The Residence Review: A Mystery Unraveling in the White House
The Residence introduces viewers to a captivating premise, a luxurious backdrop, and an impressive ensemble cast. However, this locked-room mystery series struggles to live up to its ambitious goals. Set within the esteemed walls of the White House, this Netflix production, in collaboration with Shonda Rhimes, presents itself as a unique whodunnit, akin to popular titles like Knives Out and Poker Face. Yet, it fails to carve out a distinct identity in a genre that has seen many iterations as of late.
Credit goes to creator Paul William Davies for daring to look beyond the traditional detective archetypes of Hercule Poirot and Lieutenant Columbo for inspiration. The series introduces an unconventional sleuth, Cordelia Cupp (played by Uzo Aduba), into a loosely adapted narrative from a nonfiction book about the White House and its occupants. Davies takes a historical framework and infuses it with a playfully subversive touch. However, the end result is a show that strives to be sharp and fast-paced but lacks the execution to fully deliver.
Aduba effortlessly commands the screen, portraying a detective whose idiosyncrasies seem borrowed from a “memorable TV sleuth” starter pack. For instance, she showcases an obsession with ornithology in her spare time. Following a mysterious death during a state dinner, Cupp, alongside FBI Special Agent Edwin Park (Ranall Park), delves into a pool of suspects, including a disgruntled pastry chef, the president’s brother, a suspicious advisor, and even pop icon Kylie Minogue. No one is exempt from suspicion.
In theory, the premise of unraveling the murder of White House Chief Usher A.B. Wynter (Giancarlo Esposito) seems promising, evoking a twisty, Agatha Christie-inspired setup perfect for gripping television. However, The Residence often trips over its own feet. The pacing of the episodes feels sluggish, with a convoluted web of suspects and subplots that add unnecessary complexity to the narrative. Constant back-and-forth between timelines, including a congressional inquiry post-crime, only serves to muddy the waters instead of enhancing the mystery.