What I’m Watching: House of Cards

House of Cards: Season 3, Episode 10 “Chapter 36” (B)

This show has become very personal in its politics, and I’m not sure that’s its strongest suit. I have found Petrov to be a decent recurring character throughout this season, but I don’t see why he has to be so central to everything. The notion of Frank flying all the way to Israel and heading out to meet Petrov in full combat gear only to be told that Petrov is willing to end an international crisis if Frank has Claire step down as ambassador is pretty absurd and delegitimizes the entire political process. Maybe some international leaders are so spiteful that they seek only to embarrass their peers rather than actually emphasize the safety and security of their peoples, but this seems a bit over the top to me, even for this show. Frank nearly sharing a passionate kiss with another man who came clean about a secret past was intense and more in line with the worthwhile sensational nature of this show, but that would have been too easy, especially since we’ve seen Tom in what appears to be a much more dedicated and less fabricated heterosexual relationship with Kate. It’s strange to see Doug reach out to other people and to welcome his family into his home, but it didn’t take long for that to turn sour as his brother passed judgment on him and what he’s chosen to prioritize in his life. Gavin coming clean about lying about everything can’t be a good idea, and now he’s either jeopardized his own life and career or Doug’s in a big way.