Featuring an ensemble cast including Kevin Spacey, Robin Wright and Kate Mara, the Netflix-exclusive television series “House of Cards” explores the dark side of Washington politics and shows how much one man will do in his pursuit of revenge and ambition.
House majority whip Frank Underwood (Spacey) was the president’s choice for Secretary of State as a reward for his assistance in the campaign. However, he finds out that another politician was chosen for the position. Along with his wife Claire (Wright), the assistance of an eager reporter (Mara) and the loyalty of a congressman with a dark secret (Corey Stoll), Underwood executes his plot against the new presidential administration.
Spacey and Wright’s roles as husband and wife are spectacular. Frank’s cold and calculating attitude is balanced with Claire’s calm and controlling persona. Despite the fact that they are married, their relationship seems more professional than intimate, making them an intimidating couple. Frank also constantly breaks the fourth wall and tells the viewer about his thoughts on the situation, which gives us further insight into his aggressive nature. In addition, Mara’s role as an up-and-coming, sexy journalist with a hint of naïveté is excellent. Her conflict of work and pleasure plays a big role in Underwood’s scheme that sets up to the climax of the season finale.
Although there are only 13 episodes in the first season, each one is full of drama that is better than the last. House of Cards should be No. 1 in your Instant Queue — it takes us on an exhilarating ride of intrigue and deception and leaves us wanting more.