Up to this point of Season 2, all the episodes have ranged from very good to brilliant. Most of the episodes fitting with the very good distinction, which by 'House of Cards' (just want to say too that for me this was one of the few shows to feel settled straightaway) standards at this still early stage is slightly disappointing. But it is a more than solid position to be in by overall show standards so early on, with all the episodes so far of both seasons, with a slight preference for Season 1, being good or more.
Season 2 started to become great again with "Chapter 19", after the episodes (excepting "Chapter 17") between "Chapter 14" and that being very good. If let down a little by Frank dominating too much and liked Lucas quite a bit less with each episode. After "Chapter 20" also being great, it is hard not to expect a lot and "Chapter 21" delivers in an episode that is even better than the previous two on the most part. Nothing in the storytelling and characterisation goes backwards or going round in circles, if anything it's the opposite for both of them in that they continue to progress.
Remy could have been more interesting here and despite loving her character for her ferocity and steel Jackie is side-lined too much.
What makes "Chapter 21" a great episode is the tension, all the time becoming darker and more intense. This can be seen in for example the character of Tusk, becoming more malevolent every time pulling no punches, and the storyline detailing Frank's opposition with Linda. Did feel sorry for Doug here too. This increasingly nail-biting tension contributes to Season 2 taking a darker tone than the previous season, something that is done brilliantly. Frank is increasingly unscrupulous but he doesn't take over too much of the episode that the other characters don't shine as much.
As ever, the political edge the episode and show has continually intrigues, which is cynical and intelligently handled, didn't find it dull or unrealistic here and it has yet to be laid on too thick.
James Foley's direction is stylish and never less than assured and often tight. The pace is not rapid-fire but doesn't need to be, and with a lot going on it doesn't feel dull. As always, the episode looks great, the slickness has not been lost and neither has the atmosphere. The music knew when to have presence and when to tone things down to let the dialogue and characters properly speak. The writing is sharp and has bite and the story does engage.
Have nothing to fault the acting for, especially Kevin Spacey and Gerald McRaney.
In conclusion, great episode. 9/10
