Dylan Brandsema – House of Cards

It goes without saying that Season 3 of House of Cards is undoubtedly the series’ most divisive, but that’s not to say it wasn’t without it’s strong points (Low points for House of Cards are like monuments for other shows). We were introduced to two great new characters, the first being Russian President Viktor Petrov (Lars Mikkelsen), probably the best villain the series has had as of yet, and as stated in past reviews, a perfect nemesis for Frank. The second is author Thomas Yates (Paul Sparks), who despite having a storyline that for a while seemed aimless, played a major role in the evolution of the Underwood’s relationship.

This series has never been shy of celebrity cameos (almost always playing themselves), and this season was no exception. The two that stand out the most are Stephen Colbert, in what was technically the last new footage we’ll ever see of The Colbert Report (“Chapter 27”), and Pussy Riot, the all-female Russian punk rock group. Pussy Riot in particular served as part of a brilliant metaphor in which the show ever-so-subtly made comparisons between fictional Russian President Petrov and real Russian President Vladimir Putin (“Chapter 29”).

One thing most House of Cards fans will probably say about this season is “it’s too different”, which is accurate. It is very different. The writing was different, the pacing was different, and even the technical elements changed up their game. Many will complain about this, but in fact, it was probably a good thing. Many shows have met their downfall for remaining too similar, and if House of Cards had remained the same going into the third season, it probably would’ve grown tedious. Factually, it had to be different — Frank is the President now, and everything he worked for in the first two seasons was now on the table. One’s life changes immensely when given the rank of President, and it was only appropriate that the show changed with him.

On the technical front, almost everything improved this season (that’s not saying it was bad before). The music and cinematography are two things that stood out in an immensely positive way. They’ve always been great, of course, but this season, something happened. It’s hard to say exactly what, but they were both extra fantastic this time around, and the people behind them don’t get nearly enough credit. So, thanks to Jeff Beal and co. for your grand compositions, and all the cinematographers and DPs who brought us stellar camerawork.

One of the most important matters at hand now is whether or not the next season will be the last. Based on this season’s cliffhanger, it was inevitable that Season 4 is coming, which has many fans speculating for two reasons. A) The original British show of the same name only had 3 parts, and it is now clear that this American rendition has broken that mold, and B) How far can it go? Some fans have stated on social media that “Season 3 feels more like Season 4” and that’s partially true. In reality, it’s only been 3 years, but House of Cards makes you feel like you’ve been with these characters for a lifetime, and it’s probably for the best if Season 4 is the show’s final.

It’s typical of television dramas to have only four-five seasons, because for one thing, shows that have more can tend to go off the rails. Also, the way things are with our characters currently, it kind of feels like it’s getting to be time to wrap it up. Of course, that’s not to discredit the writers and say that later seasons would be crappy just because that’s the way it goes, but you get the point. An example of this notion can be found in HBO’s political powerhouse The Newsroom. Last year, when it was announced that the show’s third season would be it’s last, fans flipped. Then, when they tuned in every Sunday, most found that really, three solid seasons might have been all the show really needed.

From a bird’s eye view, House of Cards Season 3 is rocky, and rough, but not altogether unworthy. In fact, it’s pretty awesome. Episodes like Episodes 4, 8 and 12 stick out as the low points, but then episodes like 6, 7, 10 and the finale, protrude as being among the best. Was it flawed? Sure. Was it captivating, gripping, and overall damn great? Hell yeah it was. It was a see-saw, but I’ll be damned it wasn’t a fun one.

Check out Dylan Brandsema’s episodic review of House of Cards.

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