House of Cards Season 2 Episode 2: The Investigation into Zoe's Death and Jackie Betrays Ted
James Foley
Director
David Fincher
Director
Kevin Spacey
Francis Underwood
Robin Wright
Claire Underwood
Michael Joseph Kelly
Doug Stamper
Kate Mara
Zoe Barnes
Kristen Connolly
Christina
Plot Summary:Frank finally achieves his dream of becoming Vice President, and begins extensive renovations at home, installing enhanced security measures and surveillance cameras. Frank takes the oath of office at home, but also remarks: 'No one ever voted for me, yet I’m now President—democracy is not so impressive after all.' Lucas suspects something suspicious about Zoe’s death and continues investigating. He urges the police to reopen the case, but officers show him video footage and testimonies, stating the case has been closed. A meeting on government cyberattacks between the President, Raymond, and Frank ends in disagreement. At the award ceremony, First Lady Claire spots her Harvard classmate General McKinney, finally breaking down emotionally; Frank notices and explodes in rage upon learning that this man was responsible for an incident in Claire’s freshman year—making him unworthy of the honor. After the ceremony, Frank feels deeply disturbed and walks alone to calm down. Claire lies awake too, as the two reflect on their past, both burdened by heavy emotions. Lucas persists in investigating Zoe’s death, with mounting evidence pointing toward Frank. He consults former editor Tom, who urges him to stop—but Lucas refuses, determined to uncover the truth. He seeks new angles to break through the deadlock. Raymond constantly addresses the President by name, clearly testing his limits, acting increasingly brazen. Frank seizes the opportunity to push the President toward following his own instincts—though the President’s inner balance has already begun to tilt. The U.S. cannot tolerate China’s double standards regarding cyberattacks on American systems—a mere political tactic. On China-related issues, Frank and others are torn, each seeking to exploit the situation to achieve personal goals. Jackie uses Ted’s wife’s scandal to betray Ted—she only wants to become whip, using Ted as a stepping stone.