Dealing Cards

Over the years I lost count the number of times Netflix almost lost my business with fee changes, delivery issues and the like.

But the video service recently redeemed itself with the twisted characters and addictive story line on the original series "House of Cards," which blends some long-time favorite performers (Kevin Spacey, Robin Wright) and interesting newcomers (Kate Mara, Kristen Connolly) with excellent and biting scripts. Just when you think it's going down a familiar political thriller path, BAM!

Welcome to the D.C. political/journalism sleaze Olympics! (the U.K. version is now in queue, too).

"House of Cards" deals out the "R" rated (and upgraded) answer to "The West Wing" with a dose of "All The President's Men." When will they please shoot a scene at the Newseum?

The series features great writing, and they've got their work cut out for them to develop season two's follow up to the current (and outstanding) season one cliff hanger.

Since I don't want to spoil the fun for those still catching up on "House of Cards," let's just say one of the most memorable (and shocking for TV) scenes takes place mid-season with a Happy Father's Day sequence that inspired my contribution to the "House of Cards" shared images (see above). I'm curious where this illustration card will go -- a Nick original.

Kevin Spacey/House of Cards image via Netflix at this link; other image is a collage I created from House of Cards promotional images.