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The Multiple Golden Globe Winning Political Drama, House

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The multiple Golden Globe winning political drama, House of Cards, has recorded a mass following through its depiction of modern-day, American politics. In this show, the more manipulative, the greedier and the more ruthless the better. The perception of a corrupt government has been overly exaggerated in House of Cards through their portrayal of ruthlessness and determination in the main character, Frank Underwood, and his associations with others. The marriage of Claire Underwood and Frank Underwood is the most important relationship between two people in House of Cards as it shows how the pursuit of power affects each other. Although their outward appearance gives a “presentation of a united front, together with their typically devious …show more content…

The first competitive relationship the audience is introduced to is the main character, Frank Underwood, to the newly elected president and after the president’s Chief of Staff tells Frank “We are not nominating you to Secretary of State [a promise made during the president’s election] …We need you to stay in Congress”, Frank becomes infuriated and immediately resign to taking down their opposition at all costs (Episode 1). This becomes a common theme for almost all other interactions in the show and most of the time, the power couple of Frank and Claire end successful in their endeavors however long-term or difficult they are and no matter the cost to others. It is not until season three, when Frank comes through on his promise of revenge and they do not stray from going above and beyond; President Walker resigns due to forthcoming impeachment after years of manipulation and betrayal from the Congressmen who he naively chose to misguide. Through the constant pursuit of power, the Underwood’s relationship has twists and turns. Frank Underwood’s relationship with Zoe Barnes was a mutually beneficial one until Frank deemed she was getting too close. This involved sex for professional gain and the affair told Claire by Frank which demonstrates the level of honesty and respect for each other’s needs Frank and Claire share. Frank and Claire “continues a

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