I've kept away from the threads, but I just finished it, so here's my take:

-I was annoyed for the first bit cause I was wanting what the first 2 seasons had. After about the midpoint of the season I decided that I needed to leave my expectations because it was just unrealistic now that he was in the Presidency. Obviously Underwood can't get away with everything he did before as an underling, no flying under the radar as much now. Season 3 is an obvious change of pace, but it seems a lot of people don't want to accept it.

-The whole thing with the book just confuses me, it's just awkward and I don't really get it.

-Color me sexist, but I thought his rant at Claire at the end was kind of right. What on Earth is she wanting? She sucked as ambassador and she's pissed at Underwood for that? She's good at steam-rolling nobodys, but can't really play with the big boys. The whole series it seems like she has wavered, but I'm glad she got the backbone to finally walk-out. The two of them deserve to be alone.

- Why did Stamper kill her? Was it out of self-preservation or some weird thing he had to do as part of his "rebirth".

I enjoy the series, but am not sure where they're taking it. Seems to have painted itself into some awkward corner.