There are numerous striking moments in this 49th episode. First of all, is the trip to Texas that Claire undertakes to be with her mother one more time. She is in hospice and there is little time left. There is the incredible tension that is building up with Doug, whose loose screws are starting to pop. We have Claire's budding relationship with Tom. But most of all, we have an incredible scene in the Oval Office with Caterine Durant, who has threatened Frank. Bad mistake. Here is Kevin Spacey at his absolutely nastiest and most dangerous. She says she is not afraid of him when he demands she turn her delegates over to Claire. What transpires is what makes for the very best in television. We have two masterful actors, face to face, and we can feel the weight of danger in the air. The card is set and now we have four episodes to see what is going on with the investigations of past acts by a man under the radar. We have a slandered Dunbar in the wings, knowing very well the realities of what she now know.
7 Reviews
Very eventful episode that once again shows how great Kevin Spacey is.
TouchTheGarlicProduction5 March 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Wow. A lot of stuff happens in this episode. Claire's mother enters critical condition. The battle between Catherine Durant and the Underwoods comes to a head. The selection of the candidate is finally made.
I once again enjoyed the political warring. It's what the show is built on, and the third season suffered because of its lack of it. The drama around Claire's mother was great. Kevin Spacey delivers a terrifying performance in one scene. The acting, writing, and directing were all on point. This season is a good one.
In summation, a pretty great episode. The ending will open up some interesting new dynamics.
I once again enjoyed the political warring. It's what the show is built on, and the third season suffered because of its lack of it. The drama around Claire's mother was great. Kevin Spacey delivers a terrifying performance in one scene. The acting, writing, and directing were all on point. This season is a good one.
In summation, a pretty great episode. The ending will open up some interesting new dynamics.
The best of the best season since Season 1
letterl28 June 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Season 4 up to this point has returned the series to top form...but nothing has topped this episode, the best so far in what has been an outstanding season. "House of Cards" has always been at its best when both Frank and Claire are scheming in tandem to get what they want...and things reach a crescendo here. I concur with other reviewers: the Oval Office scene between Frank and Catherine Durant is not to be missed; it is jaw-dropping and an absolute tour-de-force performance from Kevin Spacey.
But Claire has her moments, too...and the seemingly adversarial relationship between she and her mother comes to a touching conclusion...and arms Claire with the ammunition needed to accomplish the next conquest for the Underwoods.
Meanwhile...in the background, two old nemeses are snooping around, gathering intelligence that threatens the table Frank and Claire have so nicely set for themselves.
And Doug's frustration at no longer being at the President's side all the time is boiling over. One almost wonders, with the way this season is going, if the screws might not tighten some more and find him on the verge of getting held accountable for Rachel's murder; the writers have brought back many blasts from the past this season so I'm not ruling out anything.
Only time will tell...and only three episodes left in this spectacular season. The remaining three will be hard-pressed to match this one for advancing the story line in such a grandiose way.
But Claire has her moments, too...and the seemingly adversarial relationship between she and her mother comes to a touching conclusion...and arms Claire with the ammunition needed to accomplish the next conquest for the Underwoods.
Meanwhile...in the background, two old nemeses are snooping around, gathering intelligence that threatens the table Frank and Claire have so nicely set for themselves.
And Doug's frustration at no longer being at the President's side all the time is boiling over. One almost wonders, with the way this season is going, if the screws might not tighten some more and find him on the verge of getting held accountable for Rachel's murder; the writers have brought back many blasts from the past this season so I'm not ruling out anything.
Only time will tell...and only three episodes left in this spectacular season. The remaining three will be hard-pressed to match this one for advancing the story line in such a grandiose way.
Politics brings out the worst in everyone
snoozejonc28 November 2020
Frank confronts Cathy Durant over their recent betrayals and Claire visits her mother.
This is a strong episode powered by the performances of Kevin Spacey and Ellen Burstyn. It is also quite eventful, producing some of the dramatic highlights of series 4.
Spacey has never been more intimidating in his portrayal of a murderous, self-serving, megalomaniac. The plot never feels plausible, but he's terrifies nonetheless. Burstyn by contrast delivers a heart breaking performance and makes me believe her character is in the position she portrays.
The plot regarding the vice-presidency is completely outrageous, but it's written in a way that made me buy into it. Particularly the images of whooping supporters lapping up a cynically opportunist speech at the democratic convention. Scenes like this (in reality as well as fiction) always highlight at the gullibility of people who go to political rallies (whatever the party). It's not far off an X-Factor type show in its all its showy nonsense and probably frequented by an audience with a similar mentality.
As in all episodes of House of Cards the dialogue, cinematography, editing and sound are all spot on, along with all performances.
This is a strong episode powered by the performances of Kevin Spacey and Ellen Burstyn. It is also quite eventful, producing some of the dramatic highlights of series 4.
Spacey has never been more intimidating in his portrayal of a murderous, self-serving, megalomaniac. The plot never feels plausible, but he's terrifies nonetheless. Burstyn by contrast delivers a heart breaking performance and makes me believe her character is in the position she portrays.
The plot regarding the vice-presidency is completely outrageous, but it's written in a way that made me buy into it. Particularly the images of whooping supporters lapping up a cynically opportunist speech at the democratic convention. Scenes like this (in reality as well as fiction) always highlight at the gullibility of people who go to political rallies (whatever the party). It's not far off an X-Factor type show in its all its showy nonsense and probably frequented by an audience with a similar mentality.
As in all episodes of House of Cards the dialogue, cinematography, editing and sound are all spot on, along with all performances.
"Because that is how good we are, at making things, disappear"
TheLittleSongbird19 November 2019
Although it is not perfect, generally Season 4 is one of 'House of Cards' better seasons, the best and most consistent being Season 1. It settled quicker than the still (to me) solid Season 3, it didn't have any controversial episodes, the first and second halves were equally good rather than the second half being better than the first and there is a higher number of excellent/outstanding episodes. Only "Chapter 45" and "Chapter 47" disappointed a little, while still liking both.
Found "Chapter 49" to be absolutely brilliant. Easily one of the high points of Season 4, along with "Chapter 43" and "Chapter 46" as far as previous episodes go, and one of the best episodes of the period where 'House of Cards' was actually good and even brilliant at its best (Seasons 1-4). "Chapter 49" is a tremendously powerful episode, with lots of tension and emotion and one of the season's, and show's, best ever scenes. Like "Chapter 46" and "Chapter 48" it is one of the episodes of the fourth season to come particularly close to feeling like classic 'House of Cards'.
It is one of the few episodes of the season to not have anything wrong with it, or at least that is the case with me. Nothing is unnecessary here and Yates is the most interesting he was all season with his involvement being sympathetic and quite affecting. Loved his chemistry with Elizabeth, whose subplot with Claire really wrenches the heart. Holding back tears will be very hard and that is further embodied by Ellen Burstyn's very touching performance here.
The character that is most memorable in "Chapter 49" is Frank. His intimidation of Catherine is classic Frank manipulation, something that Frank always was a master in. He also plays a major part in the highlight of the episode (and a season and show highlight), the hair-raising Oval Office scene between him and Catherine. The taut writing, the scintillating chemistry between the two characters and Kevin Spacey's terrifying performance in that scene are a perfect marriage. A lot goes on in "Chapter 49" without feeling too much, while showing both character and plot progression in a way that's poignant and especially intense.
While all the acting is without fault, a terrifying Spacey and affecting Burstyn take top honours and in a league of their own. The production values are also high quality and the direction especially has a ball in the Oval Office scene.
Summing up, brilliant. 10/10
Found "Chapter 49" to be absolutely brilliant. Easily one of the high points of Season 4, along with "Chapter 43" and "Chapter 46" as far as previous episodes go, and one of the best episodes of the period where 'House of Cards' was actually good and even brilliant at its best (Seasons 1-4). "Chapter 49" is a tremendously powerful episode, with lots of tension and emotion and one of the season's, and show's, best ever scenes. Like "Chapter 46" and "Chapter 48" it is one of the episodes of the fourth season to come particularly close to feeling like classic 'House of Cards'.
It is one of the few episodes of the season to not have anything wrong with it, or at least that is the case with me. Nothing is unnecessary here and Yates is the most interesting he was all season with his involvement being sympathetic and quite affecting. Loved his chemistry with Elizabeth, whose subplot with Claire really wrenches the heart. Holding back tears will be very hard and that is further embodied by Ellen Burstyn's very touching performance here.
The character that is most memorable in "Chapter 49" is Frank. His intimidation of Catherine is classic Frank manipulation, something that Frank always was a master in. He also plays a major part in the highlight of the episode (and a season and show highlight), the hair-raising Oval Office scene between him and Catherine. The taut writing, the scintillating chemistry between the two characters and Kevin Spacey's terrifying performance in that scene are a perfect marriage. A lot goes on in "Chapter 49" without feeling too much, while showing both character and plot progression in a way that's poignant and especially intense.
While all the acting is without fault, a terrifying Spacey and affecting Burstyn take top honours and in a league of their own. The production values are also high quality and the direction especially has a ball in the Oval Office scene.
Summing up, brilliant. 10/10
Great episode
85122227 June 2016
Greetings from Lithuania.
After chapter 49 ended - i could safely say, I would definitely vote for Claire Underwood, and not so much for Francis, who is literally a John Doe in the White House.
This was one of the best episode in a so far absolutely superb season 4, which is the best season since season 1. There were many touching moments including Clair's mom which was superbly played by Ellen Burstyn - no one these days plays a dying old lady better then she does (old Murph) - i'm kinda kidding here - she is a terrific Oscar winning actress.
Overall, chapter 49 is a superb and the most touching entry into a superb season 4. While only 3 episodes left, can't wait to see what happens next.
After chapter 49 ended - i could safely say, I would definitely vote for Claire Underwood, and not so much for Francis, who is literally a John Doe in the White House.
This was one of the best episode in a so far absolutely superb season 4, which is the best season since season 1. There were many touching moments including Clair's mom which was superbly played by Ellen Burstyn - no one these days plays a dying old lady better then she does (old Murph) - i'm kinda kidding here - she is a terrific Oscar winning actress.
Overall, chapter 49 is a superb and the most touching entry into a superb season 4. While only 3 episodes left, can't wait to see what happens next.
As worse as it gets
charliemouse-0579812 June 2017
Warning: Spoilers
I used to love it. He is a convincing crooked president And she is as bad as he is... So that is why I am dropping how far is it going to descend .... It is boring now. For sure they are brilliant and they are putting on a great show. But worse for the worst, even though it could be even under the reality. But no good will, no hope in this dark painting, and for sure this is the point... But not anymore for me...
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