House of Card's Season 5 has been out for just under a week at this point, and it's well known for being one of the best political dramas around. With incredible acting, writing, and tone, it's easily become one of the most anticipated shows on Netflix once a new season is announced. And it's no surprise that once this season came out, it was jam packed full of moments that made our jaws drop. These, are just 10 of my favorites.
10. No Loose Ends
While I'm technically putting two moments together, these two deaths in the storyline generally surprised me. The Death of Thomas Yates and Lian took away two interesting characters, I was especially saddened to see Lian die. What's horrific is that it's clear that both of these events are created by the Underwoods. Both of them having damaging information that could destroy them if they ever turn around against them.
9. Through Terror Comes Power
This moment generally managed to surprise me. The entire episode built up the fact that a terrorist was on the loose throughout the country, creating a state of terror for the country. But showcasing Frank Underwood's character perfectly, he has had him in their custody the entire time.
8. President Claire Underwood
Our government is an interesting thing. We have so many rules and regulations built into our society, and in addition to this, we have numerous backup plans for the government in case something happens. In such the case of this season, with Frank Underwood's political rampage throughout Washington D.C., after his plan to get control over another presidential term, has Claire secure the V.P vote. And given the circumstances of this election, Claire becomes the interim President of the United States.
7. Controlling how you fall
Throughout the entire season, there was someone leaking information that was incredibly damaging to the Underwood presidency, as more evidence came forward I found myself speculating just who exactly it was. Once it revealed it was Frank revealing it, realizing where he was going to end up, decided he should control exactly how he should get there.
6. Doug's Ultimate Loyalty
Doug's loyalty is something that never ceases to amaze viewers. Going above and beyond for the Underwoods. These range all the way from Murder, to Blackmail, and threatening at times very powerful people in Washington. When the Underwood's power is threatened beyond all else, they ask Doug to make the ultimate sacrifice. That is nothing more than, having him plead guilty to murder. This leaves him in a very interesting place as we go forward into Season 6.
5. Claire Knows About Us
A smaller moment, but certainly one that had me do a double take. Throughout the entire series, Frank has been breaking the fourth wall, in other words talking directly to the audience. He's been the only character who's done this, however, this moment showcases not only is she aware of that we are observing here. It's a cold and slightly alarming moment and makes us look back at the series knowing that she's aware of frank's conversations with us, as well as any potential ones.
4.The 12th Amendment
Going into the season, all hardcore fans knew that Frank would win the presidency. So that plotline of itself wasn't a much of a surprise, but how they chose to this story, however, was fascinating. Highlighting the country's constitution in our numerous backup plans in order to have our government continue working as successful as it can. It was fascinating to see the Underwood's go throughout a very old political backup plan.
3. Kathy Takes a Fall
Throughout the season, Frank's power is in a crisis. With more and more of those who have been threatened by him turning against him. Unable to convince Kathy not to do so, He responds simply by throwing her down the stairs. This is one of two only two moments this season that gave me pause, and I need to rewind to see if that really did just happen. And it did. It was incredibly refreshing to see Frank get physical again with his ruthlessness.
2. Frank Resigns The Presidency
Didn't see this one coming. With himself in a dark place politically, and seeing no other way out, Frank gives up his role as president. After seeing him as almost a power hungry man, seeing him give up this so easily with a much larger plan in mind is not at all what I expected, but it's something that is expertly done and continues the story in a beautiful way and leaves great room for next season.
1. Claire's Turn
"My Turn," she said as the season was brought to a close. In my opinion, the series has never been left on a more ominous note. With all of these other shocking moments building up to this one, Claire having complete control over the presidency of the United States and having pushed her husband to the sidelines with another betrayal, Claire's become an incredible powerhouse in the world of House of Cards. This next season is without a doubt going to be hers.
