House Of Cards Review: 10 Spoiler-Free Reactions To Season 5

7. The Monologues Are Great Again

House Of Cards Frank Underwood
David Giesbrecht/Netflix

One of the things that immediately set House of Cards apart from its peers was the fourth wall breaking of Frank Underwood, who'd turn to the camera with snide remarks or a cutting monologue.

They've remained constant throughout, but haven't felt as well-used in recent years, but more like something the show feels the need to include, but doesn't really know how to make them serve a purpose anymore. As with any schtick, it was wearing thin.

Credit again goes to the writers, then, because the monologues are feeling as fresh as ever. Spacey is on top form in his delivery, his Southern drawl perfectly accentuating the sheer contempt he holds for absolutely everybody else: Republicans, Democrats, the audience itself. He gets some truly mouthwatering moments, and makes sure to throughly chew every one, while the device is also used to offer up a few surprises.

Advertisement
Contributor
Contributor

NCTJ-qualified journalist. Most definitely not a racing driver. Drink too much tea; eat too much peanut butter; watch too much TV. Sadly only the latter paying off so far. A mix of wise-old man in a young man's body with a child-like wonder about him and a great otherworldly sensibility.