The Best Episodes of House of Cards Season 1

Episode Rankings

1. #1 Fan Favorite
   

   8.5/10(9208 votes)

   #1 - Chapter 1

   S1:E12/1/2013

   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

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   Director:David Fincher

   Writer:Beau Willimon
2. 

   8.5/10(7391 votes)

   #2 - Chapter 2

   S1:E22/1/2013

   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

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   Director:David Fincher

   Writer:Beau Willimon
3. 

   8.2/10(6595 votes)

   #3 - Chapter 3

   S1:E32/1/2013

   Francis heads for his hometown to deal with a crisis. Zoe negotiates the politics of being a journalist on the rise. Claire finds herself a new business partner.

   Director:James Foley

   Writers:Keith Huff, Beau Willimon

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   Director:James Foley

   Writers:Keith Huff, Beau Willimon
4. 

   8.1/10(6196 votes)

   #4 - Chapter 4

   S1:E42/1/2013

   Francis shakes down the Congressional leadership. Zoe is offered the promotion of White House Correspondent and doesn't know if she should take it or not.

   Director:James Foley

   Writers:Rick Cleveland, Beau Willimon

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   Director:James Foley

   Writers:Rick Cleveland, Beau Willimon
5. 

   8.4/10(6036 votes)

   #5 - Chapter 5

   S1:E52/1/2013

   A feud starts between Francis and Marty Spinella. Russo goes into depression about the job losses at the shipyards.

   Director:Joel Schumacher

   Writer:Sarah Treem

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   Director:Joel Schumacher

   Writer:Sarah Treem
6. 

   8.5/10(6013 votes)

   #6 - Chapter 6

   S1:E62/1/2013

   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

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   Director:Joel Schumacher

   Writer:Sam Forman
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7. 

   8.0/10(5666 votes)

   #7 - Chapter 7

   S1:E72/1/2013

   Frank helps Peter get ready for his governor race, but Peter is starting to have second thoughts. Doug tries to help a young hooker in trouble.

   Director:Charles McDougall

   Writers:Kate Barnow, Beau Willimon

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   Director:Charles McDougall

   Writers:Kate Barnow, Beau Willimon
8. 

   7.6/10(5885 votes)

   #8 - Chapter 8

   S1:E82/1/2013

   Frank has a library named after him at his old military school. Peter tries to win back the support of his hometown.

   Director:Charles McDougall

   Writer:Beau Willimon

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   Director:Charles McDougall

   Writer:Beau Willimon
9. 

   8.4/10(5572 votes)

   #9 - Chapter 9

   S1:E92/1/2013

   Frank tries to do whatever it takes to get the new bill passed in Congress. Russo goes on a bus campaign with the Vice President, but the VP is not making it an easy trip for him. Zoe's relationship with Frank gets a little bumpy.

   Director:James Foley

   Writers:Rick Cleveland, Beau Willimon

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   Director:James Foley

   Writers:Rick Cleveland, Beau Willimon
10. 

    8.6/10(5649 votes)

    #10 - Chapter 10

    S1:E102/1/2013

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

    Director:Carl Franklin

    Writer:Sarah Treem

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    Director:Carl Franklin

    Writer:Sarah Treem
11. 

    9.0/10(6236 votes)

    #11 - Chapter 11

    S1:E112/1/2013

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

    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. 

    8.5/10(5419 votes)

    #12 - Chapter 12

    S1:E122/1/2013

    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

    Writers:Gina Gionfriddo, Beau Willimon

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    Director:Allen Coulter

    Writers:Gina Gionfriddo, Beau Willimon
13. 

    8.8/10(5875 votes)

    #13 - Chapter 13

    S1:E132/1/2013

    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

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    Director:Allen Coulter

    Writer:Beau Willimon