House of Underwood

‘House of Cards’ season four goes full Macbeth

Netflix’s “House of Cards” is not a show known for subtlety. For three seasons, Frank (Kevin Spacey) and Claire (Robin Wright) Underwood achieved and maintained political power through cutthroat tactics, even resorting to murder, while maintaining a façade of righteousness. The parallel to Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, the original political power couple, could not be clearer. Like many of his villainous Shakespearean counterparts, Frank speaks directly to the audience, breaking the fourth wall.

In its first three seasons, “House of Cards” struggled, focusing too much on the machinations and intrigue of its plotting at the expense of its characters. Any adversary of Frank’s was quickly struck down by shrewd maneuvering, merely a bump in his road to the Oval Office. Rare were the moments that showed his heinous behavior’s tragic side effects, whether on the victim or Frank. 

Still, the show’s worst sin was relegating its most fascinating character to the supporting background. No one was more influential in Frank’s meteoritic rise than Claire Underwood, who knew just what buttons to push and backs to stab to help him achieve his aims. But the show was so myopic in its focus on Frank that Claire was thinly drawn—the supportive, conniving wife who lives to serve her husband’s ambition. 

On this front, season four is quick to ask forgiveness. After walking out on her marriage at the end of last season, Claire is now in control as Frank unravels. 

In episode one, Frank’s hold on the presidency is weakening as primary polls show dwindling enthusiasm for his re-election. In the meantime, Claire begins her own ascent to a different throne. She smirks her signature cold smile and makes Frank a proposal he can’t (though he tries to) refuse. He’s finally met his match. 

Frank has never before shown signs of mental suffering as a result of his ruthless power grabs, but creator/showrunner Beau Willimon finally allows us glimpses into Frank’s weakened state. Three specters from his past haunt his dreams, portending a coming fall from grace. These ghosts assault and taunt him in the Oval Office, shrouded in darkness. Frank’s visible torment during these visions is palpable, recalling Macbeth’s agony after murdering King Duncan: “full of scorpions is my mind.” (I’m not sorry about that Macbeth spoiler by the way. The play is over 500 years old. You had your chance.)

The key elements of any tragedy are the main character’s downfall and an unhappy ending. Frank and Claire have been building their house of cards since the show’s premiere, but splintered loyalties and loose ends in season four show just how close to collapsing it is. Tension builds in the uncertainty of who will do what deed. 

In spite of the witches’ prophecy that Macduff would rise to the throne, Macbeth remained in denial up to his demise. Frank’s ghosts harbor no riddles, but only a fool would ignore their reminder of the fragility of his position. He should beware—fire burn, and cauldron bubble in the House of Underwood.

For more from Landry, read his review of "The People vs. OJ Simpson."