Chapter 8

It's only the first season, and, although there weren't yet any show high-points and there was a slight finding its feet feel (understandable, most shows when they first start do), and already 'House of Cards' showed itself to be of really quite great quality. Wasn't blown away by all the episodes in Season 1, including this one, but most of the season was very good to brilliant. This extremely high quality continues all the way to Season 4, before going completely pear-shaped since in one of the biggest declines for any "among the best there was when in its prime" show.

David Fincher (his two contributions were among 'House of Cards' best directed episodes to me), James Foley (who went on to do more directing for the show since) and Joel Schumacher (yes you saw right regarding the last, and actually he did a far from shabby job) each directed two episodes, before Charles McDougall followed suit with "Chapter 7" and "Chapter 8". The latter, this one, is the second of his episodes, and while there is a lot to like about it and it is still a pretty good episode compared to what was seen before in the first season it was a bit of a disappointment and a lesser episode of the season for me. Again not because it's bad, but because 'House of Cards' was frequently much better than pretty good, a distinction which judging it by prime-'House of Cards' standards is fairly low. Found McDougall's first 'House of Cards' episode to be the superior one, particularly in terms of pacing.

The pacing is "Chapter 8's" biggest flaw. Do have to agree that some of the pace is rushed which made for some abruptly jumpy parts in the story, where things jump to the next without exploring what happened before all the way through. That feeling is felt too in some of the editing.

A few scenes go on for too long and could have been trimmed or cut out, like the one at the sentinel which did feel awkward.

However, there is still a lot to admire in "Chapter 8". Once again the production values score more than highly. Love the grit and stylishness and there are some beautiful shots throughout. The music is never intrusive while not being too low key at the same time, knowing when to have presence and at the same time knowing when to tone down and let the drama and characterisation shine through (and both do impeccably). Most of the script still provokes a lot of though, does nothing to insult the intelligence and is always cohesive. No cheese, no childishness and nothing feels over-complicated (again not even the politics) or dumbed down.

While the story is far from perfect here, it still manages to absorb and not hard to comprehend at all. Really appreciated the development to Peter and that Frank continues to be a fascinating character without being one-dimensional, "Chapter 8" does well in providing an equal balance of characterisation and storytelling and advancing both. McDougall directs with ease if not always distinction. Kevin Spacey is brilliant as usual, and Corey Stoll manages to be even better here and shows himself to be growing into the role of Peter the more interesting it gets.

So a pretty good episode on the whole, but could have been much better on the other hand considering what had come earlier in the season. 7/10

There's good reason this is the lowest rated episode of the entire series.

Awkward singing moments with past alumni (I'm a former Marine and was slightly confused over them doing the Marines' Hymn), unconvincing 'drunk' acting, a laughably bad 'fight' and make-up scene, and some very sloppy editing hinder this episode from being on the scale as the rest.

The script is constantly transitioning and departing before any of the scenes have time to gain traction.

Peter Ross should be gaining viewer's respect but the rushed portrayal of his scenes really just leaves me not caring.

Minor plot holes that won't be noticed by many are sprinkled throughout.

Watching this episode feels more like a chore than entertainment.

Into the depth of essential characters. A much needed episode that took place at the right time in the events of the series. A deeper look into the past of Underwood and Russo. Underwood outside the world of politics is just a man with his feelings, memories and close friends, though not vulnerable through his past life, in a moment he put it behind his shoulder and keep doing what he is doing best, Politics. Russo on the other hand showed the true him, a genuine fighter. A larger background was set behind his character. He always knew his people, that was what made him succeed the first time, that was what made him succeed the second time. That will make him land the governor role with a fierce fight though in my opinion.