Warning: Contains spoilers.

United States at the end of the second season, and from there, much of the dramatic conflict was lost. How much further can you go once you’ve reached the top? On a show that took pride in its accuracy in the beginning, the rapid escalation through the ranks felt rushed and mildly preposterous — especially since we all know Frank doesn’t intend on going anywhere now that he’s at the top.

A large component of coolness is generally a sense of apathy and effortlessness. cool when Frank Underwood was more of a snake and less of a lion. Before all eyes were on him, it was as if we were in on a secret — he still had cards to play (forgive me for that) and we were privy to the elusive sexiness of it all. Once Frank’s malicious, power-hungry nature was put on blast, it became a little less fun and scandalous — it’s harder to root for him, because so much of the intrigue is gone.

The handful of transgressions that have led to the lack of “umph” factor — perhaps ditching Zoe Barnes (Kate Mara) too soon, a lacklustre third season, and a couple of instances of jumping the shark (like Claire insisting on being Frank’s running mate) — still haven’t destroyed the series’ critical viability. will never pack the same punch it did in its first season, because the novelty of Frank’s knowing eyes looking down the camera just isn’t as thrilling.

Ignore your friends who say it’s not cool to be watching it anymore — because if the latest season’s told us anything, it’s that

is still a game worth playing . . . even without its creator Beau Willimon.