'House of Cards' season 5 air date, plot spoilers: Frank Underwood murdered by ally?

The upcoming fifth season of "House of Cards" may not go very well for its lead character, President Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey). Season 4 has been a roller-coaster ride for Frank, as he vies to be elected for another term as the most powerful man in the United States. Unfortunately, according to the latest rumors, the road to the extension of his presidency may ultimately lead to his own death.

Perhaps the most shocking spoiler news for "House of Cards" Season 5 is the rumored murder of President Frank Underwood in the hands of his closest ally. According to Yibada, the person who may end Frank's life next season is no other than his most trusted right-hand man and presidential chief of staff, Doug Stamper (Michael Kelly).

It is highly unlikely that a person who is very loyal to Frank will end up plotting to kill his own boss. To recall, Doug was even willing to take the bullet aimed at Frank when the latter encountered a failed assassination attempt. As Frank was down and in comatose due to his gunshot wound, Doug felt very sorrowful and even blamed himself for what happened. However, this might be a very interesting plot twist that the series can tackle next season.

In an interview with Deadline, Kelly spilled that the fans can expect the demise of the characters they learned to love. This is a cryptic message that may be pertaining to the shocking death of Spacey's character, although nothing is set in stone yet as Season 5 has yet to be released. Likewise, Kelly also said that even the death of Frank Underwood will not be actually that surprising, considering how the past seasons show the character flirting with death.

Meanwhile, Game N Guide reported that there might be a bigger and more shocking news behind the new assassination plot against Frank. As latest reports point to Doug Stamper being the person to kill Frank, the real culprit might actually be Frank's own wife, Claire Underwood (Robin Wright). There were hints in Season 4 that Claire may be clamoring for more power, and that may lead her into plotting against her own husband to get what she wants. With Claire's very manipulative nature, she may be able to control Frank's most trusted servant into killing her husband.

There are no official details yet from Netflix regarding the release of "House of Cards" Season 5, but for now, it can be expected that the new season will arrive in the early months of 2017.