This, one assumes, is the reason why the episode opens with Lucas narrating some pornography for his bunkmate, who is jerking off beneath him. And how does it distinguish itself from all the gritty prison dramas that came before it? By being EVEN GRITTIER. This miniature gritty prison drama is living inside House of Cards like a Russian nesting doll. He’s serving a ten-year sentence for cyberterrorism, an interesting life choice he made under the guidance of one Gavin Orsay (who skipped town/America), owner of the beloved Cashew (who is in a better place and, miraculously, is still alive). Lucas, whom you may remember as the editor-turned-sometimes-boyfriend of Zoe Barnes (also R.I.P.), is in prison.

So begins “Chapter 40,” the first episode of the fourth season. Where, oh where, shall we find the soul wounded enough to fill this vital set piece? He is in Frank’s inner circle once again - I’d say he’s out of the darkness, but everything on this show is lit so gloomily there’s barely any light to be found, even when the spotlight of Frank’s affection shines on you - and this leaves a Sadness Cave vacancy. Doug Stamper has been liberated from his Sadness Cave, where he spent the first half of last season recovering from injuries sustained after Rachel (R.I.P.) tried to beat him to death with a rock.

In House of Cards, Sadness Caves are never created nor destroyed they only change form and occupant.

House of cards season 4 episode 1 cast