House of Cards Season 4 – Review

As I begin to write this review, the results of Super Tuesday Round Two roll in live on The Guardian. Come November, those interested enough in politics to register themselves to vote and head to the polls to vote for their new Commander in Chief (57.5% of the population voted in the 2012 election). But before the public gets to decide on that, the two major parties must select their candidates. Democrat against Democrat, Republican against millionaire posing as Republican. This American reality plays out in Season Four of House of Cards.

The opening scene really captures the essence of the previous seasons. We are confronted with a dark and dingy prison cell and a character we thought was all but forgotten about. Former journalist Lucas Goodwin (Sebastian Arcelus) is using his storytelling skills to assist in the pleasuring of his cell mate. An uncomfortable thing to write, likewise to watch. But his dirty deed is no anomaly in this world. Since the beginning, characters have been pushing the limits, teetering on the edge of the law, of what’s morally right and wrong. Every one is engaged in a dirty deed, knowingly or subconsciously.

The protagonist Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey) is one of these people. Committing various sins over the course of the series to rise from the position of Democratic Party Whip, to Vice President and then onto the Presidency. His wife Claire (Robin Wright) serenely assisting in the manipulation of people to press along her husband’s cause.

He’s only getting started. #FrankUnderwood pic.twitter.com/Kda2kHd4lR

— Netflix US (@netflix) March 4, 2016

But Claire has had enough and the fourth season begins with the separation of the President and First Lady. No longer does she feel they are equals, working towards their future and building their joint legacy. Whilst this personal war rages, the media can only speculate as to the movements of the First Lady, who travels to her mother in Texas. Surely this means the union is over. As the relationship between Frank and Claire becomes increasingly tenuous, Claire seeks to remind him that they are equals.

Undermining his campaign with a carefully planted photo, the two confront their situation in the living room of their first home. Their body language gives a lot away. Claire sits calmly, hands clasped in her lap. Frank stands over her, voice shaking as he picks up the damaging photo. One quietly determined, the other in a blind rage about the betrayal, lack of respect and loss of control.

Despite this breakdown, there’s still a campaign to win. In a brilliantly directed Robin Wright episode, the mechanics of life on the campaign trail are explored. As Frank delivers an address in a church (the irony of this location is almost too much to handle), the scenes cut between the present and him rehearsing. This is something that all politicians do, but actually seeing this dichotomy really highlights just how calculating and structured this process is. Spacey’s demeanor makes this feel even more contrived.

Yes we can.https://t.co/r5PUDhD9Li — House of Cards (@HouseofCards) April 17, 2016

The Australian fascination with American culture and politics, especially now in an election year (for both countries) makes this series relevant and insightful viewing. The brilliance of the series lies in the insight it gives into real power and those addicted to power. As the Underwoods step out of the shadows after a game changing announcement, we know their thirst can never be satisfied. As we watch the devil at work, from a safe distance, you can’t help but wonder what the consequences will be. Jump on board – https://www.fu2016.com Now streaming on Netflix.