This contains a few spoilers, but not enough, I feel, to in any way turn you off the plot. That said, I suppose I should warn you. Heck, don't bother reading my post, just go out and hire the House of Cards trilogy right away! Now!
I'm currently rewatching House of Cards, which is in my opinion the best political drama ever, and certainly the best trilogy. Ian Richardson plays Francis Urquhart, aging, white haired Chief Whip in parliament (and one of the most sly and bequiling villains to appear on screen). Susanna Harker plays Mattie Storin, bright, young and pretty, a journalist for a major paper. Though Urquhart manipulates Mattie, their chemistry is real. Remember, as you read the transcript, that the white-haired Urquhart is in a position of great political power and is more than old enough to be Mattie's father. How Richardson makes this character so damn sexy is quite beyond me - but he does.
By the way, I couldn't find the transcript anywhere, so have typed it up myself. The directions in brackets are therefore my interpretation! By the way, the House of Cards Trilogy won numerous awards including two BAFTAs, a Peabody, and an Emmy.
This scene takes place at Urquhart's town house. Mattie is trying to persuade him to stand for prime minister and he is pretending he's only just thought of the idea...
Urquhart: Would you, Mattie?
Mattie: I think you know that. I think you know I'd like to do anything you asked me to.
Urquhart: Hardly the words of an independent young woman, Mattie.
Mattie: Oh, but they are. I'm not anyone's toy. I don't get chosen, I choose. And I'm not interested in anyone's taboos about age. I wanted you the first time I met you.
(Silence as they observe one another. Urquhart sets his papers aside and moves across to Mattie, leaning right in).
Urquhart: My wife went down to the country this afternoon.
Mattie: Yes.
Urquhart: I have an engagement at nine. I can't cancel it.
Mattie: I don't mind. It's only seven hours and I'm seeing someone myself later.
Urquhart: You will never be able to speak of this to anyone.
Mattie: Why should I? I don't want to. It's nothing to do with anyone else.
(They kiss).
Urquhart: Mattie.
Mattie: I don't know what to call you. There's nothing I can call you.
Urquhart: You can call me Francis.
Mattie: That's just it, I can't. I don't think of you as Francis. It's so stupid.
Urquhart: (Wryly). You can hardly call me Chief Whip.
Mattie: (Long pause). I want to call you daddy.
Urquhart: What?
Mattie: I want. To call you. Daddy.
Oh come on. You've got to watch it! You've got to!
