This episode brings back the man who wrote the book. Inveighing his way into Claire's world, he is putting together a novel that will try to get at what makes them tick. They felt her really saw them, and for them, that isn't so good. Also, he has been courted by Frank's opponent. The main focus of this next offering has to do with the selection of a running mate. As the Underwoods underhandedly pick people that can't possibly make the final cut, they are making themselves seem powerless (when I reality, they are getting more and more powerful. They select an NRA democrat who is in the pocket of that organization. They know that when push comes to shove, he will drop out (20 million is a lot of money). Frank suggests the next candidate, but insists that I appear that the party is at the helm. Of course, he has first right of denial when it comes to responsibility. Meanwhile, there is an investigation into the deaths of Lucas and Zoe. Their former editor, Tom, has gone rogue, working under the radar. Conway continues his campaign by selecting a top military man, General Brockhurst, to be his running mate. He knows secrets about the White House that couldn't be spoken while he was in office. Another setup episode. We must admire Macbeth and Lady Macbeth (excuse me, Frank and Claire Underwood) for being two nasty master of political enterprise.
5 Reviews
"Oh, Bob, I'm not sure if you've noticed or not, but politics is no longer just theater, it's show business. So let's put on the best show in town"
TheLittleSongbird5 November 2019
The first half of Season 4 was a very promising one with all the episodes ranging from decent to outstanding, with the best being "Chapter 43" while "Chapter 45" disappointed a little. The season's halfway point "Chapter 46", which both progressed what came before and set up fresh material for what was to come, was another outstanding episode and was the closest of the season up to this point of feeling like classic 'House of Cards'.
While there is a lot to like about "Chapter 47" and it sets up the second half of the season promisingly mostly, working very well as a set up episode and also progressing what was introduced in "Chapter 46", it was a step down from the previous episode. Also felt that it was a return to the "generally very well done and promising but had potential to be even better" standard of most of the previous episodes, rather than continuing the outstanding standard of the previous episode.
"Chapter 47" is at its weakest with the Thomas Yates subplot. Just found it rather on the dull side and it could have featured less, especially when story-wise it was too thin. It is not pointless as such but compared to the rest of the material it felt somewhat tired and even seemed confused and rambling in some of the dialogue.
It is a good thing however that the newer and more political aspects fare much better. The Conways have proven to be worthy additions and Frank's manipulation has the right amount of tension, especially his intimidation of Austen. The gun control subplot and Claire with Julia has a lot of intrigue as well. The chemistry between Frank and Claire has come on and given another dimension compared to the interestingly strained one in most of the first half of the season. Both Frank and Claire are ruthless here, then again they always were. Frank especially so, and that is apparent here.
Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright are right on point as expected, Spacey relishing some of the best moments of the episode to the hilt. Of the cast, only Paul Sparks struggles to do much with his inferior material. The writing is problematic with Yates, but brilliant with Frank, so it wasn't perfect but mostly it's fine. It looks great visually, again not unexpectedly and as usual.
Summing up, very well done on the whole but could have been even better if one subplot was executed better than it turned out. 8/10
While there is a lot to like about "Chapter 47" and it sets up the second half of the season promisingly mostly, working very well as a set up episode and also progressing what was introduced in "Chapter 46", it was a step down from the previous episode. Also felt that it was a return to the "generally very well done and promising but had potential to be even better" standard of most of the previous episodes, rather than continuing the outstanding standard of the previous episode.
"Chapter 47" is at its weakest with the Thomas Yates subplot. Just found it rather on the dull side and it could have featured less, especially when story-wise it was too thin. It is not pointless as such but compared to the rest of the material it felt somewhat tired and even seemed confused and rambling in some of the dialogue.
It is a good thing however that the newer and more political aspects fare much better. The Conways have proven to be worthy additions and Frank's manipulation has the right amount of tension, especially his intimidation of Austen. The gun control subplot and Claire with Julia has a lot of intrigue as well. The chemistry between Frank and Claire has come on and given another dimension compared to the interestingly strained one in most of the first half of the season. Both Frank and Claire are ruthless here, then again they always were. Frank especially so, and that is apparent here.
Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright are right on point as expected, Spacey relishing some of the best moments of the episode to the hilt. Of the cast, only Paul Sparks struggles to do much with his inferior material. The writing is problematic with Yates, but brilliant with Frank, so it wasn't perfect but mostly it's fine. It looks great visually, again not unexpectedly and as usual.
Summing up, very well done on the whole but could have been even better if one subplot was executed better than it turned out. 8/10
Fairly good episode setting things up for Underwood v Conway
snoozejonc21 November 2020
Frank and Clare start to manipulate the selection process for his running mate.
This one is compelling due to the solid dialogue and performances, but doesn't massively move the plot on much further. Time is dedicated to characters both old and new, along with Frank and Claire meticulously executing their political manoeuvres.
Frank and Claire's strategical prowess is entertaining as ever as they manipulate everybody around them with persuasive discussion, deliberate physical actions and one epically delivered teary eyed appeal on America's gun ownership laws.
A more calculating side of the Conways is shown as they step up their attack on the the Underwoods by forming a seemingly good strategic alliance. How that will work out for them is yet to be seen (by me anyway).
Thomas Yates appears once more and his scenes are not the best of the show, but it really depends how interesting a character you find him to be. He doesn't do a great deal, but they hint that there is more to come from him. One scene with Doug Stamper indicates he could be eating one badly chosen set of words should he decide to stab in the underwoods at any point.
I enjoyed the scenes with Tom Hammerschmidt. I've liked Boris McGiver ever since watching The Wire and find him compelling to watch. Of all the leads to take the mantle of the sub-plot investigating the real big skeletons in Frank's closet, I think he is the most compelling actor.
All performances are great as always whilst the cinematography and editing is up to its usual high standard.
This one is compelling due to the solid dialogue and performances, but doesn't massively move the plot on much further. Time is dedicated to characters both old and new, along with Frank and Claire meticulously executing their political manoeuvres.
Frank and Claire's strategical prowess is entertaining as ever as they manipulate everybody around them with persuasive discussion, deliberate physical actions and one epically delivered teary eyed appeal on America's gun ownership laws.
A more calculating side of the Conways is shown as they step up their attack on the the Underwoods by forming a seemingly good strategic alliance. How that will work out for them is yet to be seen (by me anyway).
Thomas Yates appears once more and his scenes are not the best of the show, but it really depends how interesting a character you find him to be. He doesn't do a great deal, but they hint that there is more to come from him. One scene with Doug Stamper indicates he could be eating one badly chosen set of words should he decide to stab in the underwoods at any point.
I enjoyed the scenes with Tom Hammerschmidt. I've liked Boris McGiver ever since watching The Wire and find him compelling to watch. Of all the leads to take the mantle of the sub-plot investigating the real big skeletons in Frank's closet, I think he is the most compelling actor.
All performances are great as always whilst the cinematography and editing is up to its usual high standard.
Yet another side character returns.
TouchTheGarlicProduction4 March 2016
Warning: Spoilers
This season seems determined to tie up every loose end in the series. So many seemingly endless and meaningless side-plots have been brought back and concluded. It makes me feel like this is going to be the last season. After all, this season's finale is chapter 52, and that's how many cards there are in a deck.
The Underwoods continue to play their political games. Hammerschmidt gets closer. The writer returns. Deals are brokered.
I was glad when the last episode broke the lull that began to form in the two episodes proceeding the shooting. This episode felt like a step backwards in that regard. It was more like those two proceeding episodes.
Pretty solid episode, but a bit dull
The Underwoods continue to play their political games. Hammerschmidt gets closer. The writer returns. Deals are brokered.
I was glad when the last episode broke the lull that began to form in the two episodes proceeding the shooting. This episode felt like a step backwards in that regard. It was more like those two proceeding episodes.
Pretty solid episode, but a bit dull
Series overall is great, some episodes, like this one are childish
VoyagerMN19863 December 2018
We open up with a VP candidate who is "in the pocket of the NRA." for those of us who work in Washington, this kind of of ignores the fact that Bloomberg's gun ban lobby like Everytown. Moms Demand Action and his own direct funding outspend the NRA 17:1
NRA is powerful because it is the biggest civil rights/liberties organization by paid membership in the USA, 6.4 million Americans and averages 56% to 58% Gallup approvals among all Americans, whereas no gun control/ban group in the USA has more than 1,000 paying members. a Capitol Hill office will get 10x letters from actual constituents, and visits from actual constituents in support of the Second Amendment, compared to those opposed.
This is where, along with military matters the series gets lost. Hollywood does not know these topics and is just spewing its own ignorance (such as with the
"scandal" over the Spec Op SEAL death listed as a "training exercise" when this has been broadly and publicly know to be the listed circumstances of SpecOp deaths for three decades now).
Otherwise Frank is in full form but there doesn't seem to be much dramatic tension since we all know he will make mincemeat of younger GOP candidate who has already made two fatal mistakes by the second episode in which he appears. He is simply no threat
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