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

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Cornballer said:
- James Poniewozik for Time Magazine: House of Cards Watch: I Ate the Whole Thing (spoilers for all of S1)
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Now, if HoC had aired on, say, Showtime, and I didn’t have the option of watching one after the other, would I have stuck it out that long? I have no way of knowing. It was a very good, absorbing, mature, well-executed drama, but hardly innovative in story, format or characters. I’m looking forward to season 2. But I’m not sure there are any lines I’ll quote, or scenes that will pop unbidden to mind, between now and then. In the end, the most remarkable thing about House of Cards wasn’t what we saw but how we saw it.
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For a new show that is so very true :)
 
Just finished the season.

So what do we expect
is Frank's primary goal? To be president? Obviously his original plan/path was altered when he was backstabbed at the beginning of the season, but I felt like revenge is just as much a part of his ultimate goal as anything else. And he hasn't had that yet on the two people he targeted the most. Now he'll be in a different position, but as was pointed out in the show the VP spot isn't exactly the most influential. In addition, he'd have to continue to steer the ship to assure the Democrats are in the position to win the next Presidential election if he goes that route.

Of course, as VP he would be in prime position if something were to happen....


devilhawk said:
Someone who wasn't happy about leaks or a jealous coworker could be reason enough. And reason enough for a congressman with everything to lose to be more conspicuous than that.

8-11
What if he recognized the girl and freaked? What if he stayed sober? What if the opportunity to off him didn't materialize
Seems things had to work perfectly.
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I don't think killing him was part of the plan. He was supposed to crash and burn, then withdraw and disappear. It seemed like he had no intention of doing so, and if he didn't withdraw in time they couldn't get the VP to run. Frank just changed things when the opportunity presented itself.
 
xenist said:
I wouldn't be 100% sure that Zoe is gonna turn into some crusader. Two or three episodes into season 2 I expect her to pay a visit to Frank and go "This is what I have. What are you willing to give in exchange mister Vice President?" And as for the photos these are not the fifties. Nude photos will be forgotten in a few months. Frank actually performing a coup not so much. Not to mention the new questions it would raise about Russo's death.
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(Full Series spoilers)
It doesn't matter if nude photos are forgotten in a few months. If they are used to wreck her credibility suddenly publishing such a big story as a massive conspiracy to oust the vice president doesn't seems so believable and more like a reporter desperate to re-earn the public's respect. Ie, it would make it seem like she is making stuff up. And honestly, without proof the conspiracy already sounds crazy. Sure we know it's true because we watched the show but it's so out there that I think most people would be dubious. Even moreso when that reporter looks like she is in a desperate situation to write a career-making story.

Enco said:
Don't get why people are surprised about how Zoe
is turning on Francis
. He's a piece of shit that used her and treated her like crap.
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Because (full series spoilers)
She used him just as much as he used her? She just got tired of it quicker. Don't forget that she is the one that went to him, not the other way around. She's the one that initiated the sex and had him take nude pictures of her as well. They're both bad people but they're also both people who are career focused. It's mutually beneficial for them to not turn on eachother and the reason for Zoe doing so seems especially weak at the moment, especially considering how valuable Underwood is as a source for stories.
 
Jason Raize '75 - '04 said:
Almost every post will be blacked out though. Why not just add 'SPOILERS' into the title until the month is done?
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If it really annoys you, and you know how to use a Javascript console or write an extension, the "span.spoiler" selector is what you're looking for.

for example, with jQuery, I use: $("span.spoiler").addClass("spoiled").removeClass("spoiler")
I add the spoiled class to keep track of where spoilers were so I can add the black bars back to the page if necessary
 
Vyer said:
Just finished the season.

So what do we expect
is Frank's primary goal? To be president? Obviously his original plan/path was altered when he was backstabbed at the beginning of the season, but I felt like revenge is just as much a part of his ultimate goal as anything else. And he hasn't had that yet on the two people he targeted the most. Now he'll be in a different position, but as was pointed out in the show the VP spot isn't exactly the most influential. In addition, he'd have to continue to steer the ship to assure the Democrats are in the position to win the next Presidential election if he goes that route.

Of course, as VP he would be in prime position if something were to happen....




I don't think killing him was part of the plan. He was supposed to crash and burn, then withdraw and disappear. It seemed like he had no intention of doing so, and if he didn't withdraw in time they couldn't get the VP to run. Frank just changed things when the opportunity presented itself.
Click to expand...

He wants to be the President, but what Linda missed is that he won't wait for his turn. Season 2 will be about his scheming to orchestrate Walker's resignation, or impeachment, or death. Whatever gets Frank the big chair, and now.
 
Vyer said:
Just finished the season.

So what do we expect
is Frank's primary goal? To be president? Obviously his original plan/path was altered when he was backstabbed at the beginning of the season, but I felt like revenge is just as much a part of his ultimate goal as anything else. And he hasn't had that yet on the two people he targeted the most. Now he'll be in a different position, but as was pointed out in the show the VP spot isn't exactly the most influential. In addition, he'd have to continue to steer the ship to assure the Democrats are in the position to win the next Presidential election if he goes that route.

Of course, as VP he would be in prime position if something were to happen....




I don't think killing him was part of the plan. He was supposed to crash and burn, then withdraw and disappear. It seemed like he had no intention of doing so, and if he didn't withdraw in time they couldn't get the VP to run. Frank just changed things when the opportunity presented itself.
Click to expand...

Killing him definitely wasn't the plan. He was meant to anounce withdrawal from the race and go away quietly to be a congressman again. However, he made it clear to Frank he didn't plan to do that and so Frank killed him as he didn't want him getting in the way of his ambitions.
 
Vyer said:
Just finished the season.

So what do we expect
is Frank's primary goal? To be president? Obviously his original plan/path was altered when he was backstabbed at the beginning of the season, but I felt like revenge is just as much a part of his ultimate goal as anything else. And he hasn't had that yet on the two people he targeted the most.
Click to expand...

It will be interesting to see if he has amended the plan to go after the billionaire that made sure he wasn't made secretary of state.
 
Salvadora said:
It will be interesting to see if he has amended the plan to go after the billionaire that made sure he wasn't made secretary of state.
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Yeah, I actually enjoyed how all Frank's planning turned out to miss the 'mastermind' after all. They seem like they will make for good enemies in S2
 
I love Kristen Connolly's eyes.

Episode 7:
The penis Zoe drew on the window was genius. Starting out with a heart and it the balls. :P

fuzzyreactor said:
While i love this show, i can't help but feel it peaked in the first 2 episodes. On episode 7 now, , does it reach that tier again?
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Personally, I felt like episode 7 was great. Not as great as the first two but still great.

The
AA stuff with Doug, and his involvement with Rachel (the hooker) was very interesting and then Zoe on the phone with her dad while Frank was pleasuring her was... very in line with what I feel this show is about. ;)

Episode 8:
Didn't see the gay relationship thing coming.
 
Ok I'm done and back now. What an amazing ride. Francis is a great character and every minute Spacey was on screen it was magical. I don't fully understand why but I thoroughly enjoy watching Kevin Spacey in anything. That was the first indicator that I would be into this show. Second is the fact that I love political drama's there aren't enough of them. However, I am glad about that I don't want political drama's to be the new cop show, lawyer show, dr show.

This was very well done and honestly that surprised me. I saw things in this series that I can't remember seeing in 'regular' television cable or not. That excited me because I am a TV junkie. Every episode was gripping, no filler, no fluff complete domination from open to close.

Well done Netflix, well done.
 
Episode 7 maybe 8 I forgot
Maybe I've forgotten some of the details, but who is the ex prostitute who is semi blackmailing them? Am I supposed to know yet?

I shouldn't have taken a break on watching this.
 
SteveWinwood said:
Episode 7 maybe 8 I forgot
Maybe I've forgotten some of the details, but who is the ex prostitute who is semi blackmailing them? Am I supposed to know yet?

I shouldn't have taken a break on watching this.
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She was with Russo when he was arrested for DUI. They payed her to keep her quiet.
 
I finished. Great awesome show. Spacey deserves a ton of awards for his performance, but I am not sure if being a Netflix show disqualifies him from the Emmy's and such.
 
Sat down to watch eps 8 and 9 before bed, but ended up watching 10 and 11 too, as I just couldn't stop. This show is soooooooooo good.

Ep 11.
So devastated right now. :( :( :(
 
So am I right in assuming Claire
is having the baby mostly for the edge in her court case? While she has dropped the hints she would like a baby regardless, it seems like the perfect way out of looking bad for potentially firing a pregnant employee. Why would a pregnant woman fire another woman for being pregnant?

Also, with the show revolving around Frank trying to manipulate others to get what he wants, I'm awaiting the big reveal where we find out someone has been manipulating him back.
I don't think it was chance that his bodyguard broke protocol and fired the shots that almost got him fired- I think the plan was for him to get closer to Frank by doing so, so that someone can keep tabs on him. Just a hunch.

Wouldn't it be amazing if the President was playing him all along, using him to pass the education reform he needed and now moving him into the White House to keep him under closer watch? Just as the President was already close with Tusk, and Remy had already gone to Tusk, it feels like there are people outside of Frank's influence who still recognize his importance and value
 
Finished it!
What a great show. From the first moments it just grabbed me, and wouldn't let go. Francis killing Peter was so vicious and cold yet I don't feel angry at him. He did what he needed to do...which is a completely fucked way in justifying a murder but still. Peter was played and seeing all of this unfold was marveouls. Seeing a scheme that lasts months coming to its conclusions were great.

The final three episodes were pretty awesome, I liked with Adam and Claire were together. I knew their relationship wasn't something that could be everlasting. My favorite line has to be from Clair, "I didn't want to be seen, I wanted to be significant." I just adore her character.

Zoe flipping was so odd, I serisouly don't know why she did that. Does she assume there is a conspiracy with Peters death? The last episode was good and the payoff to see that Frank will be getting the VP is awesome. I just expected more out of the finale.

BRING ME SEASON 2 PLS.

Also Claire, like...she had three abortions in the past. I'm curious to know how many of those were from Frank and kept secret, because I felt that she would knowing how Frank is about children
 
Ok, now that I finally have a chance to post my impression of this season’s HoC, here it goes.

As been said repeatedly, Kevin Spacey does a great job as Francis. But I don’t feel Robin Wright gets enough attention as Claire. She has some good stand out episodes where you see why she responds to Frank in the way she does. She's done a good job at being consistent within her character and has pretty good chemistry with Spacey. Starting out, I felt she was pretty annoying/useless. But now I see how she’s been a key cog in helping Frank towards the Vice Presidency. I found it interesting that despite how much Frank and Claire hold hands, have intimate talks, kiss and share cigarettes, they’ve yet to show them (or even imply) they are sexually intimate with each other.

Despite the show’s heavy-handed theme of revenge, they do it in such a well written and stylistic way that it isn't distracting to the point of being a turn off. I enjoyed the depth of the main characters and how consistent they were. For me there didn’t seem to be many moments where they took step outside of their character to get something done. I will say that Remy is pretty annoying as the show’s plot device. Although by season’s end you can see how working under Frank in the past has rubbed off on him (i.e. the betray/meeting at Freddie’s in episode 12).

Overall I found the story to be rather engaging along with good use of tension within the dialogue of the characters.

Now for a few quick thoughts:

- Not sure if it was by design but Zoe has gotten more and more annoying to me as each episode has passed. I look forward to seeing how the naked photos that Frank took of her earlier in the season comes back around to haunt her.

- Doug Stamper is definitely my second favorite character behind Frank. He does a pretty good job of being Franks right hand man who is pretty competent. I'd really like to see a little of his back story.

- Im conflicted about Russo's death. He was really growing on me and just when I got interested in his character, they kill him off. Its also annoying how they're using Capra to replace Russo completely out of the blue.

- Loved the interactions between Frank and Tusk. Would like to see more of those in the future. Now that Tusk knows about Freddie's, I see them meeting there a few more time later on down the road.

- Felt the connection made by Zoe, Lucas and Janine about Franks plan for the Vice Presidency was completely unearned.

If HoC does well with critical praise and Spacey wins an award for his role in this, Netflix will have put themselves in a win/win scenario moving forward.

Gotta go.

*knocks on the table twice with ring*

I loved how they explained the significance of that.
 
episode 11
what.the.fuck why???he shouldve just commited suicide, i cant believe frank would do that. what an evil man!!
 
Beau Willimon chimed in on Vulture's discussion and I felt his comments are worth sharing here:

Beau Willimon here. Hey everyone!

First of all, thank you (and congrats) for watching all 13 chapters already. That's a big commitment, and we appreciate that you invested so much time into the show so soon after the release.

Secondly, a huge thank you for all these comments. I've read them all. They're incredibly astute and helpful. Fincher and I and the other EPs watched all 13 over two days shortly after we finished post-production. An autopsy viewing of sorts - a very honest, analytical viewing so we could bluntly discuss what we could have done better, and how to improve upon what we did Season 1 as we tackle Season 2.

Many of the issues that you all raised are precisely the things we discussed after our viewing. It's helpful to see that your thinking is often line with ours. But many of you also raised points that are new, that only fresh eyes can provide. That's extremely informative to us, and we're very grateful.

Much to think about from these comments. And I hope they keep rolling in. I'll be sure to check back on this forum regularly.

Thanks again, and I hope you'll binge again when we go live with Season Two!

All best,
Beau
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Also,
Stamper is very much HoC's version of Mike Ehrmantraut. I love it.
 
Beau Willimon seems like a smart man.

Just started episode 3. Hopefully I can finish 5 before the weekend's over. I think that'll be my pace.

EDIT: What did that old lady
in the graveyard say? It's the "spice bowl"? That was so weird.
 
ivysaur12 said:
Beau Willimon seems like a smart man.

Just started episode 3. Hopefully I can finish 5 before the weekend's over. I think that'll be my pace.

EDIT: What did that old lady
in the graveyard say? It's the "spice bowl"? That was so weird.
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pretty sure she said its disrespectful
 
I can't stand Zoe at all. Her mannerisms (biting her thumb, the way she doesn't make direct eye contact well, her voice) just make her seem completely disinterested and childish.

Episode 9 - mostly a rant about the journalism aspects of the show

The bullshit about her growing up and becoming more respected on, effectively, being used by Frank - I get all that. It serves the purpose of the plot. She's just such a charade to me. Granted, I've worked in a newsroom, and I don't think they're too far off with the show's portrayal of the Herald. The Slugline bit is a bit painful for me to watch though because it's such a hilarious characiture of a start-up news environment. I'm a recent Journalism school grad, so I know people that work at HuffPo and Gawker and am two steps removed from folks at BuzzFeed.

The editor at Slugline isn't even a fully defined character. "Be current, have character, yadda, yadda, I'm a 40-year-old writer trying to sound like a 20-year-old." That whole component of the show turns me off.

Whole Season
But I really like the show as a whole. Thought it was a little off-putting to introduce the wealthy magnate so late in the game. Until now, the President really has been an ancillary part of the show. I wonder if he'll get his hands dirty in the second season.

Season 2 will be pure destructive pleasure.
 
Only on episode 3, but I like Zoe, or at least Zoe's role in the story.
She's in way over her head, and not as savvy as she believes. She's ambitious, sure, but she has no ways in which to control herself. Jeanine might be frustrated, but there's a reason she's at the top and Zoe isn't. I look forward to her falling apart.
 
Caspel said:
Finished it last night and gave the entire series a lot of thought on if I liked the ending or not; truth be told, I don't.

Zoe and her reporting team stumble upon everything too easy. Their detective work was convenient and rushed.

I liked the show and will watch season 2, but I hope they put the ship back on the right course since I felt the last two episodes were the weakest of the bunch.
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I'm a former reporter and many of my professors were investigative reporters in DC and Chicago, and I'll say this really is how reporting tends to go.

Either you have incredible momentum and get a shitton of legwork done in the first few days with everything falling into place, or you're stuck with what you have and have to shelve it. You're not worth shit unless you're getting stories for your editor.
 
This is why I told myself I'd only watch 2 series at a time (Mad Men and Breaking Bad only previously) until one of them is finished, oh man, the pain of the wait. :'(

I just could not resist Fincher and Spacey. Nothing much to say other than I really like this show so far (finished the chapter 13 last night), cannot wait for more.
 
Leshita said:
This is why I told myself I'd only watch 2 series at a time (Mad Men and Breaking Bad only previously) until one of them is finished, oh man, the pain of the wait. :'(
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You should do the opposite. Watch more shows - that way when one show you like goes off the air, you'll always have another one to keep you entertained. Makes the wait for new seasons muuuuuch easier.
 
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