Chapter 45
- Episode aired Mar 4, 2016
- TV-MA
- 47m
Claire clashes with the Secretary of State Durant over her involvement in negotiations with Russia. Dunbar must choose between her campaign and her ethics.Claire clashes with the Secretary of State Durant over her involvement in negotiations with Russia. Dunbar must choose between her campaign and her ethics.Claire clashes with the Secretary of State Durant over her involvement in negotiations with Russia. Dunbar must choose between her campaign and her ethics.
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaWhen Mrs. Underwood is in the Roosevelt room, you can see a picture of Teddy Roosevelt in full "Rough Rider" attire. Typically under a Democratic President (as Underwood is) there is a portrait of Franklin Delano Roosevelt hanging in the Roosevelt room, and a picture of Theodore Roosevelt under a Republican presidency.
- GoofsWhen Cathey and Claire arrive at Brandenburg there is a shot of their car led by a German police patrol car which has a Berlin plate. While it is possible that they would get a Berlin escort all the way from the airport (they most likely would have arrived at Berlin Tegel) the plate has letters after the initial B (for Berlin) and the registration seal sticker - Police cars in Berlin only show numbers after the sticker. On the plate above the registration seal there is a emissions test-sticker visible. These stickers aren't in use since 2010.
- Quotes
[last lines]
Francis Underwood: I said you were nothing, in the Oval, without me. It's the other way around.
Claire Underwood: It would have to be different.
Francis Underwood: I know. That's what I'm saying.
Claire Underwood: Come on. Let's see if you can make it to the end of the hall...
This is a very good episode that gives some solid examples of characters having to make morale choices for the sake of their careers. Some are willing to compromise, others are not, whilst others take full advantage of situations for their own benefit.
As with much of the events portrayed in House Of Cards, you have to suspend disbelief for the sake of entertainment. I have never watched it with the aim of determining what real world politics are like. This for me it is fictional entertainment and being outrageous is fine as long as it's done in a clever and entertaining way, which this is.
There are plenty of great moments to admire: Doug Stamper and the ethical dilemma he gives the Secretary for Health; Heather Dunbar and her choice between what is morally and strategically right; Claire and her face-off with Petrov and I haven't even mentioned the disturbing dream sequence.
The cinematography and editing is as exceptionally good as always. The sequence with Claire walking into the White House is beautifully done and as she lays down on the sofa in front of her bed it feels like a scene from a classic painting. The symmetry, colours and lighting are all stunning.
Robin Wright, Michael Kelly, Lars Mikklesen and Elizabeth Marvel are the standout performers and as much as Frank is a detestable character it was a relief to see Kevin Spacey back at centre stage briefly at the end.
- snoozejonc
- Nov 7, 2020
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Languages
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
- Runtime47 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 1.85 : 1
- 2.00 : 1