'House of Cards' Season 3 Release Date, Netflix Spoilers: Plot Takes 'Darker Turn' With New Russia Storyline
The Russians are coming in Season 3 of the critically acclaimed TV political drama series "House of Cards" on Netflix as the show takes on a "darker turn."
Studio insiders say many prominent Russian characters will be introduced in the series which, they say, will tackle some pressing issues about America's relationship with Russia.
The sources say the series will highlight the ongoing political conflict in Ukraine and dwell on Russian President Vladimir Putin's ideas on dealing with the US.
"House of Cards" is currently shooting in Maryland. Two different dates have been mentioned on when Season 3 will have its premiere – early February next year or April 25.
The series takes place in modern day Washington D.C. and follows the story of Frank Underwood, played by Kevin Spacey, a Democrat in South Carolina's 5th congressional district who eventually becomes the President of the United States.
The drama series delves on the ruthless pragmatism of world leaders who would do anything to achieve a goal, believing that the end justifies the means.
The TV series has received numerous nominations and awards. Actress Robin Wright has won two nominations for Best Actress in a Drama Series; one in the Satellite Awards and another in the Golden Globe Awards.
"House of Cards" is an adaptation of the BBC miniseries of the same name and is based on a novel by Michael Dobbs.
Season 2 ended dramatically with Underwood becoming President of the United States. Sources say Season 3 will take an even darker turn as Underwood gains even more power to get whatever he wants.
Season 2 left the fans with many lingering questions. Will Underwood target the prostitute Rachel Posner (played by Rachel Brosnahan) as his next victim? Will Claire be pregnant? Will Underwood's chief of staff and confidant, Doug Stamper (played by Michael Kelly), survive after being bashed in the head with a rock by Rachel?
At the conclusion of Season 2, Stamper was lying motionless with his eyes wide open. But it is unclear whether the character died.
Brosnahan gave out a clue on what will happen to Stamper. "I don't think we know that he's dead yet. It cuts so quickly. I don't think we can say for sure that Stamper is dead," she told Entertainment Weekly, according to Breathecast.com.
For his part, Kelly said honestly he's not sure what will happen to his character. "I don't know -- they haven't officially said," Kelly told Huffington Post.