The Best Episodes of House of Cards Season 1

Episode Rankings

1. #1 Fan Favorite
   

   8.0/10(118 votes)

   #1 - Chapter 1

   S1:E12/1/2013

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

   Director:David Fincher

   Writer:Beau Willimon

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   Director:David Fincher

   Writer:Beau Willimon
2. 

   8.1/10(77 votes)

   #2 - Chapter 2

   S1:E22/1/2013

   Frank uses a young reporter, Zoe Barnes, to spin a story that puts the White House on its heels. Claire makes a cold-blooded move at work.

   Director:David Fincher

   Writer:Beau Willimon

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   Director:David Fincher

   Writer:Beau Willimon
3. 

   7.7/10(70 votes)

   #3 - Chapter 3

   S1:E32/1/2013

   Frank must leave union negotiations to deal with a crisis in his home district. Zoe negotiates the politics of being a journalist on the rise.

   Director:James Foley

   Writers:Keith Huff, Beau Willimon

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   Director:James Foley

   Writers:Keith Huff, Beau Willimon
4. 

   7.5/10(64 votes)

   #4 - Chapter 4

   S1:E42/1/2013

   Frank shakes down the Congressional leadership. Peter Russo must choose between politics and family.

   Director:James Foley

   Writers:Rick Cleveland, Beau Willimon

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   Director:James Foley

   Writers:Rick Cleveland, Beau Willimon
5. 

   7.6/10(62 votes)

   #5 - Chapter 5

   S1:E52/1/2013

   Frank's fight over the Education Bill threatens Claire's own ambitions. Zoe mixes work and play.

   Director:Joel Schumacher

   Writer:Sarah Treem

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   Director:Joel Schumacher

   Writer:Sarah Treem
6. 

   7.7/10(59 votes)

   #6 - Chapter 6

   S1:E62/1/2013

   Frank strikes back at the striking teachers. Claire is caught off guard by a deathbed confession.

   Director:Joel Schumacher

   Writer:Sam Forman

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   Director:Joel Schumacher

   Writer:Sam Forman
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7. 

   7.4/10(61 votes)

   #7 - Chapter 7

   S1:E72/1/2013

   Frank wins a major battle, but doesn't pause to rest on his laurels. Peter must face his past. Stamper hushes a secret.

   Director:Charles McDougall

   Writers:Kate Barnow, Beau Willimon

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   Director:Charles McDougall

   Writers:Kate Barnow, Beau Willimon
8. 

   6.7/10(62 votes)

   #8 - Chapter 8

   S1:E82/1/2013

   Frank is honored at his alma mater, while Peter returns to Philly. Both men tackle unfinished business.

   Director:Charles McDougall

   Writer:Beau Willimon

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   Director:Charles McDougall

   Writer:Beau Willimon
9. 

   7.7/10(58 votes)

   #9 - Chapter 9

   S1:E92/1/2013

   Russo hits the road with V.P. Matthews. Frank and Stamper try to whip up support in Congress. Claire looks out for herself.

   Director:James Foley

   Writers:Rick Cleveland, Beau Willimon

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   Director:James Foley

   Writers:Rick Cleveland, Beau Willimon
10. 

    7.9/10(58 votes)

    #10 - Chapter 10

    S1:E102/1/2013

    Rebellion on all fronts. Claire defies Frank, Zoe finds comfort in someone new, and Peter makes an ultimatum.

    Director:Carl Franklin

    Writer:Sarah Treem

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    Director:Carl Franklin

    Writer:Sarah Treem
11. 

    7.8/10(61 votes)

    #11 - Chapter 11

    S1:E112/1/2013

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

    Director:Carl Franklin

    Writers:Keith Huff, Kate Barnow, Beau Willimon

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    Director:Carl Franklin

    Writers:Keith Huff, Kate Barnow, Beau Willimon
12. 

    7.6/10(61 votes)

    #12 - Chapter 12

    S1:E122/1/2013

    Frank must make an unforeseen detour. Zoe, Lucas and Janine get closer to the truth.

    Director:Allen Coulter

    Writers:Beau Willimon, Gina Gionfriddo

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    Director:Allen Coulter

    Writers:Beau Willimon, Gina Gionfriddo
13. 

    7.5/10(65 votes)

    #13 - Chapter 13

    S1:E132/1/2013

    Frank scrambles to keep his plan on track. Claire is haunted by choices old and new. Zoe poses a serious threat.

    Director:Allen Coulter

    Writer:Beau Willimon

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    Director:Allen Coulter

    Writer:Beau Willimon