Did you know? Frank Underwood is coming to India with the television premiere of House Of Cards Season 5 on Saturday, 3rd June, 5 PM onwards, only on Zee Café!

As a TV buff, I have been tuned into House of Cards since its first season. The political drama is now entering Season 5 and the first episode “Homecoming of Terror” will keep fans of the series on edge. I am super excited about this HOC S5 premiere marathon on Zee Café .

For the uninitiated, House of Cards stars Kevin Spacey in a lead role, playing a politician who has eyes on the top job in the country. He manipulates people and events like pieces on a chess board and manages to become President of the United States. He is aided in these efforts by his wife Claire, played by Robin Wright. Claire and Frank Underwood diabolically plot every step, and as a team, they are unbeatable. The stakes are higher with each season and Season 5 needs to top what came before.

One of my favorite parts of the series remains the titles, portraying DC in time lapse. It makes me feel one again with the essence of the area, like feeling the pulse of the traffic clogged Beltway, or the metro trains ploughing through the city. Anyone living in NOVA or the DC Metro area might feel the same. (Do you?)

Frank has always blustered his way out of difficult situations, and being on the offensive is what he does best. The first episode begins with Frank Underwood making an unconventional entry into Congress while it is in session. He is the one who’s being discussed but that changes soon enough. Once Frank begins grandstanding, the Democrats stand up for him and the Republicans almost walk out. The Speaker orders Frank to step away from the podium but Madam Speaker is ignored. Frank makes an outrageous call, asking that a war on terror be declared within the country. According to Frank Underwood, that’s the only way to combat the rise of domestic terrorism. Is that something new in the storyline, you wonder.

Two men accused of being domestic terrorists are being hunted. The media tries to get the Underwood administration to comment on the article about Frank but these attempts are ignored. Doug Stamper continues to be Frank’s loyal soldier. Frank attends a funeral where he is insulted by a little girl. Who died, how and why is not very clear. But the Underwoods are unwanted at the funeral. And they are of course trying to capitalize on it.

A bunch of people go around twisting laws, feeling compelled to do so  because they are afraid of the consequences. So yes, there are plenty of new characters who fear for their life if they cross the Underwoods.

I don’t want to reveal too much of the first episode plot, or reveal any spoilers. But I will say this. The first episode raises more questions than it answers. Frank and Claire are up to no good – that much is clear. They are determined to win the upcoming election at all costs. What will the cost be and how many people will fall prey to them this time? I guess we will have to watch the rest of the season to know that. I think the narrative might move back and forth to show us a bigger picture of what is happening.

As far as performances go, Kevin Spacey’s Frank Underwood looks a bit rough and battle weary. Robin Wright’s Claire is positively chilly. The couple seems to grow more evil with every season. Season 5 is not going to be any different, judging by the first episode.

Gather those munchies and get ready for some nail biting drama with #HOConZCafe. Go watch the House of Cards Season 5 marathon on Zee Café. It starts on Saturday June 3 at 5 PM.