Kathryn Walters |
I’ve got a date for Valentine’s Day tomorrow, and his name is Frank Underwood.
In other words, tomorrow is the premiere of the second season of Netflix’s original series “House of Cards,” and I couldn’t be more excited to snuggle under my blanket with some chocolate and watch a new season of Frank Underwood, played by Kevin Spacey, scheming his way to the top of the political ladder.
For those of you who don’t know, “House of Cards” is a gripping political thriller. The show follows Underwood, a ruthless Congressman who has a bone to pick with those in power and won’t stop until he has destroyed his enemies and placed himself on a political pedestal. He’s aided by his equally morally dubious wife, Claire, played by Robin Wright. Underwood manipulates everyone around him in order to achieve his ends, whether it’s a reporter desperate for a big break, a fellow Congressman with a scandalous past and even the President of the United States.
Even though Frank is the protagonist, he’s also the villain. He’s the one pulling the strings and no one can stand a chance against him. But he’s so calculating and devious, I can’t help rooting for him. Every so often, he breaks the fourth wall and talks directly to the audience, making snide comments about his colleagues or explaining how he’s going to get someone to do his bidding. That was a bit strange to me at first, but now I live for those moments.
Last May, I watched the first season in literally three days. I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the show’s incisive study of power and ambition in Washington, D.C. That season ended on a complete cliffhanger, so all bets are off for homework this weekend until I finish the new season, probably in three days (or fewer).
To paraphrase a favorite quote from Underwood, “I love this show. I love this show more than sharks love blood.”
