I had a discussion recently about the “book was better” trope. It usually is, I believe. But, as a contrarian, I like to find exceptions to every rule, even one I believe in.
Long before Netflix ordered the American version of “House of Cards”, I believed HoC to be such an example, contradicting this particular rule. British HoC is listed among my favourite shows of all time, while I just couldn’t bring myself to love the novels, even if the first one predates its tv adaptation.
So – I decided to re-post my thoughts on the topic. I still haven’t seen the last season of the Netflix show, and I don’t think I ever will. Regardless of the crimes of Kevin Spacey, it was too long and nowhere near as god as the original version. I want to remember how good it began and not spoil my impressions by seeing its progressing deterioration. I’d rather re-watch Sir Ian Richardson’s Shakespearean prime minister.
In a time of Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Urquhart is perhaps an unattainable dream 😉
No, not that:
Although I’m very happy that I could binge-watch it now, in Poland, on the day of release, on Netflix, like a normal human being, not one episode a week on… what was it called, television?
Not even that:
Although I believe it’s a superior product. Kevin Spacey is excellent, but Ian Richardson is great. Shakespearean villain, veteran of political system even more ruthless than the one we know from the American version, Francis Urquhart would outmanoeuvre Frank Underwood before breakfast. And then Underwood would remind him that UK is a pygmy next to the world’s biggest superpower. Realpolitik is a tough business.
Actually I’d love to see a series where Urquhart/Underwood had to cooperate, sort of evil version of Roosevelt/Churchill duo. Magnificent bastards both of them…
Anyway.
Ladies and gentlemen, today I give you this:
Michel Dobbs, House of Cards (1989)
or
the book…
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Re-enchantment Of The World 
Never watched the american version, never knew there was a brit version and figured the tv show HAD to be based on a book, as no successful tv show can be written now 😉
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British version is shorter, a bit aged aesthetically, but one of my favourite shows ever 🙂 Books I only recommend to fans of the genre…
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Definitely not my genre, book or tv, so it is all yours. Enjoy 🙂
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Watch Spacey version with my mom when i was still living in SA last year, we were both intrigued, also never knew of the brit version or the book. Ignorant ass that i am…
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Just watch the British version if you ever have a chance, it’s great and relatively short 🙂
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I had the opportunity to watch the UK version some time ago and I have to agree: Urquhart is far more evil with his surface urban veneer…. 🙂
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Yes, more evil, and smarter. A survivor of a political system even more ruthless, even if the country he runs is only a shadow of its former, imperial self.
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Kevin Hart was one my favourite actors and HoC really proved his talents, as well as his many cinematic roles (Usual Suspect, Se7en, etc.) but man… the loss of his character in HoC CLEARLY showed how he MADE that show so good. I too didn’t bother with the last season… Especially how they tried to twist the narrative to make it work… No thanks.
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Just see the original, if you have have chance/time to 🙂
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I agree with you Piotrek, that HoC/UK is unbeatable. Ian Richardson’s Urquhart haunts me. His Bill Haydon in Tinker, Tailor etc also can’t be beat.
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Yes! Another great series that sadly nobody watches anymore…
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