House of Cards Continuous Blog

As I mentioned in my previous post, I'm slowly making my way through Netflix's House of Cards. Netflix released all thirteen episodes in one day, which essentially means they want us to devour House of Cards as quickly as possible. When diving into a show and taking it all in at once, nuances in pace, detail, writing, and performance become so much more clear and appreciated than watching week to week. Normally when I marathon a show, it means I'm either playing catch-up as I have not yet seen the season/series, or I'm rewatching a show I very much admire. In either case, it means wanting to present my opinions as the story unfolds seems untimely, repetitive  and ultimately frivolous. But given that House of Cards is brand new and presented in such a way as to encourage binge-watching, I'm taking the opportunity to simply post my observations as I make my way through the season chapter by chapter.

Click through for some of those stray observations:

Gif Credit: http://frankunderwood.tumblr.com/

[NOTE: Clearly there are going to be some SPOILERS going forward. So fair warning. (Although I don't know anyone who would read this far without having had watched the show already.) And if you're looking for my thoughts on Episode One those are in my initial post about the series.]

Episode Two

• I'm still loving David Fincher's direction on this show. Especially the way he uses natural light in scenes and how he doesn't shy away from darkness. Sunlight filtering in through windows, the glow of a computer screen lighting up a character's face, two characters meeting in shadow, one character observing another unnoticed from a dark stairway, silhouettes against a moonlit window, and on and on. They're all great use of light sources and it almost makes me think Fincher doesn't even bother lighting any shots. 
• Robin Wright's Claire Underwood is a lady Macbeth if I ever saw one. She manages to successfully push and manipulate her own husband--who only minutes before rebuked another woman for attempting to micromanage him--yet remain in his good graces. Moreover it seems as it is solely her approval that ultimately grounds and motivates Francis.
• I'm loving the slow burn of the plot. I have to say, this was the episode where I went from admiring a well-crafted television pilot to really enjoying the show. I just loved seeing that George Stephanopoulos moment come to a simmer and unfold before us. I loved seeing how it came about, what the characters did in its immediate wake, and how it changed things going forward. It was triumphant without being excessive. And an example of how good Fincher is with subtle pacing (which is an attribute that made The Social Network such a great film, in my opinion). 
• There were a couple of moments that randomly reminded me of George Clooney's Ides of March: the scene in the hotel room between the escort and Underwood's Chief of Staff; and Zoe Barnes' remote television interview.
• I'm also enjoying the brief moments of comic relief via Constance Zimmer (AKA Dana Gordon of Entourage) and Corey Stoll's Congressman Russo. The impression I have been getting from Stoll is that of a great character actor, who does more with his body and facial expressions than many actors do with a line of dialogue. (It honestly took me an entire episode for me to realize it was him who played a fantastic Hemingway in Midnight in Paris.)
• Speaking of dialogue, it's either getting better or I'm just getting used to it. Perhaps it's settling into the overall direction of the show, or perhaps I'm just willing to look past it as so many other great things are competing for my attention.

Episode Three:

• Fincher did not direct this episode so I will not be geeking out. Don't be too disappointed. There were still some very lovely shots in this episode, though. Particularly the closing shot of the tulips.
• I'm still loving the Underwood power couple and their relationship. Their phone conversation was a highlight of the episode to me. 
• However, I also got a thrill out of Zoe Barnes text-flirting with Francis immediately after his conversation with his wife. I also appreciated the fact that Francis said, "I can't imagine" to both women in both conversations. 
• The eulogy scene was another highlight to me. But the momentum was thrown off when Francis broke the fourth wall and addressed the viewer. I had a feeling these asides would prove a hinderance at times and this is probably the first blatant example of that. But fear not, because Spacey still managed to kill that church scene.
• Speaking of, I know from the start Zoe has felt the need to use her sexuality as a weapon, especially when dealing with Francis Underwood (someone who sees right through it). But last episode I got the brief idea that their relationship might develop into something more intimate. Those flirty texts only served to encourage that inkling. (Although, Zoe could just simply be desperate for another story. And her immediate thought is to flirt with the Congressman. Especially when she believes it seems to have worked for her in the past. But I still have a feeling something is going to happen with these two.)
• I'm surprised at how much I'm enjoying Peter Russo, the sleazy Congressman. I don't expect too much integrity from the character, but I actually find him sort of endearing. Which is something I did not expect upon my first impression. But I'll also chalk it up to Stoll's charisma (and not necessarily Russo's).
• I was actually really glad someone pointed out the framed photography in the non-profit's office. I actually noticed them the past couple of episodes, but decided not to comment on them as there were more pressing observations to voice. It is just always a pleasant surprise when a character points out something you as a viewer also notice.

Episode Four:

• So this episode revealed some interesting angles to my favorite power couple: one resists temptation and embraces loyalty while the other does the complete opposite. The outcome of the former situation was some honesty followed by a sweet kiss, the outcome of the latter will probably unravel throughout the rest of the season. 
• I have to say, I'm fine with how the episode ended as I've had a feeling we were headed to this point. And if anything, I love being right.
• Wardrobe played a slightly bigger role this episode than in the past as it revealed aspects of certain relationship dynamics. Similar to how Francis made the same comment to both Claire and Zoe in the last episode, Francis now offered fashion advice to these same two characters-- essentially establishing a sense of control and approval in these women's lives. Whether it was advising on a dress color or whether a heel should be on or off, Francis gives a direction and these two women willingly obey. Furthermore, Claire and Zoe's individual wardrobe choices help them dress the part to essentially achieve the same goal: to appear more "inviting." 
• I also noticed that Zoe has been dressing more professionally these days than when we first met her. Whether television interviews have gone to her head, or if she is simply dressing for the job she "wants", her outfit choices are revealing a lot about her professional motivations. Which makes her employment status by the end of the episode even more ironic. 
• At this point Francis Underwood is reaching Jim Halpert levels of shrugging to the camera.
• "You see Freddy believes if a fridge falls off a minivan you better swerve out of its way. I believe it's the fridge's job to swerve out of mine."-- Francis Underwood in a nutshell
• "But you should remember, these days when you're talking to one person you're talking to a thousand." -- Be cautious when throwing that c-word around, fellas. You never know who's tweeting. [Also, this line reminded me of the latest episode of Enlightened and its focus on the power of social media. So relevant and so true.]
• So yes, I believe I've finally come around in regards to the dialogue.

Episode Five:

• Not much to say about this episode. But I just realized up until this point I've been spelling Francis wrong. My deepest and utmost apologies. I've gone back and fixed it all. That is so embarrassing.
• Right off the bat we're seeing that Francis and Claire have an open relationship, but only when it seems to be in their benefit. Claire was curious as to what Zoe could do for them. This aspect of their marriage was brought up somewhat vaguely last episode-- when Claire returned home from her dinner with Adam-- and I liked shedding more light onto it. I think my favorite scenes are those between these two characters. They exude an effortless comfort with each other and I'm not used to seeing such a functional/respectable marriage on television (someone is always a cheater or a terrorist or a murderer or a meth cook or something). All I'm saying is, Bill and Hillary better watch out.
• I have to say, Corey Stoll is doing great on this show. We all know Kevin Spacey is an amazing actor. Robin Wright is up there too. And Kate Mara is holding her own. But I'm loving Stoll right now. You could blame it on the fact that television has made me open to the dark and disturbed anti-hero as a sympathetic character. But I've noticed his talent in the past and he's really shining as Russo. I respond well to characters in dark places, especially when it's believable and not necessarily whiny. I'm also very intrigued by the path of his character. He hit rock bottom and now he has to rebuild and I'm very curious as to how this will turn out--especially with Frank propping him up. For some reason throughout this episode I was thinking Stoll would make a great villain in a big comic book movie-- like Tom Hiddleston (Loki) levels of awesome villainy. And now I'm sort of hoping that's a turn his character will take down the road...just with less pizzazz. This is Washington not Asgard. (And that is basically all I know about comic books). 
• I was talking to a friend earlier today and he mentioned how it's weird that everyone else seems like an amateur politician compared to Francis Underwood. That for some reason no other politicians are as calculated or conniving as him. Especially among the leadership or executive branch. You would think Underwood would have more legitimate rivals or nemeses in D.C. I guess only time will tell...but we all know Lex Luther (played by Spacey or not) was once a friend of Superman's and I'm going to keep that factoid in the back of my mind as we move forward with Russo...(okay that is basically all I know about comic books). 
• I got a kick out of the protestors' excitement over a keg of beer. Those are my kinds of Americans. 
• And apparently Slug Line isn't a thing.

Episode Six:

• I really don't have much to say about this episode. I actually felt like it was pretty weak (but perhaps that was because I was feeling tired going into it). 
• Honestly, I think the episode's weakness comes from the fact that the episode was so heavy on policy. And for some reason, the policy aspect of this show isn't as strong as the character drama of the show. 
• One thing I will give the episode though is that it helped me figure out how I feel about Francis. When he faltered in his debate with Spinella, I felt disappointed. And I realized I was rooting for him. Up until this point I felt indifferent towards Francis in a way. Not necessarily rooting for him (because I felt the show never really gave us a good enough reason to) nor was I rooting against him. But seeing him lose that televised debate helped me realize that I'm on his side I guess.
• That being said, I have no idea why the show was dragging out the education debate and teachers strike. I realize the stakes have been high since the premiere for Underwood and his leadership on this particular policy overhaul, but I felt as if they dragged the drama out a bit longer than necessary.
• I'm actually going to blame my previous point on the format of the show. Netflix released the entire series at once, almost like a 13-hour long movie. And I felt like they were struggling to reach that 13 hour mark and so stretched out this teachers strike believing it was rife with drama. (It's like a college student adding a paragraph to a paper for no other reason than to reach the minimum page requirement. It's a transparent attempt at stalling and repetitious.) The mistake here though is that the show doesn't realize that policy might actually be the least engaging aspect of the show. (And this is coming from someone interested in politics and the work that goes into creating and passing a piece of legislation.) The earlier episodes surrounding the education bill were definitely engaging and interesting, but they've wrung it dry in terms of drama and weight. 
• Lastly, I should have realized that the brick was planned from the beginning. Mostly because it knocked over a chess piece in the process (from the set Underwood was playing with in the previous episode-- something that felt a little typical yet still made me smirk). 
• Going forward I'm definitely looking forward to Russo's Governor campaign and his work with Underwoods in the process. 

Episode Seven: 

• Apparently sometimes we get a cold open and sometimes we don't. Way to keep us on our toes. Although I'm not a huge fan of the opening credits. I like the music and every shot is great. It's just...long.
• The beginning of the episode harkens back to the pilot's point that, "Power is a lot like real estate. It's all about location, location, location. The closer you are to the source, the higher your property value." Underwood knows this. And Vice President Matthews definitely knows this. He disregards his mark so as to stand closer to the President and essentially acts as pathetic as possible throughout the entire episode. It's safe to assume he's going to do something stupid soon. Probably something involving Russo's Governor campaign and/or Russo's bill. 
• Speaking of Russo, he's easily my favorite character on the show (in case you hadn't caught onto that yet). I always enjoyed Claire, but I'm starting to warm up to her more as well. And I'm enjoying the two of them working together. I had a brief expectation that things were headed towards a more intimate place between them but then Christina came back into the picture-- which I'm totally okay with. 
• I also like that Janine Skorsky is back in the picture. I don't necessarily trust her, but I enjoy the dry sarcasm Constance Zimmer brings to the show. 
• I'm definitely feeling for Claire and her changes. It seems like she's looking for something a tad more fulfilling from life. She's looking for a good place to focus her manipulative power it seems. And bending paper into shapes simply isn't going to cut it. I enjoy the softer side of Claire, but I get such a bigger thrill when she's whispering advice into her husbands ear. Unleash the Claire!
• I couldn't help but think what Fincher would have done with those scenes in the AA meetings. I like to think he would have added a brooding Marla Singer type extra. Or Meatloaf.
• In case you weren't sure, Zoe Barnes is a typical twenty something. She listens to The Xx, loses the cork screw, makes dinner, drinks gin and tonics, believes in social media, and spares spiders' lives. Lena Dunham would approve.
• Zoe on the phone with her dad, while Underwood undresses her, uttering a duel purpose "I'm going to come" underneath a crude doodle of a phallus: filthy. But I did happen to enjoy Frank's monologue there. 

Episode Eight: 

• I liked this episode a lot. All the action took place outside of Washington and it was a nice break  without feeling frivolous or unnecessary. The plot had previously converged on Russo's Governorship plot line and we managed to continue developing that while gaining some great character insight on our major players. It was very nicely done.
• I really enjoyed the scenes in both Philadelphia and Charleston. Becoming familiar with Russo's roots and seeing him come into his own as a candidiate (unknown to the community, but pretty obvious to us at home) was compelling and important for the character and his career. He hit rock bottom after failing these people and working on redeeming himself in their eyes has ignited a passion in him. And it gives me something to root for.
• In a similar vein we got some insight into Frank's past and how his experiences have shaped the man he's become. The library scenes were just as compelling as anything in Philadelphia, but shot wonderfully. And an unlikely relationship from his past was revealed, which I especially appreciated. This show hasn't surprised me too much yet, so that sly reveal was definitely refreshing in a way. (It's funny how the only times I have been surprised have involved Francis' past and present relationships and not so much the plot-line). It all added more definition to an already well drawn character.
• Also I have no idea why I chose to refer to Underwood as Francis rather than Frank this entire time. Perhaps because Claire does it? Perhaps because my father is called Frank when his real name is actually Franz and I dont take him half as seriously as I take Kevin Spacey? I honestly have no idea. This may be the real mystery of the show. 
• I very much enjoyed the "harmony" speech Francis gave. The dialogue has come a long way in my eyes (ears?). 
• As much as I enjoyed this episode, I'm ready to get back to the grind in D.C. and chug along into the latter half of the season. And apparently Frank is too. As much as he enjoyed his nostalgic sojourn in Charleston, he left the ceremony program behind and refocused his energy back on his work in Washington. Like Frank, I think we all needed this break. But lets get back to business of politics.

Episode Nine:

• For someone who made his distaste of children pretty explicit, Francis was acting like one throughout the entire episode. Actually, he behaved more like a sullen teenager throwing temper tantrums towards his wife while distracting himself with video games-- all because his girlfriend made an "adult" decision. He even used action figures at one point to appeal to fellow congressmen. He was acting more childish than Vice President Matthews, which is saying a lot.
• And in case you were wondering, this episode is all about children! And how careers take a back seat for them! Vasquez has an issue with lending a hand on the watershed act because she's expected to meet with Stanford's provost on behalf of her son. Gillian can't fly to Botswana and oversee a project because she's expecting a baby. And both Francis and Claire are left scrambling due to their colleagues' parental obligations.
• The beginning of the episode I liked seeing Claire's maternal side as she drove Russo's children to school. After her conversation with Adam last episode, and the fact that pregnancy is no longer an option for her, I'm getting the feeling Claire may be regretting never having had children. Whereas Francis clearly isn't regretting anything. And I enjoy that the theme came full circle when Zoe brought up the fact that if Francis had had a daughter, she'd be older than Zoe currently is. Francis isn't disgusted at all because what Zoe fails to see is that Francis is essentially a giant power-hungry child who loves to play games.
• The show finally made politics interesting again. Albeit through relationship dynamics-- Claire going behind her husbands back to make damaging deals with Remy and ultimately tanking the episode's bill. And while I'm rooting for Russo as well as the bill (something I would totally support in real life), I felt for Claire. Why should her wants/needs take a backseat to her husband's? She helped him and he disregarded her. What did he think was going to happen?
• Speaking of women's roles, I can't stand the fact that Zoe Barnes is willing to play the "whore" to get what she wants. I mean, I understand that these things actually happen. That she's power-hungry and owning her sexuality. But I'm the type of person who responds to strong female characters, and characters who would question doing this sort of thing. It comes too easily to Zoe (and apparently to Janine as well). But she's no Joan Holloway, I'll tell you that much. 

Episode Ten:

• Just feels like this episode is setting up plot points, putting the pieces into place before everything comes to a head. Basically every single character relationship has been dismantled at this point: Francis and Claire, Francis and Zoe, Francis and Russo...actually just Francis' relationships have been dismantled. Because it seems like the women at least bounced back by growing closer to people who treat them right. Meanwhile Francis strengthened his connection to Vasquez while Doug strengthened his relationship with Rachel-- ultimately using Rachel in one of the sneakiest developments of the season.
• One interesting thing is how my feelings for certain characters changed. I stopped rooting for Francis and felt all the rebellion was very much deserved. Furthermore, I didn't really care all that much that Russo was sabotaged. I mean, I definitely feel for the guy-- that interview was incredibly hard to sit through as was watching him relapse and realize his career was basically over. (And I have a feeling what Doug found in the shower isn't going to be pretty.) But not recognizing Rachel took some of the sting off Russo's fall. The guy just wants to do good by his constituents, and he has an addiction that makes him sympathetic and vulnerable, but I didn't feel for him as much as I did earlier in the season.
• Speaking of Russo, I was hoping he would push back a little harder on Francis and his failure to get the watershed bill passed. Someone needs to light a fire under Francis-- Claire certainly did. And I realize Russo could never be Underwood's true rival, but I enjoyed seeing him so sure of himself and his goals while he called Francis out on his failure.
• The fight between Claire and Francis was a doozy. I don't blame Claire for wanting to skip town and get some space for a while. And I very much enjoyed her pit-stop at Zoe's and the dynamic between the two. That confrontation is exactly what made Zoe feel so small. "Should I trap a spider?" Evidently, with a little help from Claire, Zoe trapped herself.
• Also, at this point, I'm pretty sure I can't stand Zoe Barnes. I appreciate an ambitious female character, but her neediness and arrogance is really getting to me. At least this time she hopped into bed with a guy who actually seems to value her as a person. Someone who may treat her right. But she'll probably screw it up somehow because she's the worst.
• And since when has Francis had a Blackberry? I'm almost positive every single character had an iPhone this entire season, but then there was Francis clicking away on his Berry. Just a strange detail that took me out of the moment.
• Overall I felt like this was a mediocre episode. I'm not exactly sure what we're leading to, but Kevin Spacey is just so damn good at what he does, that it almost doesn't even matter.

Episode Eleven:

• What the hell was that? Francis Underwood is killing people now? Am I really supposed to believe that? Did this show just jump the shark in its first season? 
• Seriously? 
• I don't even know where to begin!
• First of all, I'm sorry, but as much of a buffoon Matthews is, leaving the Vice Presidency to be the Governor of Pennsylvania is ridiculous. Hell no. And would the majority whip really be a viable option to replace the Vice President? No! No one knows who the majority whip is! I dare you to name the majority whip right now! (Without googling it!) Go ahead. Take a second. Oh, I'm sorry you couldn't do it? No worries, you're a normal human being. (If you did, congrats you're a nerd and lets get a drink sometime). The point remains that the absurd politics of this show are topsy turvy.
• Secondly Zoe is the WORST. I cringed the entire time she was in the Underwoods' bedroom as she's clearly trying way too hard. She does not wear arrogance well. It is almost as ill-fitting on her as that gala dress. Meanwhile Claire and Francis live and breathe arrogance. They make it look natural. The girl is way out of her element. (Also poor Kate Mara having to draw comparisons to Robin Wright while traipsing around in her wardrobe). 
• So everybody is using blackberries now? Is this the twilight zone!? Did we just travel back in time?
• This episode managed to not only kill off one of its most compelling characters, but also to completely squander all of Francis' character development up until this point. Can we go back to the Charleston/Philadelphia episode please? Because that was fantastic  And everything fantastic about that episode was just shredded to pieces in a matter of 45 minutes. Francis is a murderer now? And he does the killing himself? Without even taking a second to think about it? I was already disgusted at the way he chewed up Russo and spit him out, but this just took it so far beyond the point of plausibility I'm having trouble processing it. (Hello! There are definitely cameras in that garage, Francis! You idiot!) If Claire was around this would have never happened. 
• Speaking of Claire, she was the only good thing about this episode, but thats not saying much. This episode was just so messy in trying to tie up lose ends and pull together a theme. The only thing I liked was her goodbye letter to Adam-- a swan-song if you will. That was great.
• I've obviously been a fan of Russo's from the start. And the way Francis and Doug used him was so incredibly cruel that my heart went out to him. The worst part, obviously, is that he blamed himself. And I felt for both Christina and Rachel when they heard the news. But I really hope House of Cards is aware that when a character's story arc is ending, it's okay to let them live.
• By going forward with this murder plot, the show is embracing over-the-top soap operatics which very few shows can pull off well (I'm looking at you Homeland! And sometimes you don't even stick the landing!). That death just cheapened the show. The fact that it was a great character makes it even worse. They did this to try to surprise their audience (because nothing surprising ever happens on this show), but it was forced, superfluous, and artificial. It was a waste of talent from both Spacey and Stoll and a waste of character. 
• This creative decision was so asinine I'm having trouble moving past it.

Episode Twelve:

• Alright, thank goodness this episode was back to normal and no more of the nonsense that happened last time. I'm realizing that the writers didn't have much of a choice but to kill off Russo in order for Janine-- and eventually Zoe-- to become suspicious, begin investigating, and essentially dig up dirt on Underwood. I'm assuming the final episode will be the Pennsylvania election, Francis up for the Vice Presidency, and Zoe realizing the full extent of what Francis has done. I still have trouble seeing Francis as a legitimate killer. But that's the hand we were given. Moving on with this knowledge without harping on it is the only way these final episodes will work.
• I have to admit that the final Tusk/Underwood conversation was incredibly impressive in terms of turning the tables. I've been eager for someone to knock Francis down a few pegs and Tusk did just that. I just loved the sudden shift in power and seeing how Francis deals on the other side of the table. I especially enjoyed that Tusk asked Francis' yes-or-no questions and offered very few negotiable terms-- to Francis it must have been like looking in the mirror. 
• *knock*knock*- At first I was superficially happy that this little habit of Francis's was explained, but looking back on it, it was actually much more than that. It was one alpha dog recognizing an interesting negotiable quirk in the other and inquiring about it. Clearly Tusk is used to running the show-- he's his own boss. And we all know Francis is used to pulling the strings in his own neck of the woods. Tusk knows this and the knuckle question was a way to measure up Francis. In hindsight, the conversation pulled more weight than immediately thought.
• The once beautiful, yet pesky Carolina parakeet is now extinct? Foreshadow much? Francis better watch his back. 
• I may have many problems with this show right now, but it really is quite impressive that just earlier this season I was rooting for Francis to rule, conquer, and succeed. And now I'm rooting for his demise. Similarly, by the end of the episode I was actually on Zoe's side. And this wasn't some cheap turn around. It was actually a nuanced turn of character and I have to give it to the writers. This and the Tusk/Underwood scene really exemplify what this show does best.
• Lastly, I was getting some distinct Woodward and Bernstein vibes from Janine and Zoe in that stairwell. I'm glad they're flushing out Zoe's character and making her into a stronger female character than the self-embracing "whore" who slept with Congressmen for leads. I'm still not a huge fan of hers, but at least on an encouraging path.

Episode Thirteen:

• Holy crap, that church scene was so incredibly self-indulgent I don't even know what to say. I wasn't convinced for even a second that Francis was religious in any way. Or would go to church to find solace in his "guilt" regarding Russo. So right away I groaned. The fact that he ends up praying to himself and for himself made me roll my eyes so hard I think I gave myself vertigo. That scene really needed to happen in a church? The show was trying way to hard to make that a grandiose moment, in my opinion. And it was so cheap and transparent that it took me way out of the moment. And then blowing out everyone's candles? Are you freaking kidding me?! I know Francis only cares about himself, and he's an incredibly arrogant slime-ball, but come ON. I wish I had a third eye to roll when I saw him blowing out candles.
• I have no idea what Lucas sees in Zoe but I'm glad he's there to put her in her place, basically tell her she's made awful decisions in the past, and essentially be her conscience. I see him becoming someone who Zoe not only admires but who's approval she seeks in upcoming seasons. Also, Lucas is pretty resourceful. I was indifferent towards him at first, but now I'm warming to him. This show desperately needs someone to root for and I'm hoping that will be Lucas, Janine, and perhaps Zoe (when she finally decides to stop being awful) going forward. I really enjoy the three of them as a team, actually.
• Claire's journey this entire season has been one in which she realizes her clock is ticking, making her reflect on her life, and especially the fact that she never had children. It has been pretty apparent this entire time that Claire is feeling unfulfilled and is eager to embrace her maternal side. I was glad she went to the doctor and I'm interested to see where this plot line goes. I like Claire and I'm hoping this works out for her.
• As far a finales go, this episode didn't really deliver. It was more of the same, actually. They tried ending on a cliffhanger, but it was a weak one if anything. There were no huge, jaw-dropping moments in the finale at all. Which isn't to say all finales need to concoct a major moment like that, but something a little more high-stakes or twisty would have been appreciated. And, actually, this is true of the entire season. In the end, I feel really luke-warm about House of Cards. It had such potential with amazing names attached like David Fincher, Kevin Spacey, and Robin Wright. And they all did amazing jobs. For sure it stepped up to the plate, and I appreciate that it did, but as much as I wanted it to, it never hit one out of the park. And frankly, I'm left a tad disappointed. I'd give the entire season a solid B.