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The popular US drama series "House of Cards," which has already started its second season, features Chinese elements in its storyline.

Traditional heroes are no longer sought after anymore. Today, it's unconventional protagonists like Francis J. Underwood from "House of Cards" who are winning audiences' hearts.

The political drama, which airs on the Internet streaming service Netflix, has won the applauses of viewers around the world since its debut on February 1, 2013. At the same time, it has caught the attention of real politicians, including US President Barack Obama.

Dark political villain

Kevin Spacey is infamous for his portrayal of villains including his roles in blockbuster hits such as "LA Confidential," "Seven" and " Usual Suspects."

In "House," directed by David Fincher, Spacey plays Francis J. Underwood, a cold-blooded Democrat who moves his way up the political ladder by any means necessary. He often positions himself in the grey zone and uses his under-exposure in media to carry out misdeeds that will later benefit him.

The revenge theme plays a heavy role throughout the storyline. Underwood, who had high hopes for an appointment as Secretary of State in the first season, was betrayed by the US President and his former colleagues. He and his wife then concocted a plan of revenge and swore to unseat those who turned their backs against him one by one. Through their plan, Underwood's own hunger for power grew and empowered him to eliminate whoever stood in his way.

A new way of delivering messages

One of the most eye-catching points of "House" is the collaboration between Fincher, who's most known for shooting films with criminal themes, and Spacey, an acclaimed actor best known for his portrayal of big screen villains.

In the series, there are shots where Spacey looks directly into the camera and seemingly 'looks' and 'talks' to the audience. The aim, "to simplify and clarify and deliver the essence of politics directly to the fans."

Spacey delivers on this aim.

It's hard to separate Spacey from Underwood in "House." The insidious and ruthless character of Underwood seems tailor-made for him. What's more, though Underwood is labeled cruel, clever and cold-hearted, Spacey's meticulous acting makes it hard to dislike the character he plays.

President Obama is a fan

The release of the trailer of the second season excited millions of viewers around the world, including US President Barack Obama, who has been a loyal fan since the series debuted.

During a meeting with CEOs from the technology industries at the White House in December 2013, Obama asked Netflix chief executive Reed Hastings if he brought advance copies of the second season.

He has also expressed his admiration for Underwood.

"This guy's getting a lot of stuff done," said Obama. "I wish things were that ruthlessly efficient."

Although the President is anxious to watch the story unfold, he'd like to do it at his own pace.

After the release of the second season on February 14, Obama sent wrote on his Twitter account, "Tomorrow: @HouseOfCards. No spoilers, please."

Chinese elements

The second season has promised to be darker, with more unexpected turnouts, and is to include more Chinese elements.

"Perhaps the team, including myself, has realized that in the next decade, Asia will be an extensively important region, and China will play an active role in its transition and change," says Spacey.

By Cindy Gu ( chinadaily.com.cn )