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Today fails to ask Robin Wright about "toxic" Kevin Spacey allegations on House of Cards set

posted 6 years ago by TMC-4 (19391)
8 replies | jump to latest

http://www.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/tv/z-on-tv-blog/bs-fe-zontv-robin-wright-today-show-20180709-story.html

In her first interview promoting the final season of House of Cards, Wright told Savannah Guthrie that the cast and crew were “all surprised, of course, and ultimately saddened” by the sexual misconduct allegations against Spacey. “Kevin and I knew each other between action and cut, and in between setups where we would giggle,” Wright said. “I didn’t really — I didn’t know the man. I knew the incredible craftsman that he is.” But as David Zurawik points out, Guthrie failed to ask Wright about a CNN report, sourced to eight current and former House or Cards staffers, that the set of the Netflix drama was "toxic" with Spacey’s abusive and predatory sexual behavior. "One of journalism’s primary jobs is providing clarity by trying to resolve such contradictions — not serve up the kind of questions that allow someone who was in a position of authority and responsibility on that set to avoid taking the contradiction on," says Zurawik. "Wright was a director, executive producer and co-star. She was not as powerful as Spacey, but she had enough power to say something if any part of what CNN alleged about that set was true." ALSO: The interview exposed several absurdities about the show’s decision to keep going. https://theoutline.com/post/5280/house-of-cards-robin-wright-kevin-spacey-response?zd=2&zi=3glyh7jc

[–] Cookie.L.A. (2117) 6 years ago

From the article:

<< The interview exposed several absurdities about the show’s decision to keep going...There are better redemptive measures than producing an unnecessary season of an unnecessary show and pushing its stars to limply dance around the truth: Spacey was House of Cards >>

That's insulting to everyone else who ever worked on the show. It wasn't ALL about Spacey. One of the most interesting subplots circled around Michael Kelly and the superb Rachel "Mrs. Maisel" Brosnahan.

Also, to simply let the show die without a proper burial, as it were, gives Mr. Spacey too much power. The program is tying itself up in its own way, in a shortened time frame (8 episodes). That's not "absurd".

[–] mudsharkbytes (165) 5 years ago

I disagree.

This isn't about giving Spacey power, it's about having respect for what they have done up to this point.

Continuing the series absent Frank Underwood is asinine. Spacey's astonishingly well crafted Frank Underwood character IS "House of Cards," all other plot lines and characters are peripheral, however, unfortunately, Spacey the actor's behavior is now considered poisonous, so no more seeing Frank Underwood to offend our sense of justice, since balance demands the destruction of Spacey's career for his offensive behavior.

If they cannot use Spacey any more then the only real option left is to end the series. Since the upcoming death of Frank Underwood was not conceived of as a plot device to further the overall story, but instead as a social construct to keep the audience from being offended by seeing Spacey's face, I have no desire to watch the cockamamie / twisted plot constructs necessary to produce a Frank-less "House of Cards."

Underwood is the only character in the series to break the 4th wall, and every time he does it is memorable. Will Claire now start speaking directly to the viewer? Absurd. It's much better to cancel the series unfinished but on a high note than it is to limp across the finish line crippled like this.

[–] zachattack2 (28) 5 years ago

I guess you aren't a big fan of the show, or don't pay attention when you watched it. Because Claire broke the 4th wall in season 5. Several times. It actually technically started in the season 4 finale. She didn't talk, but she looked directly at the camera as Frank talked and let the viewers know she knew they were there.

So you're wrong on two counts. One when you say Frank is the only character to break the 4th wall. And two, by asking if she would break the 4th wall now. Because she already did. Very weird you act like a fan of the first 5 seasons but are either too stupid or lazy to actually watch it.

[–] mudsharkbytes (165) 5 years ago

I stopped watching halfway through season 5 when the whole kicking Kevin Spacey’s ass thing started. Before I stopped I WAS a big fan.

So you went from saying I wasn’t a fan or I didn’t pay attention to I’m stupid and lazy - classy.

[–] kjc219 (10) 5 years ago

You probably shouldn't talk about things you dont know. Because Zach is right, and you're wrong.

[–] mudsharkbytes (165) 5 years ago

You should probably read what I said before commenting - where did I call him wrong? Sheesh!

[–] mudsharkbytes (165) 5 years ago

In fact, I’m only wrong about the 4th wall - great googly-moogly. I stand by my the rest of my statement regardless.

House of Cards IS, or, rather WAS about Frank Underwood. It only became about Clair when the decision was made to fire Spacey. The entire change in the shows focus was made for reasons that had nothing to do with creativity.

I stand by the thrust of my statement, 4th wall regardless. Continuing the series minus Frank Underwood was asinine. It is akin to serving Veal Parmesan minus the veal.

[–] MickyMac (2935) 5 years ago

They continued without Frank because they didn't want everyone to lose their jobs, it was a unfortunate difficult situation that ruins not only Spacey's but the show's legacy.