(Spoilers for seasons one-three of House Of Cards.)
Frank Underwood finally returns tomorrow with House of Cards‘ fourth season (Danger Guerrero’s stellar review can be found here), and he seems to be the only one not happy about it. As one of Netflix’s flagship shows, and one designed for digestible binge watching, we can expect a lot of monologues, double-crosses, and the occasional dead body to keep us watching in one sitting. It’s a show that has built itself on powerful performances, and one where the shocking moments make the “Are You Still Watching?” message almost rhetorical. Of course we are, Netflix. Stop making us feel bad about our lives (or lack thereof).
Frank Underwood and the despicable HoC crew have pulled a lot of stunts through the series’ first three seasons, but which one has been the most shocking? Let’s take a trip down horrifying Pennsylvania Ave. and relive some of those moments.
The Meechum Threesome (Season 2)
Otherwise known as the “Threechum”, the unseen sex scene between Claire Underwood, Frank, and the eager Secret Service agent Edward Meechum was the shot heard ’round the blogosphere. Clearly, the Underwoods care about Meechum, but what they care about more is his loyalty. They aren’t exactly people to just let themselves be vulnerable for the sake of a threesome. Getting closer to the Underwoods means that Meechum is more invested in protecting them, no matter what the cost. But the second he shows himself to not be 110% loyal, they’ll throw him to the wolves.
Viktor Petrov Kisses Claire (Season 3)
In an extremely thin-veiled characterization of Vladimir Putin, Viktor Petrov clashed with Frank throughout the third season. Before his kiss with Claire, though, it seemed like more of a polite sparring, but Viktor sealed his envisioned superiority over the Underwood presidency with this smooch. Even Frank, who always has something to say, seemed utterly astounded by Viktor and Claire locking lips.
Frank Kills Peter Via Gas (Season 1)
Frank had a hot-cold relationship with Peter’s death throughout the first season. He gives Peter the means in his bathroom, then he tries to save him and prop him up politically, and then he drops him when it’s convenient for him. Peter was the biggest pawns on Frank’s board in the first season, and it wasn’t until Frank kept that car running to murder Peter that we saw the depths of how far he’s willing to sink to get what he wants.
Claire Leaves Frank (Season 3)
It was a long time coming, but Claire finally walked out on Frank in the third season finale. They had the typical marriage obstacles throughout the series — what’s a relationship without murder and infidelity? — but it really felt like those two would go the distance. Chances are, the fourth season will either have them back together or one of them in the grave.
Rachel And Doug’s “Sam And Diane” Relationship (Season 1-3)
Will they-won’t they? Kill each other, that is. Doug’s obsession with Rachel throughout the three seasons provided the main focus of all his and her arcs (unfortunately), but it finally came to a head in the season three finale as he finishes their story for good. While the actual death scene may not be as shocking as some of the others, it was almost shocking that it actually happened. You should have just left her alone, Doug. You both could have had a more promising season three!
Frank Kills Zoe Via Train (Season 2)
Arguably the most surprising scene in the first three seasons, Frank pushing Zoe Barnes to her untimely death started the second season off with a bang. Since Zoe was no longer of use to Frank and was sniffing around his business, he handled her in the fastest and most efficient way he knew. While the show seemed a little emptier without the ambitious Zoe, we got proof that Frank wasn’t willing to let his vice-presidency stand in the way of him getting his hands dirty.
