The Philosophy of House of Cards - Wisecrack Edition 

This is how you put a philosophy major to good use

"Politics is no longer just theater, it's show business." - F. Underwood

I blame house of cards for making me lose half of my emotional capacity

I dated a politician. ill never forget the day his party betrayed him last minute during cabinet reshuffle. effectively a demotion, based on power and contacts which he had begun to lack because of an incident a couple months prior. he came home to get his suit for press, screaming & literally smashed up our house. he was crying in anger & saying he wanted to kill them. he left half an hour later to address the press who had witnessed this backstabbing first hand & had lots of questions. I was at home watching him on the news. he was smiling & said "it doesn't feel good but I support my party" he really was lying to the media and to tax payers and he wasn't even one of the bad guys in there.

The system isn't broken. This _is_ the system.

I took Claire putting on makeup as another reference to Shakespeare, covering up perceived blood as opposed to washing it away

"We dont succumb to terror... we make terror."

I think that the purpose behind Frank's soliloquies is not so much a lazy attempt to provide exposition (the monologues really don't add any plot points we don't already know), but rather to give viewers an insight into Frank's self-perception. Frank Underwood, in my opinion, isn't a sociopath at all. He just wants to be one. He wants to be Machiavelli. He's not just trying to convince us that he's a sociopath, he's trying to convince himself as well. Kevin Spacey pulls this off brilliantly. After killing Zoe Barnes, he demonstrates, in his face and body language a lingering form of regret and shock at his own actions, which he then covers up by convincing us that he feels no remorse. Frank's soliloquies are his defense mechanism to protect him from a deep-seeded fear he has of not being in control.

When Claire gave the homeless man money, it was a $100 bill, the origami was a $20 bill, the man was just giving a part of it back as a gesture of good will..

8:48 Frank is NOT deeply annoyed by the buddhist monks, and is in fact simply astounded that they would dedicate a whole month to painstakingly create the sand mandala. Frank's reaction to the monk's presence and work is neutral at first, then later supportive. this is evident when he finds out that the monks completed the mandala and destroyed it way before he could see it together with Claire.

The reason why it's hard to hate Frank Underwood is because he isn't exactly an evil person. In Frank's mind, nobody is entitled to anything not even compassion or love. If he wants something well then he has to fuckin earn it. That's what makes Frank Underwood such a despicably appealing character. He always knows the price for his goals and does whatever it takes to achieve them even if it means losing the most valuable thing to him, his marriage. The problem here isn't Frank Underwood being all ruthless and deceptive, the problem here is how our injustice world rewards man. You certainly can't be the most powerful man in the world by being a nice honest guy. A rabbit will always be hunted by a wolf, that's just how the world works.

This was so well done it hurts

When i was a child i wanted that sort of immortality, but then it occured to me that leaving a legacy doesn't require goodness and as a matter of fact i'd wager that more people remember Hitler than Churchill (although i'm sure it's close). I enjoy Frank underwood because he's intelligent and driven but you know what i enjoy most? The fact that he manages to be so condescending towards people who don't understand that money is nothing more than a means to an end, yet he himself completely misses the point that the same exact logic can be applied to power, and earning money for the sake of money is roughly as valuable as earning power for the sake of power. Power without direction is useless for anything more than the inflation of pride. I think the reason the viewer likes Frank is because of those little asides, being let in on a part of a world that nobody else gets to see. Maybe that's just me, but if all i ever saw was the frank underwood of the news and the media, as he presents himself i'd be bored to tears if not repulsed.

Are we doomed to love Frank Underwood? Tell us what you think Wisecrack!

In reference to Frank's quest for a lasting legacy, I think we should look at it psychologically... To Frank his father was nothing, a nobody. Something frank despises and, to some degree I think is afraid of. I think he is afraid of being like his father (daddy issues, ikr) but yes. Frank is so afraid of being buried and forgotten that he's been reduced to half assed attempts at creating a lasting legacy. I think he realizes that these attempts aren't enough, so he keeps striving for more power. Or rather he's striving to run away from demise.. from being forgotten. He can't run away from inner issues... he's going to want more power, try more things, but even if he successfully concretes a legacy.. he'd still be empty.

I just noticed that WiseCrack videos have great rewatch values!

Frank Underwood IS the best politician, ever. Ruthless, efficient, willing to play the game to its fullest, bending the rules as far as he can. Break them if he must. Never losing focus of the goal: POWER. I kind of like him. I would shoot him in real life but on film I like him.

We don't hate Frank Underwood because we love Kevin Spacey too much.

I feel like the reason why we love Frank is because he embodies Nietzsche's ideal of the Will to Power so completely. Morally reprehensible he's also incredibly psychologically robust, able to endure almost any setback and take the steps necessary to achieve his goals. While his means are reprehensible and his goal seems nihilistic, I think that psychological strength and force of will is incredibly inspiring.

Don't forget! What makes Frank appeal to the audience is that he seems to be *honest,* as opposed to theatrical. The "theatrical" asides emphasize the idea that he's letting us peek behind the curtain at what's really going on. It's that sense of feeling like we're seeing the unvarnished truth that we like, even if the truth is horrible. If the theory were true that there's "no truth behind the masks," Frank's appeal would totally evaporate. It isn't the mask we like, it's the stripping away of the mask.

Please do "Fargo" (TV Series)

So House of Cards is a reversed tragedy. The main character aims high, but ends in disgrace (will end in disgrace). But because the main character is a villain, the story is a tragedy for him, but a joy for the viewer. Truly genius art !

Man, didnt realize how in-depth this show is! Amazing!

I don't have to agree with anything Frank believes, says or does, I love Frank as a character because he fascinates me. If he was a politician in real life, and all I ever got to see of him was that suspiciously wholesome, outward image politicians tend to favour, I would most likely be bored and/or repulsed by him. In the show, however, Frank confides in the viewer, he's honest with us, and we get a front row seat to what he actually gets up to. Some of my favourite moments in the series is when he turns around and tells us to our faces what he's actually thinking, I suppose because of the raw honesty, but in a way also because of how exclusive this feels. His honest, unfiltered thoughts is obviously something he guards extremely well. In a way, I think having Frank confide in the audience compels us to feel as if we're on his side on some level, like we're part of his inner circle. I guess it's hard to resist feeling at least a little bit flattered when someone interesting, charismatic and powerful wants to include you. The real question is perhaps, if you do end up fond of him for whatever reason, whether you will let his views rub off on you or not. Then again, I have a huge thing for really well fleshed out villains, anti-heroes, characters with ambiguous moral codes, etc., so of course Frank would be right up my alley.

Philosophy of Revenant. I caught quite a lot of symbolism in it and I want you guys to (wise)crack it open

Thanks for talking about this. I think there is a major shift in the worldview of popular TV shows over the last decade. The shift from The West Wing to House of Cards is mirrored by the shift from Law and Order (with a righteous police and DA's office taking care of society) to The Good Wife (where law enforcement and law are hopelessly corrupt, even the good ones) and How to Get Away With Murder. Similarly, Game of Thrones plays out the same worldview as House of Cards - power plays in a world of corruption and intrigue - in a more raw and vicious environment.

Just found this channel. Where have you been all my life? This video was amazing.

Damn you Frank,,we had 1 season left, now its gone forever

I hope I make a film so good that Wisecrack would make a philosophy video about it.

House, M.D. is another good philosophical series to review!

I watched this TWICE and I still think it's the BEST reading you've ever done for such a good show! keep us the good work guys! I LOVE you!

This show allowed me to write an essay on one of my favourite TV shows and use it in an exam. The Teacher loved it. Thanks Wisecrack!

We don't submit to terror.

Tom Yates is one of the most interesting, important characters in the show. He forced Frank and Claire to question their views, motives, and even their relationship simply by asking pointed questions. He left them feeling like total hypocrites, even in areas where they weren't.

GUess I should finally watch house of cards. *sigh*

I just subscribed and have been binge watching your videos. Enjoying every minute of seeing new retrospectives on popular shows and movies. Great job!!

These "philosophy of" are the best videos of the channel imo. They are awesome

Makes so much more sense after actually watching the show.

There is one simple philosophy behind Frank. Pragmatism. Which is obvious since the first episode. And BTW... Frank did not hate the monk's art, he did not much cared for it, but found it interesting. Just pay attention mate...

I wish this was a series, this was so good and insightful. Great video, instant sub

first video I ever watched of you and it is genuinely awesome

"Legacy is more important than currency."

seriously, that channel is pure gold. Does not matter if it's books, games or movies you analyze, I always leave with the feeling of knowing more than before

This is the best one in this channel. Thank you for existing ... I love this segment !!!! Keep it up!!

A-yep. I'm subscribing. I'm loving the breakdown of these shows and games.

DO Mr |Robot

Wonderful clip. Well thought and explained!

Enjoyed this! So glad I found your channel!

Really love Jared's analysis. Would love to see him do more.

Awesome video. I was surprised you didn't mention Nietches will to power ideals in this video with all the coverage you did on Frank's disposition.

Whoa. Thank you so much. Gonna go get the other box -sets now. Hadn't realised the series was this well thought out!

Amazing analysis of the fiction and phenomena based on reality. The show provided a window to the condensed observation, and the review laid it out plain and clear. Thanks for doing it!

Season 4 coming Friday. Netflix and chill!!

Mr. Robot - Fargo - Boardwalk Empire - Louie

Loved this video, super interesting. Thank you!

Awesome analysis!! You really surprised me, didn't think this show was so deep!

you guys have to do MAD MEN!!

Loved this episode! I wpuld love to see you guys tackle Black Mirror!

i think one of the main reasons this show was so good is because David Fincher directed the first couple of episodes and was an executive producer for the rest. That man has a supernatural ability to get into your head hes so fucking good at his work.

Your show also has many layers. Every time I watch an edition again I realise something quite different from earlier watching.

Better Call Saul and/or Mr. Robot would make good "Philosophy Of" videos!

Picture at 3:44 is that of the Roman senate (specifically Cicero giving one of his famed Catiline orientations), and is not an assembly of an Ancient Greek polis.

this review was really amazing !!

this is my favorite video on all of youtube, thanks

Amazing breakdown! I am busy with studying the cultural history of politics. I really like the dramaturgical aspect of this analysis.

I would absolutely love to see you take on The Wire and True Detective!

Thank you for your insightful & informative video. It explains a lot about life...

loved the vid. Keep up the great work :)

Found a new favorite channel! :D

Do this for Hannibal, the TV series! The cinematography, music. acting, plot, everythings just on par with House of Cards! Would love to see you analysis on it

Great explanation. I enjoyed it!!

Another thing I noticed about this show, there are 4 (good) seasons, and 13 episodes in each season, just as there are 4 suits in an actual deck of cards, and 13 cards in each suit. Not only that, but each identifies with a particular suit: ♣️ Season 1, Frank uses blunt force to accomplish his ends. ♦️Season 2 is all about money, as he tries to get Raymond Tusk to get the money flowing again. ♠️ Season 3 is about burying the past and trying to cover up the actions mostly of Season 1. At one point Doug Stamper literally uses a shovel to bury Rachel Posner’s body. ♥️Season 4 is about Frank and Claire’s love life, as well as Frank literally getting shot in the heart. (And there’s season 5 all about chaos, representing 🃏. I haven’t finished season 6 yet.)

Hello? ... Niccolò Machiavelli ... Anyone? Please?

I love frank because he's an interesting, complex and enjoyable character. Its his antagonistic nature that makes him likeable to me.

Loved your take on a great series.

Frank makes corruption look so good.

No Machiavellianism? I'm disappointed wise crack.

so artists stole the world and the politicians stole art

Wisecrack I hope you guys are making a lot of money because the videos you guys put out are awesome

excellent work !

Frank Underwood for president, 2016!

Can you maybe put the books you're quoting from in the description? Would be very helpful :) Thank you!

Holy crap. This critique is too good. Kudos!

This is an exceptional video ! IN a world , where everybody has a camera.... A very few "know" how to use it ... This is an exceptional video ! It's worth your time to watch it !

With Season 6 out, an update to this would be AWESOME! #TeamUnderwood

Do Hannibal (tv show)!!!

amazing content!

3:21 the chess piece next to the thrown brick is just genius

Please make a part 2 of this for season 4!

Doing one of these about the wire would be amazing!

Very interesting take! Gives me something to think about when I watch this series... for the 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th and then 7th time!

wonderfull meaning-making, thanks

Fuckin Dark Souls ? YES!

Make a video about Homeland and Hannibal, please. That would be intense.

Nice work, keep it up!

Frank's intended legacy of power was quite obvious but the contrast with creation and art were a nice comparison to draw. This was a great video, an quick way to interpret the show from various angles, Thanks Wisecrack! Much appreciated.

It was very simple to understand why people are fascinated by Frank. Let me tell you a story. Just this week I was walking down a busy city street when abruptly two women got into a verbal clash over one woman invading the personal space of another. Most people tried to politely ignore it when they when started calling one another bitches and exclaiming about how dare they take that tone with one another. But since I am a mostly shameless person I just soaked up the scene, watching how everyone was fascinated by this event and the details of the scrap. Now since I am mostly shameless and one of the women I was going my way, I just inconspicuously watched her. To my amusement the woman who had started the verbal sparing (not the one who invaded personal space) kicked a homeless man not a block later and ran off giggling with her friend. I found the event very enlightening. Where all the times a stranger was rude to me out of the blue like this woman just like her? A horrible person looking to torture people for her own ego. I think that is what people seek out stories like House of Cards, closure on pain. When others use power or opportunity to hurt us, the bitter aftertaste of their actions is lack of closure and understanding. We are left their wondering whether we are the ones actually at fault, if we acted bravely, if we acted wisely, and if we are judging them too harshly. And of course our adversary out of the blue will give us no clue, at least none that we can trust. And that leads us to politics. In America the federal government has grown so distant, large, and hostile that it has become an adversary out of the blue for the American people. House of Cards is like me getting to watch that woman and figure out her motivations. One feels a little less clueless as to what is going on.

Frank Underwood and Tywin Lannister are uncomfortably similar.

So deep and thorough! Do The Philosophy of Mr. Robot

i'd love to see a Philosophy video on Black Sails. especially John Silver's motives vs Captain Flint's