Netflix's New #2 Hit Is the Best Whodunnit Since Only Murders in the Building
With witty writing and a fresh take on quirky detectives, it's a must-watch for fans of smart, suspenseful crime tales.
The buzz around Adolescence may have overshadowed another new Netflix miniseries, Shonda Rhimes' project called The Residence.
The Residence should be compared not to the famous producer's other works, but to the most beloved detective comedy of recent years, Only Murders in the Building.
The Residence has the same vibe as the Hulu show – it is an ultimate comfort-watch with charismatic characters and a gripping detective intrigue.
What Is The Residence About?
A dinner party is held at the White House in honor of a delegation from Australia. The guests are entertained by famous Australians Kylie Minogue and the regularly mentioned but never seen on screen Hugh Jackman.
Suddenly, in the middle of the celebration, the body of chief usher A.B. Wynter is discovered on the fourth floor of the private wing of the White House. The chief usher is the most important person in keeping the entire White House functioning.
The first version of what happened is that the man committed suicide. But this is immediately rejected by the invited brilliant detective Cordelia Cupp.
Cordelia Capp Is No Less Charismatic Than Columbo or Miss Marple
Cordelia Capp is the direct descendant of Lieutenant Columbo. Capp is perceptive, laconic, meticulous, and very observant.
She also has a maniacal passion for ornithology. Her thoughts on the alleged killer, spiced with references to the details of bird behavior, are an art form in themselves.
Shonda Rhimes and showrunner Paul William Davies have created a charming new-age detective portrayed by Uzo Aduba, who is so charismatic that she can compete with Miss Marple herself.
The Residence Is a Love Letter to the Entire Detective Genre
The crew unconditionally professes its love for the entire genre. In fact, each of the eight episodes is titled after a particular detective story from literature or cinema: from The Fall of the House of Usher to Knives Out.
The chosen names correspond exactly to the details that dominate a particular episode of the show. For example, Knives Out is an episode in which the prime suspect is a cook whose knife goes missing after the chief usher's death.
Shonda Rhimes' Show Is a Must-See for Any Fan of Detective Comedy Projects
The Residence is a real treat for fans of the genre – especially when it doesn't try to take itself too seriously. It's a fun, fast-paced and well-acted series that will likely get a second season. The format is too good, and Cordelia Capp is too wonderful, to let her go so quickly.
Every little detail, every casual comment – everything is important. The viewer is required to be extremely attentive in order to solve the crime at the same time as Cordelia. But if you have a soft spot for detectives and are tired of dark stories, it's totally worth it.
