Netflix may have had its ups and downs this year, but one thing the streaming platform cum production studio has done right, consistently for five years, is its original series starring the formidable Kevin Spacey and the queen of Ice Robin Wright. Each year, fans brace themselves for a new season of House of Cards, a more ruthless Frank Underwood, an unfeeling Claire Underwood and their posse of cut-throat White House executives. This year, you get all of that and then some more.
Season 5 of House of Cards does not disappoint. We must admit that we were initially doubtful of a successful fifth installment of this political drama/thriller, given that showrunner and creator, Beau Willimon stepped down and made way for senior writers Melissa James Gibson and Frank Pugliese for this 13-episode long season. Having watched the entire season 5, there is no doubt in our minds that House of Cards has once again managed to create an engaging and suspenseful storyline, even though it may just be a little over the top.
Frank Underwood
Frank Underwood’s ever growing ambition has moved him up to the very top of the ladder; from House Majority Whip to Vice President and at last, the President of the United States. But, what happens when the most powerful man in the world is also a huge megalomaniac? What happens is that it sounds all too familiar. The Donald Trump presidency could not have come at a better time for House of Cards Season 5. While on one hand a complacent Trump leads America into one of its worst political environments ever, Kevin Spacey’s Frank Underwood gears up to retain his narcissistic presidency by hook or by crook. Much like Trump, Underwood is highly calculative as ever, and will go to any length to keep his position as Commander in Chief.
He creates a reign of tyranny by holding his cabinet ministers and subordinates at ransom in lieu of their unconditional support. He also fabricates an entire terrorist group by the name of ICO in an attempt at creating a state of war and chaos, thereby moving the target of public scrutiny off his back. Spacey gives a consistently good performance in line with the previous four seasons. His dialogue delivery is crisp and presidential, and so is the manner with which he carries himself. While Spacey remains the lead protagonist this season, Robin Wright grows bigger and better at her portrayal of First Lady Claire Underwood.
Claire Underwood
She is truly the queen of ice. Robin Wright, A.K.A Claire Underwood shows no signs of mercy, empathy, love or any emotion, other than a pure matriarchal urge to succeed. She doesn’t only support Spacey as his leading lady this season, she surpasses him with her exceptionally cold and shrewd depiction of America’s first lady and Francis’ vice presidential running mate for the 2016 elections. She continues her ‘clandestine’ affair with speechwriter Tom Yates (Paul Sparks), with the complete knowledge of the President – her husband, his chief of staff – Doug Stamper (Michael Kelly), and her own campaign manager – LeAnn Harvey (Neve Campbell).
Yeah, it is a little freaky and unbelievable what the Underwoods (as the first couple) are able to sweep under their rug this season, and there’s no good reason for it. This is the time when you remind yourself that this is still a television show, one that has been running for five consecutive years, with almost every possible naturally progressive plot exhausted in the past.
One Nation Underwood
As both Underwoods go on their campaign trail, the storyline become a little predictable – Frank and Claire against a world full of opponents and obstacles. Isn’t that what they do best though? While the path of progression for House of Cards remains stereotypical of the show, how its characters evolve for the story is something worth watching. It is true that the actors in House of Cards are its true and core strength. We particularly loved watching Wright’s unwavering commitment to the ever evolving character of Claire Underwood. In the show, Claire, unlike the real first lady of the United States, has no qualms expressing her opinions and trumping those of her husband. We found ourselves super glued to the season after the first few episodes, and by the time we were on Episode 7, the binge instinct had kicked in completely.
Silence is beautiful and that is something obvious to the people who designed this season’s background score. There are moments of deafening silence as Frank and Claire indulge in devious scheming or the times when they lick their wounds after a political defeat. These are iconic to season 5 of the show and add to its appeal.
One Nation Underwood is in itself a very big hint as to what will unfold in Season 5 of HoC. Since we usually refrain from giving out spoilers, this is the only one you will find in this review – Keeping with the season 4 finale of the show, Claire once again breaks the fourth wall and it is sure to give you the chills this time around as well.
We hope you enjoy the new season of House of Cards as much as we did. Because, some shows will always be great thanks to superb actors.
House of Cards Season 5 premieres on Netflix tomorrow, May 30.
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