To Play the King Episode 1

"Episode 1" is the first episode of the second miniseries of House of Cards, and the fifth episode overall.

Plot

Frances Urquhart is now Prime Minister and is somewhat haunted by what he has done in the past. A newly crowned King presents him with more of a challenge that he may have expected. The King has a conscience and to Urquhart's distress, wants to 'make a contribution'. Urquhart doesn't stand by idly and the King's interest in a major urban renewal project means curtains for the Environment Secretary who proposed it. Meanwhile, the PM hires a new political adviser Sarah Harding and his right-hand man, Tim Stamper, puts into motion an insurance policy of sorts they've developed by co-opting a member of the Royal family, Princess Charlotte. The King's refusal to change a speech where he is seemingly at odds with the government sets the wheels of his destruction in motion.