House of Cards

Think Progress: "Netflix's House of Cards Thinks It's Tough, But It Goes Easy On Washington"

This critique is by Alyssa Rosenberg and focuses on how House of Cards goes easy on Washington, which I think is a unique and contrasting opinion to many of the other reviews I read. This article uses plot summaries and analysis’ to support the claim that Frank and Claire Underwood are a power couple calling the shots in Washington, as well as Zoe being a pawn in the scandal of Washington journalism. I find this article interesting because it goes into an in-depth analysis of how House of Cards isn’t reaching its goal of repulsion, but rather simply documenting the way Washington actually works. The critic uses a lot of commas and long sentences throughout the entirety of the article, constantly interrupts her own thoughts to give comparisons, uses an array of sophisticated vocabulary and weaves in quotes to underscore her assertions.

A.V. Club: "House of Cards: Still Deeply Empty, Still Occasionally Genius"  

This critique is by Todd VanDerWerff. This article has a more conversational tone and the critic’s personality and own opinions is present throughout the article, especially within parenthesis to further assert a claim. The first paragraph is captivating, as it compares the show to the average American citizen. The critic also uses metaphors, constantly makes snarky comments, and is overall a negative review (the critic mostly talks about the flaws of the show, but says that the show serves its purpose – “keep the viewers plowing through the episodes”).

Vulture: "Weekend Watching: Matt Zoller Seitz On The Entire Season Of House of Cards"

This critique is by Matt Zoller Seitz and not only uses a persuasive, but informal tone throughout the entirety of the article, but throws in some sophisticated words. The first paragraph the critic goes back and forth between praising the show and then knocking it down – not able to make up his mind if he likes it or not. The article is also personalized, as the critic uses “I” went stating an opinion. Additionally, the critic uses comparisons (appearing mostly within parenthesis), metaphors, rhetorical questions (and then answers them), and strays away from any in-depth plot summary. The article mostly is an assertion of the critics own opinions towards the show, often using “maybe” because he can’t make up his mind.

Word Count: 391