House of Cards Season 1 Episode 13 Chapter 13

Frank Underwood has finally achieved his long-awaited ambition of becoming the Vice President of the United States. Chapter 13 showcases the aftermath of his climb to the second-highest position in the country, which has not come without consequences – both personal and professional.

Chapter 13 opens with Underwood receiving the news of his appointment as Vice President. Although he has been working towards it for a long time, he is still in disbelief that he has achieved it. However, he is reminded that the real work starts now, as he has to navigate the complex world of Washington D.C. politics.

Underwood's wife Claire is shown to be struggling with her own issues, feeling neglected and unimportant in her husband's new role. She tries to hide her displeasure, but as the episode progresses, it becomes increasingly apparent that her relationship with Frank is strained. Claire's attempts to make her own life feel important prove unsuccessful, and she becomes increasingly isolated from Frank and his political circle.

Meanwhile, Underwood's new position has also brought new enemies. The President's Chief of Staff, Linda, is immediately threatening to Underwood, and she doesn't hesitate to make the VP aware of this. Linda is aware of the power and influence Underwood has garnered, and so she is determined to keep him in check. However, this proves to be futile, as Underwood challenges Linda at every turn and refuses to be controlled.

The tension between Underwood and Linda reaches a boiling point at a meeting, where Linda attempts to belittle Frank in front of a room full of people. This backfires and only serves to make Frank even more determined to prove that he is a force to be reckoned with. He challenges Linda on her decisions, taking on a strong vocal stance in the meeting, and ultimately leaving Linda flustered and defeated.

On the personal front, Frank's relationship with Zoe Barnes, a young political journalist he has been entangled with, takes a dark turn. Their relationship has always been complicated, with Frank manipulating her for his own benefit. However, in Chapter 13, Zoe starts to see the true extent of Frank's manipulative nature. At one point, Frank even threatens Zoe to keep her from investigating his past.

At a point in the episode, Frank's schemes in his rise to power come to light, and he realizes that he needs to use all of his cunning to manipulate the situation once again. He turns to Doug Stamper, his loyal chief of staff, for help in covering up his past misdeeds, and they hatch a plan to destroy a potential whistleblower.

Overall, Chapter 13 is a complex and intense episode. It showcases the true ambition and cunning of Frank Underwood, and the power-play that is the world of politics. The episode takes a deep dive into the psyche of its various characters, revealing their motivations and weaknesses. It is a must-watch for those who love political dramas and shows that delve deep into the human psyche in complex situations.