'House of Cards': A look back
Frank Underwood — correction, President Underwood — is officially more powerful than ever. House of Cards returns on Netflix Friday with Kevin Spacey's cunning politico now holding all the cards. USA TODAY's Andrea Mandell catches up on where we left off, and what we can expect (warning for those who are behind on the streaming series: spoilers ahead).
Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey)
Where we left off: The vice president successfully maneuvered the president of the United States out of office, landing the job of the world's most powerful man. Checkmate.
Where we are now: We're operating in the Frank Underwood administration, and there's one uniting factor in Congress, in the polls, and in the Cabinet: everyone hates him. Not that this bothers President Underwood.
Claire Underwood (Robin Wright)
Where we left off: Claire let nothing get in the way of Frank's path to the presidency, including casualties such as the sexually assaulted Marine Megan Hennessey, who were coldly sacrificed along the way.
Where we are now: Claire has never been interested in being a fixture, and the title of first lady isn't cutting it, either. What she really wants is to be the United Nations ambassador, a position for which no one thinks she's qualified.
Doug Stamper (Michael Kelly)
Where we left off: Underwood's chief of staff and No. 1 henchman was desperately trying to fix the 'Rachel Posner problem,' (she was the sole witness to earlier misdeeds). At the end of Season 2, while chasing her down, Rachel turned and attacked Stamper and he was left for dead.
Where we are now: So did Stamper live, or did he die, like overly inquisitive reporter Zoe Barnes? You'll find out in Episode 1.
Raymond Tusk (Gerald McRaney)
Where we left off: President Walker's trusted confidante took the ultimate gamble, testifying against him to the Senate and throwing dirt on his best friend's political grave.
Where we are now: Will his turncoat support land Tusk the VP job under Underwood? Set to streaming for the answer.
World threats
Where we left off: Trade relations with China were a mess at the end of Season 2. "I wrecked them. I can repair them," Underwood told Tusk while attempting to woo him to his corner.
Where are we now: Russia has moved forward as the administration's greatest threat. Watch what happens when Underwood invites a Putin-like president to the White House.