House of Cards: The Complete First Season

Netflix's dark satirical drama, an adaptation of the original acclaimed British miniseries that aired during the 1990s, is not the first series to be made directly for streaming video, but it is the most expensive and ambitious, and it debuted to strong reviews. Kevin Spacey stars as Francis Underwood, a savagely Machiavellian congressman who takes a slash-and-burn approach to stepping up the political ladder after he's passed over for a promised appointment. Spacey smiles his way through a campaign of subterfuge, media manipulation, and personal vengeance, while Robin Wright is equally good as his wife, Claire, who runs a charitable foundation with all the compassion of Lady Macbeth. The visual style is elegant and cinematic, while the scripts present politics as a dirty business where rivals are humiliated, sabotaged—even murdered—and power always trumps policy. Although not necessarily more cynical than shows such as 24 or Scandal, House of Cards stands out thanks to Spacey's easy touch and smooth charm as the heavyweight politico posing as a loyal party man. The superb supporting cast includes Kate Mara as ruthless young reporter Zoe Barnes, Corey Stoll as fellow lawmaker Peter Russo, and Michael Kelly as top aide and loyal henchman Doug Stamper. Nominated for nine Emmys, House of Cards was released exclusively on Netflix, so many potential viewers have not had a chance to see it, and interest may be high. Presenting all 13 episodes from 2013, this is recommended. (S. Axmaker)