The whodunnit comedy is in fashion, thanks to Knives Out and Only Murders in the Building, and never far behind with what viewers want, Shonda Rhimes' production company presents The Residence. The premise is based on a non-fiction book by Kate Andersen Brower that compiles anecdotes from former White House staff. Learning about the layout of the building and how this well-oiled machine of staffers run it, Scandal writer Paul William Davies saw this intricate upstairs-downstairs set up, and has penned a murder mystery, introducing an iconic new detective.
During a crucial State Dinner with the Australians, a body is discovered: AB Wynter, the Chief Usher (Giancarlo Esposito). Law enforcement heads are called to investigate, eager to call Wynter's death a suicide, but there is more to it. How many dudes does it take to solve a complex murder case? Though they crowd around infamous consulting detective Cordelia Cupp (Uzo Aduba), including her assigned partner Edwin Park (Randall Park), the answer appears to be none.
Many black women have played cops on television already – fan favourites including Joss Carter (Person of Interest) Agent Faith Mitchell (Will Trent) and Detective Williams (Only Murders) but, though iconic, they have a) not been central characters, and/or b) can be limited by a corrupt institution, getting in the way of the protagonists. Here, as her Sherlock Holmes job title suggests, Aduba plays a freelancer, unafraid to scoff at so-called higher-ups. Using metaphors of birdwatching to illustrate how she is eagle-eyed and perseverent, Cupp rocks up in a Benoit Blanc-esque suit, and goes wherever curiosity takes her, artfully dodging red tape. Park gets the brunt of her judgement but stands by her, while she squares up to the Shoutiest Man, Harry Hollinger (Ken Marino) with ease.
“Obsessive and uncompromising,” like most TV savant detectives, Cordelia is very deftly written: this is a woman who has adjusted to and thrives on being different and only trusts and loves a select few, including her nephew. When he asks her how she never gives up, she says “This is not the only way to be, but it is the way that I am.”
Davies' attention to detail is incredible, from episode titles based on detective fiction that align perfectly with plot, to the use of real White House moments: what does this President have in common with Lyndon B. Johnson, for example? You can enjoy the show without knowing these Easter eggs, but it speaks to a showrunner who cares about his subject, and knows how to use it to maximum advantage.
White House staffers work for decades, and there's an intriguing antagonism between traditionalists and rogues. Everyone is under duress and unravel under Cupp's unnerving gaze when interviewed. Gossipy and contradictory, cutaway shots of what the suspects say happened and what actually happened add to the comedy and the mystery. But this is customer service on crack, and by episode 7, you'll find you're actually rooting for these ambitious staffers.
This comedy-drama premise requires heavy lifting from its cast, and each of them rises to the challenge. Aduba and Park lead the show with a begrudging buddy dynamic, and though they don't have the real Hugh Jackman (it is funnier this way), Kylie Minogue plays herself, a celebrity guest wrangled into performing. Meanwhile, there are few actors as enigmatic as Esposito, and through flashbacks, we can see how the Wynter was stuck between the staff and the president's team, building up the suspense as to which of these firm-but-fair snubs led to his death.
Hand-drawn title cards and doll-house style shots add a fun stylistic feel to the show akin to Wes Anderson. Combined with the quirky character-driven comedy and topped off with classic Shondaland flair for a cliffhanger final line à la How to Get Away with Murder, The Residence is a triumph. Hoping this won't be the last of Cupp, this limited series stands on its own.
All eight episodes of The Residence are available to stream on Netflix now.
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