By: Meredith Francis ~Campus News Editor~
Netflix recently released the entire second season of its popular original series, “House of Cards.” Season two continues the intense political drama brought on by scheming, ruthless American Congressman Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey) and his equally calculating wife, Claire (Robin Wright).
Season two continues the scandals of season one, though it adds layers of under-the-table political schemes and financial corruption. As Frank assumes the Vice Presidential role, he stops at nothing to ensure his personal success. As he coolly declares, “There are two kinds of Vice Presidents: doormats and matadors.”
Frank makes it his business to be the latter. The second season gets off to a shocking start. At first it seems the plot cannot advance after Frank pushes Zoe in front of a train in the first episode, killing her and destroying the trail of evidence to his past scandals. However, with the new introduction of several new characters, the season takes a much different direction than the first.
As always, Spacey gives a chilling, flawless performance. Spacey is so good in his role that he almost makes politicians likeable. He is at his best as he delivers Othello-like monologues toward the camera, almost turning the viewer into his otherwise absent conscience. However, his actions quickly reveal that remorse is not in his emotional repertoire. Wright also continues to impress playing Claire Underwood as we discover more about her past.
Claire shows more emotional depth in season two as she becomes tangled in her own lies, sex scandals and political maneuvering, making her position as the Vice President’s wife more powerful than ceremonial. “House of Cards” season two will not disappoint, but it will take the audience on a quite different ride. The plot is thick with campaign finance corruption and pandering for legislative votes.
It is at times challenging to follow because of its complexity, but the various intriguing subplots in combination with the ability to binge-watch on Netflix will keep you coming back for more. It seems as though “House of Cards” made a huge move too early in killing off Zoe, but the last few episodes bring back the shock factor.
Much like the end of season one, season two ends in a step up the political ladder for the Underwoods and a cliffhanger as one character is attacked and left dead in the woods. Whether you like them or not, the Underwoods come out on top out the end of season two.