What I’m Watching: House of Cards

House of Cards: Season 3, Episode 7 “Chapter 33” (B+)

One of the most intriguing aspects of this show has to be the marriage of Frank and Claire Underwood. At times, it seems that they’re merely asexual allies in an undying quest for power, and that romance is of too little importance for them to concerned themselves with. Starting this episode with the renewal of vows was crucial for a major reconciliation of sorts between the two after they exploded at each other on the plane back from Russia and regretted the credit they took for putting the other into power. Claire flinching when Frank touched her was an important moment to notice, and it’s good that they were able to apologize to each other and move past it to the point of at least getting back to where they were before, ardent supporters there for each other when they needed to be, and even sometimes when they didn’t. I like seeing how Tom is getting to know Frank, realizing just when he is telling him the truth and not just what he wants him to write. I think Tom is professional enough not to betray the president’s confidence, but it’s also clear that he’s getting an unfiltered view of sorts into Frank’s life, the kind that Kate Baldwin would kill for. Doug had an unusual and unexpected opportunity to interact with someone on a very real and intimate level as his physical therapist announced her plan to relocate and invited Doug to her party, after which he spent the night and got to delve into some sincere honesty of his own.