Written by: Kevin Berge
This time, political exploits include impeachment, domineering, false imprisonment, and maybe a bit of murder. (Image Courtesy of: classydeer.com)
Quick Take: House of Cards Season 2 dives more into the incredulous and the political in its second season with a steady focus on the rise of Underwood through nefarious means. With a strong cast that includes well cast new additions and a plot that lends itself well to intense commentary, the series is even stronger in its sophomore venture.
House of Cards Reviews: Season 1 | 3 | 4
***This is a review of the second season of House of Cards, focusing on events of the season that differ and move beyond the original plot. It will contain spoilers with viewers expected to have seen the season if they plan to do so. Do not read ahead if you wish to not be spoiled.***
House of Cards always had potential in a variety of areas. It could have been a political nightmare scenario or full satire. For this reason, the first season was hard to pin down as it took a while to settle in to its focus. The second season never has that issue as it fully commits to its vision.
This is an acting showcase that maneuvers through political scenarios to capture a steadily moving drama. Forget the slime of the political climate. This is a story about two fascinating characters in constant struggle with the world, out-shining everyone in their way.
This second season begins in a monstrous way with the shocking death of Zoe Barnes in the most action-movie-esque moment of the series, thrown in front of a moving train. That murder was a big move positive and negative for the series as it was the most incredulous scene in the series.
Having Frank play spy and throw a woman into a train is too hard to fathom especially being able to sell it as an accident. It all goes a bit too far off base. Still, it left a lasting impression that the show was unafraid to make any move for the sake of the story even remove a major character and actor from the series.
The rest of the season pulled back from there, focusing almost entirely on Frank Underwood as a master manipulator. His ruthless takeover of the presidency is a ride worth investing in with it almost hard to imagine anyone would ever be able to match up to Frank.
If there is one, it is Claire who is quietly powerful in every moment, perhaps largely due to the sensational performance of Robin Wright. Her story particularly focused on the rape she endured at a younger age coming back into the limelight has just as much weight as Frank's political treason.
***This is a review of the second season of House of Cards, focusing on events of the season that differ and move beyond the original plot. It will contain spoilers with viewers expected to have seen the season if they plan to do so. Do not read ahead if you wish to not be spoiled.***
House of Cards always had potential in a variety of areas. It could have been a political nightmare scenario or full satire. For this reason, the first season was hard to pin down as it took a while to settle in to its focus. The second season never has that issue as it fully commits to its vision.
This is an acting showcase that maneuvers through political scenarios to capture a steadily moving drama. Forget the slime of the political climate. This is a story about two fascinating characters in constant struggle with the world, out-shining everyone in their way.
This second season begins in a monstrous way with the shocking death of Zoe Barnes in the most action-movie-esque moment of the series, thrown in front of a moving train. That murder was a big move positive and negative for the series as it was the most incredulous scene in the series.
Having Frank play spy and throw a woman into a train is too hard to fathom especially being able to sell it as an accident. It all goes a bit too far off base. Still, it left a lasting impression that the show was unafraid to make any move for the sake of the story even remove a major character and actor from the series.
The rest of the season pulled back from there, focusing almost entirely on Frank Underwood as a master manipulator. His ruthless takeover of the presidency is a ride worth investing in with it almost hard to imagine anyone would ever be able to match up to Frank.
If there is one, it is Claire who is quietly powerful in every moment, perhaps largely due to the sensational performance of Robin Wright. Her story particularly focused on the rape she endured at a younger age coming back into the limelight has just as much weight as Frank's political treason.
The Frank Underwood Ninja Warrior tryout is going swimingly. (Image Courtesy of: decider.com)
Obviously, Kevin Spacey is brilliant in just about every scene in this second season, fully committing to his role as villain. His frequent monologues to the audience are some of the most engrossing scenes in all of television, delivered with the wry wit and intense conviction that makes Frank so enticing.
This season has a stronger pace that does well for steady binge-watching with a dark tone that continues to build through each episode. The melodrama could have been too much in lesser hands, but it is perfect in this setting with the satire underlying without being overwhelming.
The season truly is hit and miss in its subplots particularly with Sebastian Arcelus who, as Lucas Goodwin, cannot match up to Kate Mara's departure. Doug Stamper (Michael Kelly) has a strong arc throughout but also is stuck in a lagging story in his odd relationship with Rachel Posner (Rachel Brosnahan).
While David Fincher is not as involved with this season, the direction is tight thanks to the heavy use of James Foley at the helm. This season was also the first time Wright stepped behind the camera though she was given a fairly straight episode with her later efforts stronger.
This is an intense ride and the series at its finest. If not for some of the series' own concepts getting in its way, this would be one of the strongest television seasons out there, but the melodrama and ridiculousness can get overbearing even at the best of times.
As a showcase of Spacey and Wright, this series captures drama and intensity like few others. Watching them overpower and humiliate all in their path is a twisted ride that has rarely been matched. This season simply left the lingering question of who could ever stand up to the Underwoods now that they had captured the Oval Office.
This season has a stronger pace that does well for steady binge-watching with a dark tone that continues to build through each episode. The melodrama could have been too much in lesser hands, but it is perfect in this setting with the satire underlying without being overwhelming.
The season truly is hit and miss in its subplots particularly with Sebastian Arcelus who, as Lucas Goodwin, cannot match up to Kate Mara's departure. Doug Stamper (Michael Kelly) has a strong arc throughout but also is stuck in a lagging story in his odd relationship with Rachel Posner (Rachel Brosnahan).
While David Fincher is not as involved with this season, the direction is tight thanks to the heavy use of James Foley at the helm. This season was also the first time Wright stepped behind the camera though she was given a fairly straight episode with her later efforts stronger.
This is an intense ride and the series at its finest. If not for some of the series' own concepts getting in its way, this would be one of the strongest television seasons out there, but the melodrama and ridiculousness can get overbearing even at the best of times.
As a showcase of Spacey and Wright, this series captures drama and intensity like few others. Watching them overpower and humiliate all in their path is a twisted ride that has rarely been matched. This season simply left the lingering question of who could ever stand up to the Underwoods now that they had captured the Oval Office.