House of Cards (Season 2): Review

Frank's back. Netflix-exclusive series House of Cards returned in February of this year, and what a season it is. Following the events of season 1, Francis Underwood (Kevin Spacey) is now Vice President of the United States, alongside a comparatively weaker President Garrett Walker (Michael Gill). The loose-ends left over from his previous career as Deputy Whip need to be tied up, and the groundwork needs to be laid so that Frank can continue ascending...with the end goal being the presidency itself. 

Francis Underwood (Kevin Spacey)

Many new players are introduced to the dangerous game of chess this season, such as Frank's replacement Jackie Sharp (Molly Parker) and his new shady lawyer Seth Grayson (Derek Cecil). None of these roles are included merely for the sake of it though, as everybody has a crucial part to play in the Underwood's sinister game. I say Underwoods instead of simply Underwood, because Frank's wife Claire (Robin Wright) plays a much larger part in the grand scheme of things, often being just as ruthless as the main man himself. Within the first few episodes, Claire tells a woman that she will let her baby "wither and die" inside of her if it becomes necessary, instantly positioning herself as a dangerous person to confront. 

My main criticism of the first season of House of Cards was that due to the context of the programme huge, mind-blowing twists were not possible. The very first episode alone disproves this and then some. I don't think I have seen an opener quite as effective in a very long time, and it instantly brings you back into this world of deceit and murderous consequence. It's truly commendable how the episode plays out, because it sacrifices some key story elements from season 1 in order to quickly establish this as a new chapter in the Underwood story. The Frank seen previously is a mere kitten compared to the blood-thirsty monster shown on screen in season 2, and each episode is all the better for it. Season 1 took quite some time to gather momentum, but these new instalments are scarily rapid in grabbing you by the throat and rarely letting go. 

Claire Underwood (Robin Wright)

But none of this rapid storytelling would be possible if it weren't for the free structure in which they are released. Identical to the previous episodes, all of season 2 is available right now on Netflix so that they can be viewed at your own chosen pace - a style which fits the series perfectly. Episode 1 continues immediately on from the previous season, and is appropriately titled 'Chapter 14' rather than Chapter 1, meaning that the required character introductions are thankfully out the way. Every single episode is packed with twists and turns which simply could not have happened previously. 

I have no real qualms with this instalment of House of Cards aside from I now have to wait until next year to continue watching. It improves on every fault I held with the previous season, and exceeds every expectation I had. Yes, the many new characters mean even more sub-plots, but this is no bad thing, it just means that your full attention is required. 

Verdict

House of Cards Season 2 is easily one of the best things I have seen since the incredible Breaking Bad concluded last year. If the quality continues to climb at the rate it has so far, then I can definitely see it joining my most beloved programmes I've seen. Roll on 2015. 

"Power is better than money for as long as it lasts...

...but it never lasts."