'House of Cards' season 5 spoilers: Michael Kelly explains why Frank Underwood had to fail

 Netflix

"House of Cards" season 4 finally saw Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey) rise back to power following his struggles in season 3. However, in an interview with The Wrap, actor Michael Kelly explained that former showrunner Beau Willimon had intended to let Frank fail before letting him rise up again. 

"I remember Beau telling me for Season 3, he said, 'I want to see what happens when these characters fail,'" Kelly explained. "He's like, 'I can write you and Kevin Spacey twirling your moustaches forever and destroying everything in your path, but I think it would be - I just want to challenge myself. I want to see what happens when they fail.'"

Kelly further explained that audiences may have missed seeing Frank back in power and were quite happy to see Frank and Doug (Michael Kelly) "twirling their moustaches" again. 

However, it is possible that Frank's actions and the decisions he made during his struggles or while he was fighting to rise back up could lead to dire consequences in season 5. As stated by Vine Report, fans of the series will recall that in season 4 Frank had botched a negotiation with a terrorist group and this could lead to all-out war in season 5.

Fans speculate that because of this the whole country will turn against Frank Underwood. This may open the doors for his wife, Claire (Robin Wright), to step up and seize his position as President of the United States. By assassinating Frank it is possible that the whole country will support it and many will be glad Claire will take his place.

This is likely how the show will end given that the original UK series also saw Frank making big mistakes, eventually leading to his wife executing an assassination plan to take him down. 

No official release date for "House of Cards" season 5 has yet been announced but it is speculated to premiere by early 2017.

News
Civil rights leader Rev Jesse Jackson dies at 84
Civil rights leader Rev Jesse Jackson dies at 84

The Rev. Jesse Jackson, a longtime civil rights activist and former presidential candidate who garnered controversy over his political activism and personal misconduct, has died at age 84.

Pastor considers legal action after arrest over comments on Islam and transgender ideology
Pastor considers legal action after arrest over comments on Islam and transgender ideology

The Alliance Defending Freedom warns of more such arrests if the government introduces its much-maligned definition of 'anti-Muslim hatred'.

Why do Christians observe Shrove Tuesday?
Why do Christians observe Shrove Tuesday?

17 February 2026 is Shrove Tuesday, the traditional day for eating pancakes before the start of Lent. This is the story …

CoE announces £400,000 to get young people into choirs
CoE announces £400,000 to get young people into choirs

Most CoE choirs currently have no children involved.