Beau Willimon's "House of Cards", which aired on Netflix back in February 2013, has established itself as the dark antithesis of the cult classic "The West Wing". Recounting the story of Frank and Claire Underwood, and their ascent to political dominance in American Politics, this dark, deceptive, and cynical drama has struck a chord with viewers for its presentation of Washington defined by institutions as morally bankrupt as the people elected to run them.

Yet, the main factor responsible for "House of Cards" appeal to a wide fan base has been the work of Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright in the portrayal of the ruthless Underwoods. Especially Spacey. Long before Deadpool took to the theatres to shatter the fourth wall in a storm of satire and crass humour, it was Frank Underwood who spoke directly to the spectator. Staring straight at the camera with a hardened face as conniving as it was menacing, and delivering with fine Shakespearean wit and eloquence, some of his most disconcerting, yet endearing monologues:

1. “There are two kinds of pain. The sort of pain that makes you strong, or useless pain. The sort of pain that’s only suffering. I have no patience for useless things."

The very first line Frank delivered in the series, the Congressman from South Carolina certainly didn't waste anytime shedding his colours. Stroking a wounded dog before proceeding to suffocate it, this scene sent a shivering chill up the spines of the audience as it went on to establish the dark, sinister tone of the show. But it is also indicative of Underwood's nihilistically perverted moral compass, as he asserts to the audience that the only things worth keeping alive, or that deserve to live -- be they innocent of despicable -- are those that will be useful. Useful in fulfilling his designs.

2. “Money is the Mc-mansion in Sarasota that starts falling apart after 10 years. Power is the old stone building that stands for centuries. I cannot respect someone who doesn’t see the difference.”

From bribes, to blackmail, to throwing people under the bus -- literally -- Frank does it all. But unlike many of the politicians on Capitol Hill, Underwood didn't buy in with the hopes of leaving with a larger cash out. The irony of this scene, his scheming not withstanding, is that it flushes out, in a twisted way, a noble trait about our anti-hero. Knowing that money is only as powerful as long as it lasts, he's in Washington with the desire to govern, to rule. And like all ruling, Frank understands with a reluctance shown in a preceding scene, that part of it involves paying, and being paid by the right people.

3. “What a martyr craves more than anything is a sword to fall on. So you sharpen the blade, hold it at just the right angle, and then 3,2,1…”

Executed with manipulative mastery, this scene dismantles the romantic perception regarding the role of honour in politics. Exploiting it to gain full control over the Education Bill from Donald Blythe, to Frank, virtue as a personal trait, when not used as a tool in political craftsmanship, is only helpful to those seeking an early exit from the arena of Capitol Hill.

4. “The road to power is paved with hypocrisy, and casualties. But never regret.”

In a rare moment of vulnerability, Frank contradicts the final segment of this line when he seems to display a capacity for guilt. Aware of his engagement with a corruption he knowingly despises, Underwood also understands that to move up in Washington, you can't beat the crooked without being more crooked, especially with the knowledge that if you win, you'd gladly do it again.

5. "Love of family: most politicians are permanently chained to that slogan, family values. But when you cozy up to hookers and I find out, I will make that hypocrisy hurt."

Family. In contemporary politics, its no secret that this has become a popular campaign tool and image exploited by public servants to gain, and stay in office. As a result the notion of family has evolved into a standard by which lawmakers are held highly accountable to. In this scene, Frank mocks the public's obsession with this image after reminding Peter Russo about what consequences he can face due to his past dalliances should he go through with his testimony at the Brack hearing.

6. "I won this distract 11 times. Do you think thats just luck and a firm handshake."

Campaign ads, waving at constituents, shaking their hands, that seems to be the formula when we witness delegates prevail in a race. But its not so cut and dry. An election isn't just about making it over the finish line, its about making sure no one gets there before you. And for Frank, it minds burying a feel skeletons while getting some blood and dirt beneath your fingertips. Something he implies in this menacing, elucidating scene.

7. “I have often found that bleeding hearts have an ironic fear of their own blood.”

Even today, the atmosphere of politics is comprised mostly of fear. This line characterizes that fear with sound perfection. While a politician needs to be wary of how his opponents maneuver in case they leave a trail of dirt behind he can use against them, he to must be aware of the fact that any action he takes can lead to transgressions that can come back to haunt him.

8. “Shake with your right hand, but hold a rock in the left.”

Capturing the nature of diplomacy, alliances are never a guarantee, shifting at the first possible sign of wind. Meaning a friend you make in ten minutes could easily turn out to be your worst adversary in a matter of seconds. In such circumstances, be ready for a sit-down or showdown.

9. "A great man once said, everything is about sex. Except sex. Sex is about power."

Pretty much self explanatory. You don't move up in politics without screwing someone and getting a screwed a little yourself. Both literally and figuratively.

10. "You know what I like about people? They stack so well."

Simply spoken as it is profoundly articulated, this line not only reflects the theme of the show, but is indicative of Frank's attitude when it concerns other people. A sociopath who sees himself superior to those around him, his reference to his colleagues as nothing but something to stack shows that they are just objects, toys to arrange and order around with a means that helps accomplish what he desires.