Murder and Mayhem at the White House: A Review of “The Residence”
Chaos reigns at the White House. A state dinner with Australian dignitaries is in full swing, Kylie Minogue is providing the entertainment, and the staff is desperately trying to maintain order while sneaking glances at Hugh Jackman. Amidst this frenzy, the body of the head butler, Mr. Winter (Giancarlo Esposito), is discovered. Enter Cordelia Cupp (Uzo Aduba), a brilliant detective summoned to unravel the mystery. While many assume suicide, Cupp is convinced foul play is involved.
Uzo Aduba as Cordelia in “The Residence”
While “Bridgerton” might be Shonda Rhimes’ most well-known Netflix hit, “The Residence” deserves its own spotlight. Instead of comparing it to other Rhimes productions, it’s more apt to consider it alongside the comedic detective series “Only Murders in the Building,” where Selena Gomez, Steve Martin, and Martin Short investigate crimes in their New York apartment building. “The Residence” shares a similar tone: a comfortable, character-driven series with compelling drama. The White House inhabitants are eccentric, each harboring their own secrets, and Cordelia Cupp is the unflappable, sarcastic detective ready to expose them.
A Star Turn by Uzo Aduba
The witty humor is thanks to both the writers and Uzo Aduba’s stellar performance. Aduba shines as Cordelia, a detective with quirks and exceptional intelligence. Like all great detectives, she possesses an unwavering confidence in her own abilities. The writers delve into Cordelia’s background, revealing her love for puzzles and birdwatching. The White House grounds, teeming with birds, provide a welcome distraction for Cordelia. She often interrupts the investigation to identify species, much to the annoyance of those around her. These ornithological tangents often lead to insightful analogies about the situation or the people involved. By the end of the series, viewers might find themselves surprisingly knowledgeable about birds or even inspired to take up birdwatching.
Molly Griggs as Lilly in “The Residence”
The White House as a Character
Cordelia Cupp faces a long night in the White House, with its 132 rooms and 157 suspects. The White House itself becomes a character in the series, much like the apartment building in “Only Murders in the Building.” We’re given access to numerous offices, meeting rooms, and hidden corridors. “The Residence” offers a virtual tour of the U.S. President’s residence, meticulously recreated (with some creative liberties) and informed by the expertise of former White House staffer Hayley O’Connor. Throughout the eight episodes, Cordelia explores the mansion, uncovering new secrets and clues behind every door.
Jason Lee as Tripp in “The Residence”
A Nod to the Classics
The series pays homage to the detective genre, with episode titles referencing 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 joins the ranks of Holmes and Miss Marple. Netflix has the potential to create a new detective universe, with Cordelia solving mysteries each season, much to the exasperation of FBI Agent Edwin Park (Randall Park), her reluctant partner and Watson-esque sidekick. Unfortunately, there’s no news yet about a renewal.
A Slow-Burning Mystery
“The Residence” features multiple storylines, delving into the characters’ pasts and developing their personalities. At times, the show feels drawn out, and the pacing slows down in the second half. However, this deliberate pace allows for a satisfying unraveling of the mystery. Every detail, every comment, every subtle change in the environment matters. The writers intentionally distract the audience and Cordelia with a wealth of information, requiring viewers to pay close attention to solve the crime alongside the detective. If you enjoy detective stories and are looking for a lighter alternative to darker mysteries, “The Residence” is worth watching.