The full 13 episodes of Season 4 of the American political drama TV series “House of Cards” is now available on Netflix since March 4 and based on critics’ review, it is the best for the show since the premiere season more than three years ago.
The fourth season of the show helped bring the Underwood saga full circle as it helped clarify the series as a whole.
The TV series charged forward with new stories while still returning to the path of destruction that Frank Underwood, played by Kevin Spacey, and Claire, played by Robin Wright, left in their wake to make it to the White House, details IGN.
One thing is clear, though, “House of Cards” has reached its pinnacle and the end appears to be around the corner. While the show has already been renewed for a fifth season, it does not look like the TV series will go beyond a sixth season.
Critics actually describe the TV series as a rattlesnake as it has a good share of shocks, surprises, and horror while moving at its own leisurely pace.
Contrary to previous reports about “House of Cards” Season 4, there are no direct parallels to the ongoing US presidential campaign although there are moments in the TV show where certain themes sort of bleed through.
The Season 4 finale was singularly terrifying which is why “House of Cards” is widely-followed and well-loved by its loyal viewers.
Back in his element
Doug Stamper, played by Michael Kelly, had his share of high points during the fourth season as he was back in his element. He was high on loyalty but frightening low on ethics.
He was ready to do whatever it takes to serve Frank but the extreme wickedness has also broken him heading into the second half of the fourth season, which leads into something immeasurably creepier.
Much of the acting prowess of the TV series emanates from Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright as critics and viewers think they were quite spectacular with yet moving performances.
Amid the often chaotic situations, the two provide the stabilizing anchor for the TV series. While the first few episodes feel more like an extension of Season 3, things are greatly helped with the addition of Claire’s mother Elizabeth, played by Ellen Burstyn. Claire’s trip back home to Dallas served to both humanize and vilify her, and Burstyn was the perfect actress for the job.
Echoing the current political situation
While there are echoes of the current US political climate in the fourth season of “House of Cards,” the TV series appear to be a better option for American viewers looking for a darkly alluring program rather than watching presidential hopefuls make their pitch on CNN or Fox News.
The show is really better than a political reality TV show that has been going on in major news networks as of late.
At the onset, “House of Cards” gave off the appearance of deep seriousness with its dark-hued color palette, brooding music, and various weighty doings. But the foundation of its appeal came mostly from its hyperbolically dark humor, notes The New Yorker.
Season 1 of “House of Cards” was described as a black comedy. But the subsequent season has turned the show into a straightforward TV drama.
Frank Underwood was stiff and rarely breaks the fourth wall while keeping the visual gags low. But the characters still do despicable things while maintaining the aura of respectability while doing them.
While its plot was mostly incidental, the absurdity of “House of Cards” Season 4 could nonetheless be forgiven. However, the show has obviously lost its metal-edged wicked humor that once made it devilishly fun to watch. But there are still occasional glimpses of those kinds of moments, provided by Ellen Burstyn.