This was absurdly strong, especially for the first season of a risky format that not as many people are likely to see.

It’s also the first show in a while where I’ve been desperate to consume the next episode - there’s enough intrigue here to last for a decade.

Kevin Spacey does the restrained but totally unhinged thing very well. And the fourth-wall-breaking, while taking a little getting used to, really worked.

Watching this, I realised that over the last few years it’s become normal for alternate-reality television shows to feature a black president, as if even in a different universe the ascendancy of an Obama-like figure was inevitable in 2008. I wouldn’t call this show brave for avoiding that, but Michael Gill does a really good job.

Kate Mara is also a fantastic actress - and likely has a pretty impressive future ahead of her. And… well. Let’s not stoop to that level. (But holy shit.)

This show does a really good job of making you feel for absolutely deplorable characters. I found myself tear up at Robin Wright’s portrayal of Claire, moments after she had been incredibly callous.

It’s odd/refreshing/different to hear the cunt-word on US TV, too. I know it’s not real TV - it’s not even HBO - but still, it’s interesting. Brits say it better.

Michael Kelly at the end. Brrr.

Wrapping up: the opening two episodes (David Fincher!) are fantastic, the pace is kept throughout, the music is great (if a little samey), and the use of Washington DC as a location is great - you feel immersed in the city by the end.

You need to watch this yesterday.