House of Cards

"Choosing money over power is a mistake almost everyone makes. Money is the big mansion in Sarasota that starts falling apart after ten years. Power is that old stone building that stands for centuries. I cannot respect someone who does not see the difference." - Francis Underwood

Be warned, as soon as you start the pilot episode, you will be hooked. This show has some of the most compelling and interesting characters I have ever seen on a television show. Francis Underwood (Kevin Spacey) is our "tragic hero" that we love, or hate, to watch as he deceptively destroys everything in his path. At the base of this show, it's all about the power in politics. I have never enjoyed the world of politics before because it normally bores me and I can't find a single person to cheer for. When most of America feels this way, it is actually fun to cheer for someone who is up front and honest about his unorthodox strategies. Frank's only value is his power to manipulate other people. It is astounding how little he gets done on his very own. He uses people left and right to spread ideas and thoughts throughout the government. One of my favorite lines that sums up his character is: "the best thing I like about human beings is that they stack so neatly."

Francis Underwood is a man all about power. He has calculated his every advance into Congress and has his sights set on the Presidency. He is cunningly supported by his wife, Claire Underwood (Robin Wright), and his trusted chief of staff, Doug Stamper (Michael Kelly). As Francis moves in and out of the closest circles within the oval office and congressional courts, he plants seeds of blackmail, misguided advice, lies, half-truths, prostitutes, drugs, affairs, and suicides in his wake. He will literally stop at nothing to obtain what he deems to be the highest calling in life: power.

With thirteen episodes to tell a story, the producers weren't shy about spreading the love to other characters. We get to know Claire Underwood through her very own career in humanitarian work and her working/loving relationship Francis. A young female reporter, Zoe Barnes (Kate Mara), is another critical character that could end up being Francis' best ally or worst enemy. Peter Russo (Corey Stoll) is a troubled politician from Pennsylvania who Francis blackmails in order to buy his votes and later guides him to run for governor. Many more characters come and go within this series, and somehow all end up being played one way or another by Francis.

One of the greatest tricks used in this series is how they use the fourth wall. Francis will momentarily pause, or turn from reality and discuss something with the audience. Whether he means to use that time to explain his plans for the next five episodes/minutes, show off his power over others by interpreting their next move, or just show us his annoyance of others when they say or do something slightly idiotic, it's always entertaining. By connecting with the audience in a one-on-one dynamic, you can choose to admire his passion, power, and intelligence, or hate his cunning, sly, and deceitful actions. When Francis says "I've worked too hard to get in arms reach of the prize only to have my hand cut off before I seize it," you either agree with him, or you just want to watch him fall back down. It's completely up to the audience whether or not they will cheer or scorn him. An audience rooting for him will want to watch him walk over people episode after episode. While an audience that chooses to hate him, will want to watch and see that there are still people that defy and overpower him anyway. Either way, audiences are left wanting to know what happens next.

You should give this show a shot. If you haven't already heard of it, or seen it, prepare yourself for an addiction. Once you start, it's an incredible ride.

Just as another example of who Francis is, here are a couple of my favorite quotes he has said:

"...and then he asked if I have no faith in God. I said you have it wrong. God has no faith in us."

"I pray to myself... for myself."

"That's how you devour a whale. One bite at a time."

And my all time favorite:

"I love that woman. I love her more than sharks love blood."