House of Cards (TV Series) Chapter 29 (2015) User Reviews

Simmer

[dirtylemons · 9/10 · 2 March 2015]

This season of 'House of Cards' has been the most impressive thus far, and I really hope the rest of the season continues in such a fashion. Each episode has been almost entirely focused on a smaller aspect of the big picture, with finales that function both as resolutions and cliffhangers.

Chapter 29, dealing with Russian-American relations, really manages to set up the big finale wonderfully. Every sequence is interesting in and of itself, but it's the climax that elevates everything which came before. Frank's scheming is nothing new, but watching him have to think on his feet, dealing with a foe who is literally one of the most powerful people in the world, is intriguing. Doug's scenes were relatively limited, after getting most of the spotlight in the season premiere. But his arc is actually quickly becoming almost as alluring as the Underwoods' a-team aims.

Honestly, my only problem with this episode comes in the form of Pussy Riot. Their presence is barely necessary, yet they always feel shoehorned into the forefront of importance. Worse, a song of theirs plays out over the credits, which absolutely ruins the mood. One expects this kind of thing from a comedy or a film for children. But it has no place in a political thriller, and I certainly hope this doesn't give way to a trend of celebrity cameos (real-life political pundits aside).

"You can't turn a "no" to a "yes" without a "maybe" in between"

[TheLittleSongbird · 8/10 · 2 July 2019]

The previous two episodes started Season 3 on a more than promising note. "Chapter 27" was a little unsettled in the story direction but had a lot of great things and did so well in making Doug an interesting character. While not quite a high point for the show "Chapter 28" was an improvement, with the story more settled and absolutely loved the tension and how Frank, Claire and their chemistry dynamic were written.

Despite seeing and hearing a lot of praise elsewhere for "Chapter 29", the episode has also garnered a lot of criticism here with the main one being "anti-Russian". Some may find that nit-picky when reading before seeing the episode (am guilty of this myself), as for me when seeing it can actually see why people have been insulted, the portrayal of the Russians (especially Petrov) is not flattering and also not subtle. Whether "Chapter 29" is better or weaker than the previous Season 3 episodes will be up for debate, personally think despite it being higher rated here that they were better, while still considering this well done and doing well at setting things up. Do not think respectfully that it is anywhere near as bad as has been said here, the great things are many and even if the episode didn't do much for me it would have been rated at least a 4.

"Chapter 29's" biggest problem, and it is a fairly big one, is the presence of Pussy Riot. They felt very shoe-horned and their inclusion felt very out of place and ham-handed, feeling talked down to is not a nice feeling watching something and that's how it felt here. It was like they were trying to make some kind of point that didn't belong in the show, can understand what the episode was trying to do with a subject worth addressing in today's society yet one to address carefully but it just didn't feel right here somehow.

Also agree that their credits song completely juxtaposes in a bad way with the mood of the episode and 'House of Cards' in general and is as unnecessary as their presence. It doesn't even work as a song on its own. Am not trying to hate on them, far from it, they just didn't work here.

What does work however in "Chapter 29" is a lot of things, things that work greatly and strengths that are typical for 'House of Cards'. Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright are both superb and both Frank and Claire fascinate, their ruthlessness increasing all the time without over-dominating or un-balancing (did find that at times in Season 2 with Frank). Love the tension and Petrov is a good foil for them. Not a subtle character by any stretch but an interesting one, played with absolute conviction by Lars Mikkelsen (brother of the better known Mads). Some may argue that Petrov will have worked better with a Russian in the role, Mikkelsen in my mind though does just fine. One of "Chapter 29's" biggest strengths is the riveting tense dynamic between Petrov and Frank, especially towards the end. Have no problem with Doug and the episode wisely doesn't overuse him while not losing any of his interest value. Michael Kelly has lost none of his intensity. Another interest point was the Claire and Catherine dynamic, that was also beautifully done, making one think how genuine is the friendship, and Jayne Atkinson does some lovely work here.

The writing is sharp and biting as well as provoking a lot of thought, Frank as ever has some real corkers and his exchanges with Petrov are very tautly and intriguingly written. The political elements deliver on the sense of unease and it does feel like things are progressing enough, there are elements that are familiar (namely Frank's scheming, which is what is present in all the Seasons 1-5 episodes, but the approach feels different now with this conflict introduced. The story is deliberate, without being overly so, yet compelling, especially towards the end and the dynamic between Frank and Petrov carries it. The episode looks very stylish visually and Tucker Gates does more than credibly with the directing.

Overall, well done but it really could have done without the inclusion of Pussy Riot. 8/10

Doug and the Russians

[Hitchcoc · 9/10 · 28 February 2015]

There are two strains going on in this episode. One is the continuing story of Doug who is growing more and more angry and frustrated. He feels betrayed and diminished by the White House. He also feels if he can hunt down Rachel (and probably kill her) he will find favor with Frank. He has given the young FBI guy the possibility of leaving the country if he aids him in his quest.

Meanwhile, the First Lady, who has become the Ambassador to the United Nations through some seldom used methods, is working with the Secretary of State, and is feeling her way in diplomatic circles. She is still seen as a lightweight but dominates any room in which she finds herself. This takes us to the major event in this episode. The state dinner for the Russian delegation, led by Petrov (who is actually Vladimir Putin, of course). He is a flamboyant egoist who says what he things and feels great power as the Russian leader. Frank wants his support in the Middle East. Petrov will give it if the U.S. pulls all it's forces from the borders on the South near the Caucuses. This would be a huge blow to Europe. At the dinner there is demonstration by the Pussy Riot, who are actively opposing the Russian president. Petrov also exhibits some outrageous behavior, kissing Claire after dancing with her in front of all the attendees. It is sort of "I'll do whatever I want and I dare you to stop me." Claire warns Frank not buckle under because there are other ways to get at him. There is really wonderful scene near the end with Frank and Petrov squaring off one last time.

Dont take the angry russian's comments too seriously

[karimbelkayed · 9/10 · 21 November 2019]

I see some people here (russians probably) rate this low to 1 star or so because they think its some kind of propaganda aganist the russians..but lets get realistic for a moment, this is a SHOW not a REALITY.. and this episode is better than the first 2 episodes and it introduces a worthy oppontent for both frank and claire underwood and some subplots here and there that i won't discuss here... maybe ill rate it 8.5 to 9 at best. If you want to rate it as REALITY.. then nobody cares about your opnion except for some of your ignorant fellow russians.

Great episode

[851222 · 10/10 · 7 April 2016]

Greetings from Lithuania.

"Chapter 29" of season 3 is by far one of the best episodes yet. I highly enjoy the whole show overall, and season 3 by far is great. This episode is the reason why i enjoy this show - electrifying performances, superb writing and directing - it's all top notch in here. There are many references from real life in this episode, as well as some unexpected true appearances.

Overall, season 3 and especially this episode are great. Kevin Spacey steals every scene (as it should be) and Robin Wright is just so good in this show, add great writing and directing and "House of Cards" is a must see.

Totally unrealistic (!! spoilers !!)

[tolis01 · 1/10 · 2 March 2015]

This episode was by far the worst of the entire series so far.

I was somehow caught myself laughing in the middle. So bad, that it has all the credentials to become a classic cult B movie or something. Not a chance in a million, that something barely close to that happens in reality. Just to start with, at official dinners with State Heads there must be a pre-approved screened guests list. Any deviation of the above is a direct insult to the guest and the one and only reaction would be to leave on the spot. Imagine for instance the "fictionary" Head of Russian Federation bringing "unannounced" at his custody someone like Edward Snowden for example equipped with diplomatic passports and so on to give a lecture in the White House about Human Rights violation and so.. Not nice and not probable, right?

PS: Concerning the end of the episode, I would suggest showing Pussy Riot defiling a church - which was the reason of their arrest - something a lot of people are not aware of...

Disgusting and insulting.

[ilcool90 · 1/10 · 1 March 2015]

This episode is revolting.

It paints a picture of Russian president that is totally wrong and insulting. And the fact that the disgusting lack of music band P. Riot was invited to bash Russia even more makes this episode hit rock bottom.

The producers who made this episode possible should be sacked immediately.

Even during the cold war are Russians were not insulted like they were in this episode. Very sad that Spacey allowed to misuse himself so much.

Beyond boring

[nemesis-88 · 1/10 · 2 March 2015]

Kevin Spacey and Robyn Wright should really start reading the plot lines before they commit to another season. Even the brilliant actor and the fantastic actress (and a very beautiful woman) just cannot save this episode.

Stamper's line is getting way too thick. With all due respect to Michael Kelly, I don't watch this show for him. And his boring, stereotypical, full-plastic character is taking way too much space at the expense of the true stars. A recovering alcoholic struggling with his addiction in the middle of intertwined personal and professional crises. YAWN!

The "FBI vs. the good guy" story got so complicated that, honestly, I just fast-forward through it. Jimmi Simpson should tell his agent he doesn't want to play weirdos anymore. I believe, this actor has a lot of potential.

The "Russian line" is (as difficult as it is to imagine) even more unnatural and purposefully insulting. The White House dinner scene is quite possibly the worst in the history of American television. The Russian "activists" they invited for a cameo are obviously very bad actors. They play their own agenda. And the whole situation depicted is absolutely unrealistic and desperately strained.

The Israeli-Pelistinian part of the plot is so out of reality that it's not even funny. FYI, dear producers, Palestinians simply cannot ask "How can we trust Russians?". They KNOW they can. USSR and Russia has always supported the Palestinian side of the conflict while US stood on the Israeli side. Cmon, if you have C+ avg. in World History, at least open the Wikipedia article.

Generally, going the full circle of "unsung and rejected hero gets his own back by being sly" looks repetitive, predictable and boring. The two main characters sort of save the show... for now. But with their screen time rapidly decreasing, it's becoming more and more difficult even for them. More and more active characters are added in every new episode, which makes the story difficult to follow. At least for those, who takes it for what it is - yet another "popular" TV show that will be forgotten as soon as the final credits roll into commercials.

Disappointment

[ivan83 · 1/10 · 9 January 2019]

Somehow it does look like cheap anti-russian propaganda . Worst episode I have seen so far

Worst episode so far

[zadavora · 1/10 · 31 December 2018]

It is insulting how they presented Russian president like a fool and idiot.

Cringeworthy

[liludront · 1/10 · 10 September 2019]

I can't believe that such high quality show fell so low. Most cliche representation of Russians. No matter how much you don't like Russian politics, this episode was petty and beyond unrealistic. I had to skip this episode because my brain couldn't handle such cheep writing.