A Review of Netflix’s House of Cards

NOTE: This review contains spoilers.

In the past few decades, television has become an integral part of all of our lives. With thousands of new movies and television shows at our disposal, only rarely does a great, or even decent for that matter, show emerge. Netflix’s “House of Cards” is one example of a show that both entertains and gives light to the American governmental system. Mr. Tom Bennett, a history teacher here at Delbarton, even stated how the show perfectly depicts what happens in politics and our government. The show revolves around Frank Underwood and his experiences in becoming the President of the United States of America.

Kevin Spacey, who plays Frank Underwood, provides a thrilling and dark tone to his character and makes the entire show even more interesting. Throughout the story, Frank Underwood stops at nothing to become President and to remain there. Utilizing his knowledge of politics, he swiftly becomes president through the backdoor (i.e. becoming Vice President and forcing the president to resign). In one of the most memorable parts at the end of Season Two, Frank Underwood looks into the camera in the Oval Office and swiftly knocks twice on the desk. Throughout the series, Kevin Spacey breaks the fourth wall and talks to the audience. As Frank Underwood once said, “Shake with your right hand, but hold a rock in your left.” This quotation gives a lot of insight into who Frank Underwood really is. He is a dark, clever man who uses his wit and intelligence to get what he wants. Furthermore, this quotation clearly describes how politics work. There will always be someone trying to get to where you are and always trying to get ahead. Even now, the show focuses on the 2016 Presidential Race with Underwood running against Will Conway, alluding to today’s race. Overall, this television show is a must see and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to be entertained.