The Netflix original series, “House of Cards” will be coming to a close this fall after six seasons. For six seasons we have followed the political drama unfold with its large cast of characters and its unpredictable twists and turns. Last fall the world was shocked to find its star Kevin Spacey under fire of allegations of sexual harassment. Almost immediately Netflix took action, the streaming service cut all ties with Spacey and production of the upcoming season was brought to a screeching halt.
Now that production has resumed, fans can now look forward to the end of the show that put Netflix originals on the map. The attention has shifted and the stage now belongs to Robin Wright. Her character, Claire Underwood, is now the President of the United States. During the last season, the wife of Spacey’s character, Frank Underwood, is now in the driver’s seat for the show. All fans can hope for throughout is a good send off for the show. That is why there are five reasons to watch the final season of “House of Cards”.
1. NO Kevin Spacey
After numerous allegations of sexual harassment came to light, the first by Anthony Rapp, and several from "House of Cards" employees, Kevin Spacey was exiled from Netflix. When the world realized who he truly was after an apology that only made the situation worse, the backlash mounted sky high.
Production of season six of “House of Cards” was put on hold. Now that production has concluded, the writers have written Spacey’s character, Frank Underwood out of the show completely. Fans still have yet to find out how Underwood will exit the show, but one thing can put fans’ fears to rest. The sixth season will be Spacey-free, making way for a new era of the show, and hopefully Hollywood as well.
2. Robin Wright takes center stage
This change will be for the better and the teaser trailer season six proved just that. As Claire Underwood prepares to shape her presidency, fans will be privileged to watch Robin Wright play this character. Many fans questioned if Wright could carry the weight of the show on her shoulders. After the trailer aired during the Academy Awards last Sunday, Wright proved that this was her time.
As she looked right into the camera and said, “We’re just getting started” audiences knew that they were in for something new. That one line that fans were treated to still sticks in their minds, as it will define the final season of a great show. Wright has also stayed on as an executive producer for the show. Her influence off screen will only add to the viewing experience
3. A woman president
In terms of current events and activism in this country, this could not come at a better time. The MeToo movement has taken off, and now more than ever, women and young girls are becoming empowered through their search of equality in the workplace, politics, sports, business, movies, and other forms of entertainment. Perhaps Robin Wright can help add to the cause through her performance in the last season of the political drama.
Our country has yet to elect a female president. Wright and the writers have an opportunity to inspire women across the country. It also gives the show a breath of fresh air after the Spacey fallout. It shows that maybe one day a woman can and will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States.
4. New characters
“House of Cards” gave Netflix viewers many memorable characters during its run. But now it is time to give the show some fresh blood. The final season will only have eight episodes, as confirmed by Netflix. On one hand that isn’t a lot of time to establish new characters who the audience has no previous history with. But on the other hand, loyal viewers don’t want to see the same thing over and over.
New characters will bring new stories, situations, and opportunities. Netflix has already confirmed that Diane Lane and Greg Kinnear have been added to the cast. Details about their characters and roles are still unknown. New characters give viewers something new to look forward to during the final season.
5. A good send-off
In television history there have been great finales, and there have been awful finales. Netflix has an opportunity to give one of its most popular original series a good sendoff. Storylines for season six are still unknown, so it is hard to tell what direction the show will go in. This is a chance for “House of Cards” to go out on a high note. With everything that has happened since last autumn, the only place to go from here is up. How will this show leave its mark?
“House of Cards” doesn’t have a future past the sixth season. Netflix has confirmed this will be the final one of the series. It has been acclaimed by critics and viewers alike. Only time will tell if it is going to be remembered as one of the best political dramas. The pressure on season six after Spacey’s downfall will be hard to overcome. But it is in good hands with good writers and a solid cast. The legacy of the show is on the shoulders of this last season. So, if you don’t have anything to stream on your iPhone this fall, give “House of Cards” a watch, you won’t be disappointed.