Readers like you keep news free for everyone.
More than 5,000 readers have already pitched in to keep free access to The Journal.
For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can help keep paywalls away.
# Recap
Pre-binging: Everything you need to know before watching the new House of Cards
A Frank-splainer, if you will…
SEASON 3 OF House of Cards has been let loose on a ravenous internet as Netflix repeats its trick of releasing all their new episodes at once.
All 13 episodes were made available on Netflix in Ireland from 8 o’clock this morning.
Perhaps the most conniving and plot-filled show going, if you’ve followed the first two seasons, here’s super-quick recap to remind you of what’s what.
If you’ve never watched it and fancy following Frank and Claire Underwood from Season 3, the below video should also get you up to speed.
OK. So what happened at the end of Season 2.
This is House of Cards, so a lot happened. The upshot of which is that Frank’s revenge mission succeeded and he’s been sworn is as President of the United States.
This only happened after the extraordinarily dim witted President Walker was forced to resign.
There are several indirect reasons for this. Partly because he was found to have knowledge of money laundering through China and partly because the press found out that he’s in therapy.
Mainly though it’s because of Frank. Always Frank.
Who are the other characters and what should I know?
Claire Underwood
Frank’s wife and lifetime Machiavellian partner seemed to be cracking at times during season 2.
After revealing on television that she’d been raped in college by a man who’s now an army general, she then proceeds to use one of the general’s other victims for her own ends.
Leaving the young girl high and dry caused Claire to question the Underwoods’ scheming ways.
That was, of course, before Frank became President.
Doug Stamper
Frank’s closest ally and fixer became somewhat distracted in the last season. He was busy keeping an eye on Rachel, perhaps the only person who could blow the lid on Frank’s first murder, and dropped the ball a few times.
Probably because of his own feelings for Rachel he acted with poor judgement and ended up getting clattered over the head with a rock by Rachel. We don’t know if he’ll be around for season 3.
Remy Danton
Frank’s former press man turned lobbyist has been a constant source of irritation for the Underwood’s. He knows them well and hasn’t been shy in using that against them.
Frank dismissed him as someone who “chose money over power”. Remy insisted to Frank though that “to perfect is to change often”, it sounds like he’ll be around a lot more.
Jackie Sharp
The Democrats’ new House whip since Frank moved up the ladder. Jackie is one of the few characters that hasn’t allowed herself be bullied by the Underwoods.
The former soldier has shown ruthlessness in her ambition but her relationship with Remy has complicated things.
Raymond Tusk
Frank’s most powerful foe last season who was eventually bested, for now.
The billionaire had the ear of the former President Walker and leaked damaging information about the Underwoods.
Seasons 1 & 2 in 9 minutes
Probably the most comprehensive recap you’ll find.
Happy binging…
Read: Thanks to Sesame Street, now you can introduce your 3-year-old to House of Cards… >
Read: Minted Netflix is aiming for global domination >
