House of Cards (TV Series)

Chapter 65 (2017)

Kevin Spacey: Francis Underwood

Photos 

Quotes 

• Francis Underwood : When you bring yourself down before someone else can, you control the way it happens.

• Francis Underwood : Where does the real power lie? The power behind the power. And I understood, Claire, that we have to think and act differently than we ever have. Because it's no longer about who *lives* in the White House, it's about who *owns* the White House.

  Claire Underwood : This is the presidency. How much higher can a politician go?

  Francis Underwood : The real power isn't here. It's beyond here. It's above it, but still working in conjunction with it. Look, Claire, you and I have always been on the inside. Trapped. In the bubble. But going forward, with my operating on the outside, in the private sector, and you working from here, we can *own* this house together. Don't you see? I've designed this. I wanted you to be the president. I've *made* you the president.

  Claire Underwood : Am I supposed to say thank you?

  Francis Underwood : No. But you will have to pardon me. Pardon me for all of my crimes. As the president, you're the only one who can.

• Francis Underwood : [to the camera]  Gore Vidal once wrote that power is an end to itself, and the instinctive urge to prevail the most important single human trait. I've always told myself that everything I did was for her. But maybe it wasn't. Maybe I love power more.

• Claire Underwood : I've thought long and hard, Francis. Barely slept.

  Francis Underwood : That's the job.

• Francis Underwood : [to the camera]  If she doesn't pardon me I'll kill her.

• Jane Davis : Your future in doubt.

  Francis Underwood : Oh, don't threaten me, Ms. Davis.

  Jane Davis : I don't threaten. I just try to remain as clear as possible. You offered me your services, and I offered you mine. You know, I was here before you and I'll be here after you.

  Francis Underwood : [nose-to-nose]  And regardless of that, let me remind you that nothing is more dangerous than me.

• Francis Underwood : Do you hate it here?

  Claire Underwood : Oh, you know I don't like hotels.

  Francis Underwood : An approximation of home just to remind you you're not there.

  Claire Underwood : Well, we don't live in a home. We live in a house, borrowed and temporary.

• [first lines] 

  Francis Underwood : Oh, Congressman Romero, I just wanted to see you one last time before I leave.

  Alex Romero : I don't believe there's anything left to be said.

  Francis Underwood : No, not between us. Not any longer. I just wanted to thank you for your tenacity.

  Alex Romero : [chuckles arms folded]  Whatever you're up to, you won't get away with it.

  Francis Underwood : Maybe I already have.

  Alex Romero : The committee will continue its work. We'll recommend charges to DOJ.

  [moves toward the door] 

  Francis Underwood : Rochelle.

  [waits for him to turn back around] 

  Francis Underwood : Rochelle. Such a lovely name. Tell me how much you don't want that to end up in the press. And then shut this committee down. No deals.

  [walks swiftly out of the room] 

• Francis Underwood : Admit it. This is what you want. You were willing to kill for it. So, Claire, come and take it... before I take it back.

• Claire Underwood : Thank you. I'm going to bed.

  Francis Underwood : No one will ever love you as much as I do. I hope you know that. Just as I know that no one will ever love me... like you.