House of Cards – Season Two: considering how interesting the first season was, the biggest strength of the second season is picking up, in tone and in the storyline, where that one left off. If the chips sometimes fall too neatly in place, the central pair of characters are such a joy to watch in their machinations that it makes up for that. The series would certainly not work if the cast wasn’t so solid; Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright are simply fantastic in it, and the addition of Molly Parker and Gerald McRaney as regulars, among others, is much welcome. The device of “breaking the fourth wall” also helps to build the viewers’ relationship with the character; its effectiveness varies, of course.

Another important factor is the choice to use one DP throughout the season, Igor Martinovic, as it gives visual and tonal consistency. His camera movements, early on, are not as refined as what was used in the first season, but in general retain their elegance.

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House of Cards – Season One