Spoilers House of Cards - Season 5

[The Nth Doctor]

Has anyone started watching the fifth season of House of Cards yet?

I'm more than half way through and I'm enjoying it extensively, especially considering I marathoned the show the last couple of weeks in preparation.

As expected from last season's finale, the Underwood plan to rule by fear in order to win the election went full throttle and then some. And naturally, plenty of voter fraud along the way.

Maybe it's the journalist in me, but I always enjoy the scenes with Boris McGiver as Tom Hammerschmidt, slowly piecing together the terrible truths about the Underwoods, even if it's a slow drip. And now he's even believing the possibly of Zoe's death being a murder. Before long, he'll think the same about Peter.

That being said, I don't like Sean Jefferies and his brand of journalism. I started hating him the moment he abandoned Lisa in the toilet stall, semi-conscious and stoned out of her mind, the moment he got his scoop from her. Asshole.

Campbell Scott and Patricia Clarkson are fine additions to the cast and I hope they stick with the show beyond this season, assuming the show continues. I wasn't sure about Clarkson's Jane Davis, but when she began to flex her intellect, it was clear she was a power to be reckoned with. Scott's Mark Usher was clearly a formidable political broker from the get go. I loved how easily he slid from the sudden failing Conway campaign (partially his doing) to the Underwood administration. Doug has every right to be worried about him.

Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright are a joy as always, whether they're a united front or clashing against each regarding their wants and desires. I can never tell if they're truly with each other or if this time they will really destroy each other. Ultimately, that's how I see this show ending: Not journalists or politicians ending the Underwoods, but the Underwoods ending themselves.

 

[Owain Taggart]

I thought Season 4 was pretty bad. The whole dynamic between Frank and Clair didn't seem to work very well. I actually thought Season 3, which many believe to be weaker, to actually be pretty good. Felt stronger. So, I was curious to see how they would come back from Season 4. I thought the first episode was a pretty strong start to the season.

What I've liked about this series is how it doesn't hold back. And this season should be rather interesting. Already, I'm seeing parallels. If the trailer was any indication, I think this will be an important season, not only in terms of plot development, but the kind of commentary we'll get from it as a whole.

 

[Amaris]

This season was fantastic! Yeah, I shotgunned all 13 seasons in a single day, and I can't feel my butt, but that final scene which ended the season was worth every second.

Edit: That should be 13 episodes, I haven't slept since two days ago.

 

[The Nth Doctor]

Yeah, that final scene was superb. I can't wait to see a full season of President Claire Underwood. And considering she didn't pardon Frank, at least not right away, it looks like my prediction in my previous post may very well become true.

Man, a lot of bodies dropped in the final few episodes. Aidan Macallan, Tom Yates, LeAnn Harvey, Eric Rawlings, the ICO leader (which was a bit too on the nose alluding to Osama bin Laden, in death at least). I'm not at all surprised Claire killed Tom but I was certainly in awe by the way she did it. It's remarkable she has only just joined the murder club, but the level of coolness she brought it made her look like an old pro. I'm sorry LeAnn was bumped off at the end. I was looking forward to seeing her as Claire's chief of staff as a nice counterbalance to the Frank/Doug/Remy days.

Maybe it's just me, but it seems like with the new show runners, the level of sexual fetishism has gone up several ticks. Sure, the show has always been explicitly sexual, but this season we've seen Doug's weird relationship with Laura Moretti (granted was initiated last season) that ended with "I'm not fucking you because I like you, I'm fucking you because I hate you," Tom fucking the White House tour guide on the press secretary podium, and LeAnn suddenly coming onto Doug because she discovered he was video spying on her. I'm not bothered by it, but it stood out more this season for me.

Nice to see Garrett Walker return and grow a pair, albeit inspired by Frank's hubristic pep talk. Likewise, it was great to see Jim Matthews return for the first time since season one. However, I was sad, but unsurprised that we didn't get to see Jackie Sharp, Remy Danton, Freddy Hayes, Heather Dunbar, or Janine Skorsky, and only one appearance by Kate Baldwin. Hopefully they'll return in some form next season. Strange Margaret TIlden, the Washington Herald's owner, didn't return for one of those meetings in the final episodes.

The only thing I was truly shocked by was something relatively mundane: Frank pushing Cathy Durant down the stairs. Not only was it a risky move on his part, it's remarkable he got away with it. Sure no one is going to question the president on his account, but surely there would be some sign that she was actually pushed instead of tripping. Further, how would he know she would actually fall unconscious and stay unconscious long enough to make his moves? And was she really still unconscious (or kept quiet) during that whole time during the last two episodes? A bit farfetched even for this show.

 

[Amaris]

Yeah, that final scene was superb. I can't wait to see a full season of President Claire Underwood. And considering she didn't pardon Frank, at least not right away, it looks like my prediction in my previous post may very well become true.

Man, a lot of bodies dropped in the final few episodes. Aidan Macallan, Tom Yates, LeAnn Harvey, Eric Rawlings, the ICO leader (which was a bit too on the nose alluding to Osama bin Laden, in death at least). I'm not at all surprised Claire killed Tom but I was certainly in awe by the way she did it. It's remarkable she has only just joined the murder club, but the level of coolness she brought it made her look like an old pro. I'm sorry LeAnn was bumped off at the end. I was looking forward to seeing her as Claire's chief of staff as a nice counterbalance to the Frank/Doug/Remy days.

Maybe it's just me, but it seems like with the new show runners, the level of sexual fetishism has gone up several ticks. Sure, the show has always been explicitly sexual, but this season we've seen Doug's weird relationship with Laura Moretti (granted was initiated last season) that ended with "I'm not fucking you because I like you, I'm fucking you because I hate you," Tom fucking the White House tour guide on the press secretary podium, and LeAnn suddenly coming onto Doug because she discovered he was video spying on her. I'm not bothered by it, but it stood out more this season for me.

Nice to see Garrett Walker return and grow a pair, albeit inspired by Frank's hubristic pep talk. Likewise, it was great to see Jim Matthews return for the first time since season one. However, I was sad, but unsurprised that we didn't get to see Jackie Sharp, Remy Danton, Freddy Hayes, Heather Dunbar, or Janine Skorsky, and only one appearance by Kate Baldwin. Hopefully they'll return in some form next season. Strange Margaret TIlden, the Washington Herald's owner, didn't return for one of those meetings in the final episodes.

The only thing I was truly shocked by was something relatively mundane: Frank pushing Cathy Durant down the stairs. Not only was it a risky move on his part, it's remarkable he got away with it. Sure no one is going to question the president on his account, but surely there would be some sign that she was actually pushed instead of tripping. Further, how would he know she would actually fall unconscious and stay unconscious long enough to make his moves? And was she really still unconscious (or kept quiet) during that whole time during the last two episodes? A bit farfetched even for this show.

Once I saw the liquid herbal that Jane gave Claire, and described its danger at high doses, I knew it was Chekov's Gun, and would reappear later. Sure enough, when Tom started behaving like he was losing his mental faculties, I knew what had happened, and yeah, that was nothing short of brutal considering how much he meant to Claire, but as we know, what Claire ultimately wants is power, and now she has it.

There were so many twists and turns this season, but it kept me on my toes, because I couldn't parse just who was going to end up where. At some points, I was certain Claire was going to become President, and I just wasn't sure how, but there were occasional feints where I was uncertain. I think they did a very good job of navigating that path. Also, that scene in episode 11 at the 9 minute mark? That left me with the heebiest of jeebies, the way Claire looked directly at me (us) and responded.

Speaking in regards to the sex stuff, yeah, it seems to have been turned up to 11. I will say I wasn't at all surprised when Tom came on to Frank. I saw that one coming a mile away, and was rewarded by a pretty steamy scene between the two. I felt bad for Tom, too, because he fell in love with Frank, but Frank can't love people. Frank loves power, that is his true love. He can feel sad, he can be concerned, and attentive, but love? Not in Frank's arsenal.

What feels odd is that even while I'm cheering on Frank and Claire, I'm also hoping they get caught. It's a weird feeling, and Frank addressed it very well in one of his 4th wall moments during the committee hearing towards the very end. Stellar performances by Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright, once again. They continue to impress me.

Now I want season 6. Where is it?!

 

[The Nth Doctor]

Also, that scene in episode 11 at the 9 minute mark? That left me with the heebiest of jeebies, the way Claire looked directly at me (us) and responded.

Oh, yes, I forgot to mention that! That was so brilliant! There was a scene earlier in the season (where Francis is meeting with his Cabinet) where I'm pretty sure she reacts to his conversation with us as well as during the Oath, but this was a whole new level. I can only hope that now she's president, she'll be doing it more...even if she doesn't trust us.

Speaking in regards to the sex stuff, yeah, it seems to have been turned up to 11. I will say I wasn't at all surprised when Tom came on to Frank. I saw that one coming a mile away, and was rewarded by a pretty steamy scene between the two. I felt bad for Tom, too, because he fell in love with Frank, but Frank can't love people. Frank loves power, that is his true love. He can feel sad, he can be concerned, and attentive, but love? Not in Frank's arsenal.

Same for what happened with Eric. He got in way over his head and went far beyond his station. Naturally, Frank shut it down as soon as he saw it was no longer tenable. I was, however, surprised when Eric jumped the fence.

What feels odd is that even while I'm cheering on Frank and Claire, I'm also hoping they get caught. It's a weird feeling, and Frank addressed it very well in one of his 4th wall moments during the committee hearing towards the very end. Stellar performances by Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright, once again. They continue to impress me.

Yup, I have the same conflicted feelings. I want them to win every step of the way and a large part of that is because of Spacey's and Wright's performances. At the end of the day, I do want to see them go down, although I expect it'll be by their own doing and not by others.

 

[Amaris]

Oh, yes, I forgot to mention that! That was so brilliant! There was a scene earlier in the season (where Francis is meeting with his Cabinet) where I'm pretty sure she reacts to his conversation with us as well as during the Oath, but this was a whole new level. I can only hope that now she's president, she'll be doing it more...even if she doesn't trust us.

Indeed, and it's one of the things I love about Robin Wright's presentation of Claire. I don't know how she does it, but she exudes power. Yes, Frank is powerful, and you can sense it from him, but the moment Claire walks into the room, you know who is truly in control of what is going on. I love it. Also, I love the idea of The President and (nearly) the entire cabinet being staffed by women. That's a "it's about time!" moment.

Same for what happened with Eric. He got in way over his head and went far beyond his station. Naturally, Frank shut it down as soon as he saw it was no longer tenable. I was, however, surprised when Eric jumped the fence.

Oops! Yeah, I meant to say Eric, not Tom. I don't know what I was thinking. I'm exhausted.

Poor Eric, he just couldn't see that Frank didn't want someone to love, only to enjoy for a short time. I will say one of the emerging characters I really like is Mark Usher. He's fast on his feet, and a fighter, like Frank, but he's more reserved. He's more like how Frank was before he became President: Cool, cunning, self-effacing. I expect a great deal from him in the next season ahead.

I like Catherine Durant quite a lot, too, Yeah, she has been complicit on a number of terrible things along with the Underwoods, but I always feel her motives are pure, that she believes it will help save lives, so I can't be too hard on her for that. I figured she was about to take a literal fall, though, when Frank even lampshaded it right before he pushed her down the stairs. Still, a hell of a brazen act for Frank. I think that will come back on him next season, possibly for a way Claire can completely sever ties with him. I mean, she hasn't, but she's just as ambitious as Frank, possibly moreso. She cares about Frank with a certain fondness, but she *loved* Tom, and still killed him to protect herself and Frank. I wouldn't put it past her to have Frank quietly shipped off.

Yup, I have the same conflicted feelings. I want them to win every step of the way and a large part of that is because of Spacey's and Wright's performances. At the end of the day, I do want to see them go down, although I expect it'll be by their own doing and not by others.

Indeed, and they both have filthy, bloody hands now. Frank's body count is higher than Claire's, but both show a willingness to murder for the sake of self-preservation. I was also sure Doug was going to be killed this season, too. He had become too much of a liability to Frank. I was sure the herbal that Claire had was going to be used on him at dinner, but it wasn't. Like I said, though, once I saw Tom start to fade, I KNEW she had used it on him. The thing is, I had come to rather dislike Tom anyway. He was arrogant, and though he was right about the Underwoods, he was just as complicit in some of their worst moments. Add to the fact he willingly and knowingly stepped over the line often (seriously, having sex in the Press room, Tom?), I'm surprised he lasted as long as he did.

 

[The Nth Doctor]

Indeed, and it's one of the things I love about Robin Wright's presentation of Claire. I don't know how she does it, but she exudes power. Yes, Frank is powerful, and you can sense it from him, but the moment Claire walks into the room, you know who is truly in control of what is going on. I love it. Also, I love the idea of The President and (nearly) the entire cabinet being staffed by women. That's a "it's about time!" moment.

Yup, I feel the same way about Claire. Wright is absolutely extraordinary in her performance in every single episode. It boggles my mind she hasn't won an Emmy. Spacey, too, but more so her.

Oops! Yeah, I meant to say Eric, not Tom. I don't know what I was thinking. I'm exhausted.

Poor Eric, he just couldn't see that Frank didn't want someone to love, only to enjoy for a short time.

That's I figured what you meant, although I thought perhaps I forgot about something that happened between Frank and Tom, too. I binged, too, but my mind is a sieve.

I will say one of the emerging characters I really like is Mark Usher. He's fast on his feet, and a fighter, like Frank, but he's more reserved. He's more like how Frank was before he became President: Cool, cunning, self-effacing. I expect a great deal from him in the next season ahead.

Yup, same here. I talked a bit about that in my initial post, but he's definitely the best new character and a lot of that comes down to Campbell Scott's performance. He's always been good at playing cool customers, but seeing him going head to head against both Conway and the Underwoods without breaking sweat, you know he's formidable player.

I like Catherine Durant quite a lot, too, Yeah, she has been complicit on a number of terrible things along with the Underwoods, but I always feel her motives are pure, that she believes it will help save lives, so I can't be too hard on her for that. I figured she was about to take a literal fall, though, when Frank even lampshaded it right before he pushed her down the stairs. Still, a hell of a brazen act for Frank. I think that will come back on him next season, possibly for a way Claire can completely sever ties with him. I mean, she hasn't, but she's just as ambitious as Frank, possibly moreso. She cares about Frank with a certain fondness, but she *loved* Tom, and still killed him to protect herself and Frank. I wouldn't put it past her to have Frank quietly shipped off.

Yeah, that sums up my feelings about Cathy as well. I'm sure we'll see more of her next season and the push in come into play, but the way it was played out at the end of this was a bit clumsy. Heh, so to speak.

Indeed, and they both have filthy, bloody hands now. Frank's body count is higher than Claire's, but both show a willingness to murder for the sake of self-preservation. I was also sure Doug was going to be killed this season, too. He had become too much of a liability to Frank. I was sure the herbal that Claire had was going to be used on him at dinner, but it wasn't. Like I said, though, once I saw Tom start to fade, I KNEW she had used it on him. The thing is, I had come to rather dislike Tom anyway. He was arrogant, and though he was right about the Underwoods, he was just as complicit in some of their worst moments. Add to the fact he willingly and knowingly stepped over the line often (seriously, having sex in the Press room, Tom?), I'm surprised he lasted as long as he did.

Didn't help any Claire blabbed to him about the murders of Zoe and Peter. The moment she did that, even though he stopped her from going further, I knew he was going to die sooner than later.

 

[Amaris]

Yup, I feel the same way about Claire. Wright is absolutely extraordinary in her performance in every single episode. It boggles my mind she hasn't won an Emmy. Spacey, too, but more so her.

That is a travesty in and of its own self. Yes, Kevin Spacey is awesome, but it's Robin Wright who has really shown her mettle here. She's got the chops, she deserves the award. Speaking of talent, did you notice that Roxann Dawson (of B'elanna Torres fame) was the director for two of the episodes? Clearly, she has skill, because both of those episodes were excellent.

That's I figured what you meant, although I thought perhaps I forgot about something that happened between Frank and Tom, too. I binged, too, but my mind is a sieve.

Mine, too. I keep blending people together, and finding out they weren't the same person later. When I do the rewatch in a week or two, it will probably cement in place, though.

Yup, same here. I talked a bit about that in my initial post, but he's definitely the best new character and a lot of that comes down to Campbell Scott's performance. He's always been good at playing cool customers, but seeing him going head to head against both Conway and the Underwoods without breaking sweat, you know he's formidable player.

Agreed. I had never heard of him before this show, but he's very good at playing cool characters. I do think it was sad that Conway ended up being unstable. I mean, we saw tiny hints here and there of PTSD, but I didn't think it would get that out of hand when he threatened pilots for not letting him take control. That was just on-edge for him.

Yeah, that sums up my feelings about Cathy as well. I'm sure we'll see more of her next season and the push in come into play, but the way it was played out at the end of this was a bit clumsy. Heh, so to speak.

That may be the final nail in the coffin leading to Frank's true *cough* downfall.

Didn't help any Claire blabbed to him about the murders of Zoe and Peter. The moment she did that, even though he stopped her from going further, I knew he was going to die sooner than later.

Yeah, that was a "well, he's gonna die eventually" moment, though I figured it would be at the hands of Frank, or possibly Doug, who seems more than a little murder happy.

 

[The Nth Doctor]

Speaking of talent, did you notice that Roxann Dawson (of B'elanna Torres fame) was the director for two of the episodes? Clearly, she has skill, because both of those episodes were excellent.

Yup, she's always a great director. She directed an episode of The Americans this year, too.

Mine, too. I keep blending people together, and finding out they weren't the same person later. When I do the rewatch in a week or two, it will probably cement in place, though.

Yeah, I've done that. While watching last season, I somehow managed to merge Jackie Sharp and Heather Dunbar into one character, forgetting everything from the past seasons. While marathoning the whole show this month, I can't see how I could've done that now.

...or possibly Doug, who seems more than a little murder happy.

Yeah, he is, although he did show some restraint with Lisa. I guess he realize she was scared enough not to be a problem. Or maybe he briefly developed conscience.

 

[Amaris]

Yup, she's always a great director. She directed an episode of The Americans this year, too.

I didn't know that. I haven't watched this season of The Americans yet, I'm waiting for the season to finish so I can give up 13 hours of my day to watching them all.

Yeah, I've done that. While watching last season, I somehow managed to merge Jackie Sharp and Heather Dunbar into one character, forgetting everything from the past seasons. While marathoning the whole show this month, I can't see how I could've done that now.

It's kind of easy to do, to be honest. This may make me sound old, but some of these younger people look a lot alike. #TVracist #notallprettypeople

Yeah, he is, although he did show some restraint with Lisa. I guess he realize she was scared enough not to be a problem. Or maybe he briefly developed conscience.

Ooh, yeah, I forgot about that. I was sure he was going to kill her. When she ran, I wasn't convinced he wasn't going to follow her. I remembered what he did to Rachel out in the desert. At first he was compassionate and let her go, but then he went right back and killed her. Doug is one of those whom I wanted to get caught. I'm curious to see how he will react to Leann's (alleged) murder in the next season.

 

[The Nth Doctor]

One thing I forgot to mention earlier: I'm rather annoyed by the number of people aren't referring to Frank as Mr. President but instead Frank or even Francis. Before this season, only Claire called him Francis, a fact that Frank noted early in the show that only she does. Further, he had his falling out with Freddy last season because Freddy called him Frank instead of Mr. President. Yet a variety of people, ranging from people "relatively" close to him like Cathy to people not at all close to him such as a governor and a congressman, have called him either Frank or Francis, and he didn't rebuff any of them.

I didn't know that. I haven't watched this season of The Americans yet, I'm waiting for the season to finish so I can give up 13 hours of my day to watching them all.

Then get on it! The season just ended.

 

[Amaris]

One thing I forgot to mention earlier: I'm rather annoyed by the number of people aren't referring to Frank as Mr. President but instead Frank or even Francis. Before this season, only Claire called him Francis, a fact that Frank noted early in the show that only she does. Further, he had his falling out with Freddy last season because Freddy called him Frank instead of Mr. President. Yet a variety of people, ranging from people "relatively" close to him like Cathy to people not at all close to him such as a governor and a congressman, have called him either Frank or Francis, and he didn't rebuff any of them.

Just my own little theory, but I think it's because Frank has already become dissatisfied with the level of power the Presidency affords. He, at first, saw it as the brass ring, the ultimate achievement of power, but once he got there and realized how hamstrung he was at every level, it simply was no longer enough, so Frank lost just enough respect for the office to not care whether or not the people around him addressed him as Mr. President or not. See, when Freddy called him Frank, he had done it right after Francis had achieved his initial goal, so he was riding high.

Still, it goes back to the way the Underwoods work. While you're useful, you can seem as close as a brother. The moment your value has been deemed less than worthy, they instantly turn cold. Even Tom saw that in Claire, not long before she murdered him. Like Frank, she can just shut off that kindness and consideration in an instant. In all honesty, the two are probably sociopaths.

Then get on it! The season just ended.

Thanks for the heads up! I never know when the seasons start or end for shows like that.

 

[The Nth Doctor]

Just my own little theory, but I think it's because Frank has already become dissatisfied with the level of power the Presidency affords. He, at first, saw it as the brass ring, the ultimate achievement of power, but once he got there and realized how hamstrung he was at every level, it simply was no longer enough, so Frank lost just enough respect for the office to not care whether or not the people around him addressed him as Mr. President or not. See, when Freddy called him Frank, he had done it right after Francis had achieved his initial goal, so he was riding high.

Still, it goes back to the way the Underwoods work. While you're useful, you can seem as close as a brother. The moment your value has been deemed less than worthy, they instantly turn cold. Even Tom saw that in Claire, not long before she murdered him. Like Frank, she can just shut off that kindness and consideration in an instant. In all honesty, the two are probably sociopaths.

Okay, that makes sense from Frank's perspective...but why the hell are all of these people calling him by his first name instead of Mr. President? That's highly disrespectful, no matter your opinion of him.

 

[Amaris]

Okay, that makes sense from Frank's perspective...but why the hell are all of these people calling him by his first name instead of Mr. President? That's highly disrespectful, no matter your opinion of him.

Because they don't respect him. Those closest to him have experienced his carrot/stick approach too many times, with the stick being twice as large, and the carrot merely being "we won't obliterate your future career choices." Doug only continues to be faithful because he's psychotic and fixated on Frank as his personal savior. The rest? They're compliant because Frank has threatened them, but they don't have to like it or respect the man who keeps his heel on each of their necks. Poor Cathy is constantly reminded that she can be tossed out on her ass at any moment, regardless of how well she performs her job (I think she's amazing at it). Also, I think many of them sense that Frank's days are going to be short and arduous. Notice how Claire is referred to as Madame President, Mrs. Underwood, or Madame Vice President. Unlike Frank, she hasn't expended that same political capital on threats. People perceive her as having great integrity. The only one who truly knows how low she can go is Donald, because Claire directly insulted him in the most ruthless way. Then, and only then, did the truth come out.

 

[The Nth Doctor]

Speaking of Donald, it was so refreshing to see him briefly grow a pair and throw the initials insult at her.

 

[Amaris]

Speaking of Donald, it was so refreshing to see him briefly grow a pair and throw the initials insult at her.

Yep, and I didn't blame him. I mean, I hate that word, but dear god, Claire was nothing short of brutal. I think, for a moment, we got to see the very real Claire, and it was enough for Donald's eyes to open completely. Donald may not have been the fastest on the draw, or the sharpest politician, but he was a kind man who instantly recognized naked avarice for what it was.

 

[The Nth Doctor]

Yeah, I hate the word, too, but in that moment, she was cold and vicious towards Donald about his wife that was completely undeserving, so I don't blame him either. Now that she's president, he probably doesn't have any political standing and doesn't want any at this point, but I do wonder if he'll be a vocal voice against her, even if only behind closed doors.

 

[Amaris]

Yeah, I hate the word, too, but in that moment, she was cold and vicious towards Donald about his wife that was completely undeserving, so I don't blame him either. Now that she's president, he probably doesn't have any political standing and doesn't want any at this point, but I do wonder if he'll be a vocal voice against her, even if only behind closed doors.

I would like to see that. I like Donald, and always figured if I was in politics, he is the kind of politician I would be. I have little stomach for deception and manipulation, but I do have principles, and that could make me dangerous. The same goes for Donald. The man is principled, and a principled man, when provoked, can be a powerful enemy to those who seek to manipulate. The truth is, Claire is going to need a big enemy, because unlike Francis, she is capable of manipulation whilst appearing hesitant and apologetic. Frank's power is obvious and oppressive. Claire's is subtle, and gentle. She will be formidable, more than Frank ever could imagine.

 

[Finn]

Ugh...LeeAnn died for nothing, now that Claire is betraying Francis.