S04.E10: Chapter 49

[ElectricBoogaloo]

As Frank deals with a new threat to his candidacy, Claire has doubts about their plan. Claire faces a difficult decision concerning her mother.

[Dancingjaneway]

I hate that Cathy had to back down. I don't blame her thought because Frank is a psycho. If I were her I would continue to watch her back he's a sneaky bastard. Claire getting the VP nom made me want to barf. I'm super glad that Dunbar is going to help out Lucas' boss. Anything to take down the Underwoods and Stamper I am on board with. 

[reggiejax]

I hate that Cathy had to back down. I don't blame her thought because Frank is a psycho. If I were her I would continue to watch her back he's a sneaky bastard.

 

I hate that she backed down because she really didn't have to, And as far as Frank;s psycho threats, I was really hoping that Cathy would call Frank out on his posturing with something like "I don't think so Mr President. You're out of shape, Frank, I'll kick your ass!" 

 

That's what frustrates me the most about Underwood and Stamper's bullying. They are just seriously the least intimidating people on TV. It's like getting threatened by a couple of  5 year old girls. And particularly wimpy and petulant 5 year old girls at that. Spacey has only been intimidating once, as John Doe in Seven. But that character was frightening for completely different reasons than a politician like Frank Underwood. Underwood's threats just come off like hissy fits. World class hissy fits, to be sure, but still hissy fits. That his threats work is only because the writers make them work by making Frank's opponents both stupid and spineless.

 

And Stamper, well he has only been convincing as Frank's enforcer when he was getting his ass kicked by the prostitute. 

Edited March 6, 2016 by reggiejax

[Chaos Theory]

Amazing frightening scene beween Cathy Durant and Frank. She knew she got played (or as I like to say Underwooded) and this was her big move to get power back. Unfortunately Frank ain't playing anymore and when he confessed to everything in Lucus story I felt geniunly frightened for Durant. Both actors played that scene perfectly.

Dunbar and Tom are going to make an interesting team. They are both honest and believe in the rules do watching them attempt to take down the Underwoods who manipulate the rules as they see fit will be interesting.

[elzin]

I thought he was really confessing to Cathy.  I don't think his "ha ha bazinga" really made her believe it was a "joke."

Edited March 7, 2016 by elzin

[JBC344]

I think that was the point for it to be ambiguous. One for legal reasons, if Cathy ever swore in court to the conversation she would have to reveal his joking about it, which would mute her testimony.  Two, he needed Cathy to feel he at least "could of" possibly killed Zoe and Peter in order for his threats to land and for her to genuinely fear for her life.  Brilliant scene. 

[knaankos]

I really don't like the writer/Claire plotline. Oh well. It Didn't go where I was fearing it would go with that speech so I'm happy about that.

The ending was well shot. They've made a couple of overtones of Frank = Nixon this season and they did it again here with both underwoods. Both of them doing a version of the Nixon "V" sign. I think the sgow is setting up for Frank(and Claire as well) to be the Super Nixon once everything is revealed. It'll make Nixon's scandal look like chump change.

[Primetimer]

Which is more terrifying: a Trump presidency, or the direction the country will probably be headed after the events of S04.E10?

Read the story

[Latverian Diplomat]

I'm not this far yet, but I think the public perception of Claire has never been something they've handled particularly well or even coherently?

 

Last season she went from liability to winning the Iowa caucuses for Frank overnight with basically no explanation, IIRC.

 

OTOH, I'd like an intelligent take on how an accomplished First Lady might or might not be a liability even now, but even if they handled Claire's relationship with the voters more consistently, she still wouldn't do that. Her career is too entangled with and dependent on Frank's to really address that either, IMHO.

[Maysie]

 

That's what frustrates me the most about Underwood and Stamper's bullying. They are just seriously the least intimidating people on TV. It's like getting threatened by a couple of  5 year old girls. And particularly wimpy and petulant 5 year old girls at that.

 

Oh good grief yes! Look what happened when Seth grew a set and basically called Doug on his threats. I'm neither here nor there with Seth but I almost fist-pumped when he told Doug that, no, he would not go back to Doug's room at that moment. Doug responded by going to the men's room and knocking the shit out of a stall door. And then when Seth did go to Doug's room, he totally owned what he did. Doug didn't know what to do; Seth owned the moment, the situation and basically disarmed Doug so that threats of violence and career damage were meaningless. Doug was deflated and it was interesting that he didn't bother to read the Telegraph story, but instead, skulked around the losing liver recipient's memorial site. Who'd have thought that dull Seth would have been the one to figuratively toss Doug around?

 

 

I'm not this far yet, but I think the public perception of Claire has never been something they've handled particularly well or even coherently?

 

Yeah, that's where I am on all this. Claire's image has been all over the map, as far as I can remember. Granted, it's been a while since I watched the first three seasons, but I seem to remember her favorability ratings have been volatile. There was the abortion stuff and then the ambassador stuff and I can't remember what else. And though I know the President and Vice President are two different posts and they often don't get along well or even like each other, I have to say, having a husband and wife team such as the Underwoods hold office together wouldn't make me feel comfortable, particularly after her speech where she admits they almost called it quits. It's one thing to have that honest insight from a husband/wife on the campaign trail, but when they are going to hold the highest elected offices together in the country . . . I'd need convincing that it's a good strategy. Of course, we know what kind of scheming went on back and forth between the Underwoods, which the general public wouldn't know, but if I were Frank, I'd be sleeping with one eye open.

 

I'm really bothered by Claire's mother's death. I know she's the first lady and I know her family was very well-connected in the state of Texas, and I feel like those are the only two reasons Claire's not leaving that house in handcuffs or at least getting a visit from local law enforcement. Claire asked the hospice worker about how much time her mom has (a common question, in my experience) and the hospice worker says it's really hard to know (a common response, in my experience). Then the hospice worker says "WE can make her comfortable so her body basically slips away." From there we go to Claire actively overdosing her mother with morphine. Last I heard, Texas is not one of those states that has any kind of death with dignity law. I took the hospice worker's statement to mean "we'll keep her pain-free with morphine and she'll starve to death within days, but she'll be comfortable because she'll be zonked on morphine."

 

I don't want to get into a moral discussion about death with dignity and doctor assisted suicide, but I found Claire's actions to be a huge leap from that conversation with the hospice care worker (whom, I don't believe, was advocating that Claire overdose her mother). I understand it was a plot point so that Claire could go give a (not so) rousing speech for the VP nomination but I think it was unrealistic that Claire could suddenly overdose her mom on morphine after that. The other part that was odd was that her mother's body stayed in the house all night while Claire and Tom got busy. I told myself they carried her mother out of the house as Claire was leaving to keep her mother's death out of the news, but really, if Claire can get away with assisted suicide, they could have kept that little bit of it secret, too.

 

Perhaps I'd have less of a problem with it if Claire's mom had overdosed herself. I understand it was the one, final compassionate thing she could do for her mom, one loving gesture in a complicated relationship. And as much as I dislike Claire, I think it was about honoring her mother's wishes and not about making a speech. It may be that I recently re-read "One True Thing" and am telegraphing that onto this situation (the daughter goes to trial for overdosing her terminally ill mother with morphine).

Edited March 11, 2016 by Maysie

[Maire]

"Me and Hannah!!!! want to extend our condolences to the Underwoods"

For that poor grammar alone Conway should lose. And I hate the Underwoods!

[DrLar]

Way to stew more secrets into the pot!

 

We can add Frank's "confession", assisted suicide, generous donation from Dough (big mistake using his name), and finally Claire and Tom becoming "official" lovers (with Frank's blessing)

In cases of terminal patients, it's rare they perform an autopsy so I think Claire is safe unless Tom or the nurse talk, Claire surely cremate her mom to erase all evidence of overdosing

[revbfc]

"The assassination attempt has brought me closer to my husband, who is now my only family. That's why I want a job that will let me live two miles away from him"

Edited March 12, 2016 by revbfc

[Hava]

Ugh, I adore Claire and Tom together. As much as I want Frank and Claire to fail (and boy, do I), I still root for Claire to change her ways and become a good person. So I really like her with Tom and their chemistry is amazing. Plus, Tom is sexy. 

[ToxicUnicorn]

"Me and Hannah!!!! want to extend our condolences to the Underwoods"

For that poor grammar alone Conway should lose.

Yes.  YES.

 

This episode went on too long.  It was too jarring to see the beaming Underwoods on stage at the end.

 

There was some voodoo magic going on with Claire's costuming.  She looked like she was on stilts in that pantsuit.

 

After suspending disbelief for everything Francis has done and said, somehow, Claire sleeping with the writer seemed completely reckless to me, like that was going over a line that they could never ignore.  

[JBC344]

"The assassination attempt has brought me closer to my husband, who is now my only family. That's why I want a job that will let me live two miles away from him"

This is hilarious, but they wouldn't have to live apart.  They just wouldn't be able to attend the same functions.  In the confines of the White House it would be business as usual. 

[Dots And Stripes]

I think that was the point for it to be ambiguous. One for legal reasons, if Cathy ever swore in court to the conversation she would have to reveal his joking about it, which would mute her testimony.  Two, he needed Cathy to feel he at least "could of" possibly killed Zoe and Peter in order for his threats to land and for her to genuinely fear for her life.  Brilliant scene. 

This. Although I'm not sure it was exactly legal reasons. Clearly Frank is not above lying. It would always be her word against his. Even with Frank's reputation, that's still a risky situation. I think it was a little more previewing his ability to lie.He confesses and then walks it back to show exactly how he'll deny it when asked by others. I agree he wants her to be unsure of what he's done in the past, but completely intimidated. This guy is crazy and will do whatever it takes to win. She doesn't want to cross a man like that.

 

I'm glad Kathy at least figured out what was going on. I had been thinking she was one of the few people who really benefited rom the Underwoods and maybe she just lucked out. She proved she was somewhat savvy. Her undoing thouh was in not willing o take things one step further. That goes back to the conversation Claire and Frank had a few episodes back. They're willing to go a step further for power than everyone else.

[islandgal140]

Claire as Frank's running mate is just a bridge too far for me. I hate, hate, hate it and it takes me out of the show. Just seems like the plot point to a bad WB show. 

 

To quote the Simpsons, Cathy folded faster than Superman on laundry day. How disappointing. 

 

Every time I see the reporter investigating the Underwoods I feel like saying: "Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi. You're my only hope" Netflix just seems determined to squeeze blood from a rock and keep the Underwoods going past their expiration date. I am so ready for their asses to get exposed. They both need to be publicly dragged.

 

I wish they would have just made Mrs. Conway's American. The British accent just seems out of place to me.

 

Joel K ain't doing it for me either.

[ChromaKelly]

Claire getting the VP nomination is straining credibility too far. I don't know why Seth sticks around either. After being witness to all the crazy and Doug's physical attack, why doesn't he just up and run far, far away? Everyone bowing to the Underwoods gets to be a bit much. HHS Secretary still bothers me. Why not be like fine, fire me and I'll go right to the press? And Cathy, jesus. I thought she was going to stand up to them. Kept waiting for her to announce her support for Dunbar.

[candle96]

When Cathy Dunbar went to speak before the convention, I really hoped that she was going to out the Underwoods. For what, I don't know, something, if not everything. At least the conspiracy to get Claire to the VP nomination. It would've been a good strategy for her - by making it all public, Underwood can't hurt her, at least with her life. She was clearly scared in the Oval office showdown.  If something just up and happened to Dunbar, that would look beyond suspicious after revealing the truth in front of all America.

I dunno, maybe it's wishful thinking. I'm just getting a bit bored of the Underwoods always coming out on top. I know the show is somewhat dependent on that, but it would an interesting change of pace to see what would happen if there scheming didn't work on someone. Personally, I hate the idea of Claire getting the VP slot. It seems like political suicide.

Edited May 4, 2016 by candle96

[paramitch]

I'm with those who find the Claire plotline as she runs for VP to be straining credulity. I'm still enjoying her this season, thanks to Robin Wright's ice-cold elegance, but I'm glad she's back to being aligned with Frank, at least -- I just never bought that she was truly opposed to him, and it made no sense to me based on the previous seasons and what we saw of their relationship.

I just think Claire and Frank are forever, for good or ill. They see each other clearly and always have. So I never bought her sudden disillusionment, especially that it was more about a grab for power and appreciation (versus about the relationship or her own awareness of Frank).

I thought Frank's mock-confession to Cathy was really scary, powerfully done, and beautifully played by Spacey, who once again was positively Shakespearean and reptilian there. Great moment from both actors.

I found the death of Claire's mother very moving, and was glad she and Claire showed one another at least a little warmth before the end. Ellen Burstyn was typically lovely, and I was very glad Tom was able to be of comfort to her too.

Speaking of which -- I don't mind Claire and Tom, although I can't quite get a bead on the guy -- he seems to play whatever is needed episode by episode (jerk, cynic, romantic, jokester, etc.), but I am confused because Tom honestly had way more chemistry with Frank (than Claire) last season, and it seems like the show is kind of totally forgetting that Tom actually made a pretty clear pass at Frank last season. So at some point I do seriously expect to see a Meecham threepeat (poor Meecham! I loved him.)

Last but not least, while it's always wonderful to see the great Colm Feore (as Brockhart), I'm worried about him -- I've always been a fan of his, and here he looked a bit drawn and frail, and (worse) his beautiful rich deep voice was rather hoarse and light. I hope he hasn't been sick, but if he has, I really hope he's recovering. He's such a tremendous actor (and I honestly wish he'd been given more to do with Brockhart thus far).

I'm enjoying season 4 overall, even if some aspects strain credibility. But it's great to see Tom connecting the dots and creating the inevitable fall from grace the Underwoods so richly deserve.

[Hanahope]

I can't believe we have to go through another Doug obsession with an inappropriate woman. What an idiot. 

I wasn't sure they could get Clair's nomination to be realistic, but they did a good job.

cant wait to see how they end up taking the underwoods down 

I can see Claire getting together with Tom after her mom died. She has been shown to be fairly cold and ruthless and frankly I don't see her that broken up by her mother's death, but she used it masterfully. 

Edited August 1, 2016 by Hanahope

[jnymph]

Wow, ice queen Claire couldn't even manage a little tear over her own Mother.   Beautifully played by RW.   

I am going to have to love Tom for giving some comfort to a dying lady.   

What is the tie in with black labs?  Remember Rachel said she wanted a dog ?  A black lab specifically?  Now Whatshisname the Editor (is his name Tom too?) ... has a black lab that has been shown quite a bit the last few episodes.   Strange.  Must mean something ?  

I really miss Meechum. :(  

Edited February 21, 2017 by jnymph