The Best Episodes of House of Cards

The Underwoods tackle two threats that could bring their plans to ruin. Francis grooms his replacement as Whip. Claire goes on the offensive.

Director: Carl Franklin

Writer: Beau Willimon

Francis faces annihilation while the nation is in an uproar. Stamper must tie up loose ends. Claire feels the cost of ruthlessness.

Director: James Foley

Writer: Beau Willimon

As the hostage situation continues, Claire secretly negotiates with Yusuf al Ahmadi. Frank confronts Hammerschmidt.

Director: Jakob Verbruggen

Writer: Beau Willimon

Claire threatens Frank. Frank makes a politically bold move that may provoke Russia. An event at a campaign stop changes everything.

Director: Robin Wright

Writer: John Mankiewicz

As Frank deals with a new threat to his candidacy, Claire has doubts about their plan. Claire faces a difficult decision concerning her mother.

Director: Robin Wright

Writer: Kenneth Lin, Melissa James Gibson

Zoe extends her time away from The Hill while Francis tracks down Russo and engages in damage control.

Director: Carl Franklin

Writer: Kate Barnow, Beau Willimon, Keith Huff

A terror scare at the Capitol traps Francis with a resentful Donald Blythe. Claire gives a live interview that rocks the media.

Director: James Foley

Writer: Laura Eason

Frank and Claire travel to Moscow to negotiate the return of an imprisoned U.S. citizen. Claire takes a stand that jeopardizes their plans.

Director: James Foley

Writer: Melissa James Gibson

Things turn ugly when Frank, Jackie, and Heather square off during their first debate. Tom joins Claire on the campaign trail.

Director: Agnieszka Holland

Writer: Melissa James Gibson

Frank attempts to stop Cathy from testifying. With Hammerschmidt sniffing out the truth, the Underwoods throw someone close to them under the bus.

Director: Robin Wright

Writer: N/A

In the midst of the Iowa caucuses, Frank and Claire must confront hard truths about each other.

Director: James Foley

Writer: Beau Willimon

Frank scrambles to keep his plan on track. Gillian is planning to sue Claire. Zoe, Janine, and Lucas investigate Rachel Posner and her relationship with Peter Russo.

Director: Allen Coulter

Writer: Beau Willimon

Things get personal when Tusk blindsides the Underwoods with a scandal. Freddy and his BBQ joint get caught up in the mix.

Director: Jodie Foster

Writer: Beau Willimon

Francis finds himself shut out and Claire makes a difficult sacrifice. Stamper tries to regain control.

Director: James Foley

Writer: Beau Willimon

Claire fuels an old flame. Peter wrestles with his demons. Francis crosses the point of no return.

Director: Carl Franklin

Writer: Sarah Treem

Heather Dunbar goes for the jugular, forcing Claire to confront her worst fears. The rift between Frank and Claire widens.

Director: Robin Wright

Writer: Beau Willimon

Claire joins Frank as he stumps in South Carolina, but he doesn't trust her. A disastrous scandal blindsides Frank's campaign on primary day.

Director: Robin Wright

Writer: Frank Pugliese

At the convention, Frank and his team publicly push for Catherine Durant to be chosen as his running mate, but privately pursue a different agenda.

Director: Robin Wright

Writer: Frank Pugliese

Frank asks Will to help deal with extremists threatening to murder hostages. Hammerschmidt digs deeper into the allegations against Frank.

Director: Jakob Verbruggen

Writer: Laura Eason, Billy Kennedy

A Special Prosecutor interrogates Francis. Remy Danton tries to keep his options open. Stamper wrestles with his demons.

Director: John David Coles

Writer: Beau Willimon, John Mankiewicz

When the newly elected President reneges on a promise, Francis and Claire decide to sever all allegiances and toss the rules out the window.

Director: David Fincher

Writer: Beau Willimon

Francis and Doug plan to frame Secretary of State nominee, Michael Kern. Meanwhile, Zoe's popularity at the Washington Herald continues to grow.

Director: David Fincher

Writer: Beau Willimon

The strike between Frank and Marty starts to get out of hand. Russo has decided to run for Governor of Pennsylvania.

Director: Joel Schumacher

Writer: Sam Forman

The President sends Frank to St. Louis to persuade Raymond Tusk into becoming the new Vice President. Zoe and Janine investigate Peter Russo's death.

Director: Allen Coulter

Writer: Beau Willimon, Gina Gionfriddo

The war with Tusk intensifies. Claire influences Tricia Walker politically and domestically. Francis has a show-down with Linda Vasquez.

Director: James Foley

Writer: David Manson