By Jacob Engels
Netflix ventured off into uncharted territory recently with their very own original series, House of Cards. Aside from being their first original content, all episodes from the first season of Netflix’s House of Cards are available to watch. Not having to wait a week to see one episode was intriguing enough to give it a try.
House of Cards, a political thriller set in DC, follows the story of Frank Underwood a Democratic Congressman and House Majority Whip, who didn’t receive his appointment to become Secretary of State. Disgruntled, he sets out to exact revenge on all those whom he holds responsible, including the President of the United States.
Similar to NBC’s blockbuster West Wing, but without the filter required on broadcast television, House of Cards has the feeling of an HBO or Showtime production. Foul language, sex, murder, drugs, addiction, are all explored, but perhaps the more intriguing and most likeable part of House of Cards is the way Francis Underwood (Spacey) interacts with the camera. In certain scenes, the camera cuts to Spacey and he speaks directly to the audience, which is when Congressman Underwood shares with viewers his most eloquent and dark machinations.
Aside from Congressman Underwood’s quest for revenge, House of Cards has several fantastic supporting story lines and a wonderful supporting cast. We see a young reporter Zoe Barnes (played by Kate Mara) cozy up to Underwood in hopes of him passing her information that will boost her stagnate career, a young alcoholic Congressman played by Corey Stoll whose boozing and womanizing lead him into an unpredictable alliance with Underwood, and Underwood’s wife Claire (portrayed by Robin Wright) who runs the Clean Water Initiative which plays second fiddle to Franks ambition and is often used for his scheming.
If you like or work in politics, this show is for you. If you appreciate a juicy ruthless revenge plot, then this show is for you. Those looking for honest, good intentioned, and down to earth characters might find them in some manifestation, but I wouldn’t expect on seeing them too often.
I strongly recommend watching House of Cards. If you don’t have a Netflix account, House of Cards alone is worth giving it a whirl.
Jacob Engels, is the Founder of East Orlando Post. Along with the Post, he owns several other business and is currently enrolled at Valencia College. Jacob has lived in Avalon Park since it’s founding and enjoys playing with his black Labradoodle Japser, listening to indie rock, and seeking out new business ventures. He can be reached at info@eastorlandopost.com.
