And so the butchery begins. Frank Underwood is back with a brand-new political scheme in the second season of Netflix’s original program, “House of Cards.” The entire season was released on Feb. 14, and while many played in the snow, some stayed inside watching the thirteen-hour season from start to finish. Sure it’s excessive, but it’s hard to make the argument that time could be better spent while binge-watching every episode of a hybrid between “Breaking Bad” and “The West Wing.”
If you thought “House of Cards” couldn’t get any better than the first season, think again. In almost every way, Season 2 is an improvement upon Season 1.
Season 2’s twisted and intricate plot-line, paired with Robin Wright’s increased role as Claire Underwood and the addition of several new characters, go together seamlissly. From the very first episode, Underwood makes a move that is sure to grab the attention of any viewer. His ruthless search for power begins right where Season 1 ended, and as the plot shifts from a focus on Congress to the White House, we come to see a varied set of relationships with the Underwoods and several minor characters.
Garrett Walker, the submissive president who lacks any and all decision-making skills, is much more active throughout the season. As is influential businessman and professional weasel Raymond Tusk. Remy Danton and Edward Meechum also appear much more often than in the first season. To me, these enhanced reprisal roles helped aid the dark and immoral attributes of Underwood, whose overall message since the show’s initial release is that he can really get things done.
One major change in Season 2 was that, despite so many moving parts, the writers of the show managed to artfully decide Underwood’s fate. Among Chinese relations, an energy crisis and unsaavory political contributions viewers will remain glued to the screen.
Repeating what she did in Season 1 with her Golden Globe-winning performance, Robin Wright steals the show. More vulnerable than ever, she manages to not only solve her existing problems from Season 1, but also seems to have a knack at creating them for others. Just as her husband did, Claire comes out on top after a whirlwind of controversy that seemed as difficult to get through as some of the runs she goes on.
Looking back, it’s easy to equate the entire season with some of its more wild or entertaining scenes, but as a whole, Season 2 had me begging for more. Even though it’s hard to fathom waiting another year until Season 3, I’ll need some time to properly digest the entirety of Season 2. Now my only worry is, what TV show gets to take the spot of “House of Cards”?