Shondaland's new Netflix series, "The Residence," strikes gold with an amusing and highly eccentric narrative that uncovers the innermost operation points of White House. The series, inspired by "The Residence: Inside the Private World of the White House," created by Paul William Davies, and derived from Kate Andersen Brower's book, offers an unexpected mix of comedy and murder mystery, showcasing the lesser-known side of the American institution.
Launching with a charged atmosphere during the Australian State Dinner, the eight-episode series has Perry Morgan as the president, who, backdrop onto strained relations, invites the Australian Prime Minister to an intriguing evening of promises, one being Hugh Jackman's appearance. However, the murder of White House Chief Usher, A.B Wynter, mid-event, sets the series on a thrilling trajectory.
The timeline jumps forward several months, landing on a congressional hearing where the new Chief Usher, Jasmine Haney, accounts her version of the night, alongside unfolding her navigation through speculations and confusions galore. Cordelia Cupp, played by Uzo Aduba, emerges as the centerpiece of the story - the highly reputed investigator called upon to decode A.B’s murder. The narrative interweaves a convoluted network of suspects, from staff to guests to the administration, leading to a captivating plot.
The unique mix of characters, from the president's brother and the White House Butler to the President's vodka-loving mother-in-law, adds an extra flavor to the narrative. The plot recalls aspects of the film series "Knives Out," in maintaining a subversive and satirical tone throughout. The series successfully portrays the blurring of the lines between interpersonal relationships and power games within the White House's corridors.
However, some segments are unnecessarily stretched out, such as the flashback to Cordelia's birding vacation and the President's obsession with a perfect shower. As Cordelia inches closer to the truth, a thorough insight into the character of A.B and his role in running the White House comes to light. All complexities aside, “The Residence” provides an intriguingly light-hearted take on the life within one of America's most iconic institutions, now streaming on Netflix.
