Ep 1. Chapter 40

Chapter 40 of House of Cards season 4 opens with the aftermath of the previous season’s cliffhanger, where Claire Underwood walked out of the White House and left her husband, President Frank Underwood. This episode chronicles Frank’s struggle to lead the country through a tense presidential campaign without the support of his wife while also managing the political fallout from his scandals in the past.

Frank is determined to stay in power and portrays a facade that everything is under control, but he is clearly on edge. The episode gives insight into Frank’s state of mind, depicting his fragile mental state in a chilling sequence where he is hallucinating his father’s presence, whose memory haunts him.

Meanwhile, Republican nominee Will Conway tries to use Frank’s crises to his advantage. Conway, a younger and seemingly more likable candidate, is making inroads with his online campaign, a stark contrast to Frank’s outdated conventional political tactics.

Frank’s presidency is tested further when the Democratic National Convention decides to insert itself in the nomination process following his resignation from the nomination committee. Tensions run high between Frank and Governor General Brockhart, who is campaigning to become the Democratic nominee.

In classic House of Cards fashion, the episode explores complex political scenarios and backroom deals, illuminating the power dynamics at play in Washington. We see Frank’s team strategizing to mitigate the damage of allegations that Russian president Viktor Petrov is involved in illegal oil dealings with the United States.

As always, the cinematography is used to great effect, with dark shadows and muted lighting emphasizing the ominous undertones of the episode. The camera work is exquisite, reflecting the show's affinity for European cinema. The use of powerful visuals and tight pacing makes for compelling viewing.

The dialogue is sharp, displaying the show’s signature deft handling of political jargon and diplomatic conversations. The episode offers some riveting discourse on the politics of the time, with conversations touching upon topics such as fracking, Russia’s annexation of Crimea, and terrorism. The scriptwriting is excellent, given the number of plotlines and characters the show manages to juggle while maintaining a cohesive narrative.

Overall, Chapter 40 is a high-energy, tense, and engaging episode, a perfect start to a new season of one of the most popular political dramas out there. It sets up intriguing plotlines and character arcs for the rest of the season, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats for what's to come.