House of Cards S3
The almost sheer melodrama of season 2 was fun and all, but I kind of like that season 3 is more grounded. Heck, Frank Underwood almost seems admirable. It is hardball, cynical politics, but it no longer goes beyond the pale. It has a stronger shade of realism. And his hardball here has an real relevance to current events. His initial effort with America Works hits on extraconstitutional issues much as Obama's immigration actions have, with similar response from Congress. And that signature policy may be insane in real policy terms, but I appreciate the populism in action involved. So in this way, the season feels the most settled and accomplished.
But it also feels perhaps like half a season. The first two seasons had very clear markers of progress, Underwood having fought hard and leveled up as a result. Season 3 represents a character arc, but not really a plot one, and that character arc didn't have the elegance of the political one. I really was done with Doug Stamper and his arc here feels like that foot stuck in the worst parts of S2. So while the show hits some of the highest points, it seems unwilling to commit that transition which holds it back.