Written by: Kevin Berge
House of Cards continuing to be truly subtle with the symbolism. (Image Courtesy of: dvsgaming.org)
Quick Take: House of Cards Season 4 returns to a more political approach, focusing on the campaign trail. While still a bit too incredulous to be believed, the drama is grounded enough to make the events enticing with a strong foil added to the mix in Joel Kinnaman's Will Conway. This is a return to form for the series after a down season.
House of Cards Reviews: Season 1 | 2 | 3
***This is a review of the fourth season of House of Cards, written for fans of the series, discussing the season's particular focus. Thus, there will be spoilers throughout the review with the reader expected to have already watched the season.***
Conflict breeds drama, and House of Cards was in desperate need of both going into its fourth season. Frank vs. Claire was established off the bat, but the fourth season quickly showcased far more than that by introducing Frank's top political rival for the presidency, Will Conway (Joel Kinnaman).
The two conflicts ultimately worked together to establish the true weakness of Frank: his lack of apparent compassion and connection with a younger generation. Either one might have made for a solid foundation to the season, but together they made for one of the best seasons to date.
As Frank approaches the end of his unelected term as presidency, he must now prove he can win the democracy despite being largely ineffective as the leader of the free world and being unlikable particularly without his wife by his side. This time he can't just kill his way to the title.
More difficult, in order to get Claire back, Frank must somehow make Claire his vice president nominee without causing too many questions. This makes for the most interesting part of the season as Frank uses the Democratic National Convention to crown Claire in a show that hides obvious ridiculous political manipulation.
Kinnaman (The Killing) is a welcome addition to the cast and has fantastic interactions with Kevin Spacey especially in "Chapter 48" where the two talk each other down honestly with no one watching. However, his character is not written strong enough to come off as a threat to Frank long term.
***This is a review of the fourth season of House of Cards, written for fans of the series, discussing the season's particular focus. Thus, there will be spoilers throughout the review with the reader expected to have already watched the season.***
Conflict breeds drama, and House of Cards was in desperate need of both going into its fourth season. Frank vs. Claire was established off the bat, but the fourth season quickly showcased far more than that by introducing Frank's top political rival for the presidency, Will Conway (Joel Kinnaman).
The two conflicts ultimately worked together to establish the true weakness of Frank: his lack of apparent compassion and connection with a younger generation. Either one might have made for a solid foundation to the season, but together they made for one of the best seasons to date.
As Frank approaches the end of his unelected term as presidency, he must now prove he can win the democracy despite being largely ineffective as the leader of the free world and being unlikable particularly without his wife by his side. This time he can't just kill his way to the title.
More difficult, in order to get Claire back, Frank must somehow make Claire his vice president nominee without causing too many questions. This makes for the most interesting part of the season as Frank uses the Democratic National Convention to crown Claire in a show that hides obvious ridiculous political manipulation.
Kinnaman (The Killing) is a welcome addition to the cast and has fantastic interactions with Kevin Spacey especially in "Chapter 48" where the two talk each other down honestly with no one watching. However, his character is not written strong enough to come off as a threat to Frank long term.
Clearly someone missed the first three seasons if they think they can go 1 on 1 with Frank. (Image Courtesy of: vulture.com)
On the opposite end, Claire is played with so much menace by Robin Wright particularly as she breaks down Catherine Durant (Jayne Atkinson) and takes her spot as VP candidate. She is the star of this season even more than Spacey as her full political reach is unleashed.
One way this season impresses is its tight direction that echoes the original season that David Fincher had so much hand in. Wright directs the season's best episode "Episode 48" with a combination of realistic looks at a modern DNC and the intimate focus on the two presidential candidates.
The writing's more ridiculous touches feel more natural this season particularly as the dialogue points out the elements with satirical charm. Even as Claire's set up comeback win makes no logical sense and the dynamic of the two presidential candidates make little sense for the current parties, nothing is out of place.
The true fault with this season simply comes down to the lack of conclusion. This ultimately is a part one of the potential final chapter of House of Cards. The finale only added more questions to the story than solutions with Underwood vs. Conway barely developed.
What will ultimately derail Frank? Can a true political rival take him down or will the rising corruption finally cause him to collapse fully? This is not a series setting up for a happy ending for its two leads. This season was the most clear indication that much of what remains is downhill for the Underwoods.
One way this season impresses is its tight direction that echoes the original season that David Fincher had so much hand in. Wright directs the season's best episode "Episode 48" with a combination of realistic looks at a modern DNC and the intimate focus on the two presidential candidates.
The writing's more ridiculous touches feel more natural this season particularly as the dialogue points out the elements with satirical charm. Even as Claire's set up comeback win makes no logical sense and the dynamic of the two presidential candidates make little sense for the current parties, nothing is out of place.
The true fault with this season simply comes down to the lack of conclusion. This ultimately is a part one of the potential final chapter of House of Cards. The finale only added more questions to the story than solutions with Underwood vs. Conway barely developed.
What will ultimately derail Frank? Can a true political rival take him down or will the rising corruption finally cause him to collapse fully? This is not a series setting up for a happy ending for its two leads. This season was the most clear indication that much of what remains is downhill for the Underwoods.