TV Review: ‘House of Cards’

In the new season of Netflix’s Emmy Award-winning series “House of Cards,” the delicate house that Congressman Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey) worked tirelessly to build threatens to collapse.

With its signature crisp shots, grey hues and dramatic piano score, “House of Cards” delivers a solid follow-up season that premiered in its entirety for online streaming on Feb. 14. Although the dialogue veers toward cliche at times, the various plots retain their vivacity and the characters, the show’s strong suit, remain compelling.

The second season picks up immediately after the first. With the vice presidency now in his grasp, Frank begins his next set of machinations to secure even more power. But unlike in the previous season, his intentions remain unclear. Does he ultimately seek the presidency, or is he simply trying to stay afloat with the new pressures of his position?

The latter seems the case – this season, Frank cannot manipulate his colleagues and superiors as easily as he did before. This development may be frustrating for those on Frank’s side, but its realism is refreshing. After all, Frank cannot be the only cunning politician in Washington, D.C.

One such foe is Raymond Tusk (Gerald McRaney), a businessman who holds his own against Frank’s assertiveness. Raymond faces numerous battles with Frank over President Garrett Walker’s (Michael Gill) influence, but while McRaney delivers a strong performance, Gill remains as bland as his character. The writers should take responsibility for this fault, however. The president could easily have been made a complex figure in the show, but the writers continue to make him bland and docile – mere clay in the hands of Raymond and Frank.

Perhaps because of his increased struggles, Frank rarely breaks the fourth wall this season. Instead of being his usual cool, self-assured self, he seems embarrassed that his plans do not always come to fruition. It’s certainly clear that Frank is not in Congress anymore.

Frank’s wife Claire Underwood (Robin Wright), however, thrives in her new environment. With the Underwoods’ move into the White House, Claire takes on a more assertive position as Second Lady. Despite her coldness, she remains one of the most intriguing characters on the show.

Meanwhile, Zoe Barnes (Kate Mara) and company continue to unravel the conspiracy surrounding Congressman Peter Russo’s death. Their search brings them closer to Frank until a shocking event in the first episode leaves reporter Janine Skorsky (Constance Zimmer) too terrified to continue, while Zoe’s editor Lucas Goodwin (Sebastian Arcelus) persists.

This minor arc proves to be one of the more interesting storyline, as it develops Lucas into more than just a Zoe-obsessed tag-along and introduces a mysterious computer hacker named “HEROnymous.” New House Majority Whip Jackie Sharp (Molly Parker) joins HEROnymous in the long list of minor characters entering this season. She seems fierce and well-written at first, until she becomes tangled in an unnecessary love affair.

In fact, most of these minor characters take away from the main arc surrounding Frank and Claire’s schemes. Rachel Posner (Rachel Brosnahan), Russo’s old call girl, Connor Ellis (Samuel Page), Claire’s new assistant, Xander Feng (Terry Chen), a corrupt Chinese businessman affiliated with Raymond, and Patricia Walker (Joanna Going), the First Lady who somehow was never introduced until this season, may have interesting storylines, but they do not fit into the core of the show.

Bogged down by trivial plots and figures, the season starts to drag in the middle with more self-contained episodes, but manages to regain its footing near the end. Frank and Claire help drive the narrative forward with their cunning, Machiavellian ways. After all, if there’s anything to be learned from the popularity of “Breaking Bad,” it’s that everyone loves an antihero.