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House of Cards Season 3 Episode 3

James Foley
James Foley
Director
David Fincher
David Fincher
Director
Kevin Spacey
Kevin Spacey
Francis Underwood (Frank)
Robin Wright
Robin Wright
Claire Underwood
Michael Joseph Kelly
Michael Joseph Kelly
Doug Stamper
Kristen Connolly
Kristen Connolly
Christina
Plot Summary: Russian President Petrov arrives in the United States for an upcoming US-Russia summit. Outside the White House, a large crowd gathers to protest the Russian government's strict laws regarding media control, persecution of dissidents, and anti-LGBTQ+ policies within its borders. To pressure Petrov, Frank specifically invites three Russian dissident representatives, exiled in the US, to the White House welcome reception. Meanwhile, Frank also needs to monitor the progress of the employment bill's amendment in Congress. This crucial step faces obstacles; although Frank has announced he will not run in the 2016 election, Blythe (or Boch, based on context) still holds back the bill, citing the need for significant funding and anticipated Republican opposition. Amidst protests and a military band, President Petrov arrives at the White House. During a brief welcome ceremony, President Petrov informs Frank, before the official summit even begins, that he disagrees with the US plan for a joint military deployment to the Jordan Valley to monitor the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In subsequent private interactions, Petrov maintains a provocative attitude, greatly vexing Frank. Frank, suppressing his anger, repeatedly tries to persuade Petrov, but ultimately receives a clear refusal: Petrov is not interested in cooperating with the US to maintain peace in the Middle East. Frank realizes Petrov must have an ulterior motive; otherwise, he wouldn't have traveled all the way to the US. Now, Frank can only patiently wait for Petrov to reveal his intentions. Claire, who has been appointed US Ambassador to the UN, and Secretary of State Catherine, are also lobbying relevant Israeli and Palestinian ambassadors for the US-Russia joint deployment plan in the Jordan Valley. However, the Israeli side distrusts Russia, and the Palestinian side is highly dissatisfied with US involvement in the Jordan Valley. The meetings conclude without resolution. Doug's extensive experience leads an unnamed congressman to recruit him for his campaign team with a substantial offer. However, Doug's brief probe with Seth reveals that this position was arranged by Frank, and Doug does not intend to accept it. Gavin, forced to work for the FBI, loses his last leverage when the FBI discovers a large amount of public phone data he had stored with a friend. The FBI has no intention of prosecuting Gavin but hopes he can play a larger role in their cybersecurity department. However, a 9-to-5 job is not what Gavin wants. During the welcome dinner, what should have been a harmonious toast is disrupted by the three dissident representatives. After recounting Petrov's tyranny, the trio pour their wine onto the table and exit in protest. Although the atmosphere is awkward, the dinner must continue. During the meal, Claire is responsible for engaging Petrov, while Frank seizes the opportunity to lobby Mendoza to pass the employment bill amendment. Mendoza is unswayed, and Petrov and Claire's conversation is also strained. Petrov, aware that Claire is Frank's 'honey trap,' ruthlessly exposes this. During the entertainment segment after dinner, Frank performs an impromptu song. Petrov then sings a Russian love song and pulls Claire into a dance, shockingly kissing her lips at the end. Frank, mindful of the occasion, suppresses his rage and declares the dinner over. Before seeing Petrov off to his car, Frank again probes Petrov's opinion on deploying troops to the Jordan Valley, hoping that the pressure from the dissidents combined with Claire's diplomacy might have some effect. Unfortunately, his hopes are not met. Petrov knows that the US intends to strengthen its military presence in the Middle East, and maintaining regional peace is merely an excuse. For Russia to cooperate with US troop deployment in the Jordan Valley, Petrov demands that the US dismantle its missile defense system deployed in Europe. The meeting yields no results, and both parties part ways unhappily. Claire's impression of Petrov plummets after this dinner. In a private conversation with Catherine, Claire argues that cooperation with Russia regarding the Jordan Valley is not advisable. This view is supported by Catherine, who suggests proposing a resolution to the UN to send UN peacekeeping forces to the Jordan Valley. However, to avoid interference from Russia as a permanent member of the Security Council, they would need to refer to the precedent of the Korean War to first overturn Russia's veto power in the UN. Claire understands. However, Frank, who dislikes taking advice, does not agree to Claire's plan and insists on making partial concessions to Petrov in exchange for a joint troop deployment plan. Frank's idea is to significantly reduce missile defense measures in Europe to reach an agreement with Russia, but both parties would keep it confidential. Petrov, however, cannot accept this and insists that the US must publicly announce the reduction plan so that the Russian people know he did not return from the US empty-handed, and also to prevent the US from violating the agreement. Seeing that an agreement with Petrov is impossible, Frank decides to no longer engage with Russia. At the day's press conference, Frank personally addresses the media. He commends the three Russian dissidents, highly praising them as true patriots. He also states that Russia has made no constructive contributions to Middle East peace, and the US will pursue other measures to advance the Middle East peace process. After the press conference, Frank discusses the plan to send UN peacekeeping forces with Catherine and Claire. Gavin, longing for a life of freedom, approaches Doug again. This time, Doug offers to help Gavin unlock his passport so he can live abroad, but on the condition that Gavin finds Rachel's whereabouts.

House of Cards Season 3

United States
2015
13Complete Series

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