‘House of Cards’ Season 4 on Blu-ray/DVD

By Francine Brokaw

In season four, Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright take their characters in “House of Cards” to new heights. When we were first introduced to Frank and Claire Underwood in 2013, they were both ambitious and viewers knew their conniving schemes would take them far. But little did we know how far they would go to get to where they are at the moment.

Frank was an influential Congressman and Claire was a lobbyist working for an environmental organization. Their status changed quickly. Frank was elevated to vice president and Clair became the United States Ambassador to the United Nations. Then, lo and behold, through a series of underhanded twists and turns, Frank became the president and Clair wielded more power as the first lady.

Season four has them reaching even higher as Frank prepares to run for the presidency, this time on his own right instead of being appointed. Claire leaves her husband and returns to her hometown in Texas where she decides to run for the senate. Her personal ambitions trump her husband’s, but Frank doesn’t see it that way. He wants his wife by his side while campaigning.

Then Frank is shot and Claire takes steps to secure her own political future while her husband is in a coma. When he wakes up, she wangles her way into being his vice presidential running mate.

Today the political atmosphere is charged with allegations, insults, and aspirations. The two main characters in “House of Cards” are the epitome of corrupt politicians with powerful personal ambition and agendas. The Underwoods are more concerned about themselves than the country. They think only of their own political rise to power than anything else and they won’t let anyone stand in their way. The things that these two have done through the years are enough to raise your blood pressure and given the mistrust in government and government officials today, they might not be far off when it comes to deceit.

Nevertheless, we still tune in to watch the next chapter of backstabbing, lying, and corruption that are the foundation of the story. And, if you decide you would rather have Frank Underwood as president than the current candidates, there are two campaign stickers included in the box.

Kevin Spacey is wonderful as the man you love to hate. Periodically Frank Underwood will turn to the camera and speak directly to viewers. We get an insight into his deep feelings this way. In 2015 he took home the Golden Globe for his performance in the series, and has been nominated for several other awards. In 2014 Robin Wright won the Golden Globe for her performance as Claire Underwood.

They are both a-list actors and when put together in this show, they add the grit to gritty and the slime to slimy. Frank and Claire Underwood have more in store for viewers next season, but in the meantime, season four is available on DVD and Blu-ray.