Chapter 32

It's easy to lose yourself trying to analyze the political scenario in which the episode is built upon. But that is not the point of this episode. Previously Frank faced his demons and he came out on top. This time it is Claire who starts to question the path she took. This episode is about the distinction between Frank and Claire, it's about whether or not the means justifies the end, it's about courage and strength and how they define it differently. When the stakes are high will she stay firm, should she stay firm? A top notch episode that will shape the paths of both of our cold blooded, ruthless politicians in their future ambitions.

Although there hasn't at this point of Season 3 yet an episode on the same level as the best of Seasons 1 and 2, "Chapter 28" comes closest, there still has not been a bad episode in my opinion. Not even the more controversial "Chapter 29". Both seasons too were higher in quality and more consistent than this season, which is still a more than solid one on the whole though not as settled, back when 'House of Cards' was good.

Did like "Chapter 32" much more than most of the other commentators, while understanding and agreeing with some of the criticisms. There is a lot to like, its best elements being fantastic, but for me this was the weakest episode up to this point of Season 3, a lesser episode of the season and perhaps the weakest 'House of Cards' episode since "Chapter 8". Despite the ratings indicating otherwise. "Chapter 32" is to me a masterpiece of character chemistry and for anybody who loves to see the Underwoods together, but when it comes to logic other episodes do a much better job on that front and am putting that lightly.

Will begin with the drawbacks. Will agree that Claire is out of character, something of a polar opposite period episode, a strong, cold, ruthless character, reduced to a comparitively over-emotional wreck who had suddenly grown a conscience. Although the chemistry and scenes between Claire and Corrigan are beautifully played and poignant, one cannot help feeling annoyed when it all ends on one of the most unrealistic suicides in the history of television.

Don't know about you as well, but did anybody else find Frank's final breaking the fourth wall comment unnecessary, out of place and something of a groaner?

For all those annoyances, "Chapter 32" does have a lot working in its favour. As said, the character chemistry really elevated the episode. Have already said what my thoughts were on the one between Claire and Corrigan. Even better was the tension between Frank and Petrov and especially the blistering one between Frank and Claire. Frank is still a fascinating character, one of the fascinating leads on television in my view, and in my view Petrov is a good foil and matches Frank in the ruthlessness stakes. Have no issues with the acting, Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright are both brilliant and are dynamite in their chemistry together. Christian Camargo is moving in his role, while Lars Mikkelsen may not be subtle but has the right amount of authority as Petrov.

James Foley paces things very nicely and his cinematic experience shows. "Chapter 32" has lost none of the slickness and stylishness present throughout 'House of Cards', has increased my want of wanting to go to Russia, while the music is some of the show's best. The writing is thought-provoking and has not lost its bite, especially Frank's dialogue and his exchange with Claire. The story is compelling, apart from my frustration from that one bit, and has tension and poignancy.

All in all, well done episode but it had all the ingredients to be the episode where Season 3 would hit its stride, only to be infuriatingly spoilt by a few things that could easily have not been there or done differently. 7/10

Frank and Clare travel to Moscow to deal with the serious political situation involving an imprisoned US activist.

For the duration of the episode we see Frank locked in negotiations with Pretrov and Claire trying to persuade Corrigan to read a statement prepared for him by the Russian government that denounces all his personal beliefs. Everything that happens during these exchanges are the build up to a pretty explosive ending. There is also a sub-plot involving the continued search for Rachel which is not quite as compelling.

I'm not sure why other reviewers reacted so badly to how the episode ends. Yes, I agree that these events are not particularly realistic, but at the same time this is a television show and is not meant to be taken so seriously. The entire tone of House of Cards is unbelievable when you consider how everything works out just right for Frank, no matter what seemingly insurmountable odds he is up against every season. However, the point of the events shown are to make overall narrative of the series dramatic and develop the central characters.

I think it ended well, in that it made me wonder if Clare's character will now develop differently to how she's been portrayed so far. Has it made her more ethical and less cynically ruthless? Maybe it hasn't. Perhaps she is just reacting to a new opportunity she can see in the circumstance as a means to undermine Frank and achieve more of her own power. It could be neither. Perhaps it's just a bump in the road designed to test their partnership and loyalty to each other.

Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright are absolutely scintillating during their character's eventual confrontation and the episode themes of strength, courage and loyalty come through with the venom they shoot at each other.

As always the production values are top notch in terms of cinematography, editing and in particular the musical score.