Although it is not perfect, generally Season 4 is one of 'House of Cards' better seasons, the best and most consistent being Season 1. It settled quicker than the still (to me) solid Season 3, it didn't have any controversial episodes, the first and second halves were equally good rather than the second half being better than the first and there is a higher number of excellent/outstanding episodes. Only "Chapter 45" and "Chapter 47" disappointed a little, while still liking both.
Found "Chapter 49" to be absolutely brilliant. Easily one of the high points of Season 4, along with "Chapter 43" and "Chapter 46" as far as previous episodes go, and one of the best episodes of the period where 'House of Cards' was actually good and even brilliant at its best (Seasons 1-4). "Chapter 49" is a tremendously powerful episode, with lots of tension and emotion and one of the season's, and show's, best ever scenes. Like "Chapter 46" and "Chapter 48" it is one of the episodes of the fourth season to come particularly close to feeling like classic 'House of Cards'.
It is one of the few episodes of the season to not have anything wrong with it, or at least that is the case with me. Nothing is unnecessary here and Yates is the most interesting he was all season with his involvement being sympathetic and quite affecting. Loved his chemistry with Elizabeth, whose subplot with Claire really wrenches the heart. Holding back tears will be very hard and that is further embodied by Ellen Burstyn's very touching performance here.
The character that is most memorable in "Chapter 49" is Frank. His intimidation of Catherine is classic Frank manipulation, something that Frank always was a master in. He also plays a major part in the highlight of the episode (and a season and show highlight), the hair-raising Oval Office scene between him and Catherine. The taut writing, the scintillating chemistry between the two characters and Kevin Spacey's terrifying performance in that scene are a perfect marriage. A lot goes on in "Chapter 49" without feeling too much, while showing both character and plot progression in a way that's poignant and especially intense.
While all the acting is without fault, a terrifying Spacey and affecting Burstyn take top honours and in a league of their own. The production values are also high quality and the direction especially has a ball in the Oval Office scene.
Summing up, brilliant. 10/10
Found "Chapter 49" to be absolutely brilliant. Easily one of the high points of Season 4, along with "Chapter 43" and "Chapter 46" as far as previous episodes go, and one of the best episodes of the period where 'House of Cards' was actually good and even brilliant at its best (Seasons 1-4). "Chapter 49" is a tremendously powerful episode, with lots of tension and emotion and one of the season's, and show's, best ever scenes. Like "Chapter 46" and "Chapter 48" it is one of the episodes of the fourth season to come particularly close to feeling like classic 'House of Cards'.
It is one of the few episodes of the season to not have anything wrong with it, or at least that is the case with me. Nothing is unnecessary here and Yates is the most interesting he was all season with his involvement being sympathetic and quite affecting. Loved his chemistry with Elizabeth, whose subplot with Claire really wrenches the heart. Holding back tears will be very hard and that is further embodied by Ellen Burstyn's very touching performance here.
The character that is most memorable in "Chapter 49" is Frank. His intimidation of Catherine is classic Frank manipulation, something that Frank always was a master in. He also plays a major part in the highlight of the episode (and a season and show highlight), the hair-raising Oval Office scene between him and Catherine. The taut writing, the scintillating chemistry between the two characters and Kevin Spacey's terrifying performance in that scene are a perfect marriage. A lot goes on in "Chapter 49" without feeling too much, while showing both character and plot progression in a way that's poignant and especially intense.
While all the acting is without fault, a terrifying Spacey and affecting Burstyn take top honours and in a league of their own. The production values are also high quality and the direction especially has a ball in the Oval Office scene.
Summing up, brilliant. 10/10