House of Cards: Episode X
EXT. NIGHT - CAPITOL HILL - WASHINGTON D.C.
The U.S. Capitol building gleams against the dark, cloudy night sky.
INT. FRANK UNDERWOOD'S OFFICE - NIGHT
FRANK UNDERWOOD (FU) sits behind his desk, concentrating on a game of chess, occasionally plotting his next move. Doug Stamper stands by the doorway.
FU: Have you spoken to Terry yet?
DOUG: Yes, sir. He is arranging a meeting.
FU moves his rook on the chess board.
FU: Good. Timing is everything, Doug. And Terry will help us achieve that.
DOUG: As always, sir, every piece is falling into place.
Frank looks directly into the camera.
FU: Every pawn in this game moves to serve a purpose... but not all pawns are expendable.
INT. BASEMENT UNDER THE CAPITOL - NIGHT
A SECRET MEETING involving politicians, both familiar and new, is unfolding. It's tense, hushed, and purposeful.
REBEKAH BEGGIO (RB), a leader of the opposing party, speaks with a voice trembling with determination.
RB: You all understand the risk we're taking, but it's been a long time coming. Our voices have fallen on deaf ears for far too long.
The room erupts in quiet murmurs of agreement.
INT. CLAIRE UNDERWOOD'S OFFICE - NIGHT
CLAIRE UNDERWOOD (CU) speaks over the phone, in a calm and composed voice, as Jane Davis paces in the background.
CU: Yes, Governor. I understand there are concerns, but we need your support on this. The vote is crucial.
Claire listens intently, a hint of a smirk forming on her lips.
CU: I assure you, this policy shift will benefit everyone involved. Just as we agreed upon, transparency prevails.
Claire hangs up and walks to her window, staring at the Capitol. Jane approaches her.
JANE: You know how these things work, Claire. I wouldn't trust your position in this just yet.
CU: I won't. But trust isn't a game that limits itself to one player.
JANE: They'll come at you with everything.
CU (smiles): Good. They'll learn how a real opponent plays the game.
EXT. CAPITOL HILL - DAY
Frank, Claire, and Doug stand on the Capitol steps.
FU: Claire, you know you've got my support.
CU: Thank you, Frank. We'll celebrate when it's over.
Frank gazes upon the crowd.
FU: As soon as those vote counts are in, we'll have more than cause for celebration. Rebellion is on the horizon.
TO BE CONTINUED...
House of Cards - Shifting Sands
INT. OVAL OFFICE - DAY
PRESIDENT CLAIRE UNDERWOOD sits behind the Resolute Desk, staring stoically into the distance.
CLAIRE (V.O.)
Ambition. It's the fuel that drives us all. But when the sands shift beneath our feet, we must adapt or be buried alive.
CLAIRE UNDERWOOD
(whispers)
The game is changing.
INT. DOUG STAMPER'S APARTMENT - DAY
DOUG STAMPER, loyal to the Underwoods to a fault, paces in his apartment, unease radiating from his expression.
DOUG
(to himself)
When the winds change, you can't keep planting the same seeds.
INT. CAPITOL HILL - DAY
New Speaker of the House, RYAN ALDERMAN, is in deep discussion with SENATOR JOAN ROBINSON. The atmosphere is thick with tension and anxiety.
RYAN ALDERMAN
Claire will never see this coming.
SENATOR JOAN ROBINSON
Just remember, when you're on her radar, there's no room for error.
INT. UNDERWOOD RESIDENCE - NIGHT
Claire, intense and determined as ever, speaks with her new Chief of Staff, MARK ALLEN, about their primary goal.
CLAIRE UNDERWOOD
We need to crush this uprising before it gains any momentum.
MARK ALLEN
Yes, Mrs. President.
INT. RESTAURANT - NIGHT
Doug meets with FOREIGN DIPLOMAT, IVAN LAROV, in a dimly-lit restaurant.
IVAN LAROV
Doug, our mutual interests are at risk. We must act now, while the opportunity presents itself.
DOUG
And what do you have in mind?
Ivan produces a USB drive, handing it to Doug. Doug studies his face before taking it.
IVAN LAROV
An insurance policy. Trust me, it's useful when things become...how do you say...unstable.
INT. OVAL OFFICE - NIGHT
Claire stands at the window, looking out on the darkened Washington landscape, contemplative and shadowed.
CLAIRE (V.O.)
The sands have shifted, and the pieces are moving. As we adapt, so do our enemies. Every move must be calculated, every player scrutinized. I am no stranger to leaving the past behind...
She grips the windowsill, knuckles turning white.
CLAIRE (V.O.)
...but the ghosts are not so easily banished.
TO BE CONTINUED
House of Cards - Unseen Tensions
INT. WHITE HOUSE - RESIDENCE - NIGHT
Frank Underwood stands by a window, looking out at Washington D.C. as he narrates to the camera.
FRANK UNDERWOOD: (to the camera) Every once in a while, I find it useful to stop and assess my surroundings, much like a skilled hunter does before he takes aim.
Claire enters the room, dressed in a stylish robe.
CLAIRE: What are you thinking about?
FRANK UNDERWOOD: (turns from the camera) The pawns on our chessboard are starting to make their own moves.
CLAIRE: And what does that mean for us?
FRANK UNDERWOOD: It means we need to be even more vigilant.
INT. WHITE HOUSE - OVAL OFFICE - DAY
Frank sits behind the Resolute Desk, while DOUG STAMPER, his Chief of Staff, briefs him.
DOUG: The Senate committee will be investigating the allegations of corruption, and you can expect to be called in as a witness.
FRANK UNDERWOOD: And who else is on their list?
DOUG: They want to subpoena Remy Danton and Jackie Sharp.
FRANK UNDERWOOD: We have to make sure our stories align. Arrange a meeting.
INT. WHITE HOUSE - LADY'S OFFICE - DAY
Claire is meeting with her assistant LISA, preparing for a charity event.
LISA: There's been a last-minute change of plans. Cathy Durant has decided not to attend.
CLAIRE: Do we know why?
LISA: She's being quite secretive about it.
CLAIRE: (smirks) Secrets have a way of revealing themselves, eventually.
INT. FANCY RESTAURANT - NIGHT
Remy, Jackie, Frank, and Doug sit in a private dining room.
FRANK UNDERWOOD: Our stories must be consistent. We had nothing to do with Raymond Tusk's dealings.
JACKIE SHARP: His downfall was his own making.
REMY DANTON: Agreed. I've already started preparing my testimony.
INT. WHITE HOUSE - RESIDENCE - NIGHT
Frank pours a bourbon and hands it to Claire. They sit in silence for a moment.
FRANK UNDERWOOD: Cathy Durant is acting... odd. Keep an eye on her.
CLAIRE: I know the perfect way to bring her into our fold.
INT. CAPITOL - SENATE COMMITTEE HEARING - DAY
The committee questions Frank, who remains calm and collected.
SENATOR: You expect us to believe that President Underwood had no knowledge of the illegal lobbying efforts?
FRANK UNDERWOOD: That is correct, Senator. Allegations to the contrary are baseless.
INT. WHITE HOUSE - RESIDENCE - NIGHT
Frank sits at the piano, playing a soft tune. Claire enters and stands beside him.
CLAIRE: Cathy Durant is starting to unravel. She's planning to make a move against you.
FRANK UNDERWOOD: Then we must set the stage for her own public downfall ...
TO BE CONTINUED
House of Cards: The Chess Move
INT. WHITE HOUSE - OVAL OFFICE - DAY
President FRANCIS UNDERWOOD sits behind his desk, strategizing over a sophisticated chess set. CLAIRE UNDERWOOD walks in.
CLAIRE
Any progress?
FRANCIS
We've made three moves already, and they don't suspect a thing.
CLAIRE
Impressive. I trust you've put all the pieces in place?
FRANCIS
You can say that. Nothing like a few well-placed pawns to form the backbone of our strategy.
INT. UNDERWOOD RESIDENCE - LIVING ROOM - LATER
Francis and Claire watch a live televised debate. They listen intently as their political rival, Senator MAYBERRY, speaks.
MAYBERRY (ON TV)
... and if elected, I will bring an end to the corruption that has plagued this administration.
CLAIRE
He's gaining ground.
FRANCIS
Not for long. Soon, he'll realize just how outmatched he is.
CUT TO:
INT. SENATOR MAYBERRY'S HEADQUARTERS - NIGHT
Mayberry's campaign manager, ANNE, brings him a fresh cup of coffee.
ANNE
Sir, we're receiving reports of a scandal involving the Underwoods.
Mayberry looks intrigued.
MAYBERRY
Find out everything you can. This could be exactly what we need.
INT. UNDERWOOD RESIDENCE - NIGHT
Francis and Claire share a private conversation in the dimly lit study.
CLAIRE
I assume you have a control on this situation?
FRANCIS
Let's just say our hands are clean.
CLAIRE
As long as it stays that way.
INT. WHITE HOUSE - OVAL OFFICE - DAY
A political advisor, DOUG STAMPER, stands alongside Francis, who studies the chess set again.
DOUG
Sir, we have word Mayberry is looking into the scandal.
Francis doesn't look up from the chessboard.
FRANCIS
Let them look. They'll only find what we want them to see.
CUT TO:
INT. SENATOR MAYBERRY'S HEADQUARTERS - DAY
Anne bursts into Mayberry's office, clearly panicked.
ANNE
The scandal... it somehow connects to us, sir!
Mayberry slams his fist on his desk, visibly frustrated.
MAYBERRY
We've been played!
INT. UNDERWOOD RESIDENCE - NIGHT
Francis and Claire share a toast to their successful strategy.
FRANCIS
(to the camera) Success is not about knowing your opponent's next move. It's about making them play the move you want them to make.
The doorbell RINGS, and the couple exchanges glances.
CLAIRE
That must be our next chess piece.
They walk to the door, and as they open it...
TO BE CONTINUED
House of Cards: Power Shift
INT. WHITE HOUSE - OVAL OFFICE - NIGHT
President FRANK UNDERWOOD is sitting behind his desk, scrolling through some documents on a tablet. DOUG STAMPER, his chief of staff, stands by the window, watching the rain.
FRANK: (without looking up) The numbers on this report, Doug? They're not good.
DOUG: The Texas oil bill, sir?
FRANK: Our friends in Congress are leaning towards the opposition. We need to flip some votes, Doug, and we need to do it fast.
Doug ponders for a moment.
DOUG: We could use the education reform plan as leverage, remind them of the support we gave them on that front.
FRANK: (smirking) A tit for tat, Doug. I like it.
INT. WHITE HOUSE - CORRIDOR - NIGHT
CLAIRE UNDERWOOD is walking down the hallway with her secretary, CATHERINE DURANT. They both have files in their hands.
CLAIRE: (speaking softly) We need to ensure that the climate change bill gets through the Senate. It's crucial for our legacy, and for the environment.
CATHERINE: It won't be easy, Claire. Senator Kurtz has been rallying his troops against it.
CLAIRE: Then we have to find a way to get Senator Kurtz on our side.
Catherine nods in agreement, and they continue walking.
INT. FIVE STAR HOTEL - LOBBY - NIGHT
ZOË BARNES, a political reporter, walks into the bar and sits at a table towards the back. She takes out her phone and checks her messages. She receives a new text message.
TEXT: "This could make or break the Texas oil bill. Meet me in twenty minutes. Parking Lot C."
Zoë glances around the room before putting her phone away and leaving.
EXT. FIVE STAR HOTEL - PARKING LOT C - NIGHT
Zoë stands in the dimly lit parking lot next to a black car. A man approaches her, his face concealed by a hood and the shadows.
MYSTERIOUS MAN: I have information on President Underwood's plan to manipulate the vote on the Texas oil bill.
ZOË: (suspicious) And what's your price for this information?
MYSTERIOUS MAN: You'll find out soon enough.
The man hands Zoë an envelope and walks away, disappearing into the darkness.
INT. WHITE HOUSE - OVAL OFFICE - NIGHT
FRANK stands by the window, looking out at the rain. DOUG approaches him.
DOUG: It's done, sir. A few key members of Congress have been reminded of their debts to us, and should now vote in our favor.
FRANK: (smiling) Make sure this stays under wraps.
DOUG: (nodding) Of course, Mr. President.
Frank turns to the camera and addresses the viewer.
FRANK: Voters may choose their politicians, but the real players make the choices that matter. We alone wield the power to shape history. When you've been in this game as long as I have, you learn to adapt, to improvise, to survive. And the real fun... (smirking) ... is just beginning.
TO BE CONTINUED.
House of Cards - Season 6, Episode 9
INT. WHITE HOUSE - OVAL OFFICE - DAY
CLARE sits at the RESOLUTE DESK, looking composed and unbothered. She smiles, as if receiving great news from her advisor, MARK.
MARK
The bill passed, Madam President. We did it.
CLARE
(looking satisfied)
And they thought I couldn't do it...
MARK
Your approval ratings are skyrocketing. This will change the game.
EXT. WASHINGTON D.C. - SUNSET
City view from Washington Monument, to Lincoln Memorial. Cuts to Capitol Building.
INT. CAPITOL BUILDING - HALLWAY - NIGHT
DOUG STAMPER, now working for the Vice President, strides down the hallway, a determined expression on his face. He makes his way into the office of a SENATOR.
DOUG
We need to talk, Senator.
SENATOR
Stand down, Stamper. We did everything we could. The bill passed.
DOUG
(whispers)
We need to find the weak point. Figure out what went wrong.
SENATOR
(angry)
You're delusional, Doug. Give it up.
DOUG
(persistent)
The war is not over. Just tell me who voted for the bill.
The senator SIGHS and pulls out a SLIP OF PAPER from his pocket, handing it to Doug.
EXT. CAPITOL BUILDING - NIGHT
A GUEST arrives for a cigarette break, just a few feet away from DOUG and the SENATOR's conversation.
INT. CAPITOL BUILDING - HALLWAY - NIGHT
The guest catches a glimpse of the SLIP OF PAPER being handled and the stern faces of DOUG and the SENATOR. Curious, he LOOKS away and LIGHTS his cigaratte, before going inside.
INT. CAPITOL BUILDING - SENATOR's OFFICE - NIGHT
DOUG
(storing the paper safely)
Thank you, Senator. This will help.
SENATOR
The president will hear about this. Can't control it anymore.
DOUG
(calm and cold)
This stays between us unless you want to lose more than just the bill.
INT. WHITE HOUSE - CLARE's PRIVATE QUARTERS - NIGHT
CLARE is in bed, scrolling through her iPAD, when the guest from earlier CALLS her. ALERT, she picks up.
CLARE
Hello?
GUEST
(inaudible from viewer)
CLARE
(whispering)
You're sure?
GUEST
(inaudible from viewer)
CLARE
Interesting. Keep me updated.
She hangs up and smiles, evilly.
EXT. WHITE HOUSE - EARLY MORNING
A soft glow from the morning sun casts a warm tone on the WHITE HOUSE façade.
INT. WHITE HOUSE - OVAL OFFICE - DAY
Clare and MARK talk about DOUG and his newfound loyalty to the Vice President.
MARK
You're worried he might turn against us.
CLARE
He knows too much. We can't control him forever. Doug's... unpredictable.
MARK
So what do you suggest we do, Madam President?
CLARE
(smiling)
We need to play the game, Mark. And we need to win.
TO BE CONTINUED.
