Chapter 43

Loved pretty much the whole of Season 1, with only "Chapter 8" disappointing a little. Loved most of Season 2, namely the whole of the second half ("Chapter 19" onwards where all the episodes were excellent). Season 3 was more uneven and the second half was better than the first, though none of the episodes were below decent level. Even the more divisive ones ("Chapter 29" and "Chapter 32", liked both better than others but they were the season's weakest), though was expecting more from the season finale.

Although all three of the previous fourth season episodes had a huge amount to admire, especially "Chapter 41" (so a promising start indeed and already a better start than Season 3, though not everybody is going to agree with that), it was with the fourth episode "Chapter 43" where Season 4 hit its stride. To me, it's the first outstanding Season 4 episode, a season (and show) high point and the best since "Chapter 38" which was one of the best episodes of the previous season.

"Chapter 43" has more intensity, and the most tense parts are quite nail-biting, intrigue and emotional impact than the previous Season 4 episodes. It also builds upon and progresses what was seen before in the previous episodes and even what some of the subplotting in Season 1, while setting up what is to come. It does both fantastically. While the big event itself is one of the most shocking events on the whole of 'House of Cards', it was the aftermath that thrilled even more where one is always intrigued and kept in non-stop suspense. Some great character interaction.

Of the character interactions, the most interesting is that between Claire and Blythe. Goodness isn't Claire quite the master manipulator, in a way not seen to this extent before, and the interaction with the weaker and noticeably more indecisive Blythe was like a serpent taunting its prey before going for the kill. What was also striking was how much of a formidable presence Frank has on everybody and everything even when he's offscreen, then again that was always the case with him so it was not a surprise but up to this point of the show not to this extent.

Not everybody likes Doug Stamper (personally do find him very interesting and he has been developed very well), but his role here had heart, more so than in anything in Season 3 regarding his character, and we see how much of an influence Frank has on him and how important he is to him. Frank continues to be a fascinating lead character and Claire here is every bit his equal. Kevin Spacey, Michael Kelly and particularly Robin Wright are brilliant here.

The quality of the production values is still very high, love the slickness and class. The writing here is the best it's been in a while, the intensity, the intrigue, the bite, emotional power, all there. The direction never lets the tension slip, the big event is thrillingly staged and the suspense in the aftermath never lets up, neither does the intrigue in the lead up to this event.

In summation, outstanding. 10/10

The Season Two (and One)'s storyline is brought back to a satisfying conclusion.

All these times, we see Lucas Goodwin get imprisoned, escaped, had his love life killed by seemingly untouchable Blo*dthirsty President (just Congressman and Whip at the s01)

The show makes us focus towards important matter at hands like - Claire causing problems with upcoming Election, Tensions with Russia (we are diverted however, from thinking of probable outcome from these two)

Also, Meechum is suspected and has loyaly questioned for a brief moment, Has heartwarming moment in front of painting (Confederate painting, which reminds me of his recent allegations with K*K and him with his 'ancestor' photo)-- (we don't notice because its out of nowhere, we always spent some time with Meechum and how loyal he is)

when Lionel meets Heather Dunbar and then gets rejected at first, ordinary stories would make them Unite after Heather wants to use the opportunity as she realizes him telling the truth after and Abuse of Power of the President...

There is just no way story moves either direction...

then story moves to unprecedented way-- Lucas comes at breaking point when he enters the school where Francis is for the Election Campaign...

Francis is Shot 2 times, Meechum dies and so does Lucas Goodwin in the process. Unexpected, but Earned.

Frank puzzles over what to do about Claire's offer before events take a dramatic twist.

There is nothing I can say about the plot without giving any spoilers away, so I'll just say that something happens that has massive implications for so many characters and plot lines.

I don't personally think that the episode is better made than most episodes I have seen so far in the series, it's just contains more drama and opens up the plot to multiple new directions. One quotation from the episode is 'If you don't like how the table is set, turn over the table'. I think this is what the writers have done with the story. The best scenes come after the big event and made me intrigued to find out what happens next.

All performances are strong. Ellen Burstyn and Michael Kelly are the most memorable for me, particularly seeing Doug Stamper display some care and concern whilst Elizabeth Hale shows us where her daughter's cold-heartedness comes from.