House of Cards (TV Series) Chapter 33 (2015) User Reviews

Nothing is forever except us

[snoozejonc · 8/10 · 7 September 2020]

Frank and Claire renew their vows after a bit of reflection on the state of their relationship following the incident in Moscow.

This is a beautifully made episode with big piece of symbolism in the shape of a group of Tibetan monks constructing a Thangka sand painting. The juxtaposition of this, Frank's visit to the FDR memorial and the numerous interactions between Frank and Claire are the the episode highlight.

For it to really work for me I think I would have to like the characters in some shape, especially to invest 50+ minutes of my time into something that's focussed so heavily on their relationship. At one point I found myself thinking I don't care if they love each other or don't, if they stay together forever or breakup in the next two minutes, so why make such an effort to make it so artistic? Then again, if something is done well regardless of the characters being dislikable, maybe I shouldn't complain.

There is a bit more of the Doug Stamper story which again isn't particularly compelling but it does provide a change of scenery. I'll just have to wait and see how this sub-plot turns out before passing judgement.

As always the cinematography, editing and acting is excellent and overall we have 50 minutes of pretty high quality television

"I can't believe we've become this"

[TheLittleSongbird · 9/10 · 22 July 2019]

While not loving it as much as Seasons 1 and Season 2 (particularly the second half), personally like Season 3 very much. Of the previous six episodes of the season and including this, there hasn't been an episode quite up to the level of the best of the first and second season, but still none of the episodes were bad (actually like, though finding faults, the more controversial "Chapter 29" and "Chapter 32") , most are very good and "Chapter 28" was excellent.

So was "Chapter 33" from personal opinion and am going to concur in considering it one of the better episodes from the third season, although the rating here says otherwise. Have seen reviews that didn't care for the episode, or at least had issues with it, while it is not perfect and for me Season 3 at this point had yet to completely hit its stride there is an awful amount to love about "Chapter 33" and is a big improvement over the previous episode.

There has been criticism about "Chapter 33" and things being resolved too quickly and easily compared to what caused the tension seen in "Chapter 32". Some have also said about the episode not moving forward as such. Can understand and do agree with that some of the episode did feel rushed structurally, though to me the plot-lines do advance and found the relationship between Frank and Claire interesting, showing that there is more to it than has been seen before.

Both continue to be fascinating characters and don't think they dominate the episode too much, was pleasantly surprised to see Frank have a sensitive side when one usually wonders whether he has many positive traits. The other plotline with Stamper did intrigue me and still love the intensity Michael Kelly brings to the character. There is no doubt though that, mainly because it is focused on more, that the Frank and Claire subplot is much stronger in writing and it did make me feel emotional. Everything with the monks was beautifully done too, with some of the episode's loveliest visual imagery and nice metaphors. And how the episode deals with the theme of trust and how it affects the characters and their relationships.

Visually, "Chapter 33" is stylishly done and cinematic-worthy in places. The music has presence while intruding, the direction is particularly striking with the monks and the writing provokes thought and has typically sharp bite.

An excellent episode, though may not be agreed by all. 9/10

Stunning in a Kind of Depraved Way

[Hitchcoc · 10/10 · 2 March 2015]

This episode is about as good as it gets. One would think that any meaningful connection between Frank and Claire would be over. But there is something about their connection, something so creepy to the outside observer, that makes them perfect for each other. Franks continuation of his efforts to put an end to entitlements, leaving the bodies in the streets, trumps just about everything, but Claire has to be there to lift him up. The episode begins with the two of them renewing their vows, Claire's hair dark. The two of them in white. I've seen the devil incarnate in other movies and shows, wearing white...also, dangerous evangelists. They have come out "purified" despite all they have done. They are now gong into the fray, thinking that they stand above all else. There are a group Tibetan monks at the White House, making a sand painting, one grain at a time. It is breathtaking. When the two say their vows, the monks brush the sand into a pile, put it in an urn, and dump the sand in a stream. Beauty is gone. The task at hand has it all.

In the other plot, Gavin has found Rachel, and Doug is on his way to do whatever it is he is going to do. He has a fling with his physical therapist. The question we need to ask is what effect will this have on him, if any. He is the most enigmatic of all the characters. I also suspect that Gavin is soon going to be screwed.

Best episode yet

[CactusCoin · 12 March 2015]

I found this episode to be the best written yet. I find it incredible that I'm actually moved , at times, by the actions and feelings expressed by both Francis and Claire. Frank is clearly diabolical, but to watch him express the sensitive feelings he does at times can make me forget that facet. For example, when he explained to the writer his wife planted tulips 'here,' he announced it with such understated emotion and love for her it becomes hard not to care about him despite past deeds. I guess that's what makes him so dangerous to those who defy him. I must say this season is decidedly different from previous ones and still very good.

Spiralling down

[nemesis-88 · 1/10 · 4 March 2015]

The show is becoming more and more unbearable. The first two seasons were naïve and unrealistic but somewhat plausible, mostly because they depicted some imaginary person doing an imaginary career. This season the producer decided to play it hard and depict actual politicians and countries. Of course, if confronted about it, the former aide to the most useless British Prime Minister would insist this is just an artistic depiction. But it's difficult to see it that way. The true intention is truly disgusting.

In his unfounded American patriotism (which is quite strange coming from a Brit) Mr.Dobbs portrays American President and his wife as strong and resolute while showing both American enemies and allies as weak and uncertain. And he doesn't jump on just any countries. He attacks Russia and Israel, no less, the two countries who proved their endless courage and resolution more times than Mr.Dobbs was fired for incompetence. And just like his former boss, he fails miserably. What he tries to portray as bold is just plain stupid. Such an approach coming from someone with a degree of the Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy (sic!) is surprising at best. Disgusting, really.

But the worst is yet to come, believe it or not. Claire telling the Israeli ambassador that she "just held the gun and was told what to do" when she said she served in the Jordan Valley insults not only the Israeli army (a pretty faithful American ally) who fought off numerous enemies in at least ten wars, it's a spit in the face of every soldier who has ever put his or her boots on the ground in any armed conflict. Probably Mr.Dobbs just doesn't realize that it was the soldiers "who just held the gun and were told what to do" who defeated Nazy Germany 70 years ago, not some "commander in chief". But of course Mr.Dobbs wouldn't know it - he served under the Prime Minister whose biggest military involvement was a useless war over some sheep inhabited islands her country didn't even need.

I seriously hope the following episodes will have more sense in them. Otherwise, this show is just dead. At least to me.