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[Orbis Tabula]

So, I said this before, but everything got lost in spoiler bars, so I'll post it now, since we can talk about spoilers.

Anyone else disappointed about the payoff of the anthrax plot? I seem to recall they were able to connect it with the guy who was trying to bomb the Underwood residence, but I didn't like it. I was so convinced Frank actually sent the Anthrax himself. Send it to an office you don't work at. "Coincidentally" end up working there that day. Get locked in a room with the one guy you need to convince to buy into your plan. Frank even says "All I need to convince Blythe is patience and time. I have neither." And then magically, he has it. Only two things really work against this. One, if this were his plan, it requires abandoning Claire on tv. She clearly handled it well, but I don't think he would do that. And two, the plan didn't work. He just pissed of Blythe more. But I almost like it better because he failed.

 

[ProfessorLobo]

Watched some more episodes.
Good God, is this inferior to the original. I mean they made him into a Democrat? That ruins a good chunk of the character right there.

Why? This isn't the British version and I don't know why you'd want it to be since you've already seen it.

I think making him a Southern Dixiecrat was the way to go.

 

[ProfessorLobo]

So, I said this before, but everything got lost in spoiler bars, so I'll post it now, since we can talk about spoilers.

Anyone else disappointed about the payoff of the anthrax plot? I seem to recall they were able to connect it with the guy who was trying to bomb the Underwood residence, but I didn't like it. I was so convinced Frank actually sent the Anthrax himself. Send it to an office you don't work at. "Coincidentally" end up working there that day. Get locked in a room with the one guy you need to convince to buy into your plan. Frank even says "All I need to convince Blythe is patience and time. I have neither." And then magically, he has it. Only two things really work against this. One, if this were his plan, it requires abandoning Claire on tv. She clearly handled it well, but I don't think he would do that. And two, the plan didn't work. He just pissed of Blythe more. But I almost like it better because he failed.

Yes. I think everyone in the audience assumed it was Frank, and they just kind of tossed that plot point to the side. Really weird.

 

[Jack Scofield]

I'm still catching up on season 1, but I wanted to come in here and vent, because none of my friends watch this show so I can't talk about it with them.

I just watched the episode where Peter was killed. Really sucks, because he was my favorite character in the show. Even though I still love this show, I couldn't help but feel cheated by having Frank actually murder someone. I suppose it's because I felt that the rest of the show was relatively plausible, and that specific instance crossed the line of believability for me by being (in my opinion) farfetched from the rest of the show. As I said, I still adore the show, but I guess my expectations were a little out of line.

But I'm out! Don't want to be spoiled for season 2 moreso than I already have!

 

[CassSept]

Just finished yesterday. The only thing I don't understand is how Frank gets off scot free from the scandal. Tusk blaming the president somehow takes all heat off frank?

Or is it just that he cleaned up the China situation so fast that he gets more political capital?

This is what seriously bothers me. Aside from the whole thing taking a huge dip in quality in the second season, this this this. Frank was just as much, if not even in some parts of the media even more responsible for the scandal in the public eye. I can't believe Walker resigning would suddenly clear the air around political money laundering, especially if once again acting president is known to be tied to it.

Oh and Underwood's chief of staff being found dead in the woods the day he becomes POTUS will not raise any suspicions at all. Nope.

 

[Frost_Ace]

I'm still catching up on season 1, but I wanted to come in here and vent, because none of my friends watch this show so I can't talk about it with them.

I just watched the episode where Peter was killed. Really sucks, because he was my favorite character in the show. Even though I still love this show, I couldn't help but feel cheated by having Frank actually murder someone. I suppose it's because I felt that the rest of the show was relatively plausible, and that specific instance crossed the line of believability for me by being (in my opinion) farfetched from the rest of the show. As I said, I still adore the show, but I guess my expectations were a little out of line.

But I'm out! Don't want to be spoiled for season 2 moreso than I already have!

You're gonna love season 2.

 

[See You Next Wednesday]

Why? This isn't the British version and I don't know why you'd want it to be since you've already seen it.

I think making him a Southern Dixiecrat was the way to go.

The problem (among many) is that he is a regular everyday conniving politician, nothing really stands out.
He is going through a lot of trouble for small things & leaving things to chance.

In the British version, he was short of being a genocidal maniac who got what he wanted by any means necessary & was still somehow likable by the end of the day.

 

[numble]

Season 2 Episode 1

Spoiler

For those who're saying that they're shocked by what happened to Zoe at the end... Well, I guess you haven't seen the British miniseries. The British Frank Urquhart did away with his own reporter analogue right at the end of the first season itself, shoving her off the roof of the British Parliment.

I was actually surprised that The American Frank Underwood allowed her to live for so long, knowing what she did about the whole sordid affair; I seriously thought she would be dealt with by the end of Season 1, but I guess that was their way to screw with our expectations.

Excellent start to the Second Season, well done folks.

Not a good way to title spoilers.

Title: Season 2, Episode 1
Spoiler content: BBC House of Cards Season 1 finale spoilers.

 

[NastyBook]

Just wrapped up this season yesterday, and I'm still pretty floored. A couple of spots here and there that didn't add up to me, mainly being Frank's breakneck pace to the Oval Office (am I misunderstanding the timeline between the two seasons?). But overall, this season saw a LOT of people's armor being completely ripped off. That alone was worth it. Just sitting there and watching Claire on the steps in her apartment become human again for FIVE SECONDS was so good. And seeing Frank's mask slip in the Oval Office after President Walker left before he commented on all the lies he's been telling to achieve his goal. All of those lies that led him to that final scene with the table and the knock... I was left satisfied. It could honestly end there, but I'm so morbidly curious as to see how it all comes tumbling down now. I'm kind of glad Stamper won't be there to see it.

The biggest thing that I got from this season, however, is that Freddy Hayes, lovable as he is, is a TERRIBLE fucking judge of character.

 

[Sai-kun]

Just wrapped up this season yesterday, and I'm still pretty floored. A couple of spots here and there that didn't add up to me, mainly being Frank's breakneck pace to the Oval Office (am I misunderstanding the timeline between the two seasons?).

I believe it's just under a year between Chapter 14 and Chapter 26.

 

[inm8num2]

S1: Frank ascends to vice presidency
S2: Frank ascends to presidency
S3: Frank ascends to ______? Or does Frank finally fall?

 

[Cipherr]

I enjoyed watching it. But yeah, it felt breakneck paced in how fast he got to the presidency. And the money laundering thing should have crippled him IMO almost if not more than the president.

It feels waaaaaaaaay off. So many 'scandals' in what seemed to be a short time span and he just walks clean from them all right into the Oval Office....


But its still entertaining.

 

[Legato.Reborn-]

S1: Frank ascends to vice presidency
S2: Frank ascends to presidency
S3: Frank ascends to ______? Or does Frank finally fall?

I don't want to watch him fall. I'll just live in happy land where S3 doesn't exist.

 

[Kyou]

S1: Frank ascends to vice presidency
S2: Frank ascends to presidency
S3: Frank ascends to ______? Or does Frank finally fall?

Frank will make the entire American populace think it was their idea to crown him Eternal Godking of America

"Well personally I am not fond of this idea but if that is what the American people demand I will rule them for ten thousand years from my throne of human skulls."

 

[CassSept]

"Well personally I am not fond of this idea but if that is what the American people demand I will rule them for ten thousand years from my throne of human skulls."

I totally read it in his voice

 

[Cornballer]

Netflix and the House of Cards cast are doing a big Twitter Q&A this morning from 10-10:30AM PT:

 

[inm8num2]

I totally read it in his voice

Same here!

 

[Cornballer]

- NY Mag: House of Cards’ Molly Parker on Jackie’s Ambition and That Time She Made Remy ‘Finish’

 

[Shrennin]

Just caught up - watched both seasons within a week. It's a very good show, albeit with a couple plot conveniences.

With that said, I think Frank is gonna pardon Tusk next season. He needs to contain Tusk because he could still implicate Frank.

 

[TCRS]

Done. Loved it, although sometimes some things were not very believable.

And I'm guessing the hacker will play a role in the next season, otherwise I don't get his continued appearance after the journalists arrest.

Can't wait to see the next season with Frank as the president.

edit: also that part with Freddy seemed unnecessary and just made me sad. They should have kept him in and made him a successful figure.

edit2: also, wtf was that with meechum? lol.

 

[Manmademan]

Done. Loved it, although sometimes some things were not very believable.

And I'm guessing the hacker will play a role in the next season, otherwise I don't get his continued appearance after the journalists arrest.

Can't wait to see the next season with Frank as the president.

edit: also that part with Freddy seemed unnecessary and just made me sad. They should have kept him in and made him a successful figure.

edit2: also, wtf was that with meechum? lol.

Anyone who thinks this series is about happy endings hasn't been paying attention. "House of Cards" isn't just about Frank. Everyone here is making questionable decisions and is a half step away from ruin.

Frank and Claire enjoy bringing other people into the bedroom, and were complaining a few episodes earlier about how it's not an option because there's no one they can trust. Meechum is trustworthy, worships frank because he owes him everything, and apparently finds claire attractive.

 

[Vagabundo]

The season started off well, then dipped for me, but it really picked up near the end. I like how it all tied up. The last scene with the table; classic.

Oh, but I despise Frank and Claire. I am so looking forward to all their machinations coming back to chew them up.

S3 is going to be fabulous. Two seasons to rise; two seasons to fall.

 

[Korey]

I don't understand the season finale.

Walker resigns but why does it seem like the scandal disappeared and everything is peachy for Frank?

Why wasn't Frank impeached? Why didn't Tusk also also implicate Frank? Why wouldn't the special prosecutor still go after Frank?

 

[Dany]

I don't understand the season finale.

Walker resigns but why does it seem like the scandal disappeared and everything is peachy for Frank?

Why wasn't Frank impeached? Why didn't Tusk also also implicate Frank? Why wouldn't the special prosecutor still go after Frank?

Frank was covering up for the president.

Tusk didn't implicate Frank because Tusk knew that Walker would resign, Frank would become President and that he'd pardon Tusk. (or maybe he wont)

 

[Manmademan]

I don't understand the season finale.

Walker resigns but why does it seem like the scandal disappeared and everything is peachy for Frank?

Why wasn't Frank impeached? Why didn't Tusk also also implicate Frank? Why wouldn't the special prosecutor still go after Frank?

Frank wasn't impeached because Frank wasn't implicated.

Walker's impeachment got started because he got caught coaching someone to lie for him regarding his marriage counseling. The stuff with Tusk implicating him as responsible for money laundering was just the final nail in the coffin. If that sounds frivolous, recall that clinton didn't get impeached for blowjobs in the oval office, he got impeached for LYING about getting blowjobs in the oval office. Doesn't take much.

I got the impression that Tusk didn't implicate Frank because at that point he was feeling betrayed and vindictive towards Walker. Walker backed out on his "deal", after blowing up a 20 year friendship/mentorship.

 

[CassSept]

Frank wasn't impeached because Frank wasn't implicated.

How the hell wasn't Frank implicated. I'm pretty sure we were shown rampant speculation throughout the media that Frank was heavily involved into the scandal. It's absolutely ridiculous that anyone acts as if nothing happened. It's as if they had written the end first (Frank becomes President) and only then filled the gap (how he had done it). As far as plausibility is involved the show took a HUGE hit in the second season and honestly it was a real slog to get through.

 

[Shrennin]

Why wasn't Frank impeached? Why didn't Tusk also also implicate Frank? Why wouldn't the special prosecutor still go after Frank?

Like I said before, I think Frank is gonna pardon Tusk. Tusk probably thought it unwise to implicate both Walker and Underwood. Instead, especially after Walker backed out of the deal, he probably thought it best to hope Frank follows through with his original promise than to put hope in a president that has lost all political capital and who is on track to being impeached even before Tusk's testimony. If he implicated both Frank and Walker than he would have absolutely no hope of getting out.

 

[Salvadora]

Wasn't Underwood's head of staff, Stamper, shown in pictures actually being in the Indian casino?

If I'm remembering that correctly, it would directly implicate Frank.

 

[Shrennin]

Wasn't Underwood's head of staff, Stamper, shown in pictures actually being in the Indian casino?

If I'm remembering that correctly, it would directly implicate Frank.

The excuse given was that Frank's campaign started suspecting something (money laundering) and Stamper went, of his own accord, to check it out. Frank said that he wanted to be sure before he brought it up officially to the DoJ. The funny thing is that part of that is true, at least.

 

[Korey]

Frank wasn't impeached because Frank wasn't implicated.

Walker's impeachment got started because he got caught coaching someone to lie for him regarding his marriage counseling. The stuff with Tusk implicating him as responsible for money laundering was just the final nail in the coffin. If that sounds frivolous, recall that clinton didn't get impeached for blowjobs in the oval office, he got impeached for LYING about getting blowjobs in the oval office. Doesn't take much.

I got the impression that Tusk didn't implicate Frank because at that point he was feeling betrayed and vindictive towards Walker. Walker backed out on his "deal", after blowing up a 20 year friendship/mentorship.

Even if Tusk didn't implicate Frank, I find it hard to believe that special prosecutor Dunbar and team would pat themselves on the back for a job well done and everybody just stops any further investigation into Walker and Frank. Why wouldn't they continue the investigation?

Especially since Walker is still criminally responsible is he not? Just because he resigned doesn't mean he doesn't have to answer for what happened right?

I don't get it.

 

[someday]

To be fair, we really don't know that there aren't going to be any repercussions for Frank yet. Once the President resigns, protocol would be to immediately fill his spot with the VP. The DoJ stuff is still going on. Like Frank said in the interview, Congress decided on impeachment based on media speculation (even before Tusk testified) and that was more about placing the blame on the White House and hoping to avoid them being implicated. Those campaign funds we going to the House and Senate politicians on both sides of the aisle. There is still time for Frank to have to scramble.

Anyway, I binge watched the entire season 2 yesterday. I didn't see it as much different quality-wise as last season. I did really dislike Doug for his treatment of Rachel and was really glad she killed his ass. It's one thing to watch powerful people tearing each other apart. I hated him toying with that poor girl's life for whatever was fucked up in his own head. Also interesting to see how this plays out next season.

I thought the threesome fit Frank and Claire's profile. I think that was the first time we've ever seen them have sex together.

 

[Ducarmel]

Even if Tusk didn't implicate Frank, I find it hard to believe that special prosecutor Dunbar and team would pat themselves on the back for a job well done and everybody just stops any further investigation into Walker and Frank. Why wouldn't they continue the investigation?

Especially since Walker is still criminally responsible is he not? Just because he resigned doesn't mean he doesn't have to answer for what happened right?

I don't get it.

Frank sent Feng back to China the whole case relies on him to begin with. With the whistle blower dead, Tusk and Walker have nothing to gain to testify over a case with no eye witness or proof of a money trail as far as I know.

 

[GoxRx]

You know, his costume there reminds me of his costume in Se7en when Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt show up at the door of his apartment. Such an awesome scene.

Yes I thought the same thing. Se7en is a masterpiece.

 

[Sanjay]

Anyway, I binge watched the entire season 2 yesterday. I didn't see it as much different quality-wise as last season.

Season 1 is Dexter season 1.

Season 2 is Dexter season 7.

Next season is going to be a disaster. I can't believe how the quality of this show fell off so fast.

 

[Dabanton]

Season 1 is Dexter season 1.

Season 2 is Dexter season 7.

Next season is going to be a disaster. I can't believe how the quality of this show fell off so fast.

lol wat? The quality has been pretty much the same.

 

[Mondy]

Season 1 is Dexter season 1.

Season 2 is Dexter season 7.

Next season is going to be a disaster. I can't believe how the quality of this show fell off so fast.

I have to agree somewhat. After the monumental highs season one reached, season two was a massive disappointment after the first 2 episodes.

 

[brianjones]

lol wat? The quality has been pretty much the same.

i feel like people are remembering season 1 to be a lot better than it actually was

 

[CassSept]

I too think season 2 was highly inferior. The lots were more stupid. There was more forced cliched drama. Zoe plot in hindsight was a great counterbalance to the Hill, anything of that sort was lacking here. All the sideplots were undercooked, pointless, meandering all over the place.

I'm honestly annoyed at the direction Jackie plot went. I had high hopes for it, at fist it seemed like it could be an interesting new character, a strong, independent woman that will conspire and perhaps one day be a threat to Frank.

Nope, romance plot. Argh.

 

[War Peaceman]

i feel like people are remembering season 1 to be a lot better than it actually was

Completely agree. But I will say season 2 lacked the emotional core and narrative focus that the Russo story brought. At times season 2 felt like 'crisis of the week'.

 

[someday]

Season 1 is Dexter season 1.

Season 2 is Dexter season 7.

Next season is going to be a disaster. I can't believe how the quality of this show fell off so fast.

Opinions...and still your example is hyperbole. Season 1 was fun and kept me interested but it wasn't revolutionary. And season 2 is simply nowhere near in the running for Dexter levels of shit.

 

[Axiology]

The gay scene was goofy and out of nowhere.

I don't care what you say about the library scene. I never got gay vibes from that at all.

The fuck am I reading here? Dude... he totally banged that dude, check the transcript.

I liked the threesome scene actually. It makes a ton of sense if you consider the fact that Frank had a gay relationship in college and that he always kept Meechum close and clearly favored him. Of course, that relationship seems more like a father-son one until the threesome scene (for instance, the scene with them playing catch,) but once it transitions it makes total sense, at least to me.

Also explains why he allows Meechum to give him a gift, even when Doug tells him it's a bad idea.

Overall I liked season 2 a lot. Strangely enough I actually liked it more after the first episode was over with. I didn't really buy the Vice President killing someone face to face with his own hands. Not saying it was above him in any way, but I felt like the risk was just way too high to approach it as anything more than a stylish and surprising way to off a character. Thankfully the show jumps right into the high-level political shenanigans right afterward, redeeming the season in my eyes (not that there aren't any other unrealistic moments throughout of course.)

 

[Future Foundation]

Season 1 is Dexter season 1.

Season 2 is Dexter season 7.

Next season is going to be a disaster. I can't believe how the quality of this show fell off so fast.

Holy shit no. No no no no no.

The hideousness of Dexter Season 7 must've fucked you up. The good news is, it's up on Netflix, so you can see first hand how completely bad this comparison is.

 

[adj_noun]

Just finished. Holy cow, loved it.

 

[bidguy]

so when does season 3 start ?

 

[duckroll]

so when does season 3 start ?

Probably in Feb 2015?

 

[TheExodu5]

I can't believe how many people didn't realize Frank was gay. The library scene in S1 was pretty blatant about it, and then there's the fact that he never has sex with his wife (that we know of) and that he didn't take any pleasure in having sex with Zoe.

 

[Zen]

I can't believe how many people didn't realize Frank was gay. The library scene in S1 was pretty blatant about it, and then there's the fact that he never has sex with his wife (that we know of) and that he didn't take any pleasure in having sex with Zoe.

Is Frank confirmed gay? The dialogue during the Library episode seemed to say Bi. He even says something to that effect during the Library scene about how it does not matter who someone is, if he finds them attractive he goes for them.

 

[Sai-kun]

I can't believe how many people didn't realize Frank was gay. The library scene in S1 was pretty blatant about it, and then there's the fact that he never has sex with his wife (that we know of) and that he didn't take any pleasure in having sex with Zoe.

I would say bisexual, at least.

 

[fallengorn]

I can't believe how many people didn't realize Frank was gay. The library scene in S1 was pretty blatant about it, and then there's the fact that he never has sex with his wife (that we know of) and that he didn't take any pleasure in having sex with Zoe.

You should take a look at the porn video he loads up again. Claire isn't a beard.

Spoiler

She's a finger trap.

 

[Van Owen]

It's was very obvious that Frank likes men. I don't know how you didn't get that from the school episode in season 1, and all the leers towards Micham in 2.

There was also a line when they're talking about what dirt Tusk has dug up and Claire says "do you think he knows about" and Frank cuts her off before she finishes which I assume was going to be about his sexual exploits (or possible the stuff with Zoe.)