'House Of Cards' Season 2: Robin Wright And Kevin Spacey Rule The World In An Improved Second Season

Confession: I binge watched House of Cards’ second season last weekend almost right after it premiered on Netflix Instant Watch, and, yes, it really is as good as they say.

House of Cards, Netflix’ first foray into original programing, was a huge hit when the first 13 episodes premiered last winter. The series won many awards and garnered countless nominations, including a Golden Globe nomination for Best Television Series – Drama. Robin Wright even won the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Television Series – Drama for her turn as Claire Underwood, the queen of House of Cards, if you will.

First season was full of deceit, backstabbing, lying and manipulation. All from the genius mind of Francis Underwood, played with unique precision by Kevin Spacey. Frank, as his colleagues call him, intends to scheme his way to the top of the political food chain after being set aside by his political constituents. The first season, while completely addictive, had many faults, but it suffered most from its heavy-handed characterization of Frank and the misuse of talent. For season 2, writer-creator Beau Willimon seems to have learned from the many mistakes made in the past and he rushes to rectify them in the very first episode of the second season, introducing a true adversary for Frank and flinging aside stale storylines (literally).

The main difference between seasons one and two is the character of Claire Underwood. While Claire’s presence was consistent in season 1, season 2 really utilizes her character and Wright’s talent in playing her. Where Claire might pop up here and there to share a scene or two with Spacey in Season 1, Season 2 gives her a storyline almost completely separate from her husband. Wright was one of the best things about season 1 of House of Cards, and was criminally underused, so it is completely satisfying to see the writers give her truly great material to work with. Claire also provides the audience with a much-needed break from Francis’ Machiavellian ways. As the principal character, Francis is fun to watch, there is no doubt, but his total resistance to all emotions, save boredom and fury, borders on the intolerable when experienced in high doses. Claire, while not over-flowing with emotion, is slightly more nuanced in her sensibilities and provides a more interesting look at the couple’s ultimate desire for power.

It also helps that Claire is given a truly fascinating character arc as she tries to pass a bill to end the leniency given to rapists in the military. The storyline is compelling, revealing, yet subtle and slow enough that it never feels like a political opinion is stuffed down the viewer’s choice. It also bridges the gap between the soap-opera world of House of Cards politics and the real world White House, where how rape in the military is handled continues to be a controversial topic.

Another excellent change, though not one I am particularly pleased with, is the absence of Zoe Barnes, the intrepid journalist who enters into a dangerous relationship with Francis in Season 1. Actress Kate Mara played Barnes perfectly, and was one of the reasons why I started watching the show, but, like Wright, she was tragically underused. As a character, Zoe was simply awful. She lacked any real depth, making all of her actions feel ridiculous and unrealistic. While I am sad to see Mara go, the show only benefits from the absence of her character.

The success of House of Cards’ second season lies fully in the decision to be more caring of the characters and expose them little by little. For example, the choice to give the viewer a deeper look at the character of Doug Stamper (Michael Kelly) through his twisted relationship with Rachel (Rachel Brosnahan) constantly keeps viewers on their toes while allowing the character of Stamper to expand past his identity as Frank’s chief of staff.

Finally, what sets House of Cards apart from your regular television programing is it’s almost complete departure of any true romantic plot lines. Yes, the ever-mysterious marriage between Claire and Francis is always intriguing and fascinating, but romantic, it is not. Sex on House of Cards is hardly ever a romantic experience; it is a demonstration of power or an escape, not love. Season 2 plays with this idea more tangibly than first season with the introduction of Jaqueline Sharp (Molly Parker), a reluctant ally for Francis in the House of Representatives, and her flirtatious relationship with Remy Danton (Mahershala Ali).

Technically, the show remains consistent, with a steady-cam, smooth style and dark, grey imagery. Aesthetically, House of Cards remains immaculate. Perhaps the biggest change to the style of the show is the relative absence of Frank’s monologues to the camera. Frank’s monologues are kept to a minimum in Season 2, making them more poignant. It moves the show away from being Frank’s story and towards becoming a true character study.

All in all, Season 2 of House of Cards is, without a doubt, better than Season 1. The characters have never been more exciting, the writers took full advantage of previously underused characters, such as Freddy (Reg E. Cathey), who practically gets his own episode, and Frank finally goes up against a man he cannot beat on his own (a Raymond Tusk played by Gerald McRaney). Is it still completely ridiculous and larger than life? Yes, but let’s be honest, we wouldn’t come back for more if it weren’t.