Premiering today on Netflix – which apparently has original programming now (who knew?) – is a new political series entitled House of Cards.
Based loosely on a 1990s-era British series of the same name, the web-only drama chronicles the rise of a ruthless member of the legislative branch of government – U.S. Rep. Frank Underwood (portrayed by Kevin Spacey). Joining Spacey – a two-time Academy Award winner – is Robin Wright (of Forrest Gump fame) and the lovely Kate Mara.
Never heard of this series? Here’s the trailer …
(Click to play)
Wow …
That’s pretty impressive … which is to be expected considering House of Cards is produced and directed by David Fincher (whose directorial credits include Fight Club, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, The Social Network, Zodiac and Se7en).
Oh … and ready for the best (or depending on where the show goes with this, the worst) part? Spacey’s character is a Democrat from Gaffney, S.C. – representing what we can only assume is the state’s fifth congressional district (which is represented in real life by U.S. Rep. Mick Mulvaney).
Anyway, we haven’t watched House of Cards yet but the series is getting rave reviews from critics …
From Entertainment Weekly:
Spacey pulls off — triumphs at — the series’ riskiest stylistic tic: At regular points in the action, Spacey’s Frank pauses to turn to the camera and address us directly. He may be offering sly commentary on what we are about to or have just seen; he may provide a tart judgment on the state of politics. The gesture could have been hopelessly showy or rapidly tiresome; instead, it seems to energize scenes that are already pretty damn zippy.
And not only is the show technically proficient, the series also breaks new ground in terms of the platform on which it is being offered.
“This is not so much a faithful adaptation as a fascinating companion piece,” writes The (U.K.) Independent. “It is also far more than simply a television series. For House of Cards, which reputedly cost Internet-streaming company Netflix $100m and which has been commissioned for two 13-episode series, is set to transform television watching. From today the entire first season was available to Netflix subscribers worldwide eliminating the need for rights deals and handing control to the viewer.”
Indeed … in fact if you’re ready to start watching, the entire 13-episode first season is available for live-streaming now.
UPDATE: Viewers who have made it to Episode 3 tell FITS Gaffney’s famous “Peachoid” (a.k.a. “Ass Peach”) plays a starring role in that episode of the show.
***
15 comments
I understand there is a book in the works regarding all of the many SC political Sexual escapades?
If Sic Willie is writing it, file it under “non works”.
…. this will probably be the equal of the BBC series, which was tremendously intriguing – the protagonist, Francis Urquhart, is constantly referred only by his initials… F-U
I am laboriously digging through my secret files to confirm dates, persons, actions, locations, phone calls, etc. I do get slowed down by constantly referring back to photographs and filmed evidence. No slimy, greasy, profane or unscrupulous moment will be omitted. More to follow this brief note – I seem to be panting too hard and cannot catch my breath. There is just too much material, woe to me!
can’t wait!!!
“Indeed … in fact if you’re ready to start watching, the entire 13-episode first season is available for live-streaming now.”
———-Listen up networks. This could change TV as we know it.
Small wonder that Netflix has a following of people that have dropped their cable/satellite subscription. Most of the shit I watch anymore is either on local broadcasting or can be found on Netflix, really. Unfortunately for me, the same can’t be said of my better half.
Streaming is going to eventually kill off cable.
No kidding. Most of the TV shows I do watch on cable eventually makes it to Netflix, it’s just a question of if you’re willing to wait for it in many cases. They have entire seasons of some shows and even complete series of a few of ’em.
Same reason I don’t pay for HBO. The one or two shows I’m interested in watching eventually come out on DVD.
A clip from the legendary original:
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQYAaEZRN2Y&w=420&h=315%5D
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQYAaEZRN2Y
To paraphrase Francis Urquhart, Frank Underwood’s deepest need was that people should like him. An admirable trait, that… in a spaniel or a whore . . .
The entertainment history continues the drum tattoo. Do people become more inured and accepting of the political cesspool? Do we become even more fatalistic about our government and the outcomes as it’s judged just another entertaining aspect of c’est la vie? In looking for our rescue or our savior, do we spell our doom? The players, like a Sanford, become just one of a stream of many puppets or puppeteers. T is right about lessening the gag reflex by repeated exposure.
not history, industry! Although the industry does have a history.
Netflix’s ‘House of Cards’ creates social media buzz-binge
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-netflix-house-of-cards-creates-social-media-buzz-binge-20130201,0,6133834.story
(Excerpts)
Netflix Inc.’s strategy of simultaneously releasing all 13 episodes of its new political drama “House of Cards” is generating social media buzz — with well over 10,000 mentions since the show’s debut just after midnight Friday
“House of Cards” is sparking thousands of mentions every hour, according to analysis by social media research firm Fizziology. About 62% of the remarks are positive, with negative conversation virtually non-existent.
Most of those expressing mixed views are saying they don’t have time to watch the series.
“This indicates that if they can’t watch it all at once, they may not watch it until they have time to consume more than one or two episodes at a time,” Fizziology President Ben Carlson said. “This might mean that people feel pressured to binge-watch the series.”
Netflix found that its subscribers indulge in these marathon viewing sessions, watching episode after episode — or even entire series — over short periods of time. Complex serialized dramas such as AMC’s “Mad Men” and “Breaking Bad” have been beneficiaries of this copious TV consumption.
The subscription service’s decision to flout network scheduling tradition and release “House of Cards” in one binge-worthy dump represents a nod to shifting viewing habits.
Indeed, 16% of the people talking online about the series are self-described “binge” viewers, most of whom said they planned to watch the series this weekend, Fizziology found.