'House of Cards' season 5 premiere date, spoilers: Season premieres early 2017; Claire will be stronger

House of Cards Season 4Netflix

Claire Underwood (Robin Wright) ended "House of Cards" season 4 by finally breaking the fourth wall and addressing the audience in the same way the main character, Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey), does. According to a report from Ecumenical News, this is an indication of her growing strength which is a key aspect in season 5.

According to the report, Claire may become the main protagonist in season 5 and she may even attain the highest political position, overthrowing her husband as the President of the United States. While there are no confirmations yet of this happening, fans will recall that the UK series that the Netflix show is based on ended in such a manner.

In the UK original, the main protagonist was assassinated by his own wife when she realized he was a detriment not only to their relationship but to the country as a whole. He was also an obstacle to her own goals of becoming the most powerful person in the country and it is very possible that "House of Cards" from Netflix will mirror these events.

Frank and Claire Underwood already went through a devastating feud in season 4 and while they may partnered together at the end of the season, Claire had already worked her way up to the seat of vice president and was now aware of the secrets and murders Frank committed to get where he is now. She may use all this against him. 

As stated in a report from Harpers Bazaar, Claire's fight for power mirrors the actress's struggle for equality. According to the report, Robin Wright had to put her foot down and demand that the studios give her the same amount of salary that they were paying Kevin Spacey. In the end, the studios agreed, particularly since she is viewed as a co-lead opposite Spacey's Frank Underwood.

"House of Cards" season 5 will premiere in early 2017.