Kevin Spacey, Gov. O'Malley, 'The House of Cards': What's the 'Deal'

As reported in this week's news, the Governor of Maryland, Martin O’Malley, had to cancel his expected visit to the set of “The House of Cards" ( That Netflix movie being filmed in and around the Harford/Baltimore area) due to a “scheduling conflict."

I have no inside scoop on this and it’s pure speculation on my part but I am guessing that the real reason for the cancellation might have been that Kevin Spacey wasn’t going to be on the set that day. Although the excitement of being on a real movie set is enough of a draw for many, there is the possibility that our governor was hoping for something more, maybe a chance meeting with a really big star. After all, so many of us are yearning for something to put a little spice in our lives (legally of course). I can’t speak for the majority here, but aren’t those reality shows getting to be a bit tiresome, not to mention ridiculous and some downright distasteful? What could be more fun than a dose of “make believe” on a “real” movie set? What a great escape from reality to pretend to be something you are not—con artists being the obvious exception.

The prospect of meeting a critically acclaimed actor (and just maybe after meeting him, thinking, “maybe they’ll give me a bit part and put me in the movies too”) would be appealing to almost everyone especially a politician. Our governor would be ideal for a small role because this is, after all, a political drama casting for a certain number of glamorous Washington DC types. Martin O’Malley with his Irish rock band, good looks (including an occasional muscle shirt), and political aspirations, probably wouldn’t even have to act. He could just play himself. Could he get any better publicity? Plus he could always justify such an appearance by saying that he wanted to thank Mr. Spacey for the production company choosing Maryland (The filming in Maryland has resulted in many new jobs and great free publicity for our state—even though we are Maryland pretending to be Washington DC in this film) The more companies that choose to locate here and the more welcome we make them feel, the better it is for everyone especially in today’s economy.

So I think it is a good idea for our Governor to meet with Mr. Spacey. I just think that he went about it all wrong. If he wanted to strengthen his image as an “Average Joe Citizen” he should have auditioned at the local casting calls here in .

I did, and although I never “got the call,” I’m hoping it was just because I got, “lost in the shuffle.” Some have asked why I didn’t try out at the second casting call Sept. 8, but I figured I was already in the file (or maybe I should say “on their pile”) and who needs double rejection? Besides, there are other ways to get on a movie set if you get really creative.

With Halloween coming up, I could dress up and pretend to be someone else and crash the set. What perfect timing! What better time to display my ingenuity and acting skills? Heck, I wouldn’t even ask for candy, just a chance to wave to Mr. Spacey. (No doubt, he probably would think I “wasn’t playing with a full deck” so even a wave might be wishful thinking.)

There is, of course, the other very real possibility that Mr. Spacey would not be on the set anyway the day I tried to “pretend my way in.” After all, he isn’t going to be in every scene. I personally know a couple of people who did get called to be an extra for a day and as luck would have it, he was out of town for several days attending the Summer Olympics. They still had a great time. They said it was a wonderful experience to be a part of such an amazing movie, but were disappointed that he wasn’t there. (It must be kind of like staying up late to watch the annual Perseids meteor shower. The sky is still glorious to see but sometimes the clouds roll in and you miss the main event. Still, these kind of celestial stars are probably not as elusive as the movie star kind.)

In retrospect, I probably won’t try anything outrageous. (My outrageous days ended in college along with a few other things). I figure I must be destined for greatness some other time, some other place, maybe some other movie set? (Has anyone heard if George Clooney is going to be filming in Maryland? It’s not an impossible thought because his current girlfriend, Stacy Keibler, is from around here).

But just in case the game plan changes, I’m still going to try to meet him although it may not be “in the cards” anytime soon at least not in “The House of Cards” they are filming here. Then again, Halloween is just around the corner. Wonder what costume might do the “trick”?