House of Cards (Season One): Review

House of Cards was the pioneering of a new format for television. All thirteen of it's first seasons' episodes were launched at the same time on the streaming service 'Netflix', allowing viewers to chose how and when they watched them, and I must say, this decision is not only very innovative, it also paid off hugely, as it allowed the episodes to flow far more fluently into one another due to their instant availability. 


The programme centres around Congressman Francis Underwood (Kevin Spacey) and his initial fury at the fact he was passed up on the opportunity of being Secretary of the State, and then his plans to exact revenge on those who wronged him. The story delves far deeper than this however, bringing in several characters and their relationships formed with Francis such as an intelligent, cunning young reporter by the name of Zoe Barnes (Kate Mara), or Peter Russo (Corey Stoll); a man in his prime who is taken under Francis' wing. 

Peter Russo (Corey Stoll)

What House of Cards truly portrays however is how powerful tools such as intimidation and determination are. Frank Underwood is a man not to be reckoned with, and this is shown consistently throughout the lengthy 13-episode season. On numerous occasions, Kevin Spacey turns to the camera and begins monologuing on how he feels about events or his current thoughts on other characters. These scenes are particularly enjoyable and do a superb job in setting House of Cards apart from many other dramas currently available to watch. Also, there are a few occasions when Frank loses his incredibly sturdy poker-face, and the fact these are so rare really adds to the character as a whole; not relying on bursts of anger to develop to an already interesting gentleman. There is an episode around halfway through the series which focuses almost entirely on Frank, and is very intriguing as it gives vague glimpses into the weaknesses of an otherwise unbreakable man. 

Francis Underwood (Kevin Spacey)

Now, although the prospect of a television series focusing entirely on political endeavours may not appeal to everybody (and I personally was initially put off by this fact), the spectacular writing featured in House of Cards is certainly something which should appeal to numerous individuals. Every single episode is littered with memorable lines and quotes which keep the quality of the show at a consistent high. Couple this with the fact that House of Cards is directed by renowned director David Fincher (responsible for such classics as 'Se7en' and 'Fight Club'), and this entertaining Netflix-exclusive series should begin to perk your interest. 

Zoe Barnes (Kate Mara)

Unfortunately, the setting of politics limits the lengths characters can go to in order to maintain a sense of believability, so don't expect high-octane scenes of violence or mind-blowing plot-twists, but House of Cards manages to keep the viewer interested by featuring many strings of manipulation and deceit; something I can't recall another series or movie as of late doing just as successfully. Each character featured is developed upon to a level where the viewer can empathize, and events which occur early on in the series which seem abandoned may get picked up again in a later episode. Very little is left unanswered, but anything that remains a mystery will no doubt be brought up in Season 2, expected to air early in 2014.

Verdict
House of Cards is not my favourite television series I have ever seen, but it is certainly worth your time. Kevin Spacey is definitely a stand-out performance as the ruthless Frank Underwood, but he is supported by countless talented actors and actresses. Despite the majority of the plot taking place in the final half of the season, I am certainly eager to find out the answers to many questions I have once Season 2 is released, and this must certainly mean that House of Cards has successfully done it's job in entertaining me. 8/10

"Everything is about sex, apart from sex.

Sex is about power."