Review- House of Cards Season 3

Warning: this review contains major spoilers for seasons 1, 2 and 3. If you haven't seen House of Cards yet, just go watch it and come back

Frank Underwood has fought has way up the political ladder and he is now the most powerful man in the whole world; he's President of the United States. But this time round, it's a house divided. With heat coming from Russia, congress and his own party, Frank has never been busier and the cracks are starting to show. Will this House of Cards come tumbling down? If by that you mean the show's quality, no, not really.

Unquestionably, one of the constant highlights of House of Cards is the acting. Kevin Spacey is as on form as ever as the ruthless anti-hero but now he has to put on a good face for the public. It gives old Kev a chance to really flex his acting muscles. On similarly strong form is Robin Wright as Claire Underwood. This season, more than ever, we get a look at the dynamic between Frank and Claire and how it starts to crumble, which makes for some incredible moments of tension. Excellent acting performances are also put in by Michael Kelly as Doug, Molly Parker as Jackie and Paul Sparks as Thomas Yates. Basically, if it's good acting you desire from your shows, vote House of Cards.

Equally, the direction and technical work of the show is as on point as ever. For directing, the series has kept it's familiar style. It's dark, shadowy, light is thrown around sparsely. It's miserably beautiful. Just how I like it. The cinematography is great as well, yet again giving us some of the best shot scenes on TV. To add to how wonderful everything is, the writing is also pretty much perfect. From the elaborate story arcs that mirror modern politics to the individual soliloquies Frank drops, it's all crafted superbly. However, there is something off. I don't know why but the show feels like it's lost something. It wasn't quite so bingeable as previous seasons have been. Part of the reason could be it's pacing. Speaking of which, let's get down to the plot.

So after the twists and turns of season 2, anything could seem dull and for the first few episodes, it's undeniably slow. Part of the problem is also that being President doesn't allow for Frank to take time off to stage suicides or push people in front of trains so we have to sit there for a little while and watch him make decisions. It hots up a few episodes in with the inclusion of Russia and Victor Pedrov who may share initials, a job and an air with Vladmir Putin but that's just a coincidence I'm sure. Anyway, everything soon starts to swirl together with Russia, the 2016 election and marital issues all corroborating to make Frank's life a misery. Plus, we get a resolution to the Rachel story, Gavin and Cashew are back and Freddy becomes a gardener at the White House. Plus, the ending is excellent. I could go on all day talking about it but in short, it's simplicity is where it's power comes from. Personally, it reminded me of Lord of the Flies and the conch but that could be because I'm going into revision overload and everything's the same now. Regardless of LotF similarities (or not), it's a powerful ending that leaves me aching for that fourth season.

So, House of Cards season 3. It's good. Hell, it's excellent. But compared to the other two seasons, it feels only great. That's not really that big a complaint but basically, don't expect this to be quite so stellar as the other seasons. It's enjoyable, if slow, and it's interesting to see Frank coping with everything new that comes of being the President. Plus, I loved the character of the writer and can't wait to see how he plays into season 4. Season 4 will probably be the last one and if it can continue the great success that this series has been showing so far, it'll be must-see TV. But for now, Season 3 is great and that's why I give it


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