House of Cards Season 4 Episode 4 Assassination Attempt
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 arrives at Hammond University to campaign. Outside, a crowd of protesters shouts, while inside, a large number of supporters applaud. Frank demonstrates the excellent qualities of a true leader; he doesn't resist or eliminate dissenting voices, but listens intently. After the speech, he deliberately approaches the protesting crowd, shaking hands with each of them, hoping they will orderly present their opinions. Suddenly, gunshots are heard from the crowd, Frank is shot and falls to the ground, and the scene descends into chaos. Meechum is also hit while diving to protect the president, and before losing consciousness, he uses his last strength to shoot and kill the assailant. President Frank is seriously wounded with a gunshot wound to the abdomen. Vice President Donald Blythe officially assumes the duties of acting president. First Lady Claire has arrived in Washington by plane and is on her way to the hospital. After thirty years of marriage, she doesn't want Frank to lose his life like this. Doctors have confirmed that the bullet caused a partial rupture of the liver, but fortunately, the left lobe is intact. As long as the surgery is successful, the liver's powerful regenerative capacity can fully recover within a few weeks. Claire now takes on the responsibility of the First Lady, personally calling Meechum's parents to express condolences. Doug also rushes to the hospital, asking Claire to return to the White House to persuade the Vice President. He wants to see the president but is stopped by agents outside the ward. The chief of staff, who holds immense power, is pathetic and lamentable without Frank's support, unable to even see the president. Donald is alone in the conference room, poring over a large stack of documents, still indecisive. Seeing Claire enter, he feels relieved. The advice Claire provides is something Donald never expected: neither agreement nor opposition, but a third way. After the meeting with Claire, Donald confidently walks to the cabinet. He announces that Igor's plane will be allowed to land in China, giving this leverage to China, letting China and Russia discuss how to save the Russian economy, and the United States will seize the opportunity to profit. This decision greatly surprises both the Secretary of State and the military. After announcing the decision, Donald attends a press conference accompanied by First Lady Claire. Doug watches Claire's departing figure, realizing again that without Frank, no one will care about his thoughts and decisions.