TV Review: House of Cards (1990)

House of Cards (1990) written by Andrew Davies from the novel by Michael Dobbs and directed by Paul Seed

Francis Urquhart (Ian Richardson) is the conservative party's Chief Whip, meaning he is well connected to other politicians and is adept at dealing in the background with problems and opportunities. When he is passed over for promotion by the Prime Minister (David Lyon), Urquhart puts his skills to use to unseat the PM and get himself moved into the position. He has the dirt on several people and is able to create a scandal involving the PM's brother, an unreliable but thoroughly inoffensive fellow. Urquhart develops a new, useful connection--a young and ambitious reported named Mattie Storin (Susannah Haker) who is enamored of Urquhart. She is very loyal to him, but will her investigation into the scandal upset his carefully laid plans?

Urquhart is like Shakespeare's Richard III in many ways. The primary way is his monologues to the camera/audience, where he explains what is going on or gives wry commentary (though sometimes he just throws knowing glances). He even has a catch phrase that's entered popular culture, "You might well think that, I couldn't possibly comment," much like "A horse, a horse, my kingdom for a horse." Like King Richard, he is a master political manipulator, using everyone while pretending to be loyal, devoted, and unambitious. He successfully deflects suspicion onto other people, discrediting other potential rivals for PM. At one point, he event mentions Richard III to his wife (Diane Fletcher), who plays the supportive Lady MacBeth. The only two things Urquhart does not have are royal blood and a hunchback.

The story is engagingly dramatic. Viewers are tempted to root for Urquhart, who is a brilliant man, but cannot possibly condone his conniving behavior. His ability to put on a pleasant, friendly face is unnerving and fascinating, like a car wreck on the roadside. It's so hard to look away. Soon enough, viewers root for his downfall, to see that flaw that will trip him up. Is he skillful enough to avoid the comeuppance he deserves?

Highly recommended--this is a first class political thriller, smart as a whip, or even as the Whip it portrays! The political corruption is pretty bad (there's a bit of on-screen sex, drugs, and murder), so this is not a show for kids, or the feint of heart.