A Spoiler-Free Overview
Netflix’s The Residence feels like Shondaland took Scandal and infused it with the board game Clue. Set against the backdrop of the White House, the series follows Detective Cordelia Cupp as she unravels a perplexing murder during a high-profile state dinner. Packed with mystery, satire, and quirky humor, The Residence keeps audiences guessing with each twist and turn.
Cast
- Uzo Aduba – Detective Cordelia Cupp
- Giancarlo Esposito – A.B. Wynter
- Molly Griggs – Lilly Schumacher
- Susan Kelechi Watson – Jasmine Haney
- Jason Lee – Tripp Morgan
- Ken Marino – Harry Hollinger
- Edwina Findley – Sheila Cannon
- Randall Park – Edwin Park
- Isiah Whitlock Jr. – Chief of Police Larry Dokes
- Bronson Pinchot – Pastry Chef Didier Gotthard
- Jane Curtin – Nan Cox
The ensemble cast works so well together that you suspect all and none of them at the same time, making the mystery even more compelling. Familiar faces like Jane Curtin, Bronson Pinchot, and Isiah Whitlock Jr. add a delightful touch of nostalgia and depth to the series. A fun time, you can simply watch or play along.
Shonda Rhimes’ Mastery
With Shonda Rhimes at the helm, The Residence blends gripping storytelling with sharp wit. The show offers not only an intriguing murder mystery but also a satirical peek into the hidden dramas of those living and working in the White House. While the setting and plot is rather different, there is some familiarity with the allusivity of Bridgerton’s Ms. Whistledown.
Lingering Questions
While the series wraps up the central mystery satisfyingly, it leaves viewers pondering several intriguing subplots:
- What was going on with the calligrapher?
- What was Hollinger discussing in the treaty room?
- When and who made this look like a suicide?
These unanswered questions add depth to the narrative, sparking discussions and theories among fans.
TIR’s Verdict
The Residence is a thoroughly entertaining binge-watch with a satisfying conclusion. Uzo Aduba is phenomenal in her role, and the mystery keeps you hooked from start to finish. While some lingering questions remain, it’s a testament to how engaging the story is.
Rating: 9/10
I binged it straight through; couldn’t stop.
If You Enjoyed The Residence, Consider Watching:
- The Afterparty – Each suspect tells their side of a murder mystery through a different movie genre, blending comedy with suspense.
- Murder Mystery – A comedic take on the classic whodunit, starring Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston as a couple caught up in a murder investigation during a European vacation.
- Knives Out – A modern murder mystery film featuring an eccentric detective investigating the death of a wealthy patriarch, filled with dark humor and twists.
- Only Murders in the Building – A hilarious and suspenseful series following three true-crime podcasters who investigate murders in their upscale New York apartment building.
Renewal News
As of now, there has been no official announcement regarding the renewal of The Residence for a second season. Fans are eagerly awaiting news, hoping for more episodes to explore unanswered questions and new mysteries within the White House.
Join the Conversation
What are your theories? What did I miss? Let’s talk in the comments!
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