It's getting real on Feb 14. Twitter/@fedeaikawa.

(Writers’ note: "House of Cards’" second season premieres on Netflix on February 14th. In gleeful anticipation of the bloodbath, we’ve envisioned the elements of Frank’s deep, dark agenda for the coming season, from his own point of view.)

FRANK: The presidency draws treacherously near—I’m practically biting at its heels. How many years has it been? It doesn’t matter now. But I must be careful not to begin drooling before the work is done. The ugliest is still to come. So many people to intimidate, so many lives to destroy! 

The next few months are everything. To succeed, I’ll need to play it all perfectly. Here is the chessboard, here are the players, now it’s just a matter of moving the pieces into place. 

Let’s begin. 

1. Get a fresh start. 

As charming as it sounds, fresh starts are a delicate thing. The past cannot simply be forgotten, it must be destroyed completely. Good politics is like scorched earth policy. Burn what’s behind you, and then march on, backs to the fire. 

2. Scare the journalist. 

Zoe’s partner in crime, Ms. Skorsky, is becoming a burdensome nuisance. Ambition fuels her curiosity. It makes her brave—and careless. I used to suffer from the same weaknesses, and I know how to use them against her. Ms. Skorsky needs to be scared. Realigned. A well-placed nudge should be enough to send her scurrying back down her rabbit hole. 

Frank Underwood. Twitter/@fstengarn.

Dwelling on the past is best left to those with disappointing futures. I will not be weighed down by faded old photographs. When on the road to power, one must always travel light. 

4. Keep an eye on Doug.

I fear that the trek to the White House is beginning to weigh on Doug. I can’t afford to have him stumble, not when we’re this close. I don’t question his loyalty, but I need to be certain that he will not hesitate when certain decisions need to be made. 

5. Remind Claire of the importance of collaboration.

Claire and I are only unstoppable when we’re working together. When we’re not working together, Claire is definitely stoppable. And unfortunately, if she keeps ignoring our greater goals and making decisions to support her own initiatives, she will need to be tempered.

6. Help Adam find his way (away from Claire.)

I’ve always regarded that so-called photographer as just another insect on my windshield, but recently I’ve begun to think I should exercise some more control over the matter. His dalliances with Claire are altering her focus, and I need her full attention right now.

7. Wait.

I’ll only get one shot at the President. I must wait quietly until the optimal moment presents itself. And then quickly, cleanly, I’ll take what I deserve.

The award-winning House of Cards cast. Twitter/@movievine.

Andre’s team Frank, and Gigi’s team Adam. But they still get along okay. Reach him here and her here, and watch the Season Two premiere of House of Cards on Netflix Feb. 14.