A new set of images give the first look at House of Cards Season 5. The show’s ruthless political power couple Frank (Kevin Spacey) and Claire Underwood (Robin Wright) have been able to accomplish an incredible amount in only a few years of in-universe time. Frank, of course, began the series as House Majority Whip, but was soon compelled to launch a scheme of epic proportions after then-President Walker passed him over for the job of Secretary of State. Through various manipulations, Frank has since ascended first to VP, then President, despite never being elected to either job.
As time went on though, Frank and Claire’s marriage spent more and more time on the rocks, with last year’s Season 4 seeing the two bickering spouses actively plot against each other for the first time. Thankfully, the two eventually mended fences, with Claire now standing beside Frank not just as his dutiful wife, but as his Vice Presidential running mate. Season 4 ended in the midst of a tough general election campaign for Frank and Claire, and the soon to debut Season 5 looks to plunge fans right back into the heat of that electoral fight.
With about a month and a half to go until House of Cards makes its return, Netflix has released a new set of preview images for the episodes to come. Check them out in the gallery below.
[vn_gallery name=”House of Cards Season 5 First Look Images” ]
In addition to the always devious duo of Frank and Claire, the image set also includes two other pairs of characters. The first being Frank’s chief of staff Doug Stamper (Michael Kelly) and Claire’s hired gun political consultant LeAnn Harvey (Neve Campbell), who’ve had major differences so far, but one assumes will be forced to get along as the Underwoods’ battle for the White House ramps up. The second duo is opposing candidate Governor Will Conway (Joel Kinnaman) and his wife Hannah (Dominique McElligott).
Creatively, Season 5 will be a year of change for House of Cards, with creator and showrunner Beau Willimon having departed the series following Season 4. Taking over the reigns will be new showrunning duo Melissa James Gibson and Frank Pugliese, who came aboard the series as writers starting with Season 3. The show has been a big success for Netflix since it debuted in 2013, although now some fans are questioning whether Willimon’s departure indicates it’s time to finish the run. The success of Season 5 will be a major test.
House of Cards season 5 arrives on Netflix on May 30.