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House of Cards Season 6 Episode 2: Retreat

Robin Wright
Robin Wright
Claire Underwood
Michael Joseph Kelly
Michael Joseph Kelly
Doug Stamper
Plot Summary: An explosion and leak at a refinery outside Belleport kills two workers. The National Guard, FEMA, and EPA are on standby, but Governor Olmstead believes the wind direction will disperse pollutants, considering evacuation an overreaction. However, under Claire's pressure, the governor is forced to declare a state of emergency, and residents begin to evacuate. Claire's motive is not entirely for the residents' health, but to use this emergency to further delay the signing of the 'Future Act'. She arrives at the accident scene on Air Force One to reassure the public. Annette also hosts a charity event at a local school housing residents, as the refinery involved is a subsidiary of the Shepherd Group. Seth, the former White House press secretary now working for the Shepherd Foundation, persuades each beneficiary to install the foundation's app on their phones to stay informed about the disaster and compensation. This is actually part of Duncan's plan: the more people who install the app, the more they can be fed specific information at specific times. Duncan's plan extends further. He previously had Melody mention Doug's pardon to Claire, knowing Claire dislikes discussing former President Frank. Yet, at a White House press conference, as Deputy Press Secretary Cathy points the finger at the Shepherd Group, a reporter questions whether the former president intended to divorce Claire before his death. The inexperienced Cathy is momentarily flustered, but Vice President Mark steps in to deny the 'false' rumor. Claire is not one to be passive. During a tour of the contaminated area, she enters a house marked 'evacuate', draws a glass of tap water, and offers it to accompanying local government officials. Officials who had just been praising the Shepherd Group and downplaying the contamination dare not take a sip. Claire then visits the school. Annette approaches and shakes the president's hand, presenting a positive image of the group and government working together to handle the crisis. But Claire pulls her hand back and emphasizes that the EPA Criminal Investigation Division will be stationed at the Pentagon, using military forces and resources to investigate the disaster. Claire speaks eloquently in front of the cameras, completely ignoring the awkward Annette beside her. Annette's awkward moment quickly becomes a media hot topic, a classic case of Duncan's plan backfiring. Not only did he embarrass his mother, but he also strengthened Claire's resolve to fight the Shepherds. Of course, Bill will not make Claire's remaining term easy either. Nathan discovers a private security company recruiting retired CIA agents, recently active in Claire's hometown of Gaffney. Someone also broke into Claire's residence there, but the Secret Service was not notified. On the weekend, Claire is invited to attend the Vision Club's awards ceremony, where she meets Duncan for the first time. Annette, as a board member, again steps forward to greet her. Under her arrangement, Claire meets with Bill privately. Bullets don't scare Claire, and no secrets were found in the residence, so Bill pulls out his trump card. According to intelligence, Doug is meeting with prosecutors, discussing matters Claire least wants outsiders to know. Bill issues an ultimatum: if Claire signs the bill today, he can help her through this ordeal. Claire emerges expressionless and immediately calls Dr. Charles, Doug's primary psychologist at the sanatorium, only to realize something is terribly wrong. Doug has slipped out of the sanatorium, and Charles contacted the prosecutor's office to learn that Doug's charges have been dropped. Furthermore, the prosecutor's office will organize a hearing to hear testimony from Doug and relevant witnesses. After leaving the club, Claire goes directly to Doug's house, urging him to abandon his foolish loyalty to Frank and live a different life. The only problem is Representative Durant, who will testify, and then he can be completely free. But Doug is unmoved. Claire returns to the White House late at night, where Bill and Mark have been waiting in the Oval Office for a long time. This time, Claire has no way out but to pick up the pen and sign her name on the 'Future Act'.

House of Cards Season 6

United States
2016
8Complete Series

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