I didn't HATE it, there was plenty to enjoy in the season, but it was a major step down from last year. Season one was reasonably grounded and Frank had a realistic, identifiable goal. We could understand the point of his various machinations, and him being denied the position he was promised in Chapter 1 provides us with his motivation.
This season it might as well be a fantasy show. This was seriously Frank's plan all along, to win the presidency this way? It's so far-fetched that somebody would even attempt something this convoluted, let alone succeed. And to what end? He's had so much dirty laundry aired across this entire season, he's had suspicious activity investigated, and many of his colleagues KNOW he was actively gunning for the Presidency near the end. We saw in the 60 Minutes interview that the public was aware enough of the details to, I think, be damaging.
I mean if we think about it... Even without being privy to the inner workings as we are, anybody with half a brain can look at the public record on Underwood and realize that he was manipulating this since the moment he started helping Peter Russo. It's not going to be long before questions start to be asked, is it? And why did he have to acquire the presidency THIS way? He's got a long, successful political career, he's wealthy, he's charismatic, good at fundraisers, good at rallying support... why the fuck not just RUN for President, if you want it so bad? Did Walker going back on his word seriously piss him off THAT much?
But as convoluted as the plot was, there are two things that bothered me more. The first was the major character assassination of Doug Stamper. He was my favorite character in season one. Cold, calculating, efficient, fiercely loyal, and yet his handling of Rachel hinted that he had more going on under the surface. This season turned him into a sloppy, jealous freak with an unhealthy obsession. And then killed him and dumped his body in the woods. I loved the way Michael Kelly played his death scene, but it should never have happened.
Second thing: Frank and Claire Underwood are about the worst sociopaths ever this season. They're never not detached and robotic, even when they're supposed to be playing their parts. The most egregious example was after Marine girl's interview, when she's all excited and bubbly and pleased with herself and thanks Claire for empowering her, Claire doesn't even pretend she's human. Where's the superficially charming mask of season one?
Final niggles: Everything with the McPoyle brother, his guinea pig, and his l337 h4x was awful. The three sexy scenes (Feng's intro, Rachel and Church girl, the Underwoods with Meechum) felt very gratuitous and unnecessary, like when a teenager swears to show you how mature and grown-up s/he is and ends up conveying the opposite. Unless Claire having taken Meechum's blood pays off in season 3, then I'll allow that one. Tusk was a bumbling cartoon villain, as has been pointed out. The President forgives and is chummy with Frank WAY too quickly. They were good pals again by the time the POTUS resigned. Zoe's death was shocking and unexpected, but as with many of the shocking developments this season, no consequences. And how in the fuck did no security cameras catch Frank?
Anyway, despite the ranting here, it held my interest and obviously I watched the season pretty quickly, but it became clear by the time Lucas was gone for good that it wasn't going anywhere satisfying.
