The hopes and dreams of Francis Urquhart would swell the devil's heart with paternal pride. A politician utterly devoid of moral conscience, Urquhart's ambition knows no bounds, his methods unfettered by compassion, he is determined to reach the very top of his profession, and it would seem unlikely any will have the opportunity to stop him. The House of Cards is a terrifyingly Machiavellian tale, wickedly dark satire, beautifully observed drama, and unnervingly intense thriller, with a script and performance that is nothing short of impeccable. One of the most absorbing and addictive British TV dramas of the 1990's.