My binge watch is only just beginning. The first of my two reviews of House of Cards: Season 4 will be a spoiler-free review of the first 6 episodes. After I finish the season, I will have a spoiler heavy review of chapters 40-52 and a final grade on how Frank Underwood's return to our Netflix queues turns out. My first review is after the jump.
Now this is more like it! I found season 3 to be a bit of a slog. A very fascinating one, but a slog nevertheless. It got a bit lost in its politics and it lacked the devious twists and turns of its previous seasons. By the end, it all felt like a long set-up to the fallout that was to come in season 4. It turns out that I was right to feel that way because that's exactly what this latest season is. Without getting too detailed and spoiler-ific, it is clear that the past is out there to haunt Frank Underwood and he will have to out maneuver his personal demons if he has any hope to hang onto to his presidency and to his wife Claire. Before I speak anymore, I will will hold up my end by not spoiling anything, but I recommend that you read as little as possible and just jump into the new season without any ideas of how it will go. It will be a much better experience that way. However, I will do my best to keep my observations brief and general for the moment and I hope to see you back after you watch the season so we can talk about the season in depth. There will be plenty of things to discuss.
The new season picks up immediately where we left our favorite maniacal American politicians last season. Claire has walked out on Frank. The reelection campaign has just begun. Heather Dunbar and Jackie Sharp are prepared and ready to fight for the people's votes. Doug's creepy murder of his lady friend has paid off and he is now back on Frank's team as chief of staff. Everything is on the line and any missteps could cost everyone more than they know. Frank and Claire are in the middle of their own war of lover's torment and everyone around them is about to get swept up in it.
This season, so far at least, is finally getting back to what we loved the most about the previous seasons. It is balancing fascinating scheming politics with a razor-sharp edginess and danger that is prevalent in every season. Betrayals and threats are around every corner as our characters try to outsmart one another. It is incredibly addicting and thrilling to watch. Kevin Spacey is still at his very best as Frank Underwood, just as we expected. The biggest surprise this season so far has been the emphasis put on Claire Underwood and other female characters that are introduced this year. These characters offer the most insight into topics of race and gender that poked its head once or twice in season 3 but is even more substantial here. It adds a hefty weight to the proceedings and makes it completely riveting. Claire really takes charge here and is given nearly as much screen time as Frank, at times even more. Robin Wright is amazing as always and we see shades to her character and hidden anger and sadness that we have not seen yet. She is extraordinary this season.
The film-making looks as cinematic as ever with some of the best camera work and sound design the show has seen. This is undoubtedly one of the most intricately crafted television series currently in production. There is an aura of darkness that invades every gorgeously realized digital shot that almost drips with its weight and tangibility. There is attention given to every single frame so that every performance, location, and prop is perfectly framed and shot. There is even more a surreal tinge to some of sequences that eventually come into the show and they are gorgeous. It is a marvel to watch.
This is also the most substantial season when it comes to callbacks to previous events and characters. To say much more will ruin the experience but needless to say there are some unexpected reveals, returns, and absolute shocks that on the level of the first two seasons. There is an unpredictability to this season that makes irresistible. This is the perfect binge watch.
After the slight disappointment of last season, all the characters are back in top form and ready for some devilish business. This season is proving to be an absolute must watch for fans of the show. I mean, seriously. Start watching right now before the spoilers start invading the internet. There is a lot of delicious meat to dig into here. Frank Underwood is finally back and I could not be any happier.
Grade so far: A-.
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