Watch House of Cards with Mumsnet and you could win an iPad mini

[RachelMumsnet]

We’re back again this month with Watch with Mumsnet, where we watch and discuss some great TV series together. Last month we watched Orange is the New Black and this month we’ll be watching another Netflix exclusive, House of Cards.

Some of you may already have watched the original BBC miniseries of the same name, which ran in 1990, or read the book by Michael Dobbs, which this new series is based on.

House of Cards is an uncompromising exploration of power and ambition with the series orbiting Francis Underwood (Kevin Spacey). Underwood is the politician’s politician - masterful, beguiling, charismatic and ruthless. He and his equally ambitious wife Claire (Robin Wright) stop at nothing to ensure their ascendancy.

Netflix have already announced that Series 2 is coming on 14th Feb so this is a great chance to catch up on the first series and share your thoughts with other Mumsnetters.

Here’s what Mumsnetters have been saying about the show already:

“I am gripped by this. (US version) Kevin Spacey is fantastic, the woman playing his wife is amazing... in fact all the actors are great.” Calypso2008

“I'm watching the US version with Kevin Spacey. It is very compelling.” Smearedinfood

“The American one is good too, different, as you would expect, but good. KS's wife is played by Robin Wight (once married to Sean Penn): she gives very good icy.” aoife24

You can watch the whole series instantly on Netflix here, and if you subscribe to Netflix now you get the first month free.

Netflix are offering you a chance to win an iPad mini. All you have to do is watch and discuss the series with other Mumsnetters on this thread to be entered into the prize draw. All contributions are welcome, whether or not you've watched the whole series - but if you’re not sure where to start, here are a couple of the questions that we think the series prompts:

What do you think of Francis Underwood? Do you think you could ever be as ruthlessly power hungry?

And what about his wife Claire played by Robin Wright? Which characters do you like and want to find out more about?


Happy watching!
MNHQ

Watch with Mumsnet is sponsored by Netflix

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[Clayhead]

I loved this - was a huge fan of the BBC series and books and really thought that the Netflix version kept in the same spirit as the originals whilst updating it successfully too (use of mobile phones, for example).

I was such a fan of the original series that I surprised myself with how much I loved this one, the transfer to US politics worked perfectly, Kevin Spacey was suitably reptilian and I loved Robin Wright as Claire - she was such an ice queen. The relationship between them was fantastically portrayed, with her holding such power over him when they were alone together in the house.

No, I could never be that power hungry.

I didn't find any of the characters likeable as such but they were pretty much all interesting!

[aristocat]

I loved this in the 90s Will definitely watch and report back soon :)

[maybunny]

Have watched this and it is amazing and v addictive! I was so sad when I reached the end and can't wait for the next series!
The relationship between Francis and Claire is fascinating. I know I could never be as power hungry as Francis tho!

[Jcee]

I have just finished watching this. I enjoyed the original (which is also on Netflix) and was interested to see how it would be updated and made to fit the US politics. I loved it - DP and I binge watched it in a week! - and was disappointed when we got to the end so looking forward to season 2.

Great characters - Loved Robin Wright and Kevin Spacey - none of them particularly likeable but very realistic or at least how I imagine some politicans!

[LCHammer]

That was a great series. Francis - an abomination of a man, as was his wife. Ruthless, manipulative, no redeeming features.

[Llareggub]

I loved this. Each episode was beautifully filmed and felt cinematic. I can't wait for the next series.

I watched this over a few days. I haven't enjoyed a series so much since The West Wing. I can't say too much without giving too much away.

[MKP1975]

I haven't had the time to watch much TV recently, but House if Cards sounds just up my street and to be able to watch a series in one long sitting perfect!
It's my birthday in the middle of the month and I'm being nagged at for gift ideas, I think a subscription to Netflix may be in order.

[Michellelc2]

Love house of cards. I've never been a great fan of kevin spacey, but he is fab in this as frank underwood and I love the way in which he breaks out of the scene and speaks directly to you. Looking forward to series 2!

[Tikkamasala]

Oh I have just finished orange is the new black this evening (amazing!) and was trying to decide what to watch next - I will try this then!

[gussiegrips]

I wasn't fussed about this series - I watched the UK version back in the Olden Days, and only tuned in because MN were suggesting it .

Am enjoying it. The journalist character is an interesting one, initially I thought she was just a daft wee lassie, but, erm, I think she's going to turn out to be Really Quite Interesting.

Thanks for the suggestion!

[LCHammer]

Are we talking about a remake then? I don't know if I'll have time for that. Unless its really, really good.

[LyingWitchInTheWardrobe2726]

When I saw the thread title, I wondered if it was the 'House of Cards' film with Kathleen Turner and Christina Ricci... all about KT's autistic daughter and absolutely fascinating and - I think - insightful for those of us who aren't faced with those challenges.

I adored Kathleen Turner's films and thought she was at her very best in this one.

Sorry for the hijack - love the UK (Ian Richardson) version, not seen the USA one but not minded to either.

[AngelicAquarius]

Underwood is a manipulative, corrupt, villain, in the world of politics, pretending to be a friend to his party colleagues. I could never be that callous. This show is extremely good though, the characters are something else.

[TwatWeevil]

I'm in!

[xuntitledx]

Really looking foreard to the next season!

Francis and Claire's relationship is really interesting, I hope next season they give a bit more away as to why they behave like they do. Can't imagine ever knowing that my DH had a mistress and ignoring it whilst making small talk over half a cigarette!

[thekitchenfairy]

Loved the original series, loved the book. Looking forward to some quality Saturday night viewing now, thanks for the heads up.

[DrNick]

LOVE this - but he is NOT AT ALL sexy

[8mhigh]

I find real American politics squalid and scary, and don't share the UK chattering classes drippy fascination for it or its fictional depictions.

So I was surprised to find this engaging - mainly down to the characters, their interplay, and the usual high U.S. production values.

[BitOfFunWithSanta]

I love HoC- this has inspired me to get back into it. I've seen about eight, I think.

[Scuttlebutter]

We took the DVD of this away with us on holiday just before Christmas (self catering cottage in the wilds of Pembrokeshire). To our amazement, we were utterly gripped by it so much so that we finished the series in the week, and didn't watch some of the other movies we had taken with us. Characters are beautifully acted and written - Kevin Spacey is quite hypnotically evil, and the portrayal of their marriage is fascinating. I can't wait for Series 2. I loved the music, the filming - excellent all round.

[DrNick]

Chattering classes. FFS

[DrNick]

I'm binging on it atm. Agree their marriage is fascinating. Love her style. There's a buzz feed on it.

[DrNick]

I'm increasingly tempted to carry on with if after the free month. Well hooked netflix PR!

[Domaby]

I love this series. We watched it all in two weeks and are looking forward to series 2. I find Francis's character particularly fascinating, especially in relation to his interactions with his wife.