House Of Cards
Season 5, streaming now on Netflix
The spectre of President Donald Trump hangs over House Of Cards season five. Ever since we first clapped eyes on Democratic Congressman Frank Underwood in the very first episode, it was clear this dude was capable of pretty much anything in his quest for power, along with his equally ruthless wife Claire. We’ve watched them engage in all manner of dodgy dealings and corrupt shenanigans, and lapped it up, all the while wondering if it was all a bit far-fetched. But it’s so consistently juicy, we forgave the plot lines that seemed to over-egg the crazy politician pudding. Well, now the fictional Underwood is President in the HOC universe, while the real President is desperately trying to outdo him with his bonkers, egomaniac behaviour. In the season opener, Frank makes such a nutty speech to Congress, you can almost sense the writers thinking, “Go on, Donald, beat that!” Then, as the election on the show gets closer in subsequent episodes, so the actions of the Underwoods get ever-more devious, but none of it feels like a stretch any more. No matter what monkey business they get up to, it’s taking place in the context of a real President who thinks nothing of shoving the Prime Minister of Montenegro out of the way so he can take his place at the front of a photo call. So, the real situation in the US right now is helping House Of Cards, not hindering it. It helps that everyone’s on their A-game this series, with more intrigue than ever, as Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright attack their roles with glee. So, House Of Cards is achieving the impossible – it’s more jaw-dropping than Donald Trump, and far less dangerous.