House Of Cards: 5 Reasons Frank Underwood Is No Walter White

3. His Actions Rarely (If Ever) Have Long-Term Consequences

So far, House of Card's pattern has been very clear: ascension. Frank Underwood has never been put in his place for more than an episode or two, his rise being a constant one from the outset of season one. He boldly turns to the audience and proclaims the direction he is headed in, and so far has not faltered. Since the end of season 2 sees Frank rise as high as he can (unless he will make a bid to become world leader next), one must hope that the next season will be his downfall - a plot device that would not be out of character for this Richard III inspired figure. Walter White has the exact opposite problem to Frank's: He cannot scheme at all within the little world of Albuquerque without having it blow up in his face. The frantic action/reaction plotting of Breaking Bad makes Walter White's struggles feel more real and compelling, because the world seems much harsher to a man with more limited resources, and a dubious grasp on luck. There is no status quo situation for Walt to restore, for every choice he makes distances himself from his former life, while Frank's goal is to preserve the equilibrium of his world - albeit with a better job when the dust settles.