House of Cards (US Version)

Thargor

The amount of free advertising this is generating for them will justify a chunk of that 100 million anyway, every outlet is raving about it practically and the word of mouth is massive aswell.

irish son

I have watched the first 2 episodes and I really like it even though I know nothing about American politics.

I wonder would it be better if Netflix released an episode once a week rather than all together so interest in the show could grow over time.

miralize

irish son wrote: »

I have watched the first 2 episodes and I really like it even though I know nothing about American politics.

I wonder would it be better if Netflix released an episode once a week rather than all together so interest in the show could grow over time.

They probably are in the mindset of thats not how Netflix works. It would be mad for them to change in their eyes I think.

2smiggy

i have 6 episodes watched so far, really enjoying it ! I will have it finished by the weekend ! Have not raced through a series so fast in a long long time.

excellent writing , and Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright are very well cast I think. Overall great so far !

Thargor

Another little niggle, they need to up the intelligence of his opponents a bit and give them a bit more spine next season, only 6 eps in so maybe that will change but its all a bit easy for Spacey atm.

irish son

miralize wrote: »

They probably are in the mindset of thats not how Netflix works. It would be mad for them to change in their eyes I think.

Yeah it probably goes against its 'On Demand' mantra.

Better to watch the tv series or read the books?

FloatingVoter

Deleted User wrote: »

Better to watch the tv series or read the books?

Books have a different ending (and other minor differences) than the UK version. I'd do all three. The US version just shares broad plot brushstrokes with its UK counterpart.
Finished season one today. Excellent stuff right through to the end. Roll on the next 13 parts.

miralize

Do we have to wait a year for series 2 then?

meoklmrk91

miralize wrote: »

Do we have to wait a year for series 2 then?

Just about to start the last episode and want to know this too!

meoklmrk91

Just finished the last ep there, according to couple of articles I just read there is no date for season 2 so who knows, could be next month or next year.

EyeSight

irish son wrote: »

I have watched the first 2 episodes and I really like it even though I know nothing about American politics.

I wonder would it be better if Netflix released an episode once a week rather than all together so interest in the show could grow over time.

thats not how Netflix works. Fair play to them for taking some risks and being the first to try and revolutionize tv

Its hard for them to measure the success of this great show. i assume they are waiting until they have a couple of their own shows before they measure anything.
Think about it, if they start to gain a reputation for having a catalog of great shows, people will be more likely to subscribe. just wait until they release the new arrested development season.

also by the amount of Apple product placement in the show, id say they made a lot of money back. I loved how they got the "is that a playstation vita?.... I must get one" into it

as for the show, ive about 4 episodes left and i find it great. i thought the 8th was fairly pointless and a filler. I get they were trying to concentrate on character over story, but i think they failed in that. Spacey is brilliant, im actually impressed by his accent. however i keep thinking, if he's this great at politics, why isn't he president? although we see he isn't perfect during a certain debate

lee_baby_simms

Missymoohaa wrote: »

I've watched 12 episodes now, very productive day , saving the last episode until tomorrow. Somebody else on twitter recommended Lillyhammer as well, did anyone else see this. (I have the US version).

Lilyhammer is decent but House of Cards has certainly raised the bar.

I can't wait for new Arrested Development later in the year.

miralize

EyeSight wrote: »

thats not how Netflix works. Fair play to them for taking some risks and being the first to try and revolutionize tv

Its hard for them to measure the success of this great show. i assume they are waiting until they have a couple of their own shows before they measure anything.
Think about it, if they start to gain a reputation for having a catalog of great shows, people will be more likely to subscribe. just wait until they release the new arrested development season.

also by the amount of Apple product placement in the show, id say they made a lot of money back. I loved how they got the "is that a playstation vita?.... I must get one" into it

as for the show, ive about 4 episodes left and i find it great. i thought the 8th was fairly pointless and a filler. I get they were trying to concentrate on character over story, but i think they failed in that. Spacey is brilliant, im actually impressed by his accent. however i keep thinking, if he's this great at politics, why isn't he president? although we see he isn't perfect during a certain debate

I'm sure I'm not the only one who googled "The Vowel Song" :P

Thargor

House of cards format invites viewers to binge:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/tv-and-radio/tvandradioblog/2013/feb/06/netflix-house-of-cards-binge

No sh1t.

Antar Bolaeisk

Thargor wrote: »

House of cards format invites viewers to binge:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/tv-and-radio/tvandradioblog/2013/feb/06/netflix-house-of-cards-binge

No sh1t.

I think they should have staggered the episode release, while a throwback to how television of old worked it built up anticipation for a show and, to a certain extent, the enjoyment of that show. When you can immediately satiate that need to find out what happens next I feel it diminishes the show slightly, it weakens the tension.

Also, due to the release dump it's difficult to discuss with co-workers what happened on House of Cards last night as no-one is on the same page.

From a marketing point of view as well there will be less buzz generated for the show due to it's non-ongoing nature. If there was a weekly release we'd all be on here discussing the latest episode and generating noise about the show that might convince others to open a Netflix subscription.

ejmaztec

mike65 wrote: »

[Inserts "it won't be as good as the BBC original" comment]

Some people might think that - I couldn't possibly comment.

EyeSight

Antar Bolaeisk wrote: »

I think they should have staggered the episode release, while a throwback to how television of old worked it built up anticipation for a show and, to a certain extent, the enjoyment of that show. When you can immediately satiate that need to find out what happens next I feel it diminishes the show slightly, it weakens the tension.

Also, due to the release dump it's difficult to discuss with co-workers what happened on House of Cards last night as no-one is on the same page.

From a marketing point of view as well there will be less buzz generated for the show due to it's non-ongoing nature. If there was a weekly release we'd all be on here discussing the latest episode and generating noise about the show that might convince others to open a Netflix subscription.

I see your point but that goes against everything Netflix is. It is entertainment on demand. If you want to up the tension, then don't watch it all at once. If you want to watch it all then do it. Personally i love that it all comes at once

Nowadays it is always hard to discuss shows with others because some record it, some watch it online(either earlier or later than we get it on tv) and others watch it live. Theres a simple trick you can use. Before talking about it, ask the other person where they've seen up to.

Also im sure if they released it weekly you would have people complaining they're drawing it out so people will have to pay for months of subscriptions

on a side note, i read that with the new arrested development, it is all getting released at once and because all episodes are "timeline" episodes, it doesn't matter which order you watch them in. But they recommend the suggested one. I doubt that goes for the final episode, but it wouldn't surprise me with those writers

The Black Oil

4 episodes in now, still enjoying it, and there's no issue with the pacing, imo. I wasn't sure about Francis's storyline in episode 3. Of course, the parish pump and such is interesting, but I don't know, it felt a little overly done in the dramatics. He handled it only the way he can, naturally.

Just did search online there and some of the reviews are interesting to say the least.

'House Of Cards Thinks All Female Political Reporters Are Mean Sluts', etc.

Thargor

Ep 8 is the weakest, total filler ep.

meoklmrk91

Thargor wrote: »

Ep 8 is the weakest, total filler ep.

Yep, I think it was meant to give some insight into Francis, but it just failed miserably, could a much more interesting episode had it been done right IMHO.

EyeSight

meoklmrk91 wrote: »

Yep, I think it was meant to give some insight into Francis, but it just failed miserably, could a much more interesting episode had it been done right IMHO.

I agree. They tried to show off some of the main characters without having any real story. It failed badly.

I have to ask, and i hope i don't seem stupid, but were there some homosexual feelings between frank and his old classmate?

Tipsy McSwagger

Would love to see this clean up at the Emmys but it would probably lose out to garbage like Homeland.

FloatingVoter

EyeSight wrote: »

I have to ask, and i hope i don't seem stupid, but were there some homosexual feelings between frank and his old classmate?

Yeah, public schoolboy kind of stuff - any port in a storm, old bean.

Footoo

Thargor wrote: »

Ep 8 is the weakest, total filler ep.

Ya but it it really shifts up a few gears affter that. The last five episodes are incredible.

shortys94

Such a great show, 8 episodes in

expectationlost

was the old civil servant in the original sctupping a hot young reporter?

Thargor

Yep, with his wives by-any-means-necessary approval/hostility aswell.

Ludo

Finished this last night. Tis only OK...average at best. Not a patch on my favourite show of all time...The West Wing.
I would probably have enjoyed it more if they just cut out every scene with his wife.
Only watched it all so quickly as I was on a free month trial of Netflix.

Thargor

The West Wing is cheesy cliched muck, this has potential to be way better if it moves on to Franks presidential campaign and then his administration (havent seen the last 3 eps yet so thats just speculation, not a spoiler)

prettyboy81

Finished it the weekend, brilliant TV from Netflix & from reading on the internet they have secured the rights to Season 2 and start filming in the Spring. Don't have a link but seemed from a genuine site.

miralize

prettyboy81 wrote: »

Finished it the weekend, brilliant TV from Netflix & from reading on the internet they have secured the rights to Season 2 and start filming in the Spring. Don't have a link but seemed from a genuine site.

It's well known that there was a 26 episode order

The Guardian

Skip Episode 8.
What the hell was the point to it?

Thargor

Someone said in another thread talking about cliches that a lot of American writers seem to be obsessed with that acapella singing crap and its very true, it pops up in loads of series for no apparent reason, they just shoehorn it in, no idea why.

The Black Oil

8 was filler, alright. I haven't seen any more episodes yet, but I started to have doubts around episode 5 or 6. It is good TV, but I'm wondering if it's kinda too neat and tidy, almost too sure of itself, even.

The Guardian

first 3/4 episodes were really good imo
lost its way then from there til 8
8 was complete bag of ****e
i've got 9 - 13 to go
heres hoping it finishes strong

miralize

Theres no doubt Episode 8 was filler, and one of the weakest, but by no means is it a bad episode...

Thargor

The Guardian wrote: »

first 3/4 episodes were really good imo
lost its way then from there til 8
8 was complete bag of ****e
i've got 9 - 13 to go
heres hoping it finishes strong

It picks up in a big way after 8...

Funglegunk

Thargor wrote: »

It picks up in a big way after 8...

Certainly does. I've just finished it.

Thargor

I didnt like the ending, well it was good and at least season 2 is confirmed but if that was it I would have been pissed off.

miralize

The Six Stages of "House of Cards" grief

So: you finished Netflix's "House of Cards" in a single weekend. (No? You didn't? Just me? Alright...) This type of feat unleashes a wave of emotions that can overpower even the most elite TV viewer, so I thought I'd capture it here.

http://weblogs.variety.com/on_the_air/2013/02/the-six-stages-of-house-of-cards-grief.html

The Black Oil

I'm on episode 9, which I thought was pretty good. Spacey is great, but I don't know that I get all the pretty strong praise for the rest of the show. It feels like political and dialogue eye/aural candy, or like you're standing in a TV drama sweet shop. Nothing wrong with that at all, but I'm not sure there's anything beyond that. The same might be said of Mad Men*, but I think there is more weight in its characters, and storytelling.

born2bwild

Top class stuff, this. The West Wing meets Machiavelli.

The Guardian

I've fallen out with Francis.
Not sure I support his bid for power anymore.
2 episodes to go.
Looking forward to seeing how they leave Series 1.

Spacey is excellent imo.
Altho I've always been a fan.

kraggy

Finished this in 3 nights.

Wish I hadn't though. When you watch a load of episodes of something it all just blends in and takes the enjoyment out of it somewhat. Same thing happened me with Breaking Bad.

It moves fast in the last 2 episodes. You really have to be clued in. I actually had to watch them again to fully understand how

Zoe, Skorsky and the other Herald reporter guy started to catch up on the shadiness of the connection between Frank Underwood and Russo's demise.

I mean, I know that Underwood and Russo were connected as they've been on screen for the whole season, but I'm referring to how the journalists found out about the dodginess in the connection.

But on second viewing it made sense.

Great tv. Not up there with Breaking Bad or Homeland but not far off.

seanman is me

3 to go !!

The story is so gripping and intense, never being so engrossed in a tv series!!

Francis Underwood is a bit of a hero , with much credit to Spacey!

I dont want it to end

miralize

kraggy wrote: »

Finished this in 3 nights.

Wish I hadn't though. When you watch a load of episodes of something it all just blends in and takes the enjoyment out of it somewhat. Same thing happened me with Breaking Bad.

It moves fast in the last 2 episodes. You really have to be clued in. I actually had to watch them again to fully understand how

Zoe, Skorsky and the other Herald reporter guy started to catch up on the shadiness of the connection between Frank Underwood and Russo's demise.

I mean, I know that Underwood and Russo were connected as they've been on screen for the whole season, but I'm referring to how the journalists found out about the dodginess in the connection.

But on second viewing it made sense.

Great tv. Not up there with Breaking Bad or Homeland but not far off.

I found it much more gripping than either. Breaking Bad is too slow in pace, and Homeland decided to become a parody of itself in the second series.

The Black Oil

EyeSight wrote: »

also by the amount of Apple product placement in the show, id say they made a lot of money back. I loved how they got the "is that a playstation vita?.... I must get one" into it

Don't forget's Frank's gaming habits. :pac:

Finished it yesterday, pretty good towards the end.

They're all start to put to things together now about what Frank and co. were up to, Zoe being his media contact, etc. Re episode 11, felt a bit sorry for Peter towards the end, really. Once they framed the shot of Frank slotting his car into the garage you knew he was a goner. POTUS seems like a complete lightweight.

The Guardian

Good chance Frank will be leader of the free world before long
hopefully they'll do a Paddy's Day special for Series 2

giftgrub

Just Finished episode 11 last night...

Its been a very long time since i watched the original British show so I'm having a hard time trying to compare them.

Spacey is EATING it up and loving every minute of it, the breaking of the 4th wall is a great way to keep us in on his plans.

Both myself and Mrs Gfiftgrub are finding Zoe more and more unlikeable.

I also find Claire's trendy photographer bit on the side REALLY annoying, does he go out looking for the tightest jeans he can find?

Corey Stoll as Peter Russo is fantastic, hadnt come across him before

it was a shame to see him making an exit

and on that spoiler...

Watching that scene in the car park, I could see it coming and was expecting a jumping the shark moment. I mean surely Frank is too clever to do someone in? But when it did happen, i thought it worked...Also just a double check on something, theres nothing said between Frank and Stamper, but they both know what happened right?