I like the story arc with the Underwood's Communications/PR Director. First it was the guy from Mad Men - Joan's ex-husband - who seemed just a little too cocksure and perhaps destined for early demise. Naturally, a slightly slimier, more cunning, and not-interested-in-the-money replacement shows up with just the right leverage on Claire to win favor and a position. I especially loved the scene where he says - on his way out the door - "oh by the way, you have the original, I didn't make any copies". Just like a gunslinger pulling back his jacket to reveal that he is indeed packing. The friction with Stamper is making me nervous - mostly because I am too attached to Stamper and don't want to see him jeopardized. He seems to be doing a pretty good job of sowing his own seeds of destruction. Clearly he has a very high degree of self-control and discipline, but ultimately leads an isolated and thankless life. Presumably, he likes his position - at the "ceiling" of service to the Underwoods - but the viewer hasn't really been privy to what his motivations are for sticking around, or what drives his loyalty to Frank.
The arcs the writers come up with for Claire never keep my interest quite like Frank's do - Kevin Spacey has a magnetism that is absolutely riveting - but I do like two things they have done this season: (1) really explored and developed Claire's ruthless side and (2) strengthened Frank and Claire's relationship as true partners in this unholy crusade to win the Presidential throne. It feels very Bonnie-and-Clyde when they lie to the press about Galloway, plot Tusk's demise (or suffering), and share glances over the Presidents marital misfortunes.
I won't dwell too much on the bomb they drop in episode one. I don't quite give it as much credit as some of the other reviewers. To be candid - although Zoe's death was shocking and totally unexpected - that ploy is nothing new in the last few years (looking at Game of Thrones). It does feel like the show is gravitating closer to its darker roots - much like Breaking Bad started doing. Clearly, there is no hope for redemption for Frank or Claire. That is one reason this show is so refreshing. It has no qualms of pulling punches on their ruthlessness, or giving the viewer some false hope that in the end their actions could be even somewhat legitimized. No... the Underwoods are most definitely headed straight for hell once their years on earth are up. Despite putting up a fight that was uncommon for him - Frank even capitulated to cutting off his friendship with favorite supporting character Freddy.
Excellent arcs in season 2:
1. The battles between Frank and Tusk
2. Seeing Frank own his old stomping grounds to pass a Bill
3. Surprisingly, the reporters. This arc isn't done, its just brewing waiting to explode...
Looking forward to finishing out this season. At the rate I'm going, it won't last much longer... than it'll be another year to wait...
No comments:
Post a Comment