I’m about five episodes into the Netflix original series,
House of Cards, and it’s fascinating, however not quite for the reasons I
expected. The storylines are intriguing, the directing and production values
are sharp and the acting is top-notch. So what’s the problem (because you know
there is one)?
So far, it’s all villains and victims. Every major character
is unsympathetic. While it’s interesting and sometimes gripping to watch the
characters manipulate and take down rivals, their motivations are rather murky.
I get that it’s supposed to be a critique of politics today—some would say the
cost of doing business—yet I find it hard to believe that it’s continually this
ruthless and that people are just so matter of fact about making ethically
challenged decisions. I at least want to see them do it for God or Country or
some other such mantra and/or platitude that can live on a higher level.
Is this a show worth watching? So far, yes. But is it also a
show that’s a lot like Curb Your Enthusiasm in that it’s hard to watch more
than one episode in a day because it makes you feel bad about humanity and
yourself for watching it? Also, yes.
