‘The Residence’ Hits the Spot
Uzo Aduba, Susan Kelechi Watson, and Ken Marino in The Residence | Credit: Netflix
When someone is murdered in the residence of the White House, Cordelia Cupp (Uzo Aduba) is called in to solve the mystery.
I have to be honest: I love cozy mysteries. Lately, given the state of the world, all I’ve wanted is to watch sports and cozy mysteries. There’s something so comforting about watching an eccentric detective in a unique or idyllic location utilize odd methods to solve an impossible puzzle. That stuff is right up my alley. And that’s exactly what The Residence is!
First, we must discuss Detective Cordelia Cupp. She is an absolute gem, and I want to watch so many more seasons of her solving impossible mysteries. I need Netflix to greenlight another season or two ASAP. Cordelia knows that she is the best detective in the world and is unafraid to acknowledge that fact. There are multiple times when powerful men, in particular, want to stop or derail her investigation, and she won’t let them. She knows she’s the most qualified to solve this mystery and is unwilling to allow anyone else to steer her investigation.
More than that, Cordelia understands that solving a case like this is a process. When people are clamoring for things to be wrapped up quickly, she understands that it takes time. And she makes space for her brain to work out the puzzle. She’s an avid birder, so she will often sneak away in a tense moment to look for another rare bird, hoping to check it off the list. These times of her stepping away to focus on something else frustrates everyone around her, but she knows that it’s part of the process. She will not be rushed, to the chagrin of those trapped in the White House for hours and hours while she investigates.
These moments of tension between Cordelia and the powerful people used to getting their way are always humorous. It’s also so satisfying to see Cordelia take up space and be her full self in a place that tries to force you into a mold. She’s so unlike anyone else in the show, which means she absolutely shines. Uzo Aduba gives a fantastic performance, bringing so much to this already really interesting character.
Bronson Pinchot and Giancarlo Esposito in The Residence | Credit: Netflix
The mystery at the heart of The Residence is also really interesting. A.B. Wynter (Giancarlo Esposito), the head usher at the White House, is found dead in the middle of a State Dinner with hundreds of guests moving in and out of rooms on the lower floors. The manner of his death is curious, as is the location of his body. Cordelia is immediately curious, despite everyone else’s attempts to label his death as a suicide.
Cordelia’s investigation takes them all over the residence, from the top floor, to the basement, and everywhere in between. They interview the staff, who are all curious and colorful, along with the wealthy and powerful people who are part of the administration. Many people have some combination of motive, means, or opportunity, making many of them “interesting,” as Cordelia puts it.
Each episode keeps you guessing, revealing new pieces of information that help color the investigation. They also all pull from other famous detective stories. There are so many easter eggs for fans of mysteries to find, and the show also remains entertaining without that knowledge.
Uzo Aduba and Randall Park in The Residence | Credit: Netflix
The Residence is an absolute hit! Each episode is a blast to watch from start to finish. The season unfolds deliberately, creating doubt and raising new suspicions with each additional piece of information. Cordelia is such a fun person to spend time with; you almost don’t want the season to end. I’m so pleased that this show seems to be performing well—hopefully, we’ll get another season. Come on, Netflix, make it happen!