"House of Cards" season 3 is often perceived as the weakest season of the show and according to a report from E! Online, even showrunner and executive producer Beau Willimon is aware of this. However, Willimon also explained that season 4 will delve into darker territories regarding Frank Underwood's (Kevin Spacey) career. 

Season 3 stepped away from the political intrigue and career pursuits that Frank is good at and focused more on the emotional turmoil he and his wife Claire (Robin Wright) shared. The writing was still considered among the best on television but it was a big departure that not many fans felt was right for the show. 

"We wanted a little less political intrigue and a little more of the emotional flux. We wanted to tell the story of the marriage," Willimon explained. "I'm sure it was hard for them [the fans] to see the Underwoods tumble and sometimes fall. But if they didn't, they wouldn't be human, and it would make it seem like the presidency was a cakewalk, which we know it's not." 

Willimon continued to explain that season 4 will walk a fine line between what the producers and writers want and what the fans want, confirming that they, too, listen to fan responses. According to a report from iDigital Times, season 4 will tread that line carefully by merging both the political and emotional struggles into one. 

The ending of season 3 depicted Claire leaving Frank and it is almost inevitable that she will become his most powerful enemy in the upcoming season, not only because of her wits and connections but because she knows all his secrets. Frank became the president of the United States through very shady circumstances and she could be the one to undo them. 

Then there is the rumor that actress Constance Zimmer, who played journalist Janine, will be coming back to haunt Frank. Her character fled the scene after Kate Mara's Zoe was killed by Frank in season 2, but perhaps her character summed up the courage to investigate the truth. Perhaps she might become Claire's unexpected ally. 

"House of Cards" season 4 will air in 2016.