Frank Underwood 2016: ‘House of Cards’ Season 4 Review
Jessica Morris ‘19 / Emertainment Monthly Staff Writer
Drama abounds in this season, more so than in previous seasons. Claire and Frank spend the first few episodes of the thirteen-episode season in bitter rivalry, because Claire hopes to concentrate on her own political career rather than Frank’s. Then, Frank nearly dies from an assassination attempt by Lucas Goodwin (Sebastian Arcelus), a begrudged former reporter for the Washington Herald, who is desperate to prove Frank’s corruption. Edward Meechum, a secret service agent and Frank’s trusted friend and sometimes lover, is killed during the attempt instead. After Frank receives a liver transplant, he recovers, and Claire reveals her desire to run as his vice president, a plan which Frank first refutes before scheming to help secure her nomination. Meanwhile, Tom Hammerschmidt (Boris McGiver) manages to gather compelling evidence of Frank’s wrongdoings and releases his findings to the public. A rising terrorist threat and a hostage situation further challenges Frank’s electability against Conway.
This is a very broad overview, but also a basic recap of the major events of the season. Clearly, this season was jam packed with shocking moments and revelations. While the events of the previous season at times moved slowly, season four never suffered the same affliction. However, while exciting, that doesn’t mean every plot point of the season worked for the show’s viewers. But at least there’s no denying that season four of House of Cards made for good television.
There is also the question of Will Conway as a viable opponent against Frank. Viewers are expected to believe Frank has finally met his match with Conway. He is significantly younger than Frank, a veteran, and a family man. Voters are flocking to his side. This is all believable. But, it is hard to find Conway’s threats and attempts at intimidating Frank convincing. For one, Joel Kinnaman seems miscast in this role. At only thirty-six years old, Kinnaman is barely old enough to be president and looks it too, which is distracting for the viewer. And while passable as Conway, it is difficult for Kinnaman to hold his own against Kevin Spacey, an actor who has mastered the art of the monologue.
Perhaps next season will be the last, and Frank and Claire (or at least Frank) will be brought down finally. The only thing for certain is that viewers can’t wait to find out what happens next. No worries of course, there’s only about a year to go until season 5 premieres.