House of Cards

If you’ve been living under a rock, you may have missed the messianic return of  House of Cards, the Washington politico-drama chronicling the wheelings and dealings of the ruthless (thankfully fictional) American vice-president, Frank Underwood, his equally ruthless wife Claire, and her neutral-toned wardrobe. If you do indeed live under a rock, your highest priority probably isn’t a Netflix subscription, but if not get thee to a laptop.

While Netflix won’t release viewing figures, the popularity of the show is undeniable. What is it about the show that’s so compelling? I offer some questionable psychoanalysis of the public in response.

People love conspiracy theories and it’s oddly cathartic to see the bad guys ruining lives up close and personal. It’s nice to have your worst fears confirmed, even if it’s an illusion. Just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean they aren’t after you, I always say.

The rare moments where you’re reminded that these horrible characters are human renders the show that much more intriguing. When Frank can barely conceal his anger as he rather forcefully pins a medal onto the man who once assaulted his wife, you’re left with overwhelming curiosity: will the next episode bring you insight as to how a murderer and his cruel wife maintain such a seemingly supportive and loving, albeit dysfunctional, marriage?

The show is enjoyable partially because its portrayal of Washington is so blessedly inaccurate. Many remain frustrated with the decidedly conservative tenor of Washington (or maybe I’m projecting a San Franciscan mentality onto fellow viewers). There isn’t the kind of release you get with, say, French politics. No speeding along on mopeds for quick rendez-vous with B-list actresses for Monsieur Obama.

Among congress(wo)men, there’s the occasional scandal but it usually spells the end to political careers. In House of Cards, everything’s so much more exciting! You can be honest on television without repercussions. Exhibit A: in episode I-can’t-remember-which-one-I-pretty-much-watched-them-in-one-go, Claire admits on national television to getting an abortion years prior. Her husband barely bats an eye, though in reality such a politically incorrect revelation would cost one dearly in the political arena. Contrast that with today’s politicians’ hesitation to declare themselves in favor of anything at all in case it has electoral repercussions.

While this may only apply to the American viewers, in an age of extreme partisanship and government shutdowns fictional politicians who get Congress functioning are refreshing. In one episode  Congresswoman Sharp shames fellow Democrats into passing her bill, purely because it’s the right thing to do. While the show is broodingly cynical, it’s also a fantasy world where politics are exciting and government runs smoothly.  A personal highlight was when Frank has the filibustering Republicans dragged in in handcuffs on a legal technicality.  He looked almost royal in his chair. Perhaps the show’s popularity in the United States, along with the media obsession with our alumni Wills and Kate, suggests that what people really want is constitutional monarchy…

Or maybe I’ve spent too much time in Great Britain.

Images courtesy of wikimedia.org and theguardian.com