The 2016 Presidential Election isn't the only election we're following this year. Season four of the critically acclaimed Netflix drama "House of Cards" has finally arrived, and everyone is out for blood.
The last time we saw President Frank Underwood, his wife Claire, fed up and eager to start her own political career, was leaving him, and his enemies were on the warpath to bring him down. What happens in season four is a whirlwind, roller coaster ride as President Underwood continues on the campaign trail, and we see Claire's strength and political know-how take shape. Everyone's up to their old tricks, and this season definitely did not disappoint. There's an assassination attempt, an affair, a suicide, hostage negotiations, a liver transplant, and more than enough deceit and manipulation to go around. If you haven't seen the show yet, now is definitely the time to start, because this season is better than ever.
In the first episode, we discover that Claire and Frank are still on the outs. Claire is trying to run for Congress in her home state of Texas, and Frank is battling rumors that his marriage is falling apart as the primary election race continues. The show continues as the two manipulate each other back and forth to get what they want. For Frank, that's Claire back in his good graces and supporting him on the campaign trail. For Claire, it's real political influence and a title much bigger than First Lady.
This season introduces us to many new characters, including Claire's mother Elizabeth, who is dying from cancer, campaign manager LeAnn Harvey, who proves to be fiercely loyal to the Underwoods, and Will and Hannah Conway, the Republican candidate for President and his gorgeous wife, who might just be Underwood's toughest opponents yet. Among the returning characters are White House Chief of Staff Doug Stamper, who still has serious anger issues and what at times seems like an uncomfortable crush on the President, and Lucas Goodwin, the reporter who went to jail after trying to expose the Underwoods for the crime and corruption we've seen over the past three seasons.
After trying and failing on their own, Frank and Claire both realize that they are much stronger and more powerful together, and they set their sights on getting Claire put on the election ticket as Frank's Vice President. The show brings up issues the United States is currently facing, including gun control and extremist terrorism. "House of Cards" makes reference to a terrorist group eerily similar to ISIS called ICO, and this story line is possibly the strongest the show has had.
As much as you want to root against them, the power and success the Underwoods have draw you in, and it's like a car crash that you can't look away from. With an ending as ominous and dark as the last season was, we are left with a lot of questions and no answers, and much like with the real 2016 election, we will just have to wait and see what happens.
