"Chapter 11" comes from the period where 'House of Cards' was in its prime, when it was a show that was brilliant and easily addictive. Actually considered it one of the best shows on television. Which is why it is so upsetting and irritating that the decline in the last two seasons, especially Season 6, was so drastic (one of the largest declines for any show along with the likes of Seasons 7 and 8 of 'The Walking Dead') and so far removed from before.
Season 1 of 'House of Cards' has episodes that range from very good to brilliant. Of which "Chapter 11" is one of the best, the first one to really get to me emotionally and wrench my gut. Not that the previous ten episodes of the season didn't have emotion and tension, they certainly did especially the latter, but "Chapter 11" has even more so than before. Carl Franklin directs his second of four episodes, and again does a very good job. Not cinematic quality, but always at ease and control of what is going on and always makes the storytelling engaging and emotionally investable.
There is nothing to complain about with the production values. As always the photography is stylish and full of atmosphere, as well as always being cohesive, likewise with the way it's lit. The music The music knew when to have presence and when to tone things down to let the dialogue and characters properly speak, with again some very clever sound quality.
Once again, there is plenty of sharpness, bite and probing thought in the writing. The story never drags, even when deliberate. The characters and storytelling really advance and the interactions and character writing blister. The episode does such a wonderful job with Peter, he always was an interesting character but here he is at his most poignant and his exit is just heart-wrenching. For me, up to this point "Chapter 11" was the most emotional episode of 'House of Cards'. Claire and her subplot are not quite as meaty but it still intrigues hugely.
Frank too continues to be fascinating and his dialogue have a lot of bite. Cannot fault the acting, Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright are on top form but Corey Stoll steals the show in a truly powerful performance that stays with one forever.
In conclusion, wonderful episode and one of Season 1's best. 10/10
