Robin Wright Celebrates Her Independence from Kevin Spacey in "House of Cards" Teaser

Trigger Warning: This article discusses sexual assault.

There’s a level of dread tied to the final season of House of Cards on Netflix. And not the regular kind.

Fans of the show question how the series can possibly survive the sexual assault accusations leveled against former star Kevin Spacey. Others wonder if the plug should have been pulled entirely.

(Netflix cancelled the show, but not before giving it one final season to wrap-up the story.)

Though Spacey’s character Frank Underwood—and spoilers coming for the sixth season of HOC—has been written out of the show, there’s no denying his legacy will also taint whatever comes next.

However, Netflix is making a point to differentiate this final season from the Spacey-led episodes, putting Robin Wright’s Claire Underwood, who was sworn-in as President at the end of the last season, front and centre.

In fact, a new clip released on 4 July in America—Independence Day—Claire puts it as bluntly as possible: "Happy Independence Day, to me."

Netflix hasn’t yet announced when House of Cards will return, or how they’ll handle Frank Underwood’s fate. (Though, basically, we should just be estimating the level of violence to his inevitable, off-screen death.) Expect it later this year.

In the meantime, Spacey is being investigated for three more allegations of sexual assault. Scotland Yard now has six ongoing investigations against the Oscar-winning actor, for alleged assaults that took place in the United Kingdom.

Are you experiencing suicidal thoughts, sexual assault or domestic and family violence? Seeking to support someone who is? Call Lifeline on 131 114 or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.

Visit ReachOut to get support to help you with everything from everyday issues through to tough times.

Header Image: Netflix