Chaos at the White House: A New Detective Series Unveiled
The White House is in a frenzy. The President’s administration is hosting a state dinner with Australian dignitaries, Kylie Minogue is providing the entertainment, and the staff is desperately trying to avoid infighting while sneaking glances at Hugh Jackman. Amidst this chaos, the body of the head butler, Mr. Winter (Giancarlo Esposito), is discovered in one of the rooms. Enter Cordelia Cupp (Uzo Aduba), the best detective in the business, to investigate. While most assume Winter committed suicide, Cordelia is convinced it was murder.
Uzo Aduba as Cordelia in “The Residence”
While the buzz around “Ripley” might have overshadowed other new Netflix miniseries, “The Residence,” a project by Shonda Rhimes (the mastermind behind “Bridgerton”), deserves its own spotlight. However, instead of comparing “The Residence” to Rhimes’ other works, it’s more fitting to draw parallels with the hit comedic detective series “Only Murders in the Building,” where Selena Gomez, alongside Steve Martin and Martin Short, investigates crimes in a New York apartment complex. “The Residence” shares the same lighthearted tone as the Hulu show, offering a comfortable viewing experience with well-developed characters and excellent storytelling. The White House inhabitants are eccentric individuals with skeletons in their closets, and Cordelia Cupp is the sarcastic and unflappable detective who unearths those secrets.
A Quirky Detective in a Grand Setting
Molly Griggs as Lilly in “The Residence”
The sparkling humor is not only thanks to the writers but also to the lead actress, Uzo Aduba, who shines as the star of the show. Like all great detectives, Cordelia Cupp is a character with quirks and exceptional intelligence. She knows she’s the smartest person in the room. The writers meticulously craft Cordelia’s character, even delving into her childhood. Two key facts about Miss Cupp: she loves solving puzzles and observing birds. Fortunately, the White House grounds are teeming with feathered creatures, forcing her to momentarily step away from the investigation, annoy those around her, and pull out her binoculars to identify each species. Cordelia often shares interesting facts about birds, drawing parallels to specific situations or people’s behavior. By the end of the series, you might find yourself becoming a budding ornithologist or at least developing an interest in birdwatching.
Jason Lee as Tripp in “The Residence”
Cordelia Cupp is in for a long night at the residence, with 132 rooms and 157 suspects. The White House itself becomes a character in the series. Similar to “Only Murders in the Building,” the setting plays a significant role. We get glimpses into numerous offices, meeting rooms, and hidden corridors. Want a virtual tour of the U.S. President’s residence? Tune into “The Residence.” The production team meticulously recreated the interiors (with some creative liberties, of course) and consulted with former White House employee Hayley O’Connor. Throughout the eight episodes, Cordelia explores the mansion with curiosity, discovering new secrets and potential clues behind every door.
A Love Letter to the Detective Genre
The production team clearly demonstrates their love for the detective genre. The episodes are even titled after famous works of literature and film, such as “The Fall of the House of Usher,” “The Mystery of the Yellow Room,” and “Dial M for Murder.” Cordelia Cupp easily stands alongside Holmes and Miss Marple. Netflix has the potential to create a new detective universe where Cordelia solves mysteries each season, exasperating FBI Agent Edwin Park (Randall Park), who reluctantly becomes her partner and a sort of Watson. Unfortunately, there’s no news about a renewal yet.
“The Residence” is a series with multiple storylines. The writers take their time exploring the characters’ pasts and developing their personalities. At times, the show feels a bit drawn out, and the pacing slows down in the second half. However, this deliberate pace is easily forgiven, as watching the puzzle gradually come together is a unique pleasure. Every tiny detail, every casual comment, and every minor change in the interior design matters. The writers intentionally distract the audience and Cordelia with a wealth of information that’s difficult to keep track of. Viewers need to pay close attention to solve the crime alongside the detective. But if you’re a fan of detective stories and tired of dark narratives, it’s worth it.