TV Review: House of Cards

It’s good to be bad

What’s it all about? A political aspirant scorned plots his way to power on Capitol Hill.

The Verdict: A class act as self assured, knowing and provocative as its protagonist.

4.5/5.0

Kevin Spacey is no stranger to playing the bad boy but if in doubt of his Machiavellian credentials look no further than the opening of this intriguing political drama. Snuffing out an ailing dog’s life - unbeknownst to its owners - he looks into the camera and tells us that he’s a man willing to get blood on his hands, a man who’ll do the necessary when no one else will.

"Make no mistake, this is Spacey’s show. His cutthroat power broker is up there with some of Shakespeare’s most memorable villains."

 

Kevin Spacey gets his villain on

In House of Cards, Spacey is Frank Underwood, a “lowly” House Majority Whip in the US Congress with much greater aspirations especially after being sideswiped for the role of Secretary of State.

Like a wily predator he’ll get his revenge, striking when the time is right with acute precision. The character is based on Shakespeare’s Hamlet and Richard III so it’s no surprise that Frank is a master manipulator with no qualms about backstabbing, blackmailing or berating his way to the top. He’s arrogant, sardonic with a southern drawl and self assured. And he’s got quite the God complex.

Based on the 90’s British mini-series of the same name, this is a bracing introduction to what’s sure to be one of the best new shows of the year. We’re introduced at a good clip to the major players including Claire (Robin Wright) Frank’s chic wife and strident supporter in political ascendency; and young gun Washington reporter Zoe (Kate Mara, American Gothic) who secures a deal that will see her career trajectory tied to that of Frank’s.

The Ultimate Power Couple: Spacey and Wright

House of Cards is as self assured, knowing and provocative as its protagonist with classy direction from David Fincher (The Social Network) and a sharp script by writer Beau Willimon (The Ides of March) that’s much more accessible than the rapid-fire, sometimes smug dialogue of The West Wing. 

If there’s one element that takes some getting used to, it’s Frank’s “direct addresses” to the audience reminding us he’s the puppet master but it’s a play straight out of Shakespeare’s own playbook so here it’s fitting.

Spacey, who doubles as executive producer is formidable as is Wright.  But make no mistake, this is Spacey’s show. His cutthroat power broker is up there with some of Shakespeare’s most memorable villains. The Bard would be proud.

The first three episodes of House of Cards air May 7 on Showcase at 8.30pm. All 13 episodes of Series 1 are available on Foxtel Go and Foxtel On Demand.