Popular US series uses Chinese elements

Cast member Kevin Spacey poses at the premiere for the second season of the television series "House of Cards" at the Directors Guild of America in Los Angeles, California February 13, 2014. [Photo/Agencies]

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Traditional heroes are no longer sought after anymore. Today, it's unconventional protagonists like Francis J. Underwood from "House of Cards" who are winning audiences' hearts.

The political drama, which airs on the Internet streaming service Netflix, has won the applauses of viewers around the world since its debut on February 1, 2013. At the same time, it has caught the attention of real politicians, including US President Barack Obama.

Dark political villain

Kevin Spacey is infamous for his portrayal of villains including his roles in blockbuster hits such as "LA Confidential," "Seven" and " Usual Suspects."

In "House," directed by David Fincher, Spacey plays Francis J. Underwood, a cold-blooded Democrat who moves his way up the political ladder by any means necessary. He often positions himself in the grey zone and uses his under-exposure in media to carry out misdeeds that will later benefit him.

The revenge theme plays a heavy role throughout the storyline. Underwood, who had high hopes for an appointment as Secretary of State in the first season, was betrayed by the US President and his former colleagues. He and his wife then concocted a plan of revenge and swore to unseat those who turned their backs against him one by one. Through their plan, Underwood's own hunger for power grew and empowered him to eliminate whoever stood in his way.

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