I don't think so. He's definitely the majority whip.
House of Cards - S1 on Netflix - Spacey & Fincher - *UNMARKED SPOILERS FOR ALL OF S1*
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I don't think so. He's definitely the majority whip.
brucewaynegretzky
Member
I think it's mostly just a scene meant to suggest to the viewer that she was vastly overqualified for her position at Russo's office, and she's only working for him because they're lovers and she wants to help him.
Kung Fu Jedi
Member
She doesn't add much to the show but she is just too cute <3
He says majority. I'm certain of it.
Stumpokapow
listen to the mad man
(no spoilers for show except the spoiler bar, all of these are background to the series as a whole and do not have any effect on the stuff you see in the show)
For what it's worth, the show's use of time is a little weird; in one of the later episodes, the date on the text messages is Nov 1, 2013, implying that a year has passed since the presidential election (and thus the beginning of the series). We also know based on the fact that Zoe says that healthcare reform is a dead letter, that in this show there was no HCR in 2008-2012, and although it's never stated, we can reasonably surmise based on the first few episodes that the previous president was Republican, not Democratic.
A few other things make no sense; although there are no state constitutional deadlines for replacing the governor in Pennsylvania, it seems unlikely that a state would go nearly a full year without a governor. The special election would have been called for 60-90 days from the inauguration at most.
Part of this is because there's a pretty huge time-skip in the middle of the series (mid-series spoilers
when Russo needs to sober up for a little while
Unlike the West Wing, which got 22 episodes * 7 seasons, I doubt House of Cards will ever have enough time to flesh out the show's in-world timeline enough for us to make sense of this
Dark Knight
Neo Member
Finished all the episodes Sunday night. Here are some quick thoughts:
I'm glad I've found some folks to talk about the show with. I've been dying to talk about it since I finished.
I was disappointed by the ending, but I quickly realized it's rather similar to the ending of Breaking Bad's fifth season. We're clearly in the middle of a much larger story - halfway through a novel. It's weird place to end, but I think it will make sense once the second 13 are released.
Being from South Carolina, so it's always funny to see the state talked about. (Washington and surrounding areas DO NOT double well for Gaffney - the Peachoid is literally right next to I-85 and not in the middle of the field - but that's more funny to me than anything else). I also don't understand why they replaced the Citadel with the Sentinel - but I'm guessing that's probably a legal reason.
The Chapter 8 revelevation made Frank all the more interesting. It was a nice touch that I hope is brought back up in the future.
And I was shocked at the death of Russo. The dog should have been a good red herring, but I was totally caught off guard when it was happening.
I don't get the origami. Same with the crazy woman in the graveyard. Interested to hear your thoughts.
Speaking in terms of structure - consuming all 13 at once definitely shows the cracks in terms of how the arcs are laid out: 1-3, 4-7, 8 (the only stand alone episode), 9-10, 11-13.
Also - Freddy is the secretly the best part of the show.
Being from South Carolina, so it's always funny to see the state talked about. (Washington and surrounding areas DO NOT double well for Gaffney - the Peachoid is literally right next to I-85 and not in the middle of the field - but that's more funny to me than anything else). I also don't understand why they replaced the Citadel with the Sentinel - but I'm guessing that's probably a legal reason.
The Chapter 8 revelevation made Frank all the more interesting. It was a nice touch that I hope is brought back up in the future.
And I was shocked at the death of Russo. The dog should have been a good red herring, but I was totally caught off guard when it was happening.
I don't get the origami. Same with the crazy woman in the graveyard. Interested to hear your thoughts.
Speaking in terms of structure - consuming all 13 at once definitely shows the cracks in terms of how the arcs are laid out: 1-3, 4-7, 8 (the only stand alone episode), 9-10, 11-13.
Also - Freddy is the secretly the best part of the show.
I'm glad I've found some folks to talk about the show with. I've been dying to talk about it since I finished.
Supermanisdead
Member
Ok finished up the show this morning.
Uhh.. what was that ending?
Here's how I read the Origami symbolism: (basically the whole season, but nothing specific)
I took it to represent Claire's arc and the dillema she faces. She can choose the immediate (the $20 bill, Adam) or she can choose something that will last (the origami, her marriage with Frank, children perhaps?). Same thing with her non-profit; is she just throwing money at a problem for the sake of immediate gratification or is she seeking to build a legacy? And if she is, then... does that legacy have any actual utility or is it a legacy for the sake of a legacy? (since origami is useless) I think at its core, it's function vs. form, it's immediacy vs. legacy. All revolving around that idea of what will she choose to leave behind.
Dark Knight
Neo Member
firehawk12
Subete no aware
fallengorn
Bitches love smiley faces
I figured the whole origami thing meant that the show took place in the Blade Runner universe.
So I had a crazy experience with the run to the end of the season. Basically, I missed episode 11 on accident and it's a fascinating exercise:
So 10 ends with Russo in the shower, his shit completely fucked. Stamper checks in and makes a look like probably Pete's dead in there. I figured that lined up nicely with the earlier scene in which Frank teaches Russo how to kill himself in the bath.
Then picking up at Episode 12, we've jumped a month ahead. Underwood's clearly gunning for VP spot and the Chief of Staff lady is clearly his ally. Claire's back without having explained it much.
In short, going from 10 to 12 glosses some details, but there basically isn't a continuity break. I think I prefer the canon that omits episode 11. Throughout, Frank clearly isn't a "good dude", he's manipulative as fuck, but he certainly isn't a murderer. The last thing he says before Russo's shower is to tell Stamper to get Pete back on his feet and take care of him.
I don't think 11, with Frank's murder of Russo, is out of line, but I thought it was bold of them to gloss a bunch of stuff you can safely assume on the run to the end of the season (Claire's return, Frank's alliance with Chief of Staff, etc.).
That said, episode 11 is tremendously powerful. I do like that Frank's putting Russo down echoes nicely his killing that dog in the very first episode. I suppose I personally really identified with Pete as a general rule, so it was good seeing him go out on his terms, instead of his impotent pledge to come clean to the law and then lose all agency by just getting murdered on Frank's terms. (<- which is not to advocate suicide in any way, I just think the symbolism of it works because this is a damn work of fiction)
Then picking up at Episode 12, we've jumped a month ahead. Underwood's clearly gunning for VP spot and the Chief of Staff lady is clearly his ally. Claire's back without having explained it much.
In short, going from 10 to 12 glosses some details, but there basically isn't a continuity break. I think I prefer the canon that omits episode 11. Throughout, Frank clearly isn't a "good dude", he's manipulative as fuck, but he certainly isn't a murderer. The last thing he says before Russo's shower is to tell Stamper to get Pete back on his feet and take care of him.
I don't think 11, with Frank's murder of Russo, is out of line, but I thought it was bold of them to gloss a bunch of stuff you can safely assume on the run to the end of the season (Claire's return, Frank's alliance with Chief of Staff, etc.).
That said, episode 11 is tremendously powerful. I do like that Frank's putting Russo down echoes nicely his killing that dog in the very first episode. I suppose I personally really identified with Pete as a general rule, so it was good seeing him go out on his terms, instead of his impotent pledge to come clean to the law and then lose all agency by just getting murdered on Frank's terms. (<- which is not to advocate suicide in any way, I just think the symbolism of it works because this is a damn work of fiction)
It blew my mind when I learned this show is based on a British show. It FEELS like everything about the American version couldn't possibly line up with a British show: the character of Frank seems predicated on him being Southern, and the machinations of politics seem predicated on American non-parliamentary system. But I'm very interested to go back and check it out.
duuuude, wtf!? How did you pass me?
I'm on Episode 11 now, bb. I had a long night, a lot of pizza, and a lot of free time.
I watched the entire series in one sitting (had the flu, stuck to the couch and OCD). I really enjoyed this and hope they make a second season. It reminds me of a lot of other shows (Boss, Newsroom), but it still feels original. I really like it when
Kevin Spacey breaks the fourth wall and talks directly to the camera.
Stumpokapow
listen to the mad man
I skipped an episode accidentally; for whatever reason on the AppleTV (where I watched it) when you finish an episode it boots you back to the episode menu, but the cursor is already moved down to the next episode. So if you aren't paying close attention to the episode description, you press "down" and you've skipped an episode. Of course this would be less of an issue if the episode names were actual words, so you could tell that the cursor moves, but instead they're just numbers.
heliosRAzi
Banned
There are Dells as well. It really doesn't bother me.
Fantastical
Death Prophet
Not a spoiler but whatever:
It's sort of annoying the way they make the issues so simplistic.
EDIT:
Episode 6:
It's sort of annoying the way they make the issues so simplistic.
Frank does something, it works perfectly, news outlets interpret it exactly the way Frank wants them to, cut to person that Frank screwed over stating exactly what their next plans will be / them submitting to Frank.
EDIT:
Episode 6:
Frank finally flubbed.
I had the same problem as yours. I guess it has something to do with the time of the original novel (1989) and the BBC series (1990). That was a time before 24 hours news cycle exploded (CNN and golf war), let alone internet, FB and twitter. Also the British Parliamentary system has a somewhat simpler structure than American's legislation and administration systems, and the functions and importance of the position of party whip in each system are also different.
Series spoiler:
Other thing I have to say is the production values were great, wish FX had made a similar effort with The Americans. I guess Netflix have more money or something.
The ending. I was under the assumption this was a one season thing and was expecting it to all be wrapped up nicely rather than leave me with a case of blue balls. Overall it was pretty enjoyable television but definitely maintained my interest better in binge mode than it would've had I been limited to watching it weekly. All the characters are massive dickheads (I can't think of a single one that could be described as in anyway likeable) but number one for me has to be that British photographer dude. He really made me rage.
Other thing I have to say is the production values were great, wish FX had made a similar effort with The Americans. I guess Netflix have more money or something.
RatskyWatsky
Hunky Nostradamus
It's going to take a year for the next season.
Steelyuhas
Member
That do away with that? Shame, I've only watched the first three eps, it was used in all three eps and I really liked the technique.
Dark Knight
Neo Member
Sherlock has that too. I'm a big fan of texts as typography.
Ugh that sucks... I guess this is why I prefer the traditional weekly release format.
I work for the government and they distribute Macs and iPads, along with Dells and Vaios. We're also in the process of moving from Blackberry to iPhones.
Good call!
Finished it last night.
Loved it.
When is season 2 coming? Same timeframe roughly?
Cornballer
Member
As Ratsky pointed out, next year is a pretty safe bet. However, we're in somewhat uncharted territory here, so who knows. I can't imagine we'd see it any earlier than late 2013, but the smart money is on early 2014.
Having finished watching the series I found it engrossing. Spacey was delightfully despicable. The show is definitely at it's best when focusing on the strategic political relationships at play and how Spacey plans his manipulations rather than the personal demons running amok throughout the cast.
I hope there's more to come. And soon.
I also like that whilst there are clear mini story arcs, things that happened early on in the series and seemed disposed of were of equal importance towards the end.
I hope there's more to come. And soon.
Considering 26 episodes were commissioned I will say later this year is a good bet.
Cornballer
Member
- NY Times: Netflix's 'House of Cards' Redefines the Spoiler Alert
I doubt they'd have any problem meeting that from a production standpoint, but I don't know if there are additional commercial reasons why they'd want to wait (or not wait) until the new calendar year.
CrunchyFrog
Member
Spacey really has a knack for "scum of the earth"-type roles XD
Finished it the other day myself. Interesting series, not groundbreaking, not the rollercoaster ride like Mad Men, Breaking Bad, or other non-network dramas, but compelling. Looking forward to season 2. I admit though, the giant season breaks in the Netflix model are gonna be tough to swallow, though I guess that's more a lack of self-control
Spacey really has a knack for "scum of the earth"-type roles XD
Finished it the other day myself. Interesting series, not groundbreaking, not the rollercoaster ride like Mad Men, Breaking Bad, or other non-network dramas, but compelling. Looking forward to season 2. I admit though, the giant season breaks in the Netflix model are gonna be tough to swallow, though I guess that's more a lack of self-control
Lol. I've never heard anyone call Mad Men a rollercoaster before.
I love Mad Men, don't get me wrong, but it moves at a very deliberate pace.
Triple Oceans
Member
QFT. With that being said, HoC has pretty good pacing which is one of the reasons why I enjoy it.
Spacey really has a knack for "scum of the earth"-type roles XD
Finished it the other day myself. Interesting series, not groundbreaking, not the rollercoaster ride like Mad Men, Breaking Bad, or other non-network dramas, but compelling. Looking forward to season 2. I admit though, the giant season breaks in the Netflix model are gonna be tough to swallow, though I guess that's more a lack of self-control
I am on episode 12 now so not long to go, and up until now I echo your assessment of the series, there isn't any particular peaks or troughs like Breaking Bad but it's still compelling viewing.
Although when Frank killed Russo is when I knew the shit had well and truly hit the fan, and there was no turning back for Frank.
RatskyWatsky
Hunky Nostradamus
[Episode 11]
FUCK NOOOOOO!! Auuugghhhaaaghhh!! I really liked Russo 
Fuck you Francis you monster
Fuck you Francis you monster petethepanda
Member
I've found the show to be rather hollow so far but it started to get dumb in episode 6. Rapidly losing interest.
Starting to get a Newsroom vibe from this, an exceedingly slick production without much of anything at its core (and similarly the usual reaction to this opinion seems to be "oh well you're just expecting dumb network TV writing").
Starting to get a Newsroom vibe from this, an exceedingly slick production without much of anything at its core (and similarly the usual reaction to this opinion seems to be "oh well you're just expecting dumb network TV writing").
I had the flu this weekend so I used it as an opportunity to watch all of season 1.
It's definitely good stuff.
At first, I was a lot off-put by the execution and "narration" but it really starts to jive a few episodes in. I also wasn't sure if I'd ever feel attached to the characters but that wasn't the case at all: I found Russo to be one of the most compelling characters in any show this past year.
Anyway, I'm glad this ended up rivaling HBO's elite. I'm sure Netflix will release season 2 in increments now that everyone's hooked. I was questioning their decision at first but it seems like releasing the entire first season at once made it more accessible and easier to attach viewers.
It's definitely good stuff.
At first, I was a lot off-put by the execution and "narration" but it really starts to jive a few episodes in. I also wasn't sure if I'd ever feel attached to the characters but that wasn't the case at all: I found Russo to be one of the most compelling characters in any show this past year.
Anyway, I'm glad this ended up rivaling HBO's elite. I'm sure Netflix will release season 2 in increments now that everyone's hooked. I was questioning their decision at first but it seems like releasing the entire first season at once made it more accessible and easier to attach viewers.
RatskyWatsky
Hunky Nostradamus
That's not going to happen. Netflix is committed to releasing all the episodes at once.
As they should be. Anyways, Netflix stands to gain nothing from staggering the release.
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