Let's ignore the merits of this particular television show for a moment. There's not a doubt in my mind that House of Cards is a show that is ill-suited for binge-watching. The second season takes place over a lengthy period of time, which is fine. The show gives little indication of how much time has taken place from episode-to-episode, which is also fine. But watching several months go by in a couple days is not really fine to me. It's confusing. It feels unnaturally rushed when you binge-watch. Watching these episodes at a leisurely pace would be much preferred by me.
My original intention for this show was to watch the entirety of the show and review it by Thursday. However, I watched a whopping seven episodes in one day and felt overwhelmed and like I missed far too many things. Again, I don't blame the show for that, but it follows the conventions of your regular television program by having tightly-contained stories in each episode. Some shows are meant to binge-watched such as Breaking Bad or the far more superior Netflix program Orange is the New Black. House of Cards just isn't. (The beauty of Netflix is that you can watch whatever pace you want, however I feel most will choose to binge-watch unfortunately)
With that complaint out of the way, I'll have to compliment the show on having about as perfect as a premiere episode as this show is capable of in my opinion. The show neatly tied up two storylines from the first season that didn't really have anywhere else to go. Zoe Barnes had reached her expiration date as a viable, interesting character a while back so her death is a gain for the show in my opinion, not a loss. It had Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright owning people in their own evil, despicable way - pretty much the reason to watch this show. And the ending with Spacey talking to the camera - it either really works for you or it doesn't at all, and it really works for me. Spacey is one of those actors who can deliver extremely cheesy lines and sell the hell out of them.
The show's strong points remain whenever it's about politics. Whether it's Frank Underwood's attempts to undermine Raymond Tusk's counsel, get his choice for WHIP leader elected, or manipulate his way into situations, it's fun to watch, if not always realistic. My favorite scene may just be the scene where the two parties battle it out to have a quorum in session. (I don't think the vice president has near as much power as the show makes it out to be, but alas that's a fairly easy thing to accept on this show).
On the other hand, pretty much anything not about politics is pretty weak and boring. Lucas Goodwin trying to incriminate Frank Underwood? Not only have we been there before, but they take this story in a weird, ridiculous place. And through seven episodes, I'm still not sure why they are spending so much time on Rachel, the ex-prostitute who enticed Peter Russo back into drugs before his death.
I still think the writing on this show is subpar. They know their politics - I assume - and they manage to make it very interesting. But I don't really find myself that invested in any character not played by Kevin Spacey. (I sort of care about Rachel, but her story is currently so irrelevant and disconnected that it barely counts). And honestly Spacey says a lot of stupid lines that only pass because Spacey is the one delivering them.
The acting in this show remains excellent. If you haven't noticed, I think Spacey is wonderful. While my position on Claire Underwood as a character is ambivalent, Robin Wright is not the reason for that. Newcomer to the show Molly Parker plays Jackie Sharp as a cold and calculating politician. And in the few scenes he's in, John Scurti plays the same type of character he did in Rescue Me, but that is not a complaint.
My position on this show hasn't changed from the end of the first season. It's not a great show, but it's certainly an entertaining one most of the time. It's remarkably consistent so if you liked the first season, the chances are you will probably like the second season. That said, I wasn't that high on the first season in the first place and I tend to consider this one of the more overrated shows that are currently airing.
This is somewhat of an incomplete review, but I will remind you that I have only seen seven episodes; I've re-watched the first four episodes to help get a better grasp on this show. I plan to watch the rest of the season at a much slower pace, probably once a week or so. In essence, House of Cards is pretty much the same as it has ever been: whether you consider that a good or bad thing is another matter.
Playlist
1. "Cruel City" - The Augustines
2. "Iron Pyrite" Lemaitre
3. "It's Alright" - Bombay Bicycle Club
4. "Dark Horse" - Katy Perry ft. Juicy J
5. "Say It Ain't So" - Weezer
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