House of Cards

I'm writing this review after watching four seasons. I knew after the first episode that I was going to like this one a lot. Kevin Spacey is one of my favorite actors, and he's excellent as always. I never thought I’d enjoy a series about political intrigue, but I was wrong. The story completely drew me in, and I always find it hard to turn it off and go to sleep. I think a lot of filmmakers could learn from it a lot about how to create atmosphere. Frank and Claire Underwood can be so cold sometimes that I have to scrape frost off the screen. Edit (December 5, 2019): I rated and reviewed Season 6 separately. It wasn't even part of the series anymore, at least not to me. (2016-08-05)

Season 5 is not going to get five stars from me. Kevin Spacey as Frank Underwood didn’t seem to get enough screen time and I couldn't enjoy his brilliant running commentary on his own manipulations and scheming. Anyway, Claire and Francis Underwood are still the lifeblood of the series, which is starting to get tedious at times, resulting in a slight loss of momentum in the story. I also felt that some of the storylines have become somewhat overelaborate, but the series still holds its place among my favorites. I'm just sorry to see Kevin Spacey go. Inquisitorial denunciations are clearly not a thing of the past. (2018-05-07)

I really missed Francis and Claire Underwood, and they hooked me immediately upon their return. This season looks like it's going to be another great one. The election campaign is in full swing, and the intrigue and manipulation are at their peak. Claire and Frank once again proved they are masters of chilling finales. (2018-05-02)

The pace was a bit slower, likely setting the stage for new political schemes. Still, I was thoroughly entertained by the president-sanctioned "hacker" attack and all its consequences. The manipulation was masterful, and the pumpkins at the end really got me. (2018-05-03)

I was really looking forward to the fifth season, but now I’m a bit disappointed. The intrigue and manipulation are in full swing as usual, but I can't give it five stars. It feels like the series is missing that "something extra" that I found in the previous seasons. (2018-05-04)

When it seemed like the game was lost, Frank introduced a new piece on the chessboard, and things immediately heated up. This episode was highly entertaining, showcasing the old Francis Underwood in all his glory, with his grandiose plans at the end being simply perfect. (2018-05-04)

I feel like I’m on a rollercoaster. Last episode had me on a high, but this one took a dive, and I’m giving it four stars mostly out of loyalty. The story’s pace really slowed down, and aside from a great opening, there wasn’t much to get excited about. Doug Stamper is back under the scrutiny of journalists, but we’ve seen that before, and this recycling is starting to annoy me. 4*- (2018-05-04)

Claire Underwood achieved her goal (at least for now), and I particularly enjoyed the humorous development of Will Conway's character — nothing beats a balanced psyche. On the downside, it felt like some important matters were put off, and I had to sit through a few filler scenes. (2018-05-04)

I was pleasantly surprised by this episode, even though most of it took place in a government bunker. The intrigue was back in full swing, and there was even something akin to a coup — situations I love. Plus, Kevin Spacey had more screen time compared to the previous episode, which made me happy. (2018-05-04)

I don't think I'd ever been bored watching this series, until this episode. The storyline with the weird campers didn’t do it for me, and Claire’s presidential antics weren’t particularly engaging either. So, I’m giving it just three stars, which is my lowest rating for House of Cards so far. (2018-05-05)

The creators bounced back, returning to their usual standard. I was anything but bored this time. Kevin Spacey was brilliant during the presidential inauguration, and I enjoyed all the manipulation and intrigue. However, I'm completely over watching the Underwoods' sex life — it's just become repetitive. (2018-05-05)

I enjoyed a hefty dose of politicking, manipulation, and intrigue. Frank Underwood was back to his delightfully cynical self, and with the latest story developments, I’m looking forward to seeing how he weasels his way out of all the accusations. (2018-05-05)

The pace picked up, and poor Tom Hammerschmidt didn’t get a moment’s rest as he uncovered one dirty deed of Frank’s after another. I thoroughly enjoyed this episode, as it was packed with intricate schemes and manipulations, which is exactly what I love. (2018-05-07)

The Underwoods once again put theory into practice, and after eleven episodes of politicking, manipulation, and scheming, unpleasant things started happening to people. Claire clearly demonstrated that she too believes "the end justifies the means." Frank Underwood's appearance before the committee was brilliant, and I was absolutely thrilled by how flawlessly Kevin Spacey pulled it off. (2018-05-07)

I have mixed feelings about the finale. Some scenes were fantastic (Claire's chilling final moment and Frank's vision), but there were also many overly complicated elements. It seemed like the main goal was to gradually sideline Kevin Spacey, considering his off-screen controversies, to make his exit from the series smoother. (2018-05-07)

Finally, I have a clear idea of ​​what it looks like when the MeToo movement actually succeeds. Kevin Spacey was fired and the writers’ house of cards came crashing down - or at least the story as it was originally intended. Instead, they had to put together this pathetic piece of crap, which has nothing to do with the successful series (except for the characters). This is so unfair. Five absolutely amazing seasons and then I get stabbed in the kidneys like that. (2019-12-05)

Overall, this was a major letdown for my favorite series. The episode was both dull and pandering. I couldn’t think of a better word for it. The pandering to feminists and the MeToo movement was over the top. I’ve always supported women, but in my opinion, this kind of portrayal does more harm than good. (2019-12-04)

Unlike the last episode, this one felt like something was happening, but Claire's speeches to the audience feel as fake as whipped cream from a can. And let’s be honest, Francis Underwood would never let someone make a pawn of the president. (2019-12-04)

This episode had a similar vibe to the previous one — there were a few moments I enjoyed because I love the scheming. But that’s exactly the problem: they were just moments. Overall, it was unconvincing. Shepherd doesn’t work for me at all, and Claire feels off. (2019-12-04)

I wasn't exactly thrilled this time either. If it weren't for Lars Mikkelsen as President Petrov, I might have only given it two stars. The quality this series used to have is now just a distant memory. I'm halfway through the season, and so far, it's been a big disappointment. (2019-12-04)