"Did you think I'd forgotten you? Perhaps you hoped I had"
The chilling lines of Kevin Spacey's monologue from House of Cards (HoC). But the much awaited season 3 is a poor show and falls flat compared to the earlier seasons.
For those unaware of House of cards, a little introduction. Its a classic american politics series revolving around Congressman Frank J Underwood, the democratic Speaker of the House of Representatives in Congress. He has helped the President elect in a big way and thus is slated to become Secretary of State. But the President elect chooses someone else and Frank wows revenge. And thus begins a terrifying sequence of politics, maneuvering, outmaneuvering, murder and what not.
The core theme Frank believes in, is Ruthless Pragmatism. He goes to any extent to fulfill his goal. He is determined, resolute and cunning. He is supported/advised by his wife Clair Underwood.
The first two seasons were known for the class of acting, direction and most importantly the story. It unfolds in unpredictable ways, just like real life. Frank scrambles hard and so do his rivals, with an intense suspense till the last episode.
While I try to review the season, I don't wish to play spoilsport. So, following observations might seem abstract without watching it. I hope they seem interesting after watching the series.
In the third season, unfortunately all of the above-said plus points seem to be lost. Firstly, the season doesn't have a logical story line and a definitive end. Its not necessary to have a definitive end always. But considering the nature and length of the series, one could have hoped for it. Worst, the end of season 3 is not only illogical, but its absurd. Come on! Clair is a/an/the integral part of Underwood's effort.
This seasons seems to be focusing on the human element of the characters. Whether power or despair, it drives them away from insane pragmatism. Remmy Danton, the new chief of staff (Yes!) and Doug Stamper, the earlier one behave in somewhat unexpected way. There has been disproportionate time given to the human relations, which shouldn't be a problem normally. But in this case, the focus eats into the theme way too much. Apart from the normal cast, one is left wondering, why is there an Author included.
The political maneuvering goes almost to the childish level. President Underwood has pinned all the hopes on a program called America Works. AmWorks, aims at dismantling the welfare regime and divert that money to create new jobs. Though radical, this one point focus on a policy keeps the politics at armature level. Frank tries desperately and frantically as always, but this time he seems miserable. Yes, he seems miserable. And that's something very difficult to digest. Franks bid for elections runs into the ground, and frankly it doesn't take off, at least in viewers eyes.
Either this is a deliberate attempt to set ground for next season. Or more likely, the director has lost the focus. On the whole, one thing is sure. This season is lot less entertaining and gripping than earlier ones.
Tik. Tik.
The core theme Frank believes in, is Ruthless Pragmatism. He goes to any extent to fulfill his goal. He is determined, resolute and cunning. He is supported/advised by his wife Clair Underwood.
The first two seasons were known for the class of acting, direction and most importantly the story. It unfolds in unpredictable ways, just like real life. Frank scrambles hard and so do his rivals, with an intense suspense till the last episode.
Either this is a deliberate attempt to set ground for next season. Or more likely, the director has lost the focus. On the whole, one thing is sure. This season is lot less entertaining and gripping than earlier ones.
Tik. Tik.
