Jackson Free Press

Arguably the most popular and critically acclaimed drama currently on TV, Netflix's original series "House of Cards" is back with a second season—and a vengeance.

Netflix released the entire 13-episode season of the political thriller on Valentines Day, which allowed fans and new viewers the opportunity to binge-watch the near-13 hours of footage during the long weekend (which included, appropriately enough, Presidents Day). And according to reports, many people did just that.

If anything, this review is primarily here to eagerly persuade you to urgently watch "House of Cards." You should drop what you are doing right now, sign up for Netflix streaming, and watch both seasons. In all sincerity, it's that good.

Season two opens where season one ends: Congressman Francis "Frank" Underwood and his wife, Claire, are on a late-night run. Frank has just clawed and manipulated his way to a new level of political power, and the duo are determined to keep rising. Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright brilliantly play the Washington power couple.

While physically set in Washington with a plot in the realm of national politics, the show is character-driven; it revolves around the aura of our cunning husband and wife protagonists. Subplots involving supporting characters arise and drift away—some faster and more violently than others. The show's progress, like Frank, is unapologetic. Prepare yourself, because even beloved characters are sent packing. Anything and anyone are fair game and there is nowhere to hide.

Throughout the series, Frank breaks the proverbial fourth wall by turning and speaking directly to the camera—and us, the audience. Fan are already endlessly re-quoting his haunting direct quotes.

Beau Willimon—the show's creator and main writer—has a refreshing and creative way with maniacal wording, to say the least. For example, after getting off the phone with Raymond Tusk (Gerald McRaney), who is a dear friend and close advisor to President Garrett Walker (Michael Gill), Frank says of his ally-turned-enemy, "Any pugilist worth his salt knows when someone's on the rope, that's when you throw a combination to the gut and a left hook to the jaw."

"House of Cards" is leading a revolution in TV for a variety of reasons. It has legitimatized Netflix as an originator of programming and as a go-to platform for entertainment. Also, the series puts continuous emphasis on U.S. politics—and not in the greatest light. The show gives audiences across the world a fictionalized (but maybe not far from reality) version of American politics, including bribes, manipulation, and backdoor deals, all in the name of getting votes. All things sinful, including murder, are on full display here.

What impresses me about "House of Cards" is ... well, everything. The acting is superb: Spacey and Wright give career-defining performances that will surely garner them further award nominations. As I said earlier, the writing is amazing. Willimon, who also scripted George Clooney's well-received political thriller, "The Ides of March," certainly has a passion for and grasp on today's D.C. politics. And mastermind David Fincher's involvement in the project is obvious. He has executive produced the entire series and has directed several episodes (not coincidentally, the best ones, in my opinion).

"House of Cards" is, in some ways, difficult to review, as I am determined to avoid plot and character specifics. Anything else would be disrespectful to a future viewer.

This show is as good as it gets. It is wild, gritty and controversial. It plays upon perspective, but as someone who has once lived and spent extensive time in D.C. and in politics, I promise you it isn't far from the truth (sadly). I haven't read about Netflix's plans, but I have a gut feeling season three will finish it off. Frank will rise. Frank will fall. And all good things must come to an end.

As the narcissistic Frank wickedly states, "... Democracy is so overrated."