Jackson Ball reviews the sixth episode of House of Cards Season 3…
So far the Underwoods seem to be rolling with all punches that Washington (and beyond) can throw at them. However, more so than any time in the previous two series, it is starting to feel as though Frank (Kevin Spacey) and Clare (Robin Wright) are on borrowed time, as the cracks begin to appear in their presidency… and their marriage.
Warning! Spoilers Ahead – You have been warned!
Let’s get straight into it: It’s Russia. Time for Round 2. President vs. President. Underwood vs. Petrov (Lars Mikkelsen). The clash of the superpowers is about to kick-off… or is it? The biggest curveball of this episode is that the central conflict does not stem from Petrov butting heads with Frank, but rather the First Lady, Clare.
But let’s back up for a second. We arrive in Russia with the Underwoods. From there we see to battlegrounds introduced: Frank and the Russian president take shelter in Petrov’s office, while Clare arrives at a prison cell which houses convicted gay-rights protester and American, Michael Corringan (Christian Camargo). Corrigan’s arrest, you’ll remember has become a matter of national importance (and embarrassment for the Underwoods), and so Clare has been tasked with retrieving an official declaration of remorse from him, in exchange for Petrov granting his freedom. However, as Clare quickly discovers, that task is easier said than done.
Clare’s compassion for Corrigan’s situation is what slows her down here, and is something we might never expect to see from her husband. Unfortunately Clare’s ineffectiveness begins to test Petrov’s patience, leaving Frank to play the role of mediator; a role which he never relishes.
Tensions rise a the episode reaches a shocking climax in which Clare deals a ruthless political blow to Petrov, one which may have done some serious diplomatic bridge-burning. An international press conference is held, so that Clare can quell the tense relationship between the two superpowers by renouncing Petrov of any blame in the Corrigan situation. Instead though, she does the exact opposite, declaring him a fascist to the entire world. Don’t mess with the First Lady.
The episode’s dynamic is an interesting one and really serves to reinforce Clare’s importance. It hammers home the notion that not only does her actions as First Lady and UN Ambassador effect the political landscape, but also her opinions and decisions directly affect her husband’s ability to lead as POTUS. It’s a revelation that dawns on the audience just as it does Frank himself. For a man who sees everyone as a tool, what happens when his wife becomes more of a hindrance?
Jackson Ball – follow me on Twitter
https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PL18yMRIfoszFLSgML6ddazw180SXMvMz5&feature=player_embedded&v=ONsp_bmDYXc
Originally published March 28, 2015. Updated April 14, 2018.
