House of Cards (2013)

:

Season 2
  • Network: Netflix
  • Series Premiere Date: Feb 1, 2013
Season #: 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 627 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 573 out of 627
  2. Mixed: 22 out of 627
  3. Negative: 32 out of 627
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User Reviews

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  1. zgdelta
    Aug 8, 2014
    4
    It has the cast that would make a great show. It has the look of an amazing show. But what the viewers get is a plastic, heartless "drama." The writing/dialogue is incredibly ridiculous and unintentionally funny, and I'm sorry, but Kevin Spacy's acting is cringe worthy. He gives one of my favorite performances of all time in "American Beauty" and I considered him one of the greatest livingIt has the cast that would make a great show. It has the look of an amazing show. But what the viewers get is a plastic, heartless "drama." The writing/dialogue is incredibly ridiculous and unintentionally funny, and I'm sorry, but Kevin Spacy's acting is cringe worthy. He gives one of my favorite performances of all time in "American Beauty" and I considered him one of the greatest living actors, but this character is starting cloud that idea. I do have to say Robin Wright gives a great performance unlike her counterpart.… Expand
  2. UndercoverPanda
    Feb 16, 2014
    6
    I have mixed feelings about Season 2 of House of Cards. For reasons that I can't quite explain or put my finger on, this season failed to captivate and hook me the way Season 1 did. When I started watching Season 1, I literally watched 9 episodes in a row and then finished the season about 6 hours later. I could not stop watching. The story drove forward with a powerful pace, and I wasI have mixed feelings about Season 2 of House of Cards. For reasons that I can't quite explain or put my finger on, this season failed to captivate and hook me the way Season 1 did. When I started watching Season 1, I literally watched 9 episodes in a row and then finished the season about 6 hours later. I could not stop watching. The story drove forward with a powerful pace, and I was beside myself with anticipation about what was going to happen next.

    Season 2 did not deliver in the same way. Although the acting was exceptional, the cinematography was great, and the musical score was once again good, throughout a lot of Season 2 I was just...bored. A lot happened, but maybe TOO MUCH happened. It went in a few too many directions, and I didn't have the same concern for the characters as I did in Season 1. There are too many characters who are introduced (or re-introduced) who get far too little time on-screen for the viewer to really get involved in their stories. Too many of the originals from Season 1 show up, have some relatively trivial interactions, and then are dismissed again. It lends a bit of continuity, but adds little to the overall story.

    Season 2 also lacks a good counterpoint for Frank Underwood. I won't say too much, but Raymond Tusk just isn't that interesting. I feel as though the rivalry between Tusk and Underwood received WAY too much attention and just wasn't that exciting. Along those lines, there are too many scenes where Underwood encounters "straw-man" opposition to his plans. It feels like Season 2 is a grueling marathon of tiny hurdles rather than being a challenging obstacle course. It feels tedious at points despite the excellent characterization.

    Despite the aforementioned issues that Season 2 suffers from, it still delivers excellent performances by great actors, spins an epic power-struggle, and has exciting back-stabbings and double-crosses between characters that feel genuine. There are plenty of moments that my mouth dropped open in surprise or I found myself laughing and clapping at the sheer audacity of the characters. My primary letdown was that Season 2 felt diluted and weak in many places, instead of the powerful train-ride delivered in Season 1. I still would watch Season 2 again, however, and would suggest that you watch it if you enjoyed the first season.    … Expand
  3. geewah
    Jan 12, 2021
    6
    The show has now transformed from political thriller into a drama on the cheesy side. Disappointing

Awards & Rankings

34
#34 Best TV Season of 2014
33
#33 Most Discussed TV Season of 2014
27
#27 Most Shared TV Season of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 25
  3. Negative: 0 out of 25
  1. TV Guide Magazine
    Reviewed by: Matt Roush
    Feb 28, 2014
    80
    Everyone's ruthlessly cynical machinations can take on a wearying predictability if devoured hour after hour without a break.
    Read full review
  2. Slant Magazine
    Reviewed by: Alan Jones
    Feb 18, 2014
    75
    Even if House of Cards is a cartoonish depiction of American politics, it's also a juicy, pulpy, entertaining thriller, and can easily be enjoyed on that level.
    Read full review
  3. The A.V. Club
    Reviewed by: Emily VanDerWerff
    Feb 18, 2014
    75
    Sure, the show’s “politics” feel ripped from a Politico comment section, and yes, the show’s plot doesn’t really go anywhere until the final handful of episodes. But the season also tosses an incredible number of balls in the air and manages to keep juggling them, which is impressive in and of itself.
    Read full review
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