'House of Cards' season 5 release date, spoilers: is Claire set to be the next U.S. President?

Claire and Frank UnderwoodNetflix

"House of Cards" season 4 saw Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey) and his wife Claire (Robin Wright) go to war with each other, both personally and politically, until they had to unite and work together again. According to Ecumenical News, Claire may not yet be done with her ambitions and may attempt to take Frank's position. 

Season 4 did see Frank take full control as the president of the United States but it also saw Claire rise up as the vice president, putting her in the position to take Frank's spot if she so chooses. A previous report points out that if the series ends similarly to the original U.K. series then audiences may see Claire assassinate Frank to become the next U.S. president. 

However, it is also pointed out that Frank will not just sit by and allow himself to be taken out of the picture. It is very likely that Frank is aware that Claire will attempt to take his position now that she has sufficient political power and even a new lover.

Even more dangerous is the fact that she knows most of his dirty secrets regarding whom he had to kill, cheat and lie to in order to get where he is now. Ever since season 1 of the show Frank had been depicted as a murderous politician willing to go to the extremes to get what he wants and Claire's knowledge may be used against him in season 5.

More importantly, Claire broke the fourth wall during the season 4 finale which indicates season 5 may shift its focus to her. The character is often regarded just as important as Frank and even the actress had to point this out in order to get paid the same amount that Kevin Spacey does.

As reported by the Harpers Bazaar, Robin Wright demanded the studios that she be paid an equal amount or else she'd walk away from the show and reveal the incident to the public. It was only after she stood her ground and fought for equal rights that the studios gave in.