I’ve spent the last week binging on the new Netflix TV series “House of Cards,” watching episode-after-episode. Netflix has encouraged this behavior-and taken a gamble-by making all 13 episodes of the first season available at once; something traditionally reserved for end-of-season DVD releases. This may very well be the future of series television. And “House of Cards” has a place in that future.

Check out flag in the program's logo (above). It's a great graphic representation of the program, in which America's ideals have been turned upside-down by the people in office. If “the West Wing” was about how we wish Washington worked, “House of Cards” speaks to our worst fears about how we think things actually work.

Congressman Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey) is passed-up for his dream-job as Secretary of State and spends the rest of the season spreading lies and manipulating his way back up the political ladder. Nothing he does is without some benefit to his agenda. And it’s fun to watch. Spacey, also a producer of the program, is fantastic as one of the most delicious villains to taint your television since J.R. Ewing. His words are vicious; fans of Swimming with Sharks or Horrible Bosses will love to hate this sweet-talking, ill-intentioned character who bites as well as he barks.

One thing... Spacey breaks the "fourth wall," and speaks to you and I, the viewer. A conceit usually reserved for comedies (most notably Ferris Bueller's Day Off). I found it jarring during the first episode, but eventually I found myself relishing these moments of honesty, and spirited dialogue.

Robin Wright is cast perfectly as Underwood’s calculating, chilly wife Claire. Did these two marry for love? Or is it just a business relationship? They sometimes seem like the Addams Family, without the passion of Gomez and Morticia.

As for Kate Mara… I have a confession to make: I’ve had a crush on her since she popped up in American Horror Story last year. On “House of Cards” she plays ambitious young reporter Zoe Barnes, who is so desperate to be a star that she’ll do anything for a story. Anything.

Caught in the crossfire of all this power is Congressman Peter Russo (Corey Stoll): a shmuck of a boyfriend and father who is one drink, sniff of cocaine or hooker away from losing everything. He’s rubbing shoulders with Washington’s power players, but he’s in over his head.

Occasionally “House of Cards” drifts into soap-opera territory, but mostly it is filled with juicy political drama, “I can’t believe they just said that” laughs, and plenty of suspense.

I should note: this is not a family show. There is occasional strong language and adult themes; drugs, sex. This is Netflix throwing their hat in the ring for a piece of the “premium channel audience.” Think Sopranos or Weeds. And just as good.

“House of Cards” is like a great page turner of a book. I couldn’t get enough of it, but sadly I am now out of episodes. Binge over. For now. Hurry up with season 2, Netflix! I’m hooked.