House of Cards highlights Frank-Claire power dynamic
House of Cards has always been known for its incredible acting across its large cast of actors and actresses, which is only strengthened by the riveting writing — from the lines that send shivers down the spines of viewers to the looks that convey a novel’s worth of words. This season is no different, as Kevin Spacey, Robin Wright, Michael Kelly and other favorites from past seasons bring their A-game in a season full of paranoia, corruption and malice.
Newcomers Neve Campbell, a capable campaign manager assisting both Frank (Spacey) and Claire (Wright), and Joel Kinnaman, who plays the abhorrent Republican presidential nominee, are excellent additions to the cast and fit perfectly into the dark world of politics.
While the intentions, actions and words of the characters are more than enough to show how twisted the world they’re a part of is, the cinematography also beautifully displays, quite literally, how dark it is. Each shot, carefully planned, is hauntingly gorgeous and serves as a constant reminder of just how morally corrupt the majority of the characters are in-show, with their hearts devoid of light. Frank and Claire have never looked more intimidating on screen, and their complicated relationship is masterfully portrayed through the bleak visuals.
It may be complicated, but it certainly makes for good television, and Claire and Frank’s relationship is the main drive of this season. If last season was a demonstration of how the two fall when divided, this season shows that they stand tall when united. Viewers are treated to further characterization of Claire, who proves that the president is nothing without his first lady. The first half of the season is a power struggle between Frank and Claire before they come together to secure another term for Frank as president and spot for Claire on his ticket as vice president. Wright does an excellent job of playing a character that commands attention through fear while also giving reason to sympathize with and respect her. While she was arguably weakened as a character in the last season, she reminds viewers this season that she’s just as conniving as they come, especially highlighted during her time as the devil on the vice president’s shoulder that did her every bidding. In fact, it could be argued that this season is more Claire-centric than it is Frank-centric, and it’s all the better for it. Every meticulous detail in the game to gain more power is methodically planned out in her head, proving that she’s the backbone of their hellish dream team.
The only drawback to this season is how sporadic it feels at times. The first half of the season focuses on Frank reuniting with Claire and ending the schism between the two, while the second half of the season focuses on Frank and Claire becoming an unstoppable president and vice president team while overcoming the Republican presidential nominee, who is introduced out of nowhere.
Though it does wrap things up from last season’s stinger and leave room for the already green-lit fifth season to grow, both plot points feel rushed at times. Trailers hinted at this entire season being about the vicious war between Frank and Claire, but the new season almost feels like a preface to what lies ahead.
Still, it’s not enough to derail the wild ride that this season is. This season accelerates at full throttle and refuses to ease off at any time. Viewers who missed the moments that left their jaws agape with astonishment at the depths Frank, Claire, Doug and others would stoop to have nothing to worry about this season. The moments that make viewers turn their heads in disgust but shamefully press play on the next episode are aplenty in this season, where the tension is as tightly strung as ever.
House of Cards plows through another stellar season with incredible performances by Wright and Spacey, who give their characters room to grow while strengthening the bond between the two. The gorgeous cinematography proves to be reason enough to watch alone, and the slightly sporadic nature of the season isn’t a huge drawback, especially since there are so many intense moments to grab viewers’ attention. Despite having such a strong showing, it perfectly sets up the next season. For those who think that ruthlessness defines the show haven’t seen the worst of it yet. Season five already promises viewers more of what made audiences fall in love with the Underwoods.