Chapter 52

Greetings from Lithuania.

"Chapter 52" is a brilliant ending to a terrific season 4. This is by far the best episode of the series overall (period). Everything - acting, writing, directing was a top notch - as usually, but with that "twisted" smile that makes this show unique and one of my favorite.

Overall Season 4 was a huge step up in comparison to a very good 2nd and good but inconsistent seasons 3. There were more interesting and gripping plot and twists, and reminded my of the terrific season 1 - it was that good. These two people won't let go what they have and what they want to have that easily, like one of them said "we will go one step further then any of them". That what makes this show and characters fascinating (and although sometimes they are over the top hilariously bad / twisted, but always entertaining, and plausible as possible).

Overall, do not miss Season 4 - if you liked previous seasons, you will be in nirvana watching these 13 great, great chapters.

Frank fights on two fronts to try and save his presidency.

This is a very strong episode and an effective series 4 finale.

It is as much about Frank and Claire as it is about two plot threads coming together and backing the two main characters into a corner.

It's not at all hard to swallow for a cynic like me. I've always thought statesmen and leaders take extreme political decisions when power is at stake and the writers of this obviously have the same outlook.

This has many memorable moments, mostly involving Frank speaking to the kidnappers and his final line to the audience. Probably the most effective part for me is something that is shown on a big screen in the situation room. Just watch the reactions of everyone in the room and pay attention to Frank and Claire. Very cinematic indeed.

It is a beautifully filmed episode with virtually every shot as beautiful and effective as always on House Of Cards.

Kevin Spacey is great as usual and he is supported well by the others, especially Boris McGiver and Robin Wright.

It's an 8.5/10 for me but I round upwards.

I still don't know if I want Frank to win or to die...

There are so many parts of this series that are outstanding, that catching them all would take too long and wouldn't help anyone reading it because the only thing that that would lead to is spoiler content. Thus, I'm making it very short: At the start I believed the still flashy, but not as bright excellence of season 3 would continue but luckily it proved me all wrong. I only have one sentence to describe this season and I think many will think the same:

This series will never cease to impress me.

FU2016.

Edit to fill the lines: I'm not an American, nor do I really care about their politics. But watching them dig their own grave by having not one presidential candidate that radiates strength really troubles me after just watching this series. Finish it and ask yourself, if any of the current candidates would make a good standing at just one of the troubles that occur in this fictional, but at least somewhat realistic series.

Despite my misgivings about the third season, there was enough quality to the show to bring me back. Although not as smart as this quality would suggest, the fourth season is certainly a move back in the right direction. The plots have much more in the way of political maneuvering, and there is an edge to the drama that was lacking last time out. Not all of it works, and some of it does feel like it is filling time a little, but mostly it has good pace, weight to the drama, while also still having a light touch of entertainment to it.

The quality of the production remains high, and the cast match this with plenty of famous faces giving good performances. There are a few too many moving parts, and things to be brought to a close, however the fourth season is certainly an improvement on the third – feeling much closer to the aspects of the show that I enjoyed in the first seasons.