Soliloquy

Main characters:
Frank Underwood, played by Kevin Spacey.
Claire Underwood, played by Robin Wright.
Douglas Stamper, played by Michael Kelly.

Available on Netflix.

Having started watching it on July 8, it took me exactly three months to complete the political thriller House of Cards. I felt a gripping sense of loss as it came to an end akin to losing a friend, albeit one whom one is not quite close with. There is only respect and esteem that one can garner for some of the characters in this show, but stunningly, it never translates to appreciation.

One of the greatest things the makers of the show did was allow the viewer the luxury of never rooting for a particular character. Whenever a particular character seems as if they are going to become a fulcrum of the story, they are either killed, maimed or made to disappear.

It retains its objective outlook towards politics in that way and allows the viewer to maintain a sense of semblance about the disdain that surrounds its participants. This also shows that the plot is truly king here, and no character – despite the Underwoods’ frantic desire to do so – is bigger.

There is evidently no closure or finish line in the show although the strong-willed spectator wishes for it all the time. This, perhaps, is the most exalted way in which any creator can treat their characters, and Beau Willimon makes sure that he sticks to his guns.

While the final season is clearly Claire Underwood’s to own, she is seen as vulnerable as her late husband Frank was, disregarding and abusing the chair of the President of the United States of America with a style almost as effective as contempt. Will justice ever catch up with the power couple who can go to any lengths to seek, retain and (mis) exercise power? We shall never know. And it is such vulnerability that draws one’s addiction towards shows of such kind.

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