For the most part, this was a very poor showing from this otherwise game changing show.
House of Cards Season 4 is the perfect example of the definition of "Jumping the Shark". The basic definition is as follows: the moment a television show declines in quality, signaled by a particular scene or episode in which the writers use some type of gimmick to keep the viewers' interest. That definition is courtesy of Wikipedia. You can click the link above for a fuller definition.
Here's the thing, on what planet, even in tv land, does this even make sense? It was so stupid.The show lost me on this account. It was meant to entice, but had the exact opposite effect.
This was by far the worst part of the season, the worst decision on the writers, and ruined the show for me. Claire jumped the shark when she decided she wanted the vice presidency and the show went down that route.
Here are more of my thoughts on season 4 ...
Am I really to believe that the Cabinet, when the Vice President was in charge, would allow Claire such access?
Am I really to believe that Claire would just so readily turn on her heels from one moment hating Frank, to suddenly caring for him so deeply again? Even if it wasn't in a romantic manner?
Am I really to believe that Doug Stamper would be so stupid to donate to the fundraising page of the transplant recipient that he screwed over? Doug is ready to handle all of these incredibly complex issues for Frank, to suspend his morals at all turns, but this is what does him in? He is going to leave a paper trail. He already killed someone with his bare hands, someone he actually slept with so the rationale that Doug had to actually kill someone does not validate this plot thread. So, no this is not possible.
Am I really to believe that Jackie would trash her whole career just to get back at Frank? No. That's not possible.
Am I really to believe that no one in the situation room speaks Arabic? Also, so unnecessary to the plot to even ASK if someone spoke Arabic.
The entire Neve Campbell plot line.
Aggravating plots/characters ...
That novelist makes me want to pluck my eyelashes out every time he is on screen.
Who could stand that press secretary around all the time? Jeez. Also, if the writing was accurate, Doug would have destroyed that man after the confederate soldier pic he leaked. I mean, game over, dude.
Really? Claire breaks the 4th wall? I'm not so easily impressed.
I loved Catherine Durant. Of all the extraneous characters in this show, I think she is fabulous. She is in a tight spot with Frank. She is threatened, undermined, taken advantage of, and yet, somehow remains dignified. She is strong, and does not easily back down, although when she does, Secretary of State Durant still seems to do it in a manner where she doesn't seem weak. She is good at her job and despite some underhanded dealings, seems on the up and up. I expect more from her in the future.
I love Claire's wardrobe. She looks impressive at every turn. I love the way Claire holds her hands, it's part of her "wardrobe".
I liked alll the actors on the show save for the press secretary. I think everyone does a fabulous job.
How closely this season mirrored our own presidential race. The contested convention? Fascinating.
The return of Frank breaking the 4th wall.
Final thoughts ...
I did not find Claire's character appealing in the least. She is supposed to be a strong woman, fighting against the oppression and lack of romantic love from her husband. However, I find her absolutely despicable. Out of all the characters, she is literally the worst.
Her loyalty to Frank is nil on every front, from presidency, partnership, marriage -- nothing is sacred to her. Separate from Frank, she sabotages the presidency for her own political gain. She is absolutely cruel to all other women. She acts diabolically to her own mother -- stating she will sell the house out from under her despite the fact she is dying. She starts a war. What am I missing?
What did you think of HoC season 4? What did you like? What did you dislike? Who did you think was the most despicable character?
Until next time!
** If you would like to read my other blogs, please find them at:
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**** Madeline Fresco is a novelist who lives in San Diego. She is the author of CROSSED THE LINE, available for Kindle at Amazon.com, for Nook at Barnes & Noble, and as an ePub at other eBook retailers. You can also listen to her novel as a free, serialized audiobook at http://www.madelinefresco.com. Her second book THE CHOICE, is available on Kindle at Amazon. Her third book ANGUISH, is available for Kindle at Amazon.com