House of Cards (Netflix)

[Jorge]

Shut up

[BurtReynolds]

a gerbil/hamster/guinea pig thing. one of those.

[Jorge]

a gerbil/hamster/guinea pig thing. one of those.

That was not a hamster!

... Was it?

[McParadigm]

I called it mini me

[lowlight79]

So I watched the pilot last night (yes, I am late to the game), very good, will give episode 2 a shot.

[McParadigm]

Yes, what was a well-portrayed version of a tired stereotype doing in this show about sinister politicians, hands-in-every-pot businessmen, cold and calculating right hand men, and gritty boots-to-the-ground reporters who know, but can't prove, the terrible truth?

Shut up

And then there's the Chinese!

[EJ]

So I watched the pilot last night (yes, I am late to the game), very good, will give episode 2 a shot.

the first season was a blast, enjoy the ride.

[doug rr]

finished it last night..I really enjoyed this season

[Norah]

Just finished. I really enjoyed it, but agree with all the criticism. Season 3 should be fun too.

[McParadigm]

I can't believe that I scoffed about plat's stereotype complaint BEFORE I got to the cranky Native American businessman casino owners who have long braided hair and don't like pictures of Andrew Jackson. It was like someone was reading a Simpsons script in a stentorian, serious voice.

I thought there was just enough push back this season to keep it interesting as Frank builds his little empire. I liked that the whole thing with the scandal and Freddy gave just enough of a combination of uncertainty and personal impact to keep it from feeling like he's just overpowering the whole world. I also really enjoyed the way they gelled Frank and Claire as a team...after season one's near-ambivalence, that really helped establish them as a true couple and as a fascinating pair to watch.

Maybe my favorite scene all season was her little admission to him that "Part of me wishes you cared more," during the scandal, followed by the look on her face during his unexpected and unnecessary lecture to Adam about how insignificant he was to them.

I'm still seeing this as the build-up, so that season 3 can be the big change.

[Jorge]

I didn't complain that he was a stereotype, you're the one who keeps talking about stereotypes. I complained that he was unwatchable and his storyline was lame as all fuck... which it is, especially considering how it resolves. I knew we were in dangerous territory as soon as they mentioned the Deep Web, TOR and bitcoin. Take a half-assed attempt at tackling current-but-just-about-outdated topics (pretty sure the FBI raided TOR while they were filming this season) and add weak writing and questionable casting, and what happens is the already over-the-top campy telenovela aspect of this show (which was always part of its charm) bubbles over into overbearing and obnoxious. That line was never really crossed in season 1, I don't think. It was trampled over and spit on during season 2.

[McParadigm]

[lowlight79]

Two episodes down, I really enjoyed the second one

"Can a corporate sellout roll a joint like this?"

[BurtReynolds]

When your show is exclusive to Netflix, is there a reason you keep running the opening credits in every episode?

[BurtReynolds]

He needs a real antagonist that can challenge him, not just a bunch of easily led morons.

Er... I guess one emerges after the first three episodes. Never mind.

I have another LuNY story to tell now. I waited on Tusk once. Only back then he was just Mr. Delta Burke, so it wasn't worth mentioning. But look at us now! Don't act like youre not impressed.

[BurtReynolds]

finished it.

I enjoyed it for the most part, and look forward to season 3, but it unravels pretty bad in the last 2 or 3 episodes.

Spoiler: show

The presidency plot line was just ridiculous from start to finish (and it was a lot more ridiculous in the end). It just didn't work for me at all. The biggest problem is the President, himself. He just sucked.

It was the sublots that propelled the show along. For the most part they were great, especially Claire's. She was excellent. I didn't mind the hacker guy at all, and Lucas was kinda lame so I'm glad they dropped that one early. The only big letdown was Stamper and the girl. Just plodded along and ended weirdly (seriously, what was that death scene?)

I'll give it a B-.

[epilogue]

Finished Season Two. And I liked it quite a bit, on the balance. But there was a lot more to dislike in S2 than in S1. Robin Wright is brilliant.

[psychobain]

Finished season 1.

Quality work. Downloading season 2.

[Jorge]

I watched a few episodes of the original BBC show. Kind of fun, in a trashy sort of way (which I guess holds true for the decidedly more stylish US version). I was surprised at how different the specifics of the plotline were, while still preserving the core story. A bit more lighthearted and tongue-in-cheek than the remake, and the lead is considerably less imposing than Spacey. Netflix really did a great job adapting and updating it.

The Kate Mara equivalent has even creepier daddy issues in the original.

[EJ]

Finally finished this one up. There was a lot I really disliked about this season, but somehow I still ended up enjoying it on the balance. Season 1 was much better. But, I think the show can be redeemed in the third season.

Spoiler: show

The sad thing is, I wanted more of Freddy and his BBQ joint.