伊恩·理查德森在本剧中饰演一位诡计多端、恶贯满盈的政客，名叫弗朗西斯·厄克哈特。剧情以他在政党中的不择手段地攀越为线索展开，改编自迈克尔·多布斯最畅销的三部曲小说。这一政治讽刺故事发生的地点设定在国会大厦，主角——一名职业议员，典型的反派人物——厄克哈特的竞选之路被笼罩在一连串神秘命案的阴影下。这位狡诈的政客无所不用其极，并计划笼络皇室成员来巩固他的权势以最终获得首相席位。
纸牌屋 (季节 1)
Part 1 8.8
播出日期: 1990-11-18
运行时间: 58 min
概述: Francis Urquhart is the perfect politician. Impeccably diplomatic, charming, admired, trusted and respected by all. He has faithfully served his party without question, but events are about to spark his ambition. When the long-standing Prime Minister dies, the hunt is on to find a replacement. Urquhart is a hard-line Conservative and believes in strong leadership. In his eyes, none of the choices measures up. Naturally, he keeps his opinions to himself, but as Party Whip, his support is valuable, and he is courted by all the candidates. He must tread warily, as supporting the loser could cost him his position. Supporting the winner, however, could land him a Cabinet position.
Part 2 9.2
播出日期: 1990-11-25
运行时间: 58 min
概述: The new Prime Minister, Collingridge, tells Urquhart that he is far too valuable in his current post to be offered a ministerial position. Urquhart is furious but hides his contempt of the man under his usual urbane smile. Collingridge, he believes, will not last long and perhaps something can be arranged to hasten his departure. Meanwhile, it might be a good idea to surreptitiously undermine the leader and start maneuvering in his own favor. And, as luck would have it, an inexperienced young journalist, Mattie Storin, is innocently hanging on his every word. He pretends to be helping her learn about Westminster politics, instead he uses her to leak damaging stories about his rivals. As the Party gathers for its annual conference, the scandals begin to break.
Part 3 9.4
播出日期: 1990-12-02
运行时间: 58 min
概述: Collingridge is in deep political trouble and he has no alternative but to step down as Prime Minister. Ironically, he still has great faith in Urquhart, whom he feels is the only man he can trust. However, as the scandals and leaked stories have gained momentum, political journalist Mattie Storin begins to suspect that Collingridge has been framed. But who is the culprit? By now, she is too emotionally involved with Urquhart (her loving “Daddy”) to realize how she has been used.
Part 4 9.4
播出日期: 1990-12-09
运行时间: 57 min
概述: Urquhart’s ruthless scheming has worked. As the leadership election looms, all his leading rivals have been discredited. But even though the obstacles in his way have been erased, there is still no guarantee of his winning. Meanwhile, by the process of reason and elimination, the truth is beginning to dawn on Mattie, though she can hardly bring herself to believe that “Daddy” is not what he seems. As for Urquhart, he has too much to lose now to let sentiment stand in his way. He will go to any lengths to prevent her, or anyone else, from finding out just what he has done to gain power.
季
集 4
集 1