8.2/10519 votes#1 - Part 1
Season 1 Episode 1 - Aired 11/18/1990
Francis Urquhart is the perfect politician. Impeccably diplomatic, charming, admired, trusted and respected by all. He has faithfully served his party without question, but events are about to spark his ambition. When the long-standing Prime Minister dies, the hunt is on to find a replacement. Urquhart is a hard-line Conservative and believes in strong leadership. In his eyes, none of the choices measures up. Naturally, he keeps his opinions to himself, but as Party Whip, his support is valuable, and he is courted by all the candidates. He must tread warily, as supporting the loser could cost him his position. Supporting the winner, however, could land him a Cabinet position.
Director: Paul Seed
Writer: Andrew Davies
8.3/10456 votes#2 - Part 2
Season 1 Episode 2 - Aired 11/25/1990
The new Prime Minister, Collingridge, tells Urquhart that he is far too valuable in his current post to be offered a ministerial position. Urquhart is furious but hides his contempt of the man under his usual urbane smile. Collingridge, he believes, will not last long and perhaps something can be arranged to hasten his departure. Meanwhile, it might be a good idea to surreptitiously undermine the leader and start maneuvering in his own favor. And, as luck would have it, an inexperienced young journalist, Mattie Storin, is innocently hanging on his every word. He pretends to be helping her learn about Westminster politics, instead he uses her to leak damaging stories about his rivals. As the Party gathers for its annual conference, the scandals begin to break.
Director: Paul Seed
Writer: Andrew Davies
8.2/10419 votes#3 - Part 3
Season 1 Episode 3 - Aired 12/2/1990
Collingridge is in deep political trouble and he has no alternative but to step down as Prime Minister. Ironically, he still has great faith in Urquhart, whom he feels is the only man he can trust. However, as the scandals and leaked stories have gained momentum, political journalist Mattie Storin begins to suspect that Collingridge has been framed. But who is the culprit? By now, she is too emotionally involved with Urquhart (her loving “Daddy”) to realize how she has been used.
Director: Paul Seed
Writer: Andrew Davies
8.8/10434 votes#4 - Part 4
Season 1 Episode 4 - Aired 12/9/1990
Urquhart’s ruthless scheming has worked. As the leadership election looms, all his leading rivals have been discredited. But even though the obstacles in his way have been erased, there is still no guarantee of his winning. Meanwhile, by the process of reason and elimination, the truth is beginning to dawn on Mattie, though she can hardly bring herself to believe that “Daddy” is not what he seems. As for Urquhart, he has too much to lose now to let sentiment stand in his way. He will go to any lengths to prevent her, or anyone else, from finding out just what he has done to gain power.
Director: Paul Seed
Writer: Andrew Davies
The Best Episodes of House of Cards Season 1
Every episode of House of Cards Season 1 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of House of Cards Season 1!
Frustrated at a new moderate Conservative government and deprived of a promotion to a senior position, chief whip Francis Urquhart prepares a meticulous plot to...
Genres:War & PoliticsComedyDrama
Network:BBC One
Season 1 Ratings Summary
"Part 1" is the best rated episode of "House of Cards" season 1. It scored 8.2/10 based on 519 votes. Directed by Paul Seed and written by Andrew Davies, it aired on 11/18/1990. This episode is rated 0.1 points higher than the second-best, "Part 2".