Ep 1. Chapter 53

Frank Underwood is back and in the driver's seat as the President of the United States. The first episode of Season 5 picks up where we left off, with Frank and Claire standing at the gravesite of their father. They discuss their upcoming battle as they mourn the loss of the man who helped mold them into the ruthless, cunning politicians they have become.

The episode then proceeds to focus on the upcoming election, with Frank's approval rating in the tank due to his recent controversial actions. Frank knows he needs to win this election to solidify his legacy, and is willing to do whatever it takes to get re-elected.

One of Frank's biggest challenges is his opponent, Will Conway, a young, charismatic and tech-savvy Governor. Conway is everything that Frank is not; young, handsome, likable, and has a sincere interest in doing what's best for the country. In other words, he's the type of candidate that Americans love to vote for.

As the episode progresses, we see the lengths that Frank and his team are willing to go to sabotage Conway's campaign. They hire a team of hackers to monitor Conway's every move and plant false stories in the press. Frank is also seen on the campaign trail, doing his best to win over voters with his relentless charm and charisma.

Meanwhile, Claire is working on her own political ambitions. She's been appointed as the United States Ambassador to the United Nations, and is navigating the cutthroat world of international diplomacy. In a series of tense scenes, we see Claire working her best to negotiate a peace treaty with Russia, while also juggling her own political ambitions.

Throughout the episode, we are also introduced to a new character, Leann Harvey. Leann is a savvy, no-nonsense political strategist who is brought on by Frank to take over his failing campaign. She quickly becomes a key player in Frank's plans to win the election, and works tirelessly to help him turn the tide in his favor.

As the episode draws to a close, we see Frank and Claire meeting in the Oval Office, where they discuss their plan to win the election and cement their legacies in the White House. They know that the road ahead will be difficult, but they are both willing to do whatever it takes to win.

Overall, Chapter 53 is a tense and riveting start to the fifth season of House of Cards. The episode sets the stage for a battle between Frank and Conway, while also exploring the depths of Frank's ruthless ambition. With new characters and high-stakes political maneuvering, it's clear that this season will be a must-watch for fans of the show.