re: House of Cards Season 4 trailer

I think season 3 would have been fine had they actually focused on why Claire's character changed. I'm willing to accept that a move to the White House took the blood lust out of her mouth but I need to know that's why it has happened. Power corrupts in many different ways (Claire got soft, frank lost control) but I think the weakness of season 3 is that it just assumed people would go with it without considering giving an explanation. I think one f the strengths of the first season is that Frank would explain things to the audience in a way that didn't necessarily feel like exposition. I think season 3 lacked that audience comraderie. This new perspective on power could have been perfect for one of Frank's 4th wall breaking monologues

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But it always had a tendency to meander

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I think that's sort of the point and part of the appeal, to some.

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For as seriously as it takes itself, I never found its examination of the political process to be particularly insightful.

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Fair point. FWIW, I feel this way about the new Showtime series Billions as well.

Honestly, I think season's 4 largest problem is just that Claire became the main character rather than Frank. Which we can thank the writing of Robin Wright for that...

Her horrible storylines were bad, but there's also the fact that the rest of the characters (Stamper, Remy, etc.) just aren't compelling anymore. And the attorney general or soliciter general chick (I forget already) who's challenging Frank just isn't as formidable as Frank's adversaries in Season 2.

This is a pretty good series. I doubt anyone who is first lady in a political partnership would ask for a divorce. If everything is going to be about them getting a divorce, season 4 will blow. Their ability to work as a team to lie and scheme their way to the top made the show really good. It is just not as good when she is not a powerful character working towards a his goals.

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What are you blabbing about? This show is money.

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It's hip these days to say HOC is a trashy soap opera.

Both shows lack any real feeling of validity in terms of the industry. They both feel like actors playing politicians/billionaires to me. And I don't think they want to be taken as seriously as we'd like them to be. Both shows try to exploit feckless leaders in their respective industries, but sort of make you like them in the same breath, if that makes sense.

Season 2 episode 1 alone is worth watching this show. The end of that episode was brilliant.

"Did you think I'd forgotten you? Perhaps you'd hoped I had."

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Season 2 episode 1 alone is worth watching this show.

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Probably the best individual episode.

Doug is the fricking man.