What I’m Watching: House of Cards

House of Cards: Season 2, Episode 3 “Chapter 16” (B+)

Now that he’s in a much more public position, Frank is taking very direct steps to continue holding his power, and he’s going to risk seriously alienating those people he opts to punish for crossing him. Fortunately, he also knows how to make allies and ensure that things go his way. That quorum stunt reminded me of a late episode of “The West Wing” where Matt Santos and the other Democrats all hid inside the White House in order to trick the Republicans into leaving. Having the Republicans pick their best actors to be dragged in under protest was an extra step, but nothing ever seems too theatrical for Frank. This episode had some familiar guest stars, including Benito Martinez from “The Shield” as Hector Mendoza and Sam Page of “Mad Men” and “Desperate Housewives” as Connor Ellis, the candidate who impressed Claire with his attention to detail and extensive research into her accent and history. This show is doing a great job of spotlighting its minor characters like Christina and Jackie. Lucas’ search for the truth is definitely going to get him into trouble, but he’s actually doing pretty well at the moment thanks to the enthusiasm of Jimmi Simpson’s eccentric conspiracy theorist. Rachel’s attempt to have a life also isn’t likely to work out well for her, and I just hope Doug doesn’t get ahead of himself and have her killed. If I had to define Frank as either a doormat or a matador, I’d definitely go with the latter just like he did.