Comments on: What Worked & What Didn’t In Season One Of David Fincher & Kevin Spacey’s ‘House Of Cards’

By: Ryan

Ryan — Fri, 13 May 2016 10:37:04 +0000

The only episode that I thought was a drag was the one where Frank goes back to his alma mater. It seemed like a transitional episode, meant to give the characters (and audience) a break from the main storylines back in Washington – like the calm before the storm. But I feel like if they wanted to make an episode like that, give us more than just "Frank had a gay relationship in college" that will presumably come back to be used against him in later seasons. I don't know, it just seemed too silly and trivial to be wasting our time with. I just as soon skip this episode of supposed "character development" and get back to the meat of the show. When the show comes out on DVD, this episode will be one of the few I probably will never rewatch.

I also really liked that they didn't waste much time and killed Peter this season. This immediately put it ahead of Homeland, in my opinion, which would have benefited greatly by killing Brody off in Season 1. One thing that Fincher and Willimon seem to be aware of is avoiding milking obvious storylines for too long.

By: hank

hank — Fri, 13 May 2016 10:37:04 +0000

the only thing I truly detested about the series was the uninspired, HDR timelapse credit sequence I was tortured with every time I started a new episode.

By: Mass

Mass — Fri, 13 May 2016 10:37:04 +0000

What's wrong with the product placement? TV/film imitates real life, and in real life people play video games and PS Vitas.

House of Cards is absolutely awesome and very addicting. Now that Breaking Bad is on its way out, at least I know I can go to House of Cards.

By: Mass

Mass — Fri, 13 May 2016 10:37:04 +0000

What's wrong with the product placement? TV/film imitates real life, and in real life people play video games and PS Vitas.

House of Cards is absolutely awesome and very addicting. Now that Breaking Bad is on its way out, at least I know I can go to House of Cards.

By: Jean Robie

Jean Robie — Fri, 13 May 2016 10:37:04 +0000

The thing I didn't like about it, especially compared to the British version, is Frank's actions (apart from what he does to poor Peter) aren't especially villainous: he just seems like a conniving politician. The pleasure of seeing him act in truly evil ways was lost. And man, what was the point of that episode at the military school!!??

By: Ugh

Ugh — Fri, 13 May 2016 10:37:04 +0000

The product placement was really the only thing that got to me. There was literally a scene where Frank Underwood & his aide were sitting at a table drinking coffee & they had 9 different Apple products – all on using up battery & with the Apple logo prominently displayed – sitting on the table.

By: Dave

Dave — Fri, 13 May 2016 10:37:04 +0000

Loving the series so far – up to Ep. 4 – #5 tonight. Questions:
– Why was Zoe drinking Long Island Ice teas alone? Should've brought in some frat bro to try to hit on her, eventually forcing her departure from bar. That would've made her connection to Frank seem stronger.
– I noticed Ep 4 didn't have a short scene before the intro – hoping that's the same throughout.
– What did Francis think was wrong with Zoe's apt? Looked clean enough for a single reporter type. 🙂

By: Andrew

Andrew — Fri, 13 May 2016 10:37:04 +0000

Pretty spot on pros and cons list. Although I actually like the Richard III, talking to the audience device. It's been used before, sure, but when they let Kevin Spacey give a little smirk or look to the camera, those are some of my favorite moments.

By: Farmerfizz

Farmerfizz — Fri, 13 May 2016 10:37:04 +0000

I thought it was excellent! (Episode 8 and the Military School beside.) Spacey was just the right side of pantomine villain, aided and abetted by a fantastic supporting cast. My only critique is why Claire would want an affair with the campest man this side of Christmas? Netflix take a bow for a job well done.

By: D Will

D Will — Fri, 13 May 2016 10:37:04 +0000

I thought the series was excellent. I was thoroughly entertained throughout the entire season. The only con is that, " I can't wait for season 2!! Hurry??!!

By: Scarlett O.

Scarlett O. — Fri, 13 May 2016 10:37:04 +0000

Kevin Spacey truly shines as Underwood. He's devious, arrogant, and deliciously believable. I agree that the character of Zoe has much more potential, as does Claire. If season 2 runs with the court case, I think we'll see Claire blossom on camera.

Very addictive, I couldn't wait for the next episode, and watched all 13 episodes within about 4 days! Bring on season 2!

By: Navas

Navas — Fri, 13 May 2016 10:37:04 +0000

i didnt really mind the product placement at all. but most of the cons i tend to agree with. i cranked out the series in 2 days. and i need season 2 asap.

By: Abby

Abby — Fri, 13 May 2016 10:37:04 +0000

Just imagine I read it twice. While I am not as accomplished on this topic, I concur with your closings because they make sense. Thanks and good luck to you.

By: Alex

Alex — Fri, 13 May 2016 10:37:04 +0000

One thing I found very unconvincing was the way Zoe joined in on trying to uncover Francis's plot in the last episode or two, especially since she was complicit in the plot and at least in my opinion was not merely a pawn.

By: I seriously hope you guys ross douthat

I seriously hope you guys ross douthat — Fri, 13 May 2016 10:37:04 +0000

I sort of feel that Fincher genuinely likes Apple products and would put 'em in for free lol.

This was a very good series and I can't wait for another, but it brought home to me that doing a whole season in a weekend kind of sucks? Partly because it means the wait is a full year, not, say, nine months. This felt more like a first half of a season in any case.

Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright and Corey Stoll were all brilliant. Stoll (and his PA/lover) was pretty much the only half-sympathetic character, which I guess shouldn't matter but does a bit. And I think the famous Father's Day scene was maybe a bit de trop.

By: Glass

Glass — Fri, 13 May 2016 10:37:04 +0000

I seriously think you're just looking too hard for products in the things you watch. That's the only explanation for this sensitivity to seeing APPLE products (it's 2013, professionals use that shit) or a character with a soft spot for video games discussing a video game console in a moment of comic relief. Shit, I'm surprised you didn't Did you guys google 'Freddy's BBQ Joint' to see if it was a real place so you can complain about the random, blatant product placement of a rib joint Underwood frequents?

By: Scott C

Scott C — Fri, 13 May 2016 10:37:04 +0000

"And the way in which protestors are defused by a gift of barbecue, instantly transforming them into adoring fans, reeks of contempt for the electorate. " If I'm not mistaken, I believe the lobbyist for the Teacher's Union couldn't get the actual teachers there to the protest, filling in with Teamsters and anyone else they could get, which means that those at the protest didn't have a vested interest in it. Also, Linda Vasquez isn't just rolling over for the Stanford favor, she also sees the potential to become VP herself, if Underwood runs & wins a future Presidential race. I agree that these could be stronger, but I felt like you didn't give the full context, which strengthens these plot moves somewhat.

By: Anna

Anna — Fri, 13 May 2016 10:37:04 +0000

Enjoyed your review very much. I wish I hadn't seen the British series first as I enjoyed that much more, maybe because more seemed to happen. Don't tell the sponsors but I don't notice product placement! I think it's just part of the background. But I must disagree with you in one respect; this is a story about Francis, so he must remain the strong focus of the story with others revolving around him. Going off of this- for example getting into other stories too much such as Claire's work situation is boring. Maybe I feel they're trying to stretch things out too much. Have they committed to a 10-year run?

By: Jonathan

Jonathan — Fri, 13 May 2016 10:37:04 +0000

"no matter how much you mistrust politicians, it's hard to believe that one could kill another and mock it up to make it look like a suicide"

Keep enjoying that fantasy world.

By: Coleman

Coleman — Fri, 13 May 2016 10:37:04 +0000

Between the months of June and September (vacation time) is when I catch up on movies, tv shows, books I have put off. House of Cards has been a fantastic treat, and as a former resident of DC, I am excited for the city, and crew.

I think Frank and Claire are spectacular. Some of the plots were far fetched, but it reminds me of the show BOSS that was canceled too early on Starz.

Kudos to Netflix!

By: Johnson

Johnson — Fri, 13 May 2016 10:37:04 +0000

Good piece but I disagree with a few points:

1. Robin Wright is brilliant. Her scenes are compelling. All of them.
2. Love Frank's asides.
3. His trip back to his alma mater was the low point of the series in my mind. It simply dragged on too long.
4. I don't notice much of the product placement. And what I do see isn't bothersome.
5. Re-watching the series again. Can't get enough.

Great work.

By: ClinicalCynic

ClinicalCynic — Fri, 13 May 2016 10:37:04 +0000

Just… Poorly executed. All of the plot twists are foreseeable (except the Zoe wrap up), everyone in DC is not just dumber than Frank, but just plain DUMB. Why are all these seasoned reporters and politicos opening up and exposing their fears and weaknesses to Frank, a man who has been manipulating and screwing people over in DC for 20 years? And are Frank and Claire really the only people capable of controlling their emotions? Nope; the show doesn't work for me. I just don't buy into Frank's supremacy being built on the plot contrivance that everyone else in the world is a weak-willed, insecure moron.

By: Amanda

Amanda — Fri, 13 May 2016 10:37:04 +0000

Claire wasn't trying to have a baby, she was visiting an ob/gyn to gather ammunition to blackmail her fired, pregnant employee into dropping her lawsuit. Once she knew how badly her employee needed a particular prescription, Claire cut off the employee's insurance benefits and used that as leverage to settle the case (pretty generously). There may have been a slight whiff of Claire considering it but in the end it was about 95% gamesmanship.