EPISODE 304: “CHAPTER 30”
Remember back in Season 1 when Frank was still Majority Whip, and he was visiting town meetings to push education reform? Remember the Peachoid? Brings back fond memories, doesn’t it? Yeah, well, throw that all out the the window, ‘cause we’re dealing with much bigger fish now. Conflicts in the Middle East are only getting worse, and, in her new role as UN Ambassador, Claire can’t seem to get Russia on her side. Meanwhile, Doug (Michael Kelly) is tired of being out of work and slowly coming to the realization that Frank doesn’t want him anymore, so he takes to the aid of Heather Dunbar, US Solicitor General who announces, against Frank’s wishes, to run for President in 2016. There’s a lot going on in House of Cards “Chapter 30”, but somehow, it manages to be the weakest entry so far in the 3rd season.
You’d think with so much happening, it’d be the most enthralling this far, but something about it is just…dry. Whether it’s the script by Laura Eason or the direction by Tucker Gates, or both, it just doesn’t come across as exciting or dramatic as it probably should.
Despite this, there are some interesting insights in this episode. One that stands out takes place during a meeting in which Frank and Claire have to communicate via webcam because of her travels. They refer to one in other only by “President” and “Ambassador” – of course, as professionals, it’s their duty to do so, but it’s clear through the tone, and their facial expression that they fear for their love. Their new roles have loosened the screws on their marriage, and it seems that it will only get worse as time goes on.
Another thing that comes full circle in this episode is the realization, for both himself and the audience, that Frank has almost no one his side. In his presidency, even his long-time allies like Doug and Dunbar (Elizabeth Marvel) are turning against him, and seem to be going deliberately out of their way to butt heads. It seems as if dark times are ahead for our revered protagonist, and he’s on the brink of starting a potential war against Congress.
Despite being kind of blunder, one of the highlights of the episode was a conversation between Frank and a drone strike victim. In Episode 301, Frank ordered a strike in the Middle East to take out a terrorist leader. In the process, however, civilians were injured and killed – one of the survivors being a man named Mahmoud, whose legs were forever severed. Frank invites Mahmoud to apologize, but Mahmoud refuses to accept it, and believes Frank is tyrant (perhaps a comparison Petrov in the previous episode). When Mahmoud utters the line “There’s a fine line between duty and murder”, Frank is shook to his core, as is the audience. We’re reminded of past episodes, and the killings of Zoe Barnes and Peter Russo, re-cementing in our minds that Frank has taken the lives or more than just a few civilians.
The end of Chapter 30, on the whole, seemed very out of place. Coming to terms with his low point, Frank visits an old preacher friend in search of some spiritual guidance. He delivers a speech that, not only doesn’t make sense, but seem like it could very helpful to Frank, even if the episode says otherwise. This is followed by a final sequence that, without giving spoilers, is very symbolism heavy, for sure. It doesn’t do much for the story or characters, even if it is cool to watch.
So, far it’s safe to say season 3 is very different. Unfortunately, in the end, Chapter 30 is a bump in the road in what has, so far, been an otherwise promising season.
Overall rating: 6/10
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