The buzziest, most binge-worthy and most addicting show of 2013, the political thriller “House of Cards,” has returned, with Netflix streaming all thirteen season two episodes. Fittingly, Frank and Claire Underwood’s ruthless behavior drives the power couple further up the ladder in Washington. But at what price?
1. Into the Heart of Darkness
The premiere commences with a long shot of the park that the Underwoods are running through at night. This steady run along the path up to their eventual stop at the camera echoes their plunge into darkness, especially since Frank is about to learn that Zoe knows more than he and Stamper think about their involvement with Russo’s untimely death. While Claire was absent from Frank’s side for most of the latter half of last season, this run also signifies their re-allegiance to one another, re-committing themselves in the wake of their newest inferno. Admittedly, they are participating in Clarie’s favorite pastime (aside from window smoking, which we later learn is over).
2. Jackie Sharp Jumps the Shark
Scouring for his replacement as Majority Whip, Frank privately meets with junior Congresswoman Jackie Sharp, a well-spoken, charismatic politician with military experience. After all, Frank doesn’t enjoy conventions, casting aside two suitable veterans of Congress and initiating the spark necessary to garner support in Jackie’s crusade. During their meeting, he brings Jackie over to his computer, producing both the veteran’s and Sharp’s files, advocating that she read hers first. From behind the desktop, the camera focuses on Sharp’s ambivalent countenance, limiting our view of the files. Yet, we later learn there’s nothing in them; they’re wiped clean, presumably by Frank. What does Sharp have to hide?
3. “I’m the only one who can protect you.”
Stamper arrives at Rachel’s apartment after forcing her to quit her job at the restaurant, only to be greeted by her death threats. Forcing the knife out of her hand and up against the wall, he delivers Russo’s prostitute this demoralizing message. After, he jars her to the ground, opens up the closet, throws her a suitcase and demands her to pack. Most of the scene is dim lit, signifying Stamper’s similar descent into the abyss. As long as he’s connected to Frank, he’ll continue on this journey.
4. “You took advantage of the situation.”
Zoe meets with Frank to interrogate him on the circumstances surrounding Russo’s death. She remarks that his conscious involvement in the murder has propelled him to the vice presidential nomination; the accusations run wild. Frank offers her an ultimatum- a clean slate. Yet, this scene is more than just Frank covering his tracks and Zoe being a persistent investigative reporter. It’s a culmination of what the series has constructed until this point. Zoe utilized Frank to become a prominent news journalist, while Frank and Stamper utilized Russo’s inexperience and alcohol and drug abuse to mitigate his downfall. Even Claire’s exploited her employees, including her terrorization of Gillian Cole in this episode. It’s all for power and control over others, a prevalent theme in the series. With it, they’re hungry for more, but without it, they’re thrown in front of the next arriving Metro train.
5. “Have you ever killed someone?”
At the end of the episode, Frank meets with Jackie, discussing their ideologies. She polls Frank on this weighty inquiry after acknowledging his true motivations behind his patronage may be dishonest. Regardless, his admiration of her utilitarian views on human life from her military experience is evident. He asserts, “you did what needed to be done, and that’s why I chose you.” With this ‘ruthless pragmatism’ similar to Frank’s, Sharp can execute what her wants her to do in Congress. Yet, with this disposition she can implement her own agenda. Has Frank met his political counterpart? Time will tell.
Hunt or be hunted. Starting 2/14/14, Netflix is streaming both season one and two, with thirteen episodes apiece.