrine Holt, Constance Zimmer, Kristen Connolly and Rachel Brosnahan in addition to the two above - feel a bit marginalised.

TONGO

02-16-14, 01:18 PM

That first episode of the 2nd season watched and moved more like a season finale. Incredible stuff! I just finished the second episode and think I have a good guess on something thats gonna happen in a side storyline. Im pretty sure to the point Ill put it in spoilers...

Im guessing the pig story Franks friend told him at the rib shack comes into play with Claires person she encountered as a freshman.

Dont tell me if Im right :)

Yoda

02-16-14, 09:45 PM

Getting close to the end. Gonna try to finish it tonight. Like season 1 it seems to dip a little in the middle, but really, that's a relative complaint due to the fact that both start so incredibly strong. And I'm guessing this year, like last year, it'll end on a strong note, too. They get the Big Things right.

Lucas

02-18-14, 11:29 PM

Just finished the season finale, I rate the overall season a 4. The final episode was incredible in my eyes, and the final scene gave me chills. It is going to be extremely interesting to see where the series goes from here. It really is a shame that we have to wait another year, but oh well.

gandalf26

08-26-14, 06:27 PM

Sad that Deadite started this thread.

As Yoda says House of Cards is definitely a second tier TV series, funny as I was just saying the exact same thing to a workmate the other day. That aside it's a really good series that really sucks you in especially at the end of series 1 and 2, but yes as others said it dips in the middle. I wonder if in the future episodes we will get an insight into Frank and Claires past, what bad deeds remain unknown etc, we really know very little even 2 seasons in. Shocking start to season 2 but I suppose when you think about it perhaps it makes sense from the writers point of view, I mean where could the character go from there.

When is series 3 coming?

-KhaN-

02-28-15, 08:49 PM

Whats up with all of the propaganda in season 3? Its good series but get downgraded with stuff like this...

Tacitus

03-01-15, 04:53 AM

Season 3 hasn't grabbed me at all. The 'give Claire a job, any job' sub plot would have been a lot more palatable had her character not become so two dimensional. Lady Macbeth etc etc, we get it.

-KhaN-

03-01-15, 09:40 AM

I'm still interested to see what happens but amount of propaganda is over 9000,its hard to take it seriously.

TONGO

03-11-15, 02:30 PM

Loved the first season of the show, the second season? Not so much. Im going into episode 6 season 3 and say its gotten great again. The performances are awesome, and the directing gives an extremely authentic feel and appearance. Kevin Spacey is compelling, and never drops the ball.

Epiphany

03-11-16, 04:16 AM

The more I watch the American version, the more I find nuanced references to Bill and Hillary Clinton.

Topsy

07-18-16, 09:00 AM

Just started this,am on episode 9.
I like it.
I dont care for the part where he speaks directly to the camera though,i would have preferred a voice over insted.
I dont get the part of kevin spacey and kate mara.She seemed offended when someone suggested she slept her way for the information she was getting then 2 seconds later jumps into bed with him-it also came out of nowhere to me as there didnt seem to be any kind of sexual chemistry or connection between them.Also kate is a good actress but you can put her in as many negliches and push up bras and shadow on as much cleavage as you want,she has no sex appeal.
a lack of chemistry between two of the leads and one of the main storylines is defo a problem.

I liked Peter and his assistent,sad to see them go downhill so fast-i cant believe he cheated on her twice with the same person without realizing :lol: I did find it a bit odd he would sit down and talk so long with her when she was obviously drunk.
so yeah,its nice for a bingewatching night but not in a run for a spot on fave tv shows lists just yet.

Yoda

05-30-17, 10:59 AM

cat_sidhe

05-30-17, 06:29 PM

We're finishing Bosch and then ALL OVER the new season.

Elessar

05-31-17, 03:23 AM

Yoopee! The new season arrives. I have waited impatiently for it since I finished all 4 seasons last month.
I will watch only 1 ep/time to savour it. I can't imagine that the whole season is out - good format, netflix.

Ep 1 was great as usual. I like the moment when Frank said "I thought you knew me" then the camera revealed...
A very sleek president.

Movie Max

06-06-17, 04:00 PM

It took a long time for F U to push someone in season five. I almost gave up hope. Not my favourite season, but, still very watchable.:yup:

ash_is_the_gal

06-07-17, 11:38 AM

New season is out!

Normally my wife and I pounce all over these and binge them (often with French Bread Pizza, a sort of accidental tradition), but this one dropped in the middle of the week and there's a lot going on, so we might hold off a few days.

same! like what happened to putting it up on fridays?

i've only watched 2 episodes so far and i was kinda disappointed in the season opener, but i'm still hoping it gets better. i really really really hope Claire breaks the fourth wall. i'm gonna be disappointed if she doesn't at least ONCE

Yoda

06-07-17, 11:40 AM

Elessar

06-10-17, 07:10 AM

Same here re: two episodes. Normally I'd be done within days, but there's just so much going on this summer.

I actually liked the first episode a lot more, but then, I think the series is better when Frank is scheming in interesting ways, and as he's risen in power that's been harder and harder for them to incorporate; it's been more about him dodging threats or managing personal issues, which is less fun/interesting. So I was just pleased to see them get back to basics, so to speak.

But now he's back on dodging threats!
I have seen 11 eps so far and the show is losing steam for me.

One problem I have with all 5 seasons is, in the same spirit with your complain: I would like to see Frank actually do something productive, other than manipulating situations all the time. Just because he's vicious doesn't mean he can't have some positive policy. How about that AmWork? The way the show depicts that employment program is a bit lacking and naive. They mentioned Medicare once then threw it out of the window. Surely ambitious people like Frank and Claire would try to at least improve something, anything.

cat_sidhe

06-10-17, 07:21 AM

Same here re: two episodes. Normally I'd be done within days, but there's just so much going on this summer.

I actually liked the first episode a lot more, but then, I think the series is better when Frank is scheming in interesting ways, and as he's risen in power that's been harder and harder for them to incorporate; it's been more about him dodging threats or managing personal issues, which is less fun/interesting. So I was just pleased to see them get back to basics, so to speak.

Raced through it in a day, now I'm all sad I have to wait a year. Same lament each year since it started. Still haven't learned to pace myself....:mad:

same! like what happened to putting it up on fridays?

i've only watched 2 episodes so far and i was kinda disappointed in the season opener, but i'm still hoping it gets better. i really really really hope Claire breaks the fourth wall. i'm gonna be disappointed if she doesn't at least ONCE

*bites fist*

Yoda

06-10-17, 12:38 PM

Back on the train. Watched a few last night. Probably gonna plow through the rest over the weekend/early-week. I'll be back.

ynwtf

06-11-17, 02:31 AM

Just finished the last season. Literally thumbing this out on my mobile while the credits roll.

Quickly, this may be my favorite season. Feels like less happened than earlier seasons but it felt deeper. Really enjoyed all the teasing nods to the viewer through the season. That may be my favorite element throughout, how Underwood has some omnipotent-like awareness due to his power. I love how that evolved, this season in particular.

All I'll say here. Great final two episodes, IMO.

*Bites Sidhe's fist too*
Cuz I'm right there with you on that point!

Elessar

06-11-17, 04:58 AM

I've just finished it too.
The last episode redeem the whole season for me. Intense and surprising.

I don't know if they intend to do another season, but I think this season wrap it well. No need to knead it more.

gandalf26

06-16-17, 01:40 PM

Same here re: two episodes. Normally I'd be done within days, but there's just so much going on this summer.

I actually liked the first episode a lot more, but then, I think the series is better when Frank is scheming in interesting ways, and as he's risen in power that's been harder and harder for them to incorporate; it's been more about him dodging threats or managing personal issues, which is less fun/interesting. So I was just pleased to see them get back to basics, so to speak.

Was gonna say something like this, was more fun when he was scheming from a lower postion. Also when the years go by I tend to forget a lot of the sub-plots in a second tier show like this, the whole Rachel/Doug/Lisa thing.

Just finished this season and it all just felt a bit meh, few too many people are disappearing, or getting thrown downstairs etc, is Usher the new FU who is gonna throw Frank and Claire under the bus.

Yoda

12-04-17, 03:34 PM

Not a surprise, but now it's official:

https://twitter.com/THR/status/937736469451542528

John McClane

11-06-18, 03:18 PM

So far, it's sewer trash.

Austruck

11-06-18, 03:19 PM

Just binged the whole final season 6 over the past two days. Some of the ending went where I expected it to go, but having read somewhere about "that season finale shocker" (mostly clickbait, I admit, but I didn't click it), I was a tad disappointed. I didn't feel Claire could have so easily bounced back in apparent popularity after some of the stunts this season.

This had to be the final season for several reasons, one of which was that, if they had any more, everybody would be talking to the camera. :D

Austruck

11-06-18, 03:21 PM

So far, it's sewer trash.

There was no way I wasn't going to watch the final season, but I kinda agree on this. It felt like they were painfully aware they had to wrap things up and get out as unscathed as possible.

And although Robin Wright has been brilliant this whole series, I hate to say this but the show just isn't the same without Francis there front and center making trouble.

John McClane

11-06-18, 03:27 PM

Austruck: I feel bad for Robin Wright because a lot of reviews have been slamming her and putting the weight of the show on her character when she was never meant to be its focal point.

This series could have ended way better with a single episode (2 hr format) where we see a Spacey look alike get taken down by an assassin and then go from there. So basically, a 2 hr episode of "OMG, Francis is dead!" and all the madness that comes with a presidential assassination. You could have had any and all parties trying to wrangle power from Claire, but nooooooooooooo. Had to go the sewer trash route.

Austruck

11-06-18, 03:29 PM

John McClane

11-06-18, 03:36 PM

I start episode 3 tonight and I'm just like....ugh, I don't wanna. But I'm too invested now to not finish.

It's all Spacey's fault. Sexual assaulting *******!

Stirchley

06-10-19, 02:47 PM

It definitely didn't need to be eight episodes, though I'm at least relieved they didn't stretch it to the typical 13 episodes (to match a suit of cards) that they'd done in previous seasons. I kept checking to see what episode I was on, to see how much longer I had to suffer. :D

Having said that, I adore Greg Kinnear, so it was fun to watch him play a not-so-nice guy for a change.

Robin Wright was excellent in the final season, but what a bizarre season. Went almost too far in its wackiness. Oh, well, I watched the show from the beginning to the end. Gonna miss the opening credits & music. One of the best show openers.