House of Cards (TV Series)

Chapter 64 (2017)

Kevin Spacey: Francis Underwood

Photos 

Quotes 

• Francis Underwood : [to the camera as he walks around surveying the Senate proceedings]  Oh don't deny it, you've loved it. You don't actually need me to stand for anything, you just need me to stand. To be the strong man, the man of action. My god you are addicted to action and slogans. It doesn't matter what I say... it doesn't matter what I do... just as long as I am doing something, you are happy to be along for a ride. And frankly I don't blame you. With all the foolishness and indecision in your lives why not a man like me? I don't apologize. In the end I don't not care whether you love me or you hate me, just as long as I win. The deck is stacked, the rules are rigged.

  Francis Underwood : [sitting back down]  Welcome to the death of the age of reason, there is no right or wrong, not anymore. There is only being in - and then being out.

• [first lines] 

  Francis Underwood : I really wish I could have changed your mind, Cathy.

  Catherine Durant : I just...

  Francis Underwood : Because, you know you know, this is just not good for you.

  Catherine Durant : The negotiations with the committee are just too far down the road.

  Francis Underwood : Well, you agreed to see me because you're smart. Because doubt is what you should be having. Look, Cathy, I respect you. We wouldn't have lasted as long together if I didn't.

  Catherine Durant : My husband's waiting for me.

  Francis Underwood : But you're gonna be made to look a fool.

  Catherine Durant : There's no need to insult me, Francis.

  Francis Underwood : Witness after witness is gonna rebut whatever you have to say.

  Catherine Durant : My testimony is what it is. It'll all be resolved in the court of public opinion.

  Francis Underwood : Yes, but who is the public going to believe? You or explosive residue on a terrorist's computer? Look, Cathy, your testimony's gonna seem petty and vengeful. And then where is that gonna leave you? What prospects?

  Catherine Durant : It's too late.

  Francis Underwood : You need to take a fall.

  Catherine Durant : Excuse me?

  Francis Underwood : Look, the committee is just gonna have to wait. In two weeks, it's gonna be over anyway, and you're gonna be on the wrong side of this thing.

  Catherine Durant : Well, we'll see.

  Francis Underwood : Yes, we will. After you... But I meant what I said, Cathy.

  [gives her a hard push down the stairs] 

  Francis Underwood : Cathy? Cathy? Help! Help! The secretary has fallen!

• [last lines] 

  Francis Underwood : [stridently testifying to the committee]  I will not be party to this any longer. I will not wear the target for any of you anymore. You have all used me far long enough. So, the party's over, the ride's done. I respect the office too much to allow this to continue going on. That's why I am announcing to this committee and to the nation that as of 6:00 p.m. tomorrow evening, I shall resign the office of President of the United States.

  Senator : [repeatedly slamming his gavel]  Order!

  Francis Underwood : And I will be happy to take any questions you may have.

  [to the camera] 

  Francis Underwood : But my gut tells me that isn't really going to be necessary.

• Francis Underwood : What I like about the Senate is what I hate. It's contagious. One of 'em gets an idea, and it spreads through the body like a flu.

• Claire Underwood : I said I'll take care of it.

  Francis Underwood : No, I'll take care of it. You stay a million miles away from this. How could you be so stupid... to fall in love?

• Francis Underwood : Well, I know Claire is delighted to have you back in her office. Will you let me know as soon as the vice president's meeting is done?

  Leann Harvey : Yes, sir.

  Francis Underwood : I hate having her back. She's a liar.

• Francis Underwood : I thought you had nothing on this guy. How long have you known this?

  Mark Usher : I was holding it until... Or, if we needed it.

  Francis Underwood : No, until you needed it, you mean.