Ep 2. Chapter 2

Chapter 2 of House of Cards (2013) season 1 continues the story of Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey), the cunning and ambitious House Majority Whip. After successfully manipulating a new member of Congress to not run for a key committee position, Frank is approached by a wealthy businessman named Raymond Tusk (Gerald McRaney) who wants to discuss energy policy. Tusk offers Frank his support and resources in exchange for Frank's help in securing a lucrative mining deal with China.

Meanwhile, Frank's wife Claire (Robin Wright) continues to work on her nonprofit organization which aims to provide clean water to impoverished communities in Africa. She meets with a potential donor, Adam Galloway (Ben Daniels), who is a photographer and former lover of hers. Despite knowing that Claire is married, Adam makes suggestive comments and tries to rekindle their relationship.

In his position as Majority Whip, Frank deals with a rebellious member of Congress who is refusing to vote with the party on an important education bill. Frank pays a visit to the member's office and subtly threatens him, telling him that he could easily lose the next election if he doesn't get in line. The member eventually caves in and votes with the party.

As Frank navigates the political landscape of Washington D.C., he also has to contend with his personal life. He and his wife are in a fragile relationship and barely speak to each other. Frank is shown to have a complicated history with intimacy and sex, and the episode explores this through flashback scenes of Frank's past sexual encounters.

Throughout the episode, Frank's characterization as a ruthless and manipulative politician is further established. He seems to have no qualms about exploiting people for his own gain, and his ultimate goal is to become the most powerful person in the country. The episode ends with Frank meeting with Tusk and agreeing to help him with the mining deal, setting the stage for further political machinations in the episodes to come.

Overall, Chapter 2 of House of Cards (2013) season 1 continues to explore the intricate world of American politics and the calculated maneuvers of those in power. The episode delves into Frank's personal struggles and motivations, making him a fascinating and complex character to watch.