House of Cards Season 3 Review

Note: This review contains spoilers from the first two seasons and should not be read unless you have seen both in full.

     I remember a time when online streaming sites such as Netflix were almost a novelty. Their catalogs were limited shows and movies, many of which weren't particularly good. Now in 2015, people are cutting their cable and subscribing to these online sites. What have really turned the tides would be the original programs they can provide that are uncensored and unflinching without the need of being on pricey networks like HBO and Showtime. Netflix has brought "Orange is the New Black," "Bojack Horseman," and the fourth season of "Arrested Development" to the table; and other services like Amazon Instant Video has reciprocated with "Transparent" and "Mozart in the Jungle." It seems that the future of original entertainment is on the internet and the show that really started it all was "House of Cards." Based off the British series of the same name and launching in early 2013, "House of Cards" became an immediate success with both critics and audiences; it even became the first online show to be nominated for best drama series at the Emmy awards, and has since garnered many awards including a Golden Globe for best actor in a drama series for Kevin Spacey. To call this show a hit would be an understatement, it is a sensation along the lines of "Game of Thrones." When this show first started I wasn't sure what to expect or how long it would last; after the success of the first two seasons "House of Cards" was on its way to becoming one of the best shows of the past decade, and with the third season it might have done just that.
     After scheming and deceiving for years, Frank Underwood has made his way into the oval office. After the former president was shrouded in controversy, he resigned and made way for Frank to become president. Season three takes place shortly after the events of the previous one; Frank is doing everything he can to be successful but is being railroaded from all sides. His approval ratings are incredibly low, congress is ruled by the opposite party, and many doubt that if ran for president in the upcoming election he would likely lose. Despite the adversity, Frank is determined to do good work. His big plan is a major job proposal bill that would act as a huge economic overhaul for the US. Now even if he was the most liked president of all time, this bill would be near impossible to pass. So Frank does what he does best, he schemes and manipulates those around him; but with elections looming and all the other problems facing the presidency, Frank has his work cut out for him.

     Ever since day one "House of Cards has been a fan favorite, and for good reason, it hits the nail on the head in almost every category. Probably the show's most obvious virtue would be the acting, the only way to describe it would be fantastic. From the stars to minor characters, everyone gives it their all. As great as everyone is, Kevin Spacey as Frank Underwood is the one that steals the show. He brings this polarizing and powerful character to life, and arguably gives the best performances of his already impressive career. Robin Wright also deserves a lot of credit, starring opposite of Spacey she manages to hold her own. It does help that the show is filled with interesting and memorable characters. Frank Underwood is one of the best anti-heroes we've ever seen in a show. A worry I always have regarding online series is whether or not they will have a high production value. Over the years we've seen series on various sites that are worth the watch, but whose production value was not up to par. "House of Cards" on the other hand has a production value close to that of a show on HBO; the first season alone cost around $100 million. The show also features some beautiful cinematography, every seen is shot so meticulously and looks great. One of my favorite aspects of the show would have to be the writing, the stories are told in such detail and the dialog is smart and brash. You like to hear the characters speak just to find out what they're going to say next. And the way it is written is very dramatic and suspenseful. You never know what is going to happen next, and you are never bored. One thing the third season has going for it that the other two didn't is that it mirrors real world current events. Several issues that come up in the show are things that are happening in real life, most notably, the US and Europe's rocky relationship with Russia. It helps the show just be a little more relatable. I said earlier that this show hits the nail on the head in almost every category, unfortunately that does mean that it misses once or twice. At times the show can become to unbelievable, at times the show reminds me of a soap opera. It attempts to so dramatic and serious at times that it almost becomes ridiculous. But with the third season the biggest problem is one that the show has not had before, a lack of conflict. During the first season Frank always seemed to be butting heads with the higher members of government while he slowly climbed the ladder. During the second season he had Raymond Tusk to fight, a multi-billionaire who could go blow for blow with Frank. During the third season though, Frank has reached the top of the mountain and seems to more at odds with himself than anyone else. There is no one to root against, and the season would have really benefited from a memorable antagonist. Those problems being said, "House of Cards" is still fantastic. While the third season isn't as good as the first, it is about as good as the second, which is by no means a bad thing. For three consecutive seasons, "House of Cards" has been one of the best programs of the year, if you have Netflix and you aren't watching this show you are missing out. So if you are looking for a top notch drama to spend your time on, you can't go wrong with "House of Cards."

Pros: Fantastic performances from Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright, high production value, great writing, great cinematography, often very dramatic and suspenseful, filled with interesting characters, almost never boring, political issues mirror current events. 

Cons: A little too unbelievable at times, lack of serious conflict.