[I] have taken the day off to watch Netflix’s House of Cards Season 3. Spoiler alert, please don’t read any further if you haven’t see the episode or watched the show. This post is dedicated to my House of Cards Marathon, Season 3, Chapter 27. Enjoy and share in the discussion!
House of Cards Season 3, Chapter 27 Summary – Doug Stamper Lives & Back Story
The story open six months into Francis J. “Frank” Underwood Presidency, played by Keven Spacey. With Frank playing respects to his dead father’s grave. Talking directly into the camera, a classic move of this series, he explains that he will be remembered far more than his father.
The majority of the story centers around Doug Stamper, Frank’s former Chief of Staff (played by Michael Kelly). We find out Doug Stamper has lived, but not without enormous costs. In flash backs we watch Doug’s painful recovery as he attempts, but fails to do physical therapy drug free. Worst than physical pain, he is mostly shut out from his previous job as Chief of Staff and misses working for the President. He hates watching from the sideline.
First Lady Claire has set her sights on becoming the United Nations’ ambassador. We finally hear the details of their weird marriage/political agreement as she focuses on her own legacy. She believes that Frank will not get re-elected in 2016 (18 months).
President Underwood’s is having extreme problems and is viewed as a lame duck president. He cannot get Congress to send him a single bill worth signing. The problems are not just from the Republican, but also his own party and cabinet. They basically operate on a vote of “no confidence.”
Among his cabinet, Frank is trying desperately to create a job bill that will get more Americans working. He idea is to revisit all existing “social programs” to find the money. Nobody takes it seriously and this further distances Frank from his party.
[blockquote author=”iWatch”]When they bury me, it won’t be in my backyard. And when they come to pay their respects, they’ll have to wait in line.” – Frances Underwood[/blockquote]
Fred Campos’ Thoughts on the Episode
I love the cruel style from which Keven Spacey plays his role. I was appalled at him urinating on his father’s grave and found it slightly a stretch that the press wouldn’t find out. The strange marital relationship he shares with Clarie still astounds me. They both sleeping in separate beds but we finally see Clarie’s personal political ambitions. Are the writers mocking Bill and Hillary Clinton? Thoughts?
I could have done without seeing Michael Kelly’s butt, but I am sure there are ladies out there that loved it. I do applaud the writers for not sugarcoating drug or physical recovery. I am never happy to see Michael’s character resort to prostitution. I don’t think it was necessary for us to believe his loneliness and pain.
Several pre-watching critics gave this episode a slow start, but I found it exceptional for building back story and character development in what look like a complex and interesting beginning.
Four Stars for Chapter 27!
Images from Netflix and Wikimedia by Joella Marano. Licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
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