Another series that I didn't know had an original series behind it. Most, like me, will know House of Cards (2013) as one of the first original Netflix series. Before we met the legendary Frank Underwood, there was the British political drama series House of Cards with the corrupt Prime Minister Francis Urquhart. The 1990 British series is based on the books by Michael Dobbs. Although the British series is not nearly as well known as the American remake, the reviews are very strong. A Prime Minister who is careful, appears terrifying and has a deadly charm provides sufficient material to create the iconic character of Frank Underwood.
In the American House of Cards (2013) you meet Frank Underwood. He is a reckless politician and is willing to die to achieve his goals. When he is passed over by the newly elected president, he decides to take revenge. With his wife Claire Underwood by his side, he seems more combative than ever. After all, he wants to become president himself and therefore decides to leak all Washington's political secrets.
Despite actor Kevin Spacey's personal situation, we cannot deny that he is a phenomenal actor. The great success of House of Cards (2013) can be entirely attributed to Kevin Spacey's fantastic performance as Frank Underwood. It is a complex character where the qualities of ruthless, manipulative, charismatic and intimidating apply. Frank Underwood is a master of political intrigue and a symbol of corruption and lust for power. Kevin Spacey has mastered every feature down to the last detail. This combined with the chemistry and dynamics between Kevin and Robin Wright as Claire Underwood makes House of Cards (2013) a fabulous series.
The American remake has managed to distinguish itself from the original in several areas. The characters in the remake, especially Frank and Claire Underwood, were given more depth and complexity. The series explored their personal and political ambitions in a more detailed way. In addition, House of Cards (2013) responded to the contemporary political atmosphere in the United States, making it relevant and compelling for a broader audience. Finally, breaking the fourth wall was an important addition. Frank Underwood speaks directly to the viewer, taking the viewer into his thoughts and revealing his plans. This creates a closer bond between the character and the audience. These elements made the remake of House of Cards (2013) a groundbreaking series that achieved both critical and commercial success.
House of Cards (2013) is one of Netflix's first original series and one season was released all at once, making binge-watching possible and introducing a new way of watching TV. The first few seasons were very good. Unfortunately, the quality started to decline in the later seasons and the sixth and final season without leading actor Kevin Spacey was very disappointing. Despite the course of this series, it remains an iconic series and has been a founder of the way we watch series today. House of Cards (2013) also scores highly among the members of MySeries. Given the rave reviews, I conclude that House of Cards (2013) has become a successful remake.
