House-of-Cards-Pilot-Script

EXT. UNDERWOOD RESIDENCE - NIGHTSLOWLY PULL IN on the front door of a fashionable DCtownhouse.Off-screen, we hear the SOUND OF SCREECHING TIRES followed bya LOUD COLLISION. A CAR ALARM blares.After a moment, the door to the townhouse opens and A MANemerges, curious to see what the commotion is outside.As the Man comes into the light we see he’s dressed in acrisp TUXEDO with the collar unfastened, no tie. This isFRANCIS UNDERWOOD - Richard III, Iago and Hannibal Lecter allrolled into one. He has intelligent eyes, mischievous lipsand a deep baritone dripping with Southern charm.Francis glances down the street. He see a CAR backing upthen PEELING AWAY from the parked car that it just hit. Itdisappears around the block.As Francis heads purposefully toward the scene of theaccident, we begin to hear a DOG WHIMPERING IN PAIN. Francislooks down at the ground. Francis’ security detail guy STEVE(40s) appears beside him.FRANCISDid you get a good look?STEVEBlue Toyota Camry. First twoletters of the plate.Francis and Steve gaze down at the suffering animal.FRANCISThe Warton’s dog.STEVELooks like a broken back.FRANCISIt’s not gonna make it.(to Steve)Go next door and see if they’rehome.Steve heads towards the neighbors’ townhouse.Francis kneels down beside the dog. It’s in awful shape. Hetenderly strokes the dog’s head.FRANCIS (CONT’D)Shhhh. It’s okay...

2.Francis looks up at us. The sound of CAR ALARM FADES.FRANCIS (CONT’D)(to the camera)There are two kinds of pain. Goodpain - the sort of pain thatmotivates, that makes you strong.Then there’s bad pain - uselesspain, the sort of pain that’s onlysuffering. I welcome the former.I have no patience for the latter.With cool-headed deliberateness, Francis calmly places a handaround the dog’s neck and begins to put it out of its misery.FRANCIS (CONT’D)(to the camera)Moments like this require someonelike me. Someone who will act.Who will do what no one else hasthe courage to do. The unpleasantthing. The necessary thing.The Dog’s muffled whimpers cease. Francis looks down.FRANCIS (CONT’D)(to the dog)There. No more pain.He lets go. The sound of the CAR ALARM RISES again.Francis stands as Steve approaches. The shook-up neighbors,JACK and BARBARA WARTON, follow several yards behind.FRANCIS (CONT’D)(aside, to Steve)We need to leave in ten minutes.STEVECar’s ready.Francis turns his attention to the couple. He gentlyapproaches them with endless sympathy in his eyes.FRANCISIt was a hit and run.JACK(to his wife)He must’ve jumped over the gateagain...Barbara wells up. Francis lays a hand on her shoulder.

3.FRANCISI’m so sorry. I’ll have Steve filea report. We’ll track them down.INT. UNDERWOOD RESIDENCE - BATHROOM - A FEW MINUTES LATERFrancis stands at his sink, methodically washing his hands.INT. UNDERWOOD RESIDENCE - BEDROOM - MOMENTS LATERCLOSE ON FRANCIS’ HANDS zipping up the back of a woman’selegant evening gown.We PULL BACK to see that the gown belongs to Francis’ wife -CLAIRE UNDERWOOD. She’s the epitome of elegance and poise.FRANCIS(taking her in)Stunning.CLAIRE(straightening his tie)You too.Francis looks composed, dignified. If we hadn’t known, wenever would have guessed what he was up to just momentsbefore. He offers his arm to Claire.Ready?FRANCISINT. GRAND BALLROOM - SECONDS UNTIL MIDNIGHTA loud, raucous count-down. DC's Democratic Party elite arewatching the Times Square ball drop on massive monitors.Three! Two! One! Noisemakers. Applause. People kiss andhug. The sound fades as one face in the crowd, Francis, turnsto the camera.We PAN to the stage to reveal a beaming GARRETT WALKER (late40s), the apotheosis of leadership. He’s flanked by hisfamily - wife PATRICIA and two teenage sons. They lead thecrowd in “Auld Lang Syne.”FRANCIS (V.O.)President-Elect Garrett Walker. Imight not like him, I might notbelieve in him, but it doesn’tmatter...

4.The camera finds Francis in the adoring crowd.FRANCIS(staring up at Walker)Anyone who can get 70 millionAmericans to vote for him deservesmy respect.(to the camera)I helped get him elected. Aftertwenty-five years in Congress I cantell which way the wind is blowing.We CUT TO to Walker’s soon-to-be V.P. JIM MATTHEWS (early60s) and his large gaggle of a family.FRANCIS (V.O.)Jim Matthews - his Vice President.Former Governor of Pennsylvania.He did his duty delivering theKeystone State. Now they’ll puthim pasture. He has four years ofobscurity and impotence ahead ofhim.CUT TO Walker’s recently appointed Chief of Staff LINDAVASQUEZ. She’s in the back of the ballroom, being preppedwith make-up for a TV stand-up interview.FRANCIS (V.O.)Linda Vasquez - Walker’s Chief ofStaff. I like her even less thanWalker, but she’s the gate keeperto the White House. If you don’twant to be left standing out in thecold, you can’t ignore the personholding the keys.The lights from the TV cam flip on, bathing her face in abright glow. She instantly flashes a toothy smile.We CUT BACK TO Francis standing in the crowd, his arm aroundClaire’s waist. She’s singing along with the crowd.FRANCISAs for me - I’m the House MajorityWhip. In other words - I get thingsdone. When it comes to legislationI make the magic happen. Itransform the impossible into theprobable.We ZOOM IN SLOWLY on Francis.

5.FRANCIS (CONT’D)But it’s time to move up a rung.I’ve paid my dues. I’ve backed theright man. And now that he’s wonI’ll get my just reward. Give andtake, give and take, and so theworld spins.TIGHT on Francis’ face, filling the frame.FRANCIS (CONT’D)Welcome to Washington.TITLE AND CREDITSIconic shots of D.C. - the Capitol, the Washington Monument,Lincoln Memorial, Reflecting Pool, etc. But we see them fromodd angles, cast in dark shadows or beneath moody skies. Thefeeling should be ominous.We shift to interiors - dark hallways and restaurant boothswhere slow-motion, silhouetted figures conspire with oneanother.Interlaced with all of this are recurring shots of dextroushands expertly shuffling a deck of cards and dealing themout. The FINAL IMAGE should be of the dealer unveiling hishand to the camera: not four, but FIVE one-eyed jacks.INT. FRANCIS’S CAR - NIGHTFrancis and Claire ride in the back the SUV. Steve drives.CLAIRE(she runs her hand throughhis hair)You should get a hair cut.FRANCISYou think?CLAIREJust a little trim maybe. Whatsuit are you going to wear?FRANCISFor the meeting, or for the -CLAIREFor the announcement.

6.FRANCISMy navy blue one, with the pinstripes.CLAIREGood. You look handsome in thatsuit.She leans into him, slips her hand between his thighs. Shestarts to kiss his neck.FRANCIS(in a whisper)We’re only five minutes from thehouse.CLARIEYou’re going to make me wait?FRANCIS(with a sly smile)Patience is a virtue.CLAIREI’m not feeling very virtuoustonight.He smiles, leans in and kisses her.INT. WASHINGTON HERALD - NEWSROOM - MORNINGA bustling bull-pen of writers, editors and assistants.Mounted TVs blare with 24 hour news channels. The steadyclacking of keyboards wafts from a sea of cubicles.ZOE BARNES (mid 20s) - a strong and hungry young reporter -weaves through the cubicles toward a corner office.Inside LUCAS GOODWIN (mid to late 30s) - the Deputy Editor -is talking to BOB HAMMERSCHMIDT (early 50s) - the paper’sgrizzled Editor-in-Chief.Zoe waits by the open door and listens in.HAMMERSCHMIDT...Only a nine vote majority in theHouse. Every bill that hits thefloor will be a cock-fight.LUCASYeah it’ll be ugly.

7.HAMMERSCHMIDTAny guess what’s on the legislativeagenda?LUCASNo idea. All my regular sourceswon’t say a word.HAMMERSCHMIDTKeep digging.Hammerschmidt gives him a slap on the back and exits,brushing past Zoe, whom he barely notices.ZOEMorning Mr. Hammerschmidt.He tries to place a name to the face.ZOE (CONT’D)Zoe Barnes.Metro.HAMMERSHMIDTZOEThat’s right.HAMMERSCHMIDTKeep up the good work.He’s gone. Zoe leans against the doorway a tad provocatively.ZOEDid it take him over a year toremember your name?LUCASWhat can I do for you Zoe?ZOEI’m sick of the City Council.LUCASI know you are. You tell meeveryday.ZOEMove me online.LUCASYou want to schlep for the twitterfeed? Be my guest.

8.ZOENo. My own blog. Five hundredwords. First person. Subjective.LUCASNot gonna happen.ZOEGive me some freedom. I’ll gounderground. Win over staff memberson the Hill. Give them an outlet tovent anonymously.LUCASA glorified gossip column.ZOEA forum for the underpaid andoverworked. We’ll lift the veil.Tap into what’s really going in.LUCASThis is the Washington Herald Zoe,it’s not TMZ.ZOEYou know how many people watch TMZ?LUCASI couldn’t care less.ZOEWhich is why print journalism isdying.LUCASIf it’s gonna die, it’ll die withdignity. At least at this paper.ZOEYou’re stuck in the 20th centuryLucas. You lack imagination.LUCASMaybe so, but right now I’m notinterested in imagination, I’minterested in copy.ZOEYou’re telling me to get back towork.I am.LUCAS

9.ZOEBut what you’re really telling meis to fuck off.LUCASI’m telling you both.Zoe is brimming with frustration but she’s too cool of acucumber to let it show. She turns on her heels and departsas quickly as she came.INT. RUSSO’S OFFICE - MORNINGCHRISTINA MALONE (late 20s) - sexy and headstrong - ushers ahumorless looking LOBBYIST into Rep. Peter Russo’s office.Christina is Russo’s Executive Assistant. Russo is smart andamiable, but a bit of rascal.CHRISTINAMr. Chapman, from Horizon Trust...RUSSOHenry. Great to see you. ThanksChristina.She leaves, closing the door behind her. The two men sit.RUSSO (CONT’D)How long are you in town for?Staying for the Inauguration? Ican hook you up if you -CHAPMANI’m not interested in parties. I’minterested in the zoning laws youpromised to get changed in yourdistrict. We’ve got 12 millionsitting in escrow for an empty lotwe can’t build on.RUSSOYes, I know. And believe me, I’mon it. But you gotta understand,that’s a local municipal issue. Ican’t just pick up the phone and -CHAPMANYou can’t? That’s not what you ledus to believe when you begged forfifty grand in donations.

10.RUSSO(realizes what he’s upagainst)Right. Well...The phone rings. Russo looks sympathetically to Chapman.RUSSO (CONT’D)One sec.(picks up the phone)Christina I told you - no calls.Not while I’m meeting with Mr.Chapman.(pause)The President-Elect?Chapman’s eyes widen.RUSSO (CONT’D)Put him through Christina.(short beat)Mr. President-Elect...Thank you, wewere pleased to win by doubledigits...Absolutely, anything youneed...CUT TO Christina at her desk outside the office. She’swhispering into a receiver.CHRISTINAI need you to put that long, wet,talented tongue of yours between mythighs and make me squeal likeMonica Lewinsky.CUT BACK TO Russo on his phone. Laughs boisterously.RUSSOMe too, me too...Okay, thanks againMr. President-Elect.And he hangs up. Chapman is impressed.RUSSO (CONT’D)I’m sorry - what were wediscussing?INT. BLAIR HOUSE - OFFICE - DAYAs the Aide lets Francis into the office, we see that it’sVasquez, not Walker, who is behind the desk. Francisregisters a whiff of surprise.

11.VASQUEZThanks for coming Frank.(gestures at a chair)Please...FRANCIS(as he sits)Will the President-Elect be joiningus?VASQUEZNo. He told me to apologize on hisbehalf. I’ll brief him though.Francis has no other choice but to roll with the punches. Hehands Vasquez a manila folder.FRANCISThis is a memo I drafted on theMiddle East policy we’ve beendeveloping. I think we need a moredirect way to frame our approach.We’ll steal from Reagan - trickledowndiplomacy. If we tackle -VASQUEZFrank - I’m going to stop you rightthere.(half beat)We’re not nominating you forSecretary of State.A huge blow. Francis stares at Vasquez in stunned silence.VASQUEZ (CONT’D)I’m sorry, I know he made you apromise, but circumstances havechanged.FRANCISThe nature of promises, Linda, isthat they remain immune to changingcircumstances.VASQUEZGarrett has thought long and hardabout this, and he’s decided weneed you to stay in Congress.FRANCISI built the campaign’s foreignpolicy platform from the ground up.(MORE)

12.FRANCIS (CONT'D)I briefed him, I prepped him fordebates. And the deal we agreedupon was -VASQUEZI’m sorry Frank. If it had been upto me I would’ve handled thisdifferently. I wouldn’t havewaited this long to tell you.FRANCISSo you knew this was what you weregoing to do.VASQUEZIt’s been an evolving discussion.FRANCIS(slowly)An evolving discussion...Frank...VASQUEZFRANCISI got fourteen conservativeDemocrats in key states to endorsehim. I was personally responsiblefor raising over six milliondollars in contributions to thecampaign, seven million for Houseraces to keep hold of our majorityin -VASQUEZYou’re right. We wouldn’t have wonwithout your help. But now we haveto lead, and that means makingtough choices.(half beat, now she hasthe initiative)Our first order of business isEducation Reform. A completefederal overhaul. We want you inthe House, doing what you do best -counting votes and deliveringlegislation.FRANCISI’ve paid my dues Linda. I deservethis.

13.VASQUEZThere are lots of deserving peopleFrank. We can’t nominate them all.FRANCISI’d like to speak with Walkerpersonally.VASQUEZThe decision is made.The two stare each other down like gunslingers.VASQUEZ (CONT’D)We need you Frank. Desperately.Just not in the cabinet. I’m askingfor your help here. Are you goingto stand beside us?It takes every ounce of will to swallow his pride.FRANCISYes. I will.VASQUEZI’m very glad to hear that.FRANCISMay I ask - if not me, then who?VASQUEZ(hesitates, then...)Michael Kern.He says the following with a smile, but underneath the tablewe can see Francis cracking his knuckles with rage.FRANCISMichael Kern...That’s an excellentchoice.INT. CLEAN WATER FOR AMERICA (CWA) OFFICES - DAYTO ESTABLISH: A large polished steel sign above a receptiondesk that reads:CLEAN WATER FOR AMERICAWe TRACK an older woman (50s) - EVELYN - carrying a folderpast side offices to CLAIRE’S OFFICE. She knocks on thedoor, which is slightly ajar.

14.Come in.CLAIRE (O.S.)INT. CWA OFFICES - CLAIRE’S OFFICE - DAYClaire is behind her desk. Evelyn sits across from her.EVELYNMaybe we should do this in steps.A couple people at first - see howthat goes, then if we decide --CLAIREThis isn’t about operationalefficiency, Eveyln. This is aboutfreeing up money. It’s a new year.It’s time to clean house a little.Spring cleaning, right?EVELYNIt’s not spring - it’s January.Claire just stares at her. That was a stupid thing to say.EVELYN (CONT’D)I just want to make sure we don’tcripple our ability to functionproperly in the process.CLAIREI hear you, but if I thought thatwas going to be an issue, Iwouldn’t be asking for this list inthe first place.EVELYN(shifts in her chair)Okay...Claire feels the needs to address Evelyn’s discomfort. Sheleans forward, sympathetically.CLAIREWe went over this before theholidays.I know...EVELYNCLAIREYou didn’t mention anything then.

15.I know...EVELYNCLAIREWe want CWA to maximize it’spotential, don’t we?EVELYNOf course.CLAIRESo can we agree it’s time toreorganize? To raise the bar?Yes.EVELYNCLAIREGood. Put a proposal together.Evelyn stands and exits, closing the door behind her. Claireglances at her watch. Picks up her phone. Dials. Waits.No answer. Leaves a message.CLAIRE (CONT’D)(into the phone)It’s me. I feel like an idiotleaving messages like this. Callme back.She hangs up. We linger on her for a moment. An expressionof frustration and concern.INT. WASHINGTON HERALD - NEWSROOM - NIGHTJANINE SKORSKY (late 30s) - hard-edged and ruthless - ispunching away at her computer. Zoe leans over her cubiclepartition, lingers for a moment.JANINE(not looking up)What is it Zoe?ZOEI know you’re going to have yourhands full at the White House, withthe new administration andeverything, so if you need somebodyto do research, punch outbackground -JANINEI think I’ll be fine.

16.ZOEBut if things get hectic, if youneed any help or -JANINESo you can blog about rubbingshoulders with the big boys?ZOELucas told you.JANINENo offense, Zoe, but I don’t havetime to ween you off your trainingwheels.Wham - a slap in the face. Zoe eats it.ZOEOkay. Just thought I’d ask.She walks off, humiliated, fuming.INT. UNDERWOOD RESIDENCE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHTTIGHT on Claire sitting alone, stock still, face grim.We hear the front door open. In the background we see Francisenter the room. He looks weary, spent.He comes into the foreground, sits down across from her.Shame in his eyes. Disappointment in hers.Claire --FRANCISCLAIREYou didn’t call me.I was --FRANCISCLAIRE(harder this time)You didn’t call me, Francis.Before Francis can defend himself she’s on her feet, all thepent-up energy from waiting bursting forth. She’s furious.CLAIRE (CONT’D)When you didn’t call me right afterI wondered. When I called and youdidn’t call back I knew.(MORE)

17.CLAIRE (CONT’D)You don’t not call me. Not whenit’s this big.FRANCISYou’re right.CLAIREWhen have we ever avoided eachother?FRANCISI wanted to figure out a solutionfirst.Did you?No.CLAIREFRANCISA long beat.CLAIRESo they lied to your face.FRANCISFor months.CLAIREAnd you didn’t see it coming?FRANCISIt was always a possibility. Mymistake wasn’t in failing toconsider this scenario; it was inmiscalculating the risk. I thoughtit was almost impossible.CLAIREYou’re usually good at sussing outliars.FRANCISI am. But this time...(shakes his head)Hubris. Ambition.CLAIREThose aren’t bad things.FRANCISThey are when they blind you.

18.CLAIREAren’t you angry?FRANCISOf course I am.CLAIREThen where’s your anger?FRANCISYou want to me lash out at Walker?At Vasquez? You want me to go tothe press and make mess ofsomething I can’t change?CLAIREI want more than what I’m seeing.FRANCISHow kind of you.CLAIREI’m not doling out sympathy.FRANCISI didn’t ask for it.CLAIREYou’re better than this, Francis.FRANCIS(genuinely)I’m sorry, Claire.CLAIRENo. That I won’t accept.What?FRANCISCLAIREApologies.Claire looks hard at him. A typical wife might smother himwith sympathy, but not Claire. She knows that’s the worstthing she could do for a man like Francis.CLAIRE (CONT’D)My husband doesn’t apologize, evento me.Claire walks out of the room toward the stairs. We followher.

19.As she ascend the stairs we hear a CRASH in the living room,something SHATTERING. She pauses without turning, just afraction of a moment, then continues up the stairs.BACK ON Francis in the living room. Rage in his eyes. We seean overturned coffee table. Shards from a broken vase on thefloor. He rights the table. Bends down, picks up the largershards and places them on top.He walks over to the side window. There’s a pack ofcigarettes and a lighter neatly placed on the sill. Heraises the window. Opens the pack. It’s nearly full. Hepulls out one of the cigarettes. Perches himself on the sill.He turns to us, cooled down by now.FRANCIS(to the camera)My wife and I don’t smoke. Once aweek maybe. Together at thiswindow. It’s our time to escape.To be ourselves.Lights the cigarette. Takes a long drag.FRANCIS (CONT’D)(looks out the window)But I’m alone now.(back to us)She’s left me this way. To myself.To my thoughts. It’s not apunishment; it’s a challenge.He looks back out the window. Takes another drag.INT. UNDERWOOD RESIDENCE - BEDROOM - DAWNClaire is in bed as morning light seeps in through thewindow. The bed is empty beside her. Her eyes are open.She stares at the ceiling. The alarm beeps. She reachesover, turns it off.INT. UNDERWOOD RESIDENCE - STAIRS - MORNINGClaire descends the stairs in her bathrobe, freshly showered.When she gets to the bottom of the stairs she sees Francissitting beside the window just as he was when she left himthe night before. He doesn’t turn to her. She pauses for amoment, taking in the tableau, then walks to the kitchenwithout a word.

20.INT. UNDERWOOD RESIDENCE - KITCHEN - MORNINGTIGHT on two cups in an espresso machine filling withsteaming coffee.INT. UNDERWOOD RESIDENCE - LIVING ROOM - MORNINGCLOSE ON Francis, taking a cigarette out of the pack. It’snearly empty now. He lights it. Inhales. Claire enterswith the espressos. Sits down beside him, places one of thecups at his side. A moment. He turns to her.FRANCISDid you sleep?No.CLAIREClaire waits for more. Francis takes a drag.FRANCISI know what I have to do.CLAIREOf course you do.FRANCISWe’ll have a lot of nights likethis.CLAIREThat doesn’t worry me.FRANCISI’m not sure how yet.CLAIREBut you will.Francis hands her the cigarette. Picks up the espresso anddowns it with one gulp.FRANCISI should get to work.CLAIREI laid a suit out for you upstairs.The navy blue one.He gives her a kiss on the forehead. Heads for the stairs.We FOLLOW HIM as he ascends. He turns to us.

21.FRANCIS(to the camera)I love that woman. I love her morethan sharks love the smell ofblood.INT. UNDERWOOD’S OFFICE - KAUFBERGER’S OFFICE - DAYTIGHT on screen. MICHAEL KERN (50s) - clean-cut and handsome- is speaking at a lectern, flanked by Walker and Vasquez.The ticker-tape reads: KERN NOMINATED FOR SEC. OF STATE.CUT TO DOUG STAMPER (early 40s) - Francis’s well-connected,amoral and loyal Chief-of-Staff - with NANCY KAUFBERGER (50s)- Francis’s Exec. Assistant. They’re watching the news on aflat screen in Nancy’s Office.NANCYHe’s had work done. A chin tuck.Probably botox. He definitely dyeshis hair.(after a beat)Maybe the GOP won’t confirm him.STAMPEROh no, they’ll confirm him. Walkeris riding high. It’s not worth thepolitical capital. They’ll savethe big guns for legislativebattles.NANCYHey Doug...He looks up to see Francis striding in from the main door.Stamper grabs a folder. The boss is here. It’s work time.Stamper and Nancy head out to intercept him.STAMPER(opening the folder)At 9:30 you’re sitting down with -FRANCIS(in stride)Cancel everything. Stamper, you’rewith me.Stamper tosses a glance to Nancy. She’s on it. Francismakes for his office. Stamper follows.

22.INT. FRANCIS’S (INNER) OFFICE - DAYFrancis and Stamper behind closed doors. Stamper is trying toprocess it all.STAMPERHow do we get there...?FRANCISWe’ll seize opportunities. We’llmake opportunities. React.Respond. This is a time for broadstrokes.STAMPERI just don’t understand how’rewe’re going to -FRANCISFor now we keep focused on what’sright in front of us.Kern.STAMPERFRANCISYes. And the Education Bill.STAMPERWho’s drafting it?FRANCISVasquez hasn’t told me yet. ButI’m guessing it’ll be Harry Blythe.STAMPERHe’ll need to be handled.FRANCISWhich is exactly why she wants mehere instead of the StateDepartment.STAMPERI can start digging on Kern.FRANCISGet me names first. Let’s havesomebody to give them once Kern isgone. And we should have a frontman for that. In case we need todistance ourselves.

23.STAMPERWho do you want?FRANCISA lost child. Somebody we can savefrom himself.STAMPERI’ll keep my ear to the ground.FRANCISOkay, I’m going to get a bite toeat. I haven’t eaten in two days.INT. CAPITOL MESS HALL - LATERFrancis waits at the checkout. Junk food heaped on his tray.We hear some commotion. Entering the mess hall is MichaelKern followed by a couple of AIDES. People arecongratulating him. He’s smiling like a pig in shit.Francis makes eye contact with Kern. Smiles. Gives him abig thumbs up. Kern nods with appreciation. Getsintercepted by another well-wisher.Francis picks up his tray and turns to us, the smile on hisface instantly gone.FRANCIS(to the camera)A wink, a nod, a little warmth andgrace - and with that one wrapsoneself in a cloak of civility.Kern’s not the sharpest knife inthe rack, but he’s not dull either.He knows I was up for thenomination. He knows I must bejealous. But he doesn’t need toknow the danger he’s in. Let himbask in the limelight for now. I’llsharpen my blade in the dark. He’llstill be smiling when I slit histhroat.INT. EPISCOPAL CHURCH - MORNINGThe service is chock full of DC’s political heavyweights,including Francis and Claire seated near the back. AMINISTER is in the midst of delivering a sermon.

24.MINISTER(reads from scripture)“And whosoever shall exalt himselfshall be abased; and he that shallhumble himself shall be exalted.“Matthew 23:12.(looks up)I’d like to speak today on thesubject of Humility. A lot of youjust won re-election. If youhadn’t, you wouldn’t be sittinghere.A smattering of chuckles among the congregation. CLOSE onFrancis as the minister continues.MINISTER (O.S.) (CONT’D)Of course you should be enjoy yoursuccess, and be grateful for it.But never let your gratitude sourinto pride. You’ll have manychallenges ahead over the nextcouple of years. And a person’scharacter is not determined by howhe or she enjoys victory, butrather how he or she enduresdefeat...EXT. EPISCOPAL CHURCH - LATERWe’re following Francis and Claire as everyone files out.Claire...FEMALE VOICE (O.S.)They’re approached by another power couple: the longtimeSenator CHARLES HOLBURN and his socialite wife FELICITY, bothimmaculately groomed, styled and outfitted.CLAIREHello Felicity.Holburn gravitates toward Claire, Holburn toward Francis.Frank.HOLBURNFRANCIS(shaking his head)Morning Charles.We track Claire and Felicity, a few paces ahead of the men.

25.FELICITY(to Claire,sympathetically)How are you?Terrific.CLAIREFELCITYI’m sorry about the...you know.(nods back toward Francis)CLAIREOh, you mean the...FELCITYJust awful. Charles and I were soupset when we heard.CLAIRE(smiling)It’s nothing. Really. Between youand me, I think Francis isrelieved. He feels much more athome in Congress.We JUMP OVER to Francis and Holburn.HOLBURNI would’ve bet a million dollarsWalker was going to choose you.FRANCIS(laughs it off)Good thing you have a milliondollars to spare.HOLBURNBut Kern - come on. That’s a realinsult, isn’t it? He’s got halfthe experience you do, and lessthan half the brain.FRANCISHe must’ve had his reasons.HOLBURNThis is bad for business. Weneeded a strong-man in the StateDepartment, not a straw man.FRANCISWe’ll make do.

26.HOLBURNYou’re a bigger man than me. I’dbe pissed as hell.Francis and Claire catch each other’s eyes. They appreciatethe sympathy of the Holburns, but they abhor sympathy as aconcept. It feels humiliating.INT. RUSSO’S BEDROOM - NIGHTA cluttered high-rise apartment. Russo and his secretaryChristina are having wild, wall-pounding sex.As soon as Russo climaxes with a primal yawp, he rolls overand pours himself a drink from the night stand. Takes a sip.He hands her the glass. Grabs the bottle for himself. Takesa swig. Regards the bottle.RUSSOThis is nice, where’d you get it?CHRISTINAThe Speaker’s holiday party. Isnuck into the V.I.P. room andstole it.RUSSO‘92. Wow. Twenty years old.CHRISTINASeems about right for you.Funny.RUSSOCHRISTINA(starts to dress)I’m almost thirty. That’s ancientin your book.RUSSOI don’t discriminate when it comesto age.CHRISTINAWhen’s the last time you hired aforty year old assistant?RUSSOThat doesn’t mean I haven’t, orthat I wouldn’t.

27.CHRISTINAAs long as they’re good in bed.RUSSOOh come on.CHRISTINAYou do have a reputation, Peter.RUSSOFor being a good lover?CHRISTINAFor fucking the help.RUSSOWhere’s this coming from?CHRISTINAYou’re not just gonna get yourkicks, then toss me aside for someslut straight out of college?RUSSOI can’t. You’d sue me for sexualharassment.CHRISTINAI’m serious.RUSSOSo we’re having that conversationnow?CHRISTINAIt’s been six months. This isn’tjust a little office fling anymore.RUSSOYou want me to say the three magicwords, don’t you? One of whichstarts with an L. Okay, I’ll saythem.Christina turns to him longingly. He takes her hand.RUSSO (CONT’D)Lick my balls.She slaps him playfully. He wrestles her to the bed.They’re both laughing. Now he’s sincere.

28.RUSSO (CONT’D)I love you. I do. I love youChristina.She smiles, rolls on top, kisses him.A beat.CHRISTINAI love you too.RUSSOSo will you lick my balls now?She pushes him down for round two.INT. KENNEDY CENTER - LOBBY - NIGHTA full lobby. OPERA-GOERS dressed to the hilt. A decidedlymiddle-aged crowd. Gray haired men, matronly women.We ZERO in on Francis and Claire. People seem to be partingsubtly around them - a wide berth. Francis got snubbed forthe nomination and everyone knows it.And OLDER MAN and his wife pass by. The Older Man givesFrancis a little double-pat on the shoulder - a consolation.As Francis turns the Older Man and his wife have alreadymoved on. The Older Man gives Francis a slight piteous nod.From Francis’ POV we see the Older Man whisper into hiswife’s ear. She looks back at Francis and Claire. Francis’gaze shifts to small GROUPING of couples, all stealingglances his way and speaking in hushed tones to one another.The gossip is palpable.FRANCISI need some air.Claire picks up immediately on his discomfort.CLAIREI’ll see you at the seats.She disappears through the doors to the auditorium as wefollow Francis toward the door.EXT. KENNEDY CENTER - NIGHT.Franics stands outside, scrolling through his blackberry,more to look like he’s busy than because he is.

29.A cab pulls up. Zoe emerges. She’s in a strapless black dressthat hugs every curve. It isn’t very fancy, but it sure getsthe job done.It’s cold. She’s not dressed for the weather. Herheadlights are FULLY ON. She turns to her date, BRIAN, early30s - a typical Capitol Hill climber. He’s getting out ofthe cab behind her.ZOEGimme your jacket.He pulls off his jacket and hands it to her. She drapes itover the front of her dress and starts hurrying to maindoors. She’s not going to be late for this.As she climbs the steps Francis notices her - more out ofinstinct than interest. He glances at her ass ever sobriefly as she passes. And it’s an exceptional ass. We cantell from the form-fitting fabric that she’s wearing a thong.Once Zoe has passed, Francis turns to his attention back tothe blackberry.INT. KENNEDY CENTER - OPERA - NIGHT.Francis slips into the booth and takes his seat next toClaire. She doesn’t even look at him, but she reaches out andtakes his hand.The SOUND of an orchestra tuning. The LIGHTS begin to fade.PUSH INTO Francis’ face as the first subtle strands of MUSICbegin to play and we CUT TO:INT. UNDERWOOD RESIDENCE - BASEMENT - NIGHT.Still TIGHT on Francis’ face, the MUSIC carrying us into thescene, we PULL BACK to reveal that he’s wearing a headsetwith a microphone. It’s dim. Blue light flickers in his eyes.As we PULL BACK MORE we see that he’s slumped in a chair,still in his tuxedo (sans tie) with an Xbox controller in hishands. His thumbs and fingers deftly fly back and forth, butthe rest of his body is totally motionless - the calm andfocus of a true gamer.A silhouette enters the frame. It’s Claire. She places herhand gently on Francis’s shoulder. He pulls the headset off.The MUSIC cuts out abruptly. From the headphones, we HEAR thedistant, tinny SOUND of other online gamers.

30.Things like a 12 year-old kid taunting: “Imma cap your assmuthafucka” and some redneck retorting: “Suck it dickless”The lowest of low culture, if you can even call it culture.FRANCISGoing to bed?CLAIREAre you coming?FRANCISI’ll be there in a bit.CLAIREDon’t stay up all night.Claire leans down and kisses him on the forehead. Leaves.Francis puts his headset back on. The online TAUNTS andEXCLAMATIONS resume, full-force.CUT TO the flat-screen TV. It’s Grand Theft Auto - acomplete bloodbath. Francis’ avatar starts blowing peopleaway. Death. Carnage. Glorious vulgarity.INT. CAB - NIGHT.The cab pulls up in front of Zoe’s apartment. Zoe and Brianare in the back seat. Zoe’s got Brian’s jacket draped overher. She hands it to Brian.ZOEThanks so much. I’ll call you.She gives him a platonic peck on the cheek. Opens the door.Wait...BRIANShe turns back.BRIAN (CONT’D)I thought you had a good time.ZOEI did. I’ve never been to theopera before. I loved it.BRIANSo...can I come up?She just looks at him patiently.

31.BRIAN (CONT’D)I guess that’s a no.ZOEYou’re really sweet, Brian. I’msorry if I gave you the wrong idea.He looks dejected. She’s not going to let this turn into aconversation.ZOE (CONT’D)Thanks again for inviting me. Itwas wonderful.(squeezes his hand)Have a good night.And she’s out of the cab. She throws one last glance back atBrian, a pity glance. Then she’s off. Quick, clean,relatively painless.INT. ZOE’S APARTMENT - NIGHT.The sound of keys, the bolt unlocking. The door opens andZoe enters. Tosses her purse on the bed (just a mattress onthe floor, no bed frame) and slips off her heels.Goes to the fridge. It’s pretty empty - just yogurt, some oldtake-out containers, an empty Britta. She grabs a yogurt.Fishes a power bar out of a drawer. Heads over to hercomputer - a laptop amidst of a sea of papers and notes. Herdesk is just a plywood board perched on cinder blocks.She dips the power bar directly into the yogurt (no spoon) asthe computer screen jumps to life. Her fingers fly over thekeyboard. New window. Email. Password. Inbox. Mostlywork stuff. But there’s a new message at the very top:FROM: Photogangsta@WashingtonHerald.com SUBJECT: FrankUnderwood ASS-WHIPPED.She clicks on the message. A photo fills the screen: Francischecking out Zoe’s ass when she passed him on the steps ofthe Kennedy Center.There’s text beneath the photo: If you want em to take youseriously, maybe wear more than G-string?Command N. New window. Keys punched at lightning speed.Google Search. “Frank Underwood.” Wikipedia comes up.Click. The words “House Majority Whip” stick out. Zoeconsiders this for a moment. Clicks back to the otherscreen. Looks at the photo. Hits reply. Types quickly:

32.He looks pretty serious to me.Send. Boom. Done.INT. UNDERWOOD’S (INNER) OFFICE - MORNINGUnderwood is working at his desk. Stamper knocks and peekshis head in the door.STAMPERShe’s here.FRANCISShow her in.Stamper disappears. Francis turns to the camera.FRANCIS (CONT’D)Quite rare for a President’s Chiefof-Staffto climb up the Hill. Agesture of respect, no doubt -which I appreciate, even if itcomes at a cost. Let’s see if Iwas right about Harold Blythe.He cranes his head to see her approaching down the hall.FRANCIS (CONT’D)Here she comes - my lesser butnecessary half.Vasquez enters carrying a folder. Francis stands.FRANCIS (CONT’D)Good morning Linda. I appreciateyou making the trip over.VASQUEZOf course. My pleasure.FRANCISI assume we’re discussingEducation?VASQUEZFirst things first...She places the folder on his desk and opens it.VASQUEZ (CONT’D)The seating chart for theInauguration.(MORE)

33.VASQUEZ (CONT’D)(points)Do these work for you and Claire?Wow.FRANCISVASQUEZWhich comes with a complimentaryset of tickets to the Red and WhiteBall.FRANCISClaire will be over the moon.VASQUEZGood, I’m glad.(closes the folder)So - Education. We have HarryBlythe drafting the legislation.Francis tosses us a quick glance. His guess was correct.VASQUEZ (CONT’D)You can imagine the bind that putsus in.FRANCISThe bill’s going to be too be twosteps to the left of Karl Marx.VASQUEZEducation’s been his baby fortwenty years. We have to let himtake the lead.FRANCISIt’ll be hard to drum up muchconfidence.VASQUEZWhich is why I’m here.FRANCISYou want me to advise him. Bringhim toward the middle.VASQUEZ(relieved he gets it)We need to this bill to passsmoothly.FRANCISConsider it done, Linda.

34.VASQUEZI know it’s a lot to put on yourplate...FRANCISYou’ve got 100 days before thehoneymoon is over. Anything youwant to put on my plate, feel free.INT. UNDERWOOD’S (OUTER) OFFICE - FRONT DOOR - DAYFrancis opens the door for Vasquez. As she’s leaving --VASQUEZKeep me posted?FRANCISLet me talk to Blythe. I’ll checkin with you later this week.Terrific.VASQUEZVasquez leaves. Francis watches her go. He speaks to us --FRANCISShe’s wary. I can see it in hereyes.(and now to the camera)Walker’s political capital rises orfalls with the success of thisBill. And I need to be at thecenter of it.He closes the door, walks back toward his inner office.FRANCIS (CONT’D)Vasquez might not trust me as faras she can throw me. But shedoesn’t have to. If I prove myselfindispensable, she can’t afford tothrow me very far.He pops his head into Nancy Kaufberger’s office.FRANCIS (CONT’D)Nancy, set up a call with HaroldBlythe.Continues toward his office.

35.FRANCIS (CONT’D)(calls out)Doug?Stamper pops out from his.FRANCIS (CONT’D)You have a list for me?STAMPERJust finished.FRANCISMy office.INT. FRANCIS’S OFFICE - AFTERNOONFrancis and Stamper are having a brainstorming session.Ferguson?Too old.Willis?STAMPERFRANCISSTAMPERFRANCISToo stupid.Boyd?Queer.Really?STAMPERFRANCISSTAMPERFrancis gives him a look.STAMPER (CONT’D)He’s married with two kids.Come on.FRANCISSTAMPERWhat about Catherine Durant?A beat. Francis leans back in his chair.

36.FRANCISInteresting. Catherine Durant.INT. CWA OFFICE - CLAIRE’S OFFICE - DAYClaire at her desk. Evelyn sits across from her. Claireperuses a document.CLAIRECan we do any better?EVELYNNot without totally crippling ourday to day. And we might have topull out of some of our impactstudies.CLAIRE(hands back the document)Okay, we’ll go with this.EVELYNWe’re losing some very good people.Folks who have been with us fromthe beginning...CLAIREThis is a charity, but not for ouremployees. I can’t keep people onjust because they’ve been with us along time.EVELYNDo you mind if I ask what we’regoing to use the money for?CLAIREAn organization I want to bring in -World Water Initiative. They’vedone nice work overseas - Bigprojects. Very little budget.EVELYNDo we need to bring in a neworganization? If you want toexpand overseas can’t we just -CLAIREEvelyn - you’re the office manager.I know.EVELYN

37.Evelyn nods.CLAIREAnd you’re an excellent one. But Ineed you trust that I know what I’mdoing here.EVELYNI do. I think.CLAIREYou have friends - I understand.People you’ve spent years workingwith. It’s hard to see them go.CLAIRE (CONT’D)Should I bring somebody else inhandle this?EVELYNNo. I’m good. I can do it.Evelyn offers a resigned smile.EXT. UNDERWOOD RESIDENCE - FRONT DOORTIGHT on a finger pushing the door bell. A moment later thedoor opens, revealing Francis. We CUT TO Zoe standingopposite, Steve right beside her.STEVESir, I’m sorry to bother you. Thiswoman said you were expecting her.FRANCISWho are you?ZOEMy name is Zoe Barnes. I’m areporter at the Washington Herald.FRANCISIt’s almost ten at night. This ismy home. I don’t -ZOEWe’re part of a mutual appreciationclub.She holds out her phone. We can’t see what’s on it, butFrancis can. He smiles.

38.FRANCISYou’re a fan of the opera.ZOEMore for the people watching thanthe music. Same as you.Francis is impressed by her brassiness.FRANCIS(opens the door wider)Come in, Ms. Barnes.INT. UNDERWOOD RESIDENCE - LIVING ROOM - A FEW MINUTES LATERFrancis pours drinks from the liquor cabinet. Hands one toZoe, then sits across from her. Zoe takes a sip.ZOEIt’s strong.FRANCISYou like it weak?ZOENo - the stronger the better.She unwraps her scarf, revealing some impressive cleavageFrancis takes a quick glance, then finds her eyes again.ZOE (CONT’D)There’s no harm in looking.FRANCISThat’s a cheap ploy, Ms. Barnes.ZOECheap but effective.FRANCISIf your goal is to distract me -which you haven’t.ZOEI don’t want you distracted. Iwant you focused.FRANCISYou certainly have my undividedattention.

39.ZOEGood, then I’ll get straight to thepoint...FRANCIS(amused)Foreplay is over?ZOEI read somewhere that JFK neverlasted more than three minutes.FRANCISThe point being?ZOEThat time is precious. Powerfulpeople don’t have the luxury offoreplay.He smiles, eyes narrowing.FRANCISWhy are you here Ms. Barnes?ZOEBecause I need somebody I cantrust, and someone who trusts me.FRANCISYou’re in the wrong zip code forthat.ZOEMaybe trust isn’t the right word.An arrangement perhaps.As in...FRANCISZOEYou confide in me, to the extentthat you’re comfortable...FRANCISAnd in return...ZOEI protect your identity and printwhat you tell me. I serve you. Icommunicate what you can’t publiclysay yourself.

40.FRANCISWhat makes you think I don’talready have such an arrangementwith one of your colleagues?ZOEBecause if you did, you wouldn’thave let me in the door.Francis smiles. He’s enjoying the repartee.FRANCISI’ve had a very long, verysuccessful career avoiding thissort of intrigue with the press. Idon’t see any particular advantagein starting now.ZOEIs there any disadvantage?FRANCISSloppiness, for one.ZOEI promise you absolute discretion.FRANCISSo we are talking about trust.ZOEUse whatever word you like. Idon’t care.FRANCISWords matter very much, Ms. Barnes.You should care more, given yourprofession.ZOEThen yes, your trust. Because if Iwere to betray it I stand far lessof a chance surviving theconsequences.FRANCISMetro is killing you, huh?She looks at him, impressed he knows this.FRANCIS (CONT’D)Don’t be flattered that I’mfamiliar with your work. I readeverything.

41.ZOEI don’t doubt it. And yes, Metrois killing me.FRANCIS(considers for a moment)How exactly can I help you?ZOEThe Administration’s legislativeagenda.I see.FRANCISZOEYou must know.I may.FRANCISZOEImmigration is too controversial.Tax-reform isn’t sexy enough. I’mthinking Education.FRANCISYou very well might think that.I couldn’t possibly comment.ZOEAll I need is a nod or a wink.FRANCISIt’s late Ms. Barnes, and it’s beena long day.ZOECan we speak again?FRANCISA prudent man never makes a rashdecision unless forced bynecessity. And my only necessityat the moment is a pillow beneathmy head. I hope you’ll understandif I’d prefer to sleep on all ofthis.INT. UNDERWOOD RESIDENCE - FOYER - MOMENTS LATERFrancis helps Zoe put her coat on. Steve is in the foyerwith them. Zoe hands Francis a card.

42.ZOEMy cell phone’s on the back.Personal, not work.Francis pockets the card without looking at it.FRANCIS(to Steve)Did you put Ms. Barnes in thevisitors leger?Not yet.STEVEFRANCISDon’t.(to Zoe)Needless to say...ZOENeedless. I get it.Francis smiles. She smiles back. His desire to make hervisit “disappear” is a good sign. He opens the door for her.Claire is coming up the steps.CLAIREOh...hello...FRANCISClaire, this is Ms. Zoe Barnes,from the Washington Herald.ZOEVery nice to meet you Mrs.Underwood.They shake hands. Claire offers a polite smile.FRANCIS(to Zoe)Drive safe. There’s lots of ice onthe road.ZOEI will. Goodnight. And thank you.Francis and Claire watch Zoe walk off.CLAIREA reporter?FRANCISA hungry reporter.

43.CLAIREAren’t they all?EXT. MICHIGAN AVENUE - LATE AT NIGHTA BMW slows to a halt by the curb with a POLICE CAR slowingto a stop behind it, lights flashing.CUT TO: A POLICE OFFICER ambles up to the stopped BMW andaims a flashlight at the driver. It’s Russo. He looks wasted.POLICE OFFICERLicense and registration.RUSSOThe glove compartment sweetheart.We see that there’s a CALL-GIRL in the passenger seat. Shegets the registration out of the glove compartment whileRusso pulls out his license and hands it to the cop.RUSSO (CONT’D)Here you go.POLICE OFFICERThis isn’t your license. It’s aStarbucks card.RUSSOOh...sorry about that.POLICE OFFICERSir - have you been drinking?RUSSONo, I don’t drink coffee at thishour.POLICE OFFICER(not amused)I’m going to need you to step outof the car.RUSSOIf I was speeding just write me aticket and I’ll -POLICE OFFICERSir, out of the car. Right now.

44.RUSSOAlright listen, I don’t want tosound like a prick, but I’m amember of Congress...POLICE OFFICERI don’t care if you’re the King ofChina.RUSSOChina doesn’t have a King. It’s acommunist oligwock - ola -communist oligarchy. Man, that’shard to say.The cop opens the door.POLICE OFFICERLet’s go. Out.(to the Call-Girl)You too.INT. UNDERWOOD RESIDENCE - BEDROOM - LATERThe phone rings. Francis groggily answers it.Hello...?FRANCISListens for a second. Sits up, suddenly alert.FRANCIS (CONT’D)Good - let’s think this through fora second...INT. DINER - 4 AMThe door swings open, jangling a bell. In walks D.C. PoliceCommissioner BARNEY HULL - a square-jawed career lawenforcer. He glances around, doesn’t see who he’s lookingfor. Takes a seat in one of the booths.A figure slowly spins around on one of the stools at thecounters and faces Hull. It’s Stamper.STAMPERMind if I join you?Hull looks at him, perplexed. Stamper gets off the booth andslides into the booth across from Hull.

45.STAMPER (CONT’D)Doug Stamper - the Congressman’sChief-of-Staff.HULLI thought I was meeting someoneelse...STAMPERNo. You’re meeting me.HULLWhat the fuck is going on? It’sthe four in the goddamn morning andI’ve got a City Council meetingin...(glances at his watch)Less than five hours.STAMPER(leans in close)You’ve been Police Commissioner forwhat - almost a decade now?HULLWe here to talk about my resume?STAMPERMayor of D.C. would look good onthat resume, wouldn’t it?Hull sits up straighter. He’s listening now.STAMPER (CONT’D)We know you’ve been angling to runfor some time. Experience is yourstrong suit. Endorsements and fundraisingaren’t. But we can helpwith that.INT. POLICE STATION - HOLDING CELL - MORNINGRusso is sitting on a bench, head in hands. We hearfootsteps. He looks up. A COP enters, unlocks the door,opens it.COPYou’re free to go.Russo stands. He’s puzzled, but he’s not about to askquestions. He exits the holding cell.

46.INT. CHRISTINA’S CAR - LATE MORNINGChristina is driving, Russo’s riding shotgun.RUSSOIt was just a few drinks.CHRISTINAIt was enough to get pulled over.RUSSOBut I was in control. I wasn’tdrunk drunk.CHRISTINAWere you alone?Yes.RUSSOCHRISTINASay it to my face.RUSSOWatch the road.CHRISTINASay it to my face!RUSSOYes - I was alone!CHRISTINAYou can’t keep doing this Peter.It’s gonna catch up with you.INT. UNDERWOOD RESIDENCE - KITCHEN - MORNINGClaire picks up two fresh cups of coffee from the espressomachine. Meanwhile Francis finishes slicing an apple, placeshalf the slices on one plate, half on another. They meet atthe kitchen table - Claire with the coffee, Francis with theapple. Sit down. Their morning routine.CLAIREDo you think we can arrange twomore at our table for the Red andWhite Ball?For whom?FRANCIS

47.CLAIREThe Holburns.FRANCISWhy on earth would we want themthere?CLAIREI’m going to need her money for theCWA at some point.FRANCISThe expansion?CLAIREThe staff cuts will only get ushalfway there. We’ll need to fundnew projects.FRANCISI’ll talk to Vasquez.A beat.CLAIRE(checking in)How’re we doing?Good.FRANCISCLAIREJust good?FRANCISProgress. Irons in the fire.CLAIRE(smiles)I like irons. But I love fire.He downs his espresso. Stands. Gives her a peck on theforehead. And he’s out the door.INT. BLYTHE’S OFFICE - DAYFrancis holds up a document as HAROLD BLYTHE looks on.FRANCIS(holding up the document)This is the only hard copy?

48.Yes.BLYTHEFrancis goes over to the shredder, starts feeding in pages.BLYTHE (CONT’D)What are you...Francis has put too many pages in. The shredder jams. Heyanks out the half devoured sheets and tosses them in thewaste basket with the rest of the 600 page document.FRANCISThe bill is garbage, Harry, and youknow it. You’ve wasted your timeand mine. I’m not happy.BLYTHEI’m sorry Frank...FRANCISI don’t want apologies, I want apassable bill. Tax increases? Theban on vouchers? A FederalOversight Commission? How am Isupposed to work with that? Youhave to help me help you.BLYTHEI’ll rewrite it.FRANCISBy the inauguration.BLYTHEIf you want something from scratchthat’s going to be -FRANCISYou have less than a week.BLYTHEThat was years worth of work.FRANCISThen get me a short-form draft.Get me something I can put yourname on. We can flesh out the longformlater.Francis points to the waste basket.

49.Blythe nods.FRANCIS (CONT’D)That version is dead. Erase everycopy on every computer.FRANCIS (CONT’D)(as he goes)Call me if you need anything.And Francis is out the door. We follow him. He turns to us.FRANCIS (CONT’D)(to the camera)Busy work for poor old Blythe.Eventually I’ll have to re-writethe bill myself. Not because Icare what’s in it. I only careabout where it gets me. And if itgets me rubbing shoulders withWalker again, it’s served itspurpose. But to do that I need abill I can pass. Ideology is forstanding still on a soapbox. Inever stand still. I wantmomentum.INT. HOTEL ROOM - NIGHTTIGHT on the door. A knock. A moment later the door opens,revealing the CALL-GIRL we saw with Russo the night before.She’s wearing a long overcoat and heels. CUT TO to Stamper.STAMPERCome on in.The Call-Girl takes a look around the room, impressed. Sheunzips her overcoat. Let’s it fall to the ground. She’sonly wearing panties underneath.Stamper pulls an enormous wad out of his jacket pocket.Tosses it to her. She starts to flip through the wad.STAMPER (CONT’D)Ten thousand dollars. What willthat get me?She eyes him, a little frightened.CALL-GIRLI mean I’m kinky, but I don’t knowif I’m the girl you’re looking for.

50.STAMPEROh you’re definitely the girl I’mlooking for.CALL-GIRL(stands)This doesn’t feel right...STAMPERAll I want for that money is yoursilence.CALL-GIRLMy silence...?STAMPERThe guy you were with last night,the one who was arrested. Do youknow who he was?CALL-GIRLYou mean the Congressman?STAMPERThere was no Congressman. Therewas no arrest. None of it exists.All that exists is the money you’reholding. You understand?Yeah.Good.CALL-GIRLSTAMPERStamper pulls out some more money from his jacket. Folds it.STAMPER (CONT’D)Open your mouth.She does, he gently slides the bills between her teeth.STAMPER (CONT’D)Here’s four hundred more. Thislast bit is for me.He takes off his jacket and starts to unbutton his shirt.INT. FRANCIS’S (INNER) OFFICE - LATE MORNINGFrancis sits across from CATHERINE DURANT (early 50s),another conservative Democrat from the South.

51.DURANTSecretary of State?FRANCISThat’s right.DURANT(puzzled)Walker just nominated Kern.FRANCISIt’s a long road to confirmation.DURANTKern is a boy scout.FRANCISNo one’s a boy scout. Not even boyscouts.Durant is intrigued by Francis’s tone. She presses.DURANTWhat do you have?FRANCISAbsolutely nothing.DURANTSo what are we talking about here?FRANCISI’m just asking a simple question -does the job interest you?DURANTWouldn’t you want it for yourself?FRANCISI turned it down.DURANTReally? I heard that Walker passedyou over.FRANCISI’ve let that story ride so hecould save face. I haven’t spenttwenty years in Congress to toss itaside for a four-year cabinet post.DURANTSo why do you want Kern gone?

52.FRANCISI want him gone because he’s apretty face with an empty skull.The Foreign Relations Committeeneeds a Secretary I can work with.Somebody brilliant. Somebodytough. Somebody who isn’t afraidto stand up to Walker when he’swrong. We need you Catherine.DURANT(slight beat)Let’s assume I’m interested...FRANCISI don’t want to assume - I want toknow.INT. RAYBURN BLDG PARKING GARAGE - NIGHTA Black SUV rounds a corner on the bottom floor of thegarage, pulls into an empty spot. We can see that Steve isdriving. The back door opens. Stamper gets out. He headstoward a set of dumpsters in the far corner. Looks around.Sees no one. Opens the lid to one of the dumpsters.INT. NEWSROOM - DAYZOE is seated at her desk, looking miserable - trapped, underappreciated,creativity stifled. She’s got her land linephone to one ear and is taking notes she clearly doesn’t givea rat’s ass about.ZOEUh-huh...uh-huh...Her cell phone vibrates. She glances at it. “UnknownNumber.”ZOE (CONT’D)(into the land line)Hold on.She answers the cell phone.ZOE (CONT’D)Zoe Barnes.After a beat she stiffens, suddenly alert.

53.She ends the call.ZOE (CONT’D)Yes, anywhere you want.(listens)On my way.ZOE (CONT’D)(into the land line)I’ll call you back.She hastily grabs her purse and coat, heads for the elevator.INT. NATIONAL GALLERY - DAYFrancis and Zoe sit side by side on a bench in front of aThomas Eakins painting. It depicts two rowers in a skull.FRANCISDo the math, Ms. Barnes.ZOEHe needs a bill...FRANCISSponsored by?ZOESomebody with legitimacy...Zoe thinks for a moment, then shakes her head.ZOE (CONT’D)But the person with the mostexperience...FRANCIS(finishing her thought)Harold Blythe.ZOE...is an old school tax and spendDemocrat. Walker ran as amoderate. He’s almost Republican.FRANCISExactly, which is why he needs me.ZOETo steer the bill to the center.

54.FRANCISYou were right about why Walkerkept me in Congress.ZOEDo you think Blythe would talk tome?FRANCISBe smarter than that. He can’tspeak to the press about this.ZOEMaybe somebody in his office, if Ibutter them up. All I need is afew crumbs.Francis flips open a brief case. Pulls out a bulky manilaenvelop and places it in Zoe’s lap.FRANCISHow about a five-course dinner?She peeks inside the envelope.ZOEIs this what I think it is?Francis points to the painting.FRANCISI just love this painting, don’tyou?Zoe looks up. TIGHT on the two rowers in the painting. ThenBACK TO the pair on the bench. Francis turns to Zoe.FRANCIS (CONT’D)We’re in the same boat now, Zoe.Take care not to tip it over. Ifyou do, I can only save one of usfrom drowning.INT. ZOE’S APARTMENT - AFTERNOONZoe in her cramped, hopelessly messy apartment. She’sflipping through Blythe’s original draft. Making notes.Utterly focused. She has something no one else on the planethas. Her cell phone rings. She presses ignore without evenlooking at the number. A moment later it rings again. Shepresses ignore. Nothing is going to distract her.

55.INT. BLAIR HOUSE - VASQUEZ’S OFFICE - DAYFrancis and Vasquez across a desk from one another.VASQUEZWe need a passable bill.FRANCISAnd you’ll have one.VASQUEZBefore the inauguration.FRANCISI didn’t choose Harold Blythe. Youdid. And that’s fine. I had tosend him back to the startinggates, but I can work with him.You don’t have to micro-managethis, Linda.VASQUEZThe President-Elect is concerned.FRANCISHe shouldn’t be. And you shouldn’teither. You’re asking me to work amiracle. I understand that. And I’mtelling you - I’ll work themiracle.VASQUEZAlright, Frank...FRANCISI have a favor to ask, though.Can you fit two more guests at ourtable? For the Red and White Ball?VASQUEZOf course. I can make that happen.INT. FRANCIS’S OFFICE - CONTINUOUSFrancis shuts the door as Russo takes a seat.Drink?FRANCISRUSSOSure...what do you got?

56.FRANCISWhiskey. Bush Mills.RUSSOIf you’re offering.As Francis pours him a drink.FRANCISHow are things in the city ofbrotherly love?RUSSOWe’re getting by.FRANCISGood, good.Francis hands him the drink.FRANCIS (CONT’D)So it seems you’ve been abit...irresponsible.What...?RUSSOFRANCISDon’t play dumb with me Peter.Save it for the House EthicsCommittee.Russo freezes - a deer caught in headlights.FRANCIS (CONT’D)Drink up, you could use somecourage right now.RUSSOYou’re not having any?FRANCISIt’s a bit early in the day for me.Russo sets his drink down.RUSSOIs this about last night?Francis simply stares at him. A stare which says “yes.”RUSSO (CONT’D)How do you know about that?

57.FRANCISBecause it’s my job to know.RUSSOLook - they let me off. There’s nocharges. It’s all taken care of.FRANCISHonestly Peter, do you really thinkthese things take care ofthemselves?Russo suddenly realizes Francis was behind his release.RUSSOIt was just that once, Frank. Iswear to God.FRANCISThen you must hold God in very lowesteem, because we both know that’sa lie. Drunk driving, prostitutes,cocaine - you’ve got quite a longlist of hobbies. I’m surprised youcan find the time to represent yourconstituents. What I should reallyhave done is hang you out to dry.But then you’d be of no use to me,would you?RUSSOWhat is it that you want?FRANCISYour absolute, unquestioningloyalty.RUSSO(after a beat)Anything. You name it, Frank.FRANCISNot now - but soon. There will beno shortage of things you’ll beable to do for me.INT. WASHINGTON HERALD - NEWSROOM - AFTERNOONZoe makes a B-line for Lucas’s office. As she barges in...LUCASWhere have you been? I’ve beencalling you.(MORE)

58.LUCAS (CONT'D)Everybody’s working double-time onthe Inauguration and you decide tojust up and disapp --She plops a large ream of paper on his desk. He picks it up,starts to flip through.LUCAS (CONT’D)Where did you get this?ZOEWrong question. The right questionis how quickly can we get it up onthe site?LUCASThis is page one. I have to run itpast Bob.ZOEThen let’s run it past Bob.INT. WASHINGTON HERALD - HAMMERSCHMIDT’S OFFICE - AFTERNOONHammerschmidt, Zoe and Lucas - serious shit going down.HAMMERSCHMIDT(to Lucas)Get legal on this - make sure we’renot breaking any laws. And I wanta litigation assessment.(to Zoe)You won’t tell me your source?ZOEI can’t do that.HAMMERSCHMIDTFine. But if legal -ZOEI understand. How long do youthink that will take? We shouldget this online right away.HAMMERSCHMIDTI’m not just going to scan a 600page document and put it up beforewe’ve gone through every --ZOEI did that already.

59.HAMMERSCHMIDTYou read the whole thing?ZOECover to cover. I’ve got excerpts.Analysis. Three thousand wordsready for editing.Hammerschmidt glances at Lucas. They’re impressed.HAMMERSCHMIDT(to Lucas)You start going over that. Andlet’s get the online staff pitchingin, working on graphs, charts, thewhole nine yards.(opens door, calls out)Janine!(to Zoe)What’s the angle, five words orless?ZOEFar left of center.How far?Very.HAMMERSCHMIDTZOEHAMMERSCHMIDTEnough to put Walker on his heels?ZOEForget his heels. This will puthim on his ass.Janine enters. She doesn’t see Zoe in the corner.HAMMERSCHMIDT(to Janine)We’ve got a draft of theadministration’s Education Bill.You’re going to work with Zoe, dobackground copy.JANINE(incredulous)Zoe Barnes?HAMMERSCHMIDTThat’s right. Whatever she needs.

60.Hammerschmidt nods in Zoe’s direction. Janine sees Zoe forthe first time.JANINE(as if it’s disgusting)Share a byline with her?HAMMERSCMIDTNo sharing. The byline is Zoe’s.JANINEBut she’s Metro. I’m your chiefpolitical correspondent...HAMMERSCHMIDTThen you should’ve brought in thestory yourself.(to Lucas)Zoe gets the byline. Janine getsassisted credit.JANINEAssisted? Come on. You can’t -HAMMERSCHMIDTGo. We’ve got 18 hours beforetomorrow’s print deadline.Janine glares at Zoe.ZOE(to Janine, triumphant)I’ll see you at my desk.Zoe walks out. Janine reluctantly follows.EXT. THE MALL - MORNINGA WIDE PAN of massive crowds gathered for the InaugurationCeremony on a crystal clear, January morning.FRANCIS (V.O.)Power is like real estate. It’sall about location, location,location.CUT TO the rostrum on the Capitol steps. Walker has his handraised as CHIEF JUSTICE conducts the oath of office.FRANCIS (V.O.)The closer you are to the source,the higher your property value.

61.We ZOOM IN on Francis and Claire sitting in the first rowbehind the lectern.FRANCIS (V.O.)A hundred years from now, whenpeople watch this footage, who willthey see smiling just at the edgeof the frame?Francis gives a little wave to the camera.CHIEF JUSTICESo help you God.WALKERSo help me God.EXT. THE ROSTRUM - TEN MINUTES LATERTIGHT on Walker in the midst of his Inaugural Address.WALKER...Today is not simply about thenext four years. It’s about thenext four decades. You’ve placedyour faith in me, and I, in turn,choose to place that faith in ourchildren. Our children are the keyto this nation’s future, and that’swhy the first order of business forthis administration will be acomprehensive Education Reform Billto properly fix, finance andstrengthen our nation’s schools.Huge cheers from the audience. QUICK CUT TO Francis,clapping vigorously, staring right at us.INT. RED AND WHITE BALL - NIGHTA huge reception hall decorated to the hilt. The mood isfestive. Francis and Claire are seated next to Charles andFelicity Holburn at the Vice-President’s table.FELICITY(leaning into Claire)It was so nice of you to make thispossible. When you called and -CLAIRENot another word.

62.SHIFT TO Secretary of State nominee Michael Kern.KERN...”Your dog must be a genius,” theguy says. “Nah,” says the otherguy, “He’s pretty stupid. Everytime he’s got a good hand he sniffshis ass.”Everyone at the table laughs at the punch line, Kern most ofall. Francis forces a laugh. Claire leans into Francis.CLAIREGo do your thing.He squeezes her hand. Gets up.CUT TO Blythe standing awkwardly alone eating a crab cake atthe hors d’oeuvres table. Francis approaches.FRANCISMaestro, I’ve been looking all overfor you.Blythe fumbles with the crab cake, accidently spilling it onhis lapel.Shit.BLYTHEIn an instant Francis has grabbed a napkin and begins dabbingthe stain.BLYTHE (CONT’D)Oh thanks...FRANCISTruly outstanding work on the newdraft. You’re going to make historywith that bill Harry.BLYTHEThanks for all your help Frank.Couldn’t have done it without you.Out of the corner of his eye, Francis spots Catherine Durantnear the dance floor.FRANCISCatherine!(to Blythe)Excuse me Harry.And Francis glides over to Catherine.

63.FRANCIS (CONT’D)Don’t you look stunning.DURANTWe Southern girls clean up wellwhen you get us out of the trailerpark and into some Vera Wang.FRANCISAnd we Southern boys may be slowwith our words, but we’re fast onour feet.He half bows, takes her hand and kisses it.FRANCIS (CONT’D)May I have the honor?DURANTYou most certainly may.He leads her onto the dance floor and they waltz beautifully.EXT. PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE - EARLY MORNINGThe streets are empty. Sanitation workers sweep up theticker tape from the previous day’s celebration. Policecrews load barricades into flatbed trucks.EXT. FREDDY’S BBQ JOINT - EARLY MORNINGIt’s a bitterly cold, bright sunny day. Francis arrives atthe restaurant with a newspaper tucked under his arm. FREDDY- the husky African American proprietor - sees himapproaching and opens the door for him.FREDDYMornin’ Frank.FRANCISMorning Freddy. How are you?FREDDYCan’t kick. Come on in.FRANCISActually, would you mind setting upa table for me outside?FREDDYOutside? It’s freezing.

64.FRANCISI’ll be fine. A little cold neverhurt anyone.Freddy nods and heads inside. Francis turns to the camera.FRANCIS (CONT’D)My one guilty pleasure is a goodracks of ribs. Even at 7:30 in themorning. I have the whole place tomyself. Freddy opens up just forme...Francis at a table, breath condensing in the cold air.FRANCIS (CONT’D)Where I grew up in South Carolinanobody had two pennies to rubtogether. A rack of ribs was aluxury, like Christmas in July.I’ve had a weakness for them eversince.CUT TO:Freddy comes outside with a steaming plate of ribs. Placesthem before Francis. Before digging in, Francis glances atthe newspaper he brought with him.Zoe’s breaking story, detailing the contents of the leakedEducation Bill, occupies a huge swath of the front page. Theheadline reads:EDUCATION BILL FAR LEFT OF CENTERWe PAN DOWN to see Zoe’s byline in bold above the article.QUICK MONTAGE-- Blythe in his office staring at the article on hiscomputer. Complete horror.-- Vasquez in the back of an SUV scrolling through herblackberry in even more horror.-- Zoe, Lucas and Hammerschmidt gathered around a computerwhere a TECH GUY is monitoring a graph.TECH GUYThe web traffic is crazy.-- Janine watching Zoe, Hammer and Lucas from a distance,eyes narrowed - jealous.

65.-- A COP CAR with its lights flashing beside a dented BLUETOYOTA CAMRY - the same car that hit the dog in the openingscene. Two COPS cuffing the mangy 20 year-old CULPRIT.EXT. FREDDY’S BBQ JOINT - MORNINGFrancis’ plate is empty. He wipes his hands and dabs hismouth with a napkin. Freddy starts to clear Francis’s plate.FREDDYYou want seconds?FRANCISI better not.Freddy starts off. Scarcely a moment later...FRANCIS (CONT’D)Actually, yes. I’m feeling hungrytoday.Freddy goes inside. Francis stares right at us, piercingly.FRANCIS (CONT’D)(to the camera)There are two kinds of pain, butonly one kind of pleasure - total,unstoppable, undeniable victory.(leans toward us)The minister was wrong aboutdefeat. I wasn’t put on this planetto endure. I was put on thisplanet to win.He closes his eyes again and leans back. Basks in the sunand exhales a long, deep breath into the cold air.The serenity is shattered by sudden, thumping ROCK MUSIC.Black out.THE END