Chapter 36

Season 3 may not be as great or as consistent as the whole of Season 1 and the second half of Season 2, but for me it was still a solid season that really picked up from "Chapter 33" ("Chapter 28" though was excellent as well). Despite finding major faults with them, especially "Chapter 32", even the more divisive episodes of the season had enough to them to make me like them. For me, 'House of Cards' was yet to have a bad episode and "Chapter 36" doesn't thankfully make me feel any different.

"Chapter 36" at this point outdoes the excellent previous episode in being at this point the best episode of Season 3 and one of its best overall. And for pretty much for the same or at least similar reasons to it. Season 3 was yet to have an episode quite on the same level as the best of the previous two seasons, but its best episodes were still great on their own. Not just great as far as 'House of Cards' goes but it would easily pass as a great episode for anything.

Of the three plotlines, the political tension with Frank comes off the strongest. Then again anything concerning Frank at this point of 'House of Cards' was guaranteed to be seldom less than interesting. Tautly written with the necessary bite and with genuine tension, always holding my attention and never slipping. Frank is still a fascinating and increasingly ruthless character and Petrov is every bit his equal, matching him in the unscrupulousness (in this episode he's even more so). Lars Mikkelsen portrays him with authority, not always subtle but the role doesn't really call for that. Claire's role is handled beautifully as well.

Actually found Doug's storyline a good mix of intense and moving and it doesn't feel like in development or progression it's come to a standstill. Michael Kelly is affecting as to be expected, and have really liked too that Season 3 has seen a very different and more sensitive side to Frank in his genuine want to help Doug which has been unexpected and stops him from being one-dimensional.

Gavin's storyline comes off least in my view, but still compels and feels like there's progression going on. It just didn't the same amount of tension and emotion of the other two subplots, and Gavin is not as interesting a character yet compared to the above (early days though).

Production values are typically slick and stylish while the music neither feels ham-handed or inappropriate. The acting is without complaint, Kevin Spacey has yet to put a foot wrong and he is a major reason for the show being so brilliant when in its prime.

Summarising, excellent. 9/10

House of Cards is a TV drama modern masterpiece with top rate actors and directors and based on previous British material. The first two seasons were near-perfect and a tough act to follow. The third season is slightly less compelling but still above most TV drama that ever aired.

Having enjoyed Kevin Spacey's consistent stellar acting, great guest directors David Fincher and Joel Schumacher who normally make movies or TV director Allen Coulter, the show has been mostly about acting and directing. James Foley takes the most directing workload for the first 3 seasons before leaving the show with varied success helming 12 out of the first 36 episodes. Robin Wright is an amazing actress and directs dutifully since season two too!

In general, the writing material matches the tone and tension and is clever and captivating in its own right, yet in Chapter 36, Frank Pugliese's screenplay steals the show for the first time. The right words are riveting and work even better than the hurricane metaphor of Chapter 34 which was trying to be a writer's episode. Frank Pugliese is also a producer of the show since season 3 and crafted a seminal screenplay in Chapter 29. He was spectacular with the Russian Arc and introduction of the Viktor Petrov character well portrayed by Lars Mikkelsen. Two 10/10 episodes for Frank (Pugliese, not Underwood) so I look forward to see what else he comes up with in Chapters 42 & 48 next season.

Two fists to the table...

Israel declares a no-fly-zone over the Jordan Valley which the Russians do not respect, compelling Frank to take action.

Frank says the Presidency is the 'illusion of choice', which is a strong theme during the episode as a number of characters perspectives on their own freedom of choice are explored. It reminded me of a quote from 'The Wire' when the mayor is given advice by a previous mayor saying 'that's what the job is: sitting eating s**t all day long'.

Frank is having a difficult time facing questions from the public on the Middle-East when Russian action 'forces' him towards a number of difficult decisions, one in particular tests how ruthless he is and looks likely to impact his relationship with Claire.

Doug Stamper and Jackie Sharp both reflect on their choices with the help of family. Gav, who has spent much of the series coerced into bad things at the behest of others, chooses to do right by someone and urges them to make the right decision when the time comes.

Thomas Yates puts Frank in a position of having to make relatively a personal decision, but is this one his choice or yet another illusion?

This is a pretty solid episode with a number of scenes that elevate it to very memorable. Most notably Frank's exchange with Petrov. Although it requires some suspension of disbelief it's all worth while when we get to the plot twist that comes from Petrov's demands. Lars Mikkelson is one of the few actors in House Of Cards that can hold the screen alongside Kevin Spacey.

The scenes involving Claire are some of the episode's strongest, showing some character development and lay some foundations for what is likely to come from her. Robin Wright is as believable as ever and her expressions and mannerisms say all that needs to be said about what Claire's thinking.

Greetings from Lithuania.

"House of Cards" season 3 is a very good / great season so far, with only 3 episodes left. Acting is top notch, especially by the two leads (as it should be). Writing is clever, involving, plausible and sometimes funny. Just one more or less interesting question is regarding Doug Stamper - i'm not sure were are creators going with his story, but so far it isn't the most involving storyline in season 3 of House of Cards. Nevertheless, I have to say that i enjoying season 3 very much so far and with only 3 episodes left i will be in hurry to watch them all and find out how it will turn out for this president.

Frank is stumping in Iowa, awaiting the first primary. The Russians are doing their thing in the Mid-East, enraging the Israelis. The Israelis institute a no-fly zone, and the Russians laugh it off. Frank feels things are getting away from him and decides to have face-to-face with Petrov in the Jordan Valley. He has high hopes of getting the Russians out of the area and returning to military reduction plan that failed because of Claire's outburst. Petrov gives him an ultimatum. To get what he wants, Frank must agree to the deal made earlier, he must lower the numbers in another area, and the kicker, he must remove Claire as U. S. Ambassador to the United Nations. This is a huge decision because despite all their sparring, there is true love here. It seems that the Russians have been playing Claire, using her inexperience to manipulate the U. S.

Two other stories are continued. Doug goes to see the President, drunk, and Frank promises to get him help. Doug's brother comes and, eventually, his family. They discuss what freedom is. Also, Gavin goes to see Lisa and admits that he is a liar and to tell her not to admit knowledge of him to the FBI.

These are all wonderful story lines with only three shows to go in this season.