House of Cards - S1 on Netflix - Spacey & Fincher - *UNMARKED SPOILERS FOR ALL OF S1*

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Just finished Episode 13.

Question: Can this show be nominated for an Emmy? Since it's not on broadcast television, is there some rule that's going to keep it out of contention?

Anyway, my thoughts with spoilers, so don't read unless you've watched everything:

- Man, poor fucking Russo. I mean, he dug his own grave with the drugs, the prostitutes, etc, but I still felt really bad for him. It seemed like he actually wanted to help people to some degree. And for the last thing to hear from your children be, "Your voice makes me sad," I mean, fuck. That's heart-breaking.

- When Underwood and Russo were in the garage, I thought, "Man, it'd be fucked up for Frank to leave the engine on and let Peter die, but there's no fucking way they'll cross that line." And then they did that shit!

- "Is that a PS Vita?!" is one of the funniest things ever. Still cracks me up. And it's like two seconds, so it's not like it pulled me out of the show.

- They really added a lot of dimensions to Frank's character. The episode where he hangs out with his college buddies and they reveal that he'd had a gay relationship to some extent really shows you that he's got more to him than the driving ambition.

- Poor Photographer-Guy. White girls with short hair will do you like that every time, brosef.

- If there IS some sort of surprise pregnancy next season, I really hope they don't do a "Is it Alex's or Frank's" thing. It's beneath the show, so I don't think they will.

- Kate Mara's got a sexy Anna Kendrick thing going on. They very obviously used a body-double-butt, though.

- Was everyone else able to see the dramatic drop of direction after Fincher's two episodes? The other 11 looked great, and after a while I stopped noticing, but damn - Fincher's episodes looked and felt amazing.

Can't wait for next season. Have they already commissioned it?
 
That ps vita thing? It wasn't even 10 seconds. Idk what folks are talking about.

Also, I love the relationship between Francis and Claire. The way its handled so far is simply..mature.
 
Viewt said:
Question: Can this show be nominated for an Emmy? Since it's not on broadcast television, is there some rule that's going to keep it out of contention?
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Yes, it can be nominated. They changed the rules a couple years ago. As long as you have at least 6 episodes of a certain length, you're eligible.
Can't wait for next season. Have they already commissioned it?
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Yes, they're working in the writing room now.
 
Munin said:
Would this show be interesting to someone who knows next to nothing about US politics and isn't very interested in it either? That is to say, does the show function as a compelling drama independently of its subject matter?
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I live in the UK and know nothing about the US political system other than the word 'President', and I'm absolutely loving it.
 
Cornballer said:
Yes, it can be nominated. They changed the rules a couple years ago. As long as you have at least 6 episodes of a certain length, you're eligible.
Yes, they're working in the writing room now.
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Fantastic on both accounts! Spacey definitely deserves a nom (even if it isn't a win) and I don't know if I've seen a better performance by an actress on TV in the last year than Robin Wright.
 
zou said:
Someone being wooed by Google is going to know who Page and Brin are. Someone running a popular news site is going to know about Huffington Post. So it was perfectly logical in the context of the scene.
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Exactly. I love shows where the characters don't talk down to the audience. The Wire would use police jargon with no explanation. You either figured it out through context or looked it up. Either way, the end result is realistic dialogue.
 
OMG 4th episode
Everyone better be nominated omg, that exchange between Francis and Clair by the window smoking "And where will you be staying" "Here". Their conversations are my favorite things in the show.
 
zou said:
Someone being wooed by Google is going to know who Page and Brin are. Someone running a popular news site is going to know about Huffington Post. So it was perfectly logical in the context of the scene.
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Oh, I don't doubt that is how people talk, but for whatever reason it just felt inauthentic and pulled me out for a second. It's like
Bill Maher doing a New Rules thing on Frank's meltdown
. I know it's supposed to make it seem realistic, but all it does is remind me that the show is fake.

duckroll said:
Apparently Spacey is actually a gamer though (and a big PS fan, go figure lol), so maybe that's REALLY how he plays Killzone.
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heliosRAzi said:
He's probably a tryhard
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KDR less than 1?
 
Episode 4:
Not sure I like where they are going with the Zoe character. So far, she is the weak link of the show. Don't really understand her motivations.
 
iuxion said:
Episode 4:
Not sure I like where they are going with the Zoe character. So far, she is the weak link of the show. Don't really understand her motivations.
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speculation after watching 4.
I totally expect her to be the big fish and dump Francis at the end of this season, she doesn't need him anymore

OMG the beginning of episode 5. THis show, omg
 
Done. Loved it, from start to end. Only thing that didn't set well with me was (spoiler, don't read if you aren't done with the show.)
the president. He seems to be completely clueless what's going on around him. I guess it kinda makes sense since it seems Tusk is behind much of the things.
Can't wait what they will have reserved for us next season.
 
I will now watch this show under the assumption that both it and Saved By The Bell exist in the same universe.

How else to explain the mysterious time stopping powers of the main characters?
 
soul creator said:
I will now watch this show under the assumption that both it and Saved By The Bell exist in the same universe.

How else to explain the mysterious time stopping powers of the main characters?
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Zack Morris grew up, changed his name and entire background to become Frank Underwood.
 
AAequal said:
Done. Loved it, from start to end. Only thing that didn't set well with me was (spoiler, don't read if you aren't done with the show.)
the president. He seems to be completely clueless what's going on around him. I guess it kinda makes sense since it seems Tusk is behind much of the things.
Can't wait what they will have reserved for us next season.
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end series spoilers:
I'm glad that the pres isn't the ever-watchful antagonist that the series was amping up to. Tusk is a great opponent. We need more of him and characters like him in S2. I want Frank pushed even harder.

Also, the last episode: I loved the implication that Frank's been talking to God in some form this entire season. Reminded me of West Wing when Aaron Sorkin had Bartlett talk to God/Sorkin in a church.
 
hardcastlemccormick said:
end series spoilers:
I'm glad that the pres isn't the ever-watchful antagonist that the series was amping up to. Tusk is a great opponent. We need more of him and characters like him in S2. I want Frank pushed even harder.
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I totally agree, I just think that the president comes out bit one dimensional as he is now. I guess you can't make every character count. Not to mention it goes well with the theme of people in the shadows pulling the strings. Also, it would be kinda dumb idea for Underwood to have a beef with the President himself.
 
Although it was still great, watching episode 3, it was clear that Fincher wasn't directing it. It felt a bit like when you go from an Alan Taylor episode of Game of Thrones to another director.
 
Dany M said:
speculation after watching 4.
I totally expect her to be the big fish and dump Francis at the end of this season, she doesn't need him anymore

OMG the beginning of episode 5. THis show, omg
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Keep watching, she digs her grave like everyone else in the show. She stands to lose it all just the same, in the first couple episodes she ties herself to the ship and will go down if it sinks. Even the characters you would hope were above it, they arent.
 
Been catching up a bit on the series. Episode 7 has to be the most Fincher-ish episode since the first two which Fincher actually directed. I like the way transitions were done too. Noticeably different from the previous episodes. The lighting felt extra good, and it was surprisingly slick visually too. I'm surprised that even the Joel Schumacher episodes before this were handled well. Then again, maybe I shouldn't have been surprised, since he's a rather competent studio director, even if he isn't particularly exciting or bold on his own.

The pacing of the series feels very solid and fluid, and
making the Education Bill the first half of the season with it's own mini-arc was a great decision. It also flows nicely into the second half, which looks to be focused heavily on Russo's campaign.
Hopefully the remaining half of the season is as good as the what I've seen so far. Really digging it. Frank is a great character to hate. :D
 
newjeruse said:
No show is ever going to get the Philly accent right, will they?
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Nope. Worst offender was that woman in the town hall meeting.
Some of the minor characters on The Wire had it down because they were local actors, but that's about it. Silver Linings Playbook did not fare too well with this either.
 
Enjoyed this very much, though I will admit, I did skip much of
photographer and Claire relationship in new york, it just didn't draw me in so I didn't give a fuck
 
newjeruse said:
Another beautiful thing about this experiment: the lack of "previously on..." at the beginning of every episode.
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yeah I hate these.. they always contain inadvertent spoilers

well, not spoilers exactly but you're waiting to see how specific past events come back around
 
newjeruse said:
Another beautiful thing about this experiment: the lack of "previously on..." at the beginning of every episode.
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It also increases positive reception. Not having to wait a week does wonders for fan backlash. Many good shows get hated on simply because of the memory of being pissed off waiting a week for weak storylines.
 
brianjones said:
yeah I hate these.. they always contain inadvertent spoilers

well, not spoilers exactly but you're waiting to see how specific past events come back around
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yes! I fucking hate that. It forces you to wait for those scenes to come into play again, basically ruining any would-be surprises in the episode.
 
The only thing I dislike is about Frank's actions is (Episode 4)
how often he uses the "Who is going to believe you?" card.

Also, am I misunderstanding something about Claire or (episode 6)
is she cool with Frank fucking Zoe? I guess that's what she meant when she said "I didn't marry him for happiness."
 
EightBitNate said:
The only thing I dislike is how often Frank uses the "Who is going to believe you?" card.

Also, am I misunderstanding something or is Claire cool with Frank fucking Zoe? I guess that's what she meant when she said "I didn't marry him for happiness."
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Dude, if you're going to spoil tag something, at least give some context clues.
 
newjeruse said:
Another beautiful thing about this experiment: the lack of "previously on..." at the beginning of every episode.
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Also there isn't no "next time in HOC"

I;m still skeptical to see how this all turns out for netflix, dumping the show out all at once but ...I like it a lot. It makes discussing the show a lot more haphazard though :/
 
EightBitNate said:
The only thing I dislike is about Frank's actions is
how often he uses the "Who is going to believe you?" card.

Also, am I misunderstanding something about Claire or
is she cool with Frank fucking Zoe? I guess that's what she meant when she said "I didn't marry him for happiness."
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Roughly half-way season spoilers.
Claire knows and knows it's part of the plan. But we never really get a clear idea of how she feels about it.

EightBitNate said:
Whoops you're right. My bad.
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Try and say where you are in the season. Your added clues help with nothing. EDIT: There we go.
 
blackflag said:
Awesome show. I finished it. Couldn't stop watching. I wonder how much Sony paid, seriously a vita, multiple video game playing moments, and a PS3 boot up screen.
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lol it feels weird considering im watching the show on my ps3

I just finished episode 9. i don't like claire all too much right now
 
Kevin Spacey is obviously going to get nominated. Thoughts on anyone else? Russo for supporting actor? Robin Wright for actress?
 
EightBitNate said:
The only thing I dislike is about Frank's actions is (Episode 4)
how often he uses the "Who is going to believe you?" card.

Also, am I misunderstanding something about Claire or (episode 6)
is she cool with Frank fucking Zoe? I guess that's what she meant when she said "I didn't marry him for happiness."
Click to expand...

I think they are both ok with each other having sex with someone else, as long as it is part of their plan and helps them get ahead or gain something useful for the future. The time Frank was late, she knew exactly why and didnt care, only thing she asked is if it was a one time thing or something that maybe ongoing. Frank seems ok with Claires extra relationship as well, but he seems to get a tad upset the one time. I believe it was more because she wasnt at home to help their causes, more than he was jealous. At times it seems Claire is conflicted with the ruthless moves she makes, but then something comes up and it forces her back down in the much again. She pretty much explains what she expects out of her marriage and was told what kind of life she would lead, if she decided to marry Frank.
 
Zertez said:
I think they are both ok with each other having sex with someone else, as long as it is part of their plan and helps them get ahead or gain something useful for the future. The time Frank was late, she knew exactly why and didnt care, only thing she asked is if it was a one time thing or something that maybe ongoing. Frank seems ok with Claires extra relationship as well, but he seems to get a tad upset the one time. I believe it was more because she wasnt at home to help their causes, more than he was jealous. At times it seems Claire is conflicted with the ruthless moves she makes, but then something comes up and it forces her back down in the much again. She pretty much explains what she expects out of her marriage and was told what kind of life she would lead, if she decided to marry Frank.
Click to expand...

Ah, that makes sense.
 
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