House of Cards, the groundbreaking political thriller series that debuted on Netflix in 2013, quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Known for its intense drama, morally ambiguous characters, and ruthless political maneuvers, the show held audiences captive through six seasons. Starring Kevin Spacey as the manipulative Frank Underwood and Robin Wright as his equally conniving wife, Claire Underwood, the series offered a cynical yet captivating look at power and ambition in Washington, D.C.
However, the abrupt end of the show in Season 6, amid real-life controversies surrounding Spacey, left many fans wondering what a seventh season of House of Cards could have looked like. In this article, we’ll explore the journey of the series, the impact of its conclusion, and speculate on what House of Cards Season 7 might have delivered.
The Rise of House of Cards: A Cultural Milestone
When House of Cards premiered on Netflix, it was not only one of the platform’s first original series but also a sign of the streaming giant’s commitment to quality content. Based on a 1990 British series of the same name, itself adapted from a novel by Michael Dobbs, the American version took the political drama to new heights, exploring themes of corruption, power, and manipulation.
At the center of the show was Frank Underwood, a ruthless politician who climbed the ranks of power, going from House Majority Whip to President of the United States by any means necessary — including blackmail, manipulation, and murder. Kevin Spacey’s performance as Frank was widely praised, and his direct addresses to the camera (breaking the fourth wall) became one of the series’ trademarks. Meanwhile, Robin Wright’s portrayal of Claire Underwood, Frank’s equally ambitious wife, brought a new level of complexity to the traditional political spouse role, making her character an essential counterpart to Frank’s machinations.
Over the years, House of Cards maintained its popularity by keeping viewers on edge with shocking twists, betrayals, and the moral degradation of its characters. Frank and Claire’s relationship, built on mutual ambition, was a focal point of the show, as they often used and manipulated each other to achieve their respective goals. The show blurred the lines between right and wrong, loyalty and betrayal, creating a world where the pursuit of power justified any action, no matter how unethical.
The Fall of House of Cards: Controversy and Conclusion
Despite its critical and commercial success, House of Cards faced an unexpected crisis in 2017. Allegations of sexual misconduct against Kevin Spacey emerged, leading to his dismissal from the show. This scandal had a significant impact on the series’ production and forced Netflix to make the difficult decision of continuing without its leading man.
As a result, the sixth season, which aired in 2018, saw Robin Wright’s Claire Underwood take center stage as the first female president, following Frank’s sudden off-screen death. The season attempted to wrap up the show’s storyline, but it faced mixed reviews from critics and fans alike. Many felt that Season 6 struggled to regain the narrative momentum that had been lost with Spacey’s exit and that the series’ ending left much to be desired. Without Frank, the show’s central force of chaos, the final season was seen by some as rushed, with unresolved subplots and character arcs.
Given the abruptness of Frank’s death and the unresolved nature of many storylines, fans were left speculating about what could have happened in House of Cards Season 7 if the show had continued under different circumstances.
What Could Have Been: House of Cards Season 7
While House of Cards officially ended with its sixth season, fans and analysts alike have speculated about what a seventh season might have entailed. If the series had not been disrupted by the controversy surrounding Kevin Spacey, Season 7 could have explored a range of compelling storylines and provided a more conclusive ending to the Underwood saga.
1. Frank’s Comeback
Had the allegations against Kevin Spacey not come to light, it’s highly likely that Frank Underwood would have returned for a more significant role in Season 7. At the end of Season 5, Frank resigned from the presidency, only to plot his way back into power behind the scenes. His exit in Season 6 felt incomplete, as it was sudden and off-screen, leaving many viewers unsatisfied with how such a major character was written out.
Season 7 could have explored Frank’s return to Washington politics, either through legal battles, media manipulation, or orchestrating power plays from the shadows. A showdown between Frank and Claire was hinted at in Season 5, and Season 7 might have delved deeper into this conflict. The dynamic between Frank and Claire had always been a cornerstone of the series, and a final confrontation between the two could have been the dramatic culmination of their relationship.
2. Claire’s Presidency
With Claire in the Oval Office, Season 7 could have explored the challenges she faced as the first female president, but with more depth than Season 6 allowed. Claire’s presidency in Season 6 was overshadowed by the messy departure of Frank and the behind-the-scenes challenges related to Spacey’s firing. As a result, her time as president felt rushed and underdeveloped.
Season 7 might have given more attention to Claire’s political strategy, her handling of international crises, and her efforts to cement her legacy while dealing with opponents both inside and outside the White House. Additionally, her growing paranoia and mistrust of those around her could have escalated, potentially leading to more ruthless actions as she fought to maintain control.
3. Doug Stamper’s Arc
One of the most intriguing and tragic characters in House of Cards was Doug Stamper, Frank’s loyal right-hand man. Doug’s character arc throughout the series was defined by his unwavering loyalty to Frank, often at the expense of his own morality. In Season 6, Doug’s storyline took a darker turn as he grappled with Frank’s death and his own role in it.
A Season 7 could have provided more closure for Doug’s character. Would he have continued down the path of self-destruction, or would he have sought redemption? His complicated relationship with Claire could have been further explored, especially as he struggled with his conflicting loyalties. A final resolution for Doug, whether through his redemption or ultimate downfall, would have been a fitting end to his character arc.
4. The Underwood Legacy
Season 7 could have also examined the lasting impact of Frank and Claire’s actions on American politics. Over the course of six seasons, the Underwoods left a trail of corruption, betrayal, and destruction in their wake. Their influence extended far beyond their personal ambitions, as they manipulated elections, undermined democratic institutions, and engaged in criminal activities to maintain power.
A seventh season might have focused on the repercussions of their actions, with the American political system in disarray and their enemies seeking revenge. Investigations into the Underwoods’ criminal activities, public scandals, and political fallout could have added an additional layer of tension and drama to the series.
5. New Political Players
As the Underwoods’ influence waned, new political players could have emerged in Season 7. Ambitious politicians, eager to fill the power vacuum left by Frank and Claire, would have presented fresh challenges for Claire’s presidency and potentially disrupted her hold on power. These new characters could have introduced fresh dynamics to the show, while also paying homage to the cutthroat nature of the series.
Conclusion: The End of an Era
House of Cards was one of the first series to demonstrate the potential of streaming platforms to produce high-quality original content. It changed the landscape of television and paved the way for Netflix’s current dominance in the entertainment industry. However, the show’s legacy is also tied to its controversial conclusion and the real-life scandals that forced it to end prematurely.
While Season 6 attempted to provide closure, many fans felt that the series deserved more time to tie up its loose ends and give the characters the proper send-off they deserved. A Season 7, unencumbered by scandal, could have brought the story of the Underwoods full circle, offering a more satisfying conclusion to one of television’s most iconic political dramas.
As it stands, House of Cards will be remembered both for its brilliance and its controversies, leaving fans to wonder what could have been if the series had reached its natural conclusion with a seventh season.