House of Cards (Netflix)

[McParadigm]

I Freddy

[EJ]

I Freddy

What's your prognosis for the third season?

Spoiler: show

I think you mentioned earlier that Frank's house of cards will likely fall in the third season. I'm afraid they'll keep this show going for a couple more seasons though and really dilute its impact. In my mind, the third should be the last one. Let Frank burn. Hopefully, over a spit at Freddie's new joint.

[McParadigm]

My big concern is that the shows own history will fold in on itself. At this point...

Spoiler: show

...if Frank gets impeached or totally found it, it'll look retarded. One president gets impeached, the next one turns out to be a murderous sex maniac madman. It would kill the party dead, for one thing, if that ever happened...but mostly going that route will just put the show over that tenuous line it keeps toeing between feeling dramatically legitimate and borrowing soap opera-esque tropes.

I think that Frank's downfall needs to mirror his rise to power: it needs to take place almost exclusively behind the scenes. He doesn't give a shit what the public thinks of him anyway, so having the masses turn on him would only matter in the way that it would affect his political future. For who he is as a character, their vitriol would not represent any real kind of defeat or loss.

Being outmatched and effectively marionetted the way that he does to others, on the other hand...that's a thing.

So he needs to get taken down in the same way he gained influence...he needs to get out-thought. I'm hoping that some of the characters they've put out there who are still around will be able to be a part of that.

[EJ]

Good stuff, McP. Agree with all of that.

Spoiler: show

I was really disappointed how quickly they scuttled Tom out of the picture in Season 2. He's a great character. Any thoughts on him being a key figure in S3?

[McParadigm]

That'd be okay with me.

They've really set up a pretty decent litter of people who can have some part to play in that story (if that's the story). And, in some ways, Frank's had his ability to sneak around severely constricted by some of the events at the end of this season, so it'll be harder and harder for him to respond to any encroaching danger.

[BurtReynolds]

I figure Jackie will turn on him at some point and beat him at his own game. I do hope its only three seasons though.

[lowlight79]

Holy mother of fuck!

Spoiler: show

He just threw that bitch in front of the train yo

On to episode three of season two tonight.

[nyquillyn]

[Stickman]

Spoiler: show

Doug

[numbers]

I really liked season 2, and am looking forward to this, but I always feel like this show is one episode away from becoming too crazy.

[Norah]

I really liked season 2, and am looking forward to this, but I always feel like this show is one episode away from becoming too crazy.

Yeah it can be a bit over the top.

[Stickman]

New season is up.

[Kaius]

Is this show about Texas hold 'em?

[BurtReynolds]

3 episodes into season 3 now. Pretty good so far. A little slow but I'm not complaining.

Spoiler: show

likes: "FUCKING TRY" was great
dislike: that church scene was dumb.

[Norah]

I can't see the bishop as anyone but Rawls from The Wire.

[Daniel Bryan]

I'm enjoying season 3 so far. A lot of season 2 became a little too crazy and silly for my liking, but so far they appear to have learned from any criticism and slowed things down.

Personally, the slow burn story is ultimately more satisfying for me so this is good stuff. Still on episode 3 with the visit of the Russian leader. It's good!

[Norah]

The Russian leader that isn't Vladimir Putin but has the initials VP and rose up through the ranks of the KGB and is seen as a thug by much of the world?

[Daniel Bryan]

The Russian leader that isn't Vladimir Putin but has the initials VP and rose up through the ranks of the KGB and is seen as a thug by much of the world?

Aha, that's the one

I admit, he was a bit of a caricature but entertaining nonetheless.

Spoiler: show

So how will Frank be taken down? They're establishing a few people who could potentially help in Frank's downfall. Slightly ironic that he might finally get his comeuppance when he's actually trying to do a bit of good. Sure, it's all because he has an agenda and ultimately wants to run again in 2016 despite publicly saying he won't but still. I'm actually rooting for Frank so far this season compared to actively being disgusted with his actions in seasons 1 and 2.

[Jorge]

Mads Mikkelsen's brother.

[Jorge]

I really need to recalibrate my expectations of this show. Every season so far seems like more of a slog than the one before it. Aside from a few highlights, and the shift in focus to Claire, season 3 felt like a big waste of time.