This is quite an episode. Frank, to Claire's chagrin, begins to overstep. He has assumed all along that there was no one that couldn't be bought or threatened. The problem is that this kind of overconfidence has made his godhead, and hence he figures to always land on his feet. What takes place is time and events that begin to pile up around him. Finally there are people of integrity, including the former President, who are willing to finally say what happened. When he gets before the committee, he decides to not invoke the Fifth Amendment and to present his thoughts for all to see. Aidan returns and Frank will never be able to find out what he told the Russians, as you shall see. Doug's trail is becoming hotter and hotter. Claire makes an admission to Tom in bed, and it is astounding. Frank's biggest mistake is not listening to his wife, who has a much more balanced view of the Presidency and its future. Mostly it is a serious failure to keep way too many balls in the air.