The Residence, a new murder mystery series produced by Shonda Rhimes, has recently graced screens with a thrilling spin on White House dynamics. Following the grandeur of state dinners at the heart of American politics, the show takes a twist when the White House Chief Usher, A.B. Wynter, played by Giancarlo Esposito, is found dead under mysterious circumstances. The series stars Uzo Aduba as the sharp-eyed detective Cordelia Cupp, tasked with unraveling the chaos amidst the political elite.
Since its premiere, The Residence immediately captured the audience's attention, boasting an impressive Rotten Tomatoes rating of 82 percent. This marks a significant return for Rhimes’ Shondaland to the political arena, rekindling memories of her previous hit, Scandal. Just like Scandal, The Residence brings viewers into a world where political machinations and human instincts intertwine but places a distinct focus on humor and mystery.
The show's format intriguingly offers eight episodes, each meticulously constructed to peel back layers of deceit and ambiguity as Cupp navigates the labyrinthine relationships of White House staff. According to Paul William Davies, the creator, keeping the audience guessing was critical: "I really wanted to be as fair to the audience as possible, so that when these reveals came you’re like, ‘Oh yeah, he wasn’t hiding anything.'" This principle becomes evident throughout the series as clues are revealed gradually, leading up to a satisfying conclusion.
Many viewers resonate with the character dynamics portrayed in The Residence. Uzo Aduba, reflecting on her reaction to the murder mystery, admits, "I had no idea who did it before reading the finale script. I had my guesses. But I was surprised by who it turned out to be ... Right, that totally makes sense. All the pieces come together." Her enthusiasm captures the intrigue that viewers also experience as the plot thickens.
Molly Griggs, who portrays the seemingly innocent Lilly Schumacher, admitted to enjoying embodying a character as complex as Lilly. "Getting to crawl into Lilly’s demented head was really fun. It was really satisfying to make her as kooky as possible," she explained. The narrative intricately explores Lilly’s character, showcasing not only her whimsical personality but also the darker sides that eventually lead to her being the prime suspect in Wynter's murder.
Wynter dies during a high-profile dinner, setting the stage for intrigue and chaos among the staff. The show effectively combines comedic elements with the gripping weight of a murder mystery. Unlike its predecessor, Scandal, which often leaned into the grittiness of political drama, The Residence captures audiences with its more lighthearted approach to such serious themes. The lighthearted tone gives the show an almost whimsical air, reminiscent of popular mystery-flavored stories like Knives Out, while still holding onto dramatic stakes.
Brought to life by talented writers and producers, including Shonda Rhimes, The Residence has also invited comparisons to other popular murder mysteries available for streaming, especially The Afterparty. With a slightly higher Rotten Tomatoes score of 92 percent, The Afterparty adopts a unique narrative style by focusing on different perspectives, thereby providing multi-genre thrills in the search for a killer. Such comparisons highlight the current appetite for innovative storytelling in regards to murder mysteries.
Nonetheless, The Residence stands firmly on its own, fueling excitement among fans of both Rhimes' historical productions and newcomers alike. Its self-contained story introduces viewers to the high-stakes life of White House staff, filled with unexpected twists, humor, and compelling character arcs.
As the first season unfolds, viewers have been drawn into a tale ripe with scandal, murder, and plot twists. The Residence may very well signal a new era for Shondaland viewers craving a blend of political drama and cozy whodunit elements. The final reveal, capturing that all-important twist at the end of the season, leaves audiences both surprised and satisfied.
The Residence premiered on Netflix, available for streaming now. For those who enjoy a mix of comedy, mystery, and the occasional thrilling reveal, this series presents itself as a delightful offering that easily stands heel-to-heel with past hits of Shondaland. Showcasing the talents of its cast and inventive storytelling, this show might just be the next great binge-watch for fans of the genre.
