"The Residence" on Netflix has captivated audiences with its intriguing murder mystery storyline, revealing the killer and victim from the start. Creator Paul William Davies knew from the beginning who would be at the center of the crime – White House Chief Usher A.B. Wynter and social secretary Lilly Schumacher.
The series follows Detective Cordelia Cupp, played by Uzo Aduba, as she conducts a thorough investigation into the murder of A.B. Wynter during an Australian state dinner at the White House. With 157 suspects and witnesses to interview, Cordelia uncovers a web of deceit and corruption within the White House staff.
The shocking reveal comes when Lilly Schumacher is exposed as the killer, driven by her desire to modernize the White House at any cost. Confronted by A.B. about her illegal activities, Lilly resorts to poisoning him with paraquat, staging the murder to look like a suicide. However, Cordelia’s keen investigative skills uncover Lilly’s elaborate plan, leading to her arrest.
The series delves into the complex relationships and power dynamics at play within the White House staff, showcasing the lengths people will go to protect their secrets. With a talented ensemble cast including Giancarlo Esposito and Susan Kelechi Watson, "The Residence" delivers a thrilling whodunit that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
Creator Paul William Davies discusses the evolution of the show and the decision to focus on Cordelia Cupp as the central character. Embracing the classic detective fiction trope, Cordelia becomes the iconic figure driving the narrative forward with her relentless pursuit of justice.
With its gripping storyline and stellar performances, "The Residence" on Netflix is a must-watch for fans of murder mysteries and psychological thrillers. As the series unfolds, viewers are treated to a suspenseful journey through the corridors of power and deception in the White House, culminating in a satisfying conclusion that ties up all loose ends.
What was it like working with Uzo Aduba on bringing Cordelia to life?
Working with Uzo Aduba on bringing Cordelia to life was an incredible experience. Uzo has such incredible range as an actress, and she truly embodied the spirit of Cordelia in a way that brought the character to life on screen. Her commitment to the role and her ability to capture Cordelia’s quirky personality and passion for birding made her portrayal truly unique and captivating. Uzo’s energy and presence on set were infectious, and she brought a level of authenticity to the character that made her stand out among the rest of the ensemble cast. It was a joy to watch her work and see how she brought Cordelia to life in such a distinctively Cordelia way.
Cordelia’s love for birding was a key aspect of her character, and Uzo’s portrayal of this passion added depth and complexity to the role. The way she integrated Cordelia’s fascination with birds into her performance truly made the character come alive in a way that was both entertaining and endearing. Uzo’s dedication to understanding the character and bringing her to life in a way that felt authentic and true to the story was evident in every scene she was in. It was a pleasure to work with such a talented and committed actress, and her performance truly made Cordelia a standout character in the show.
Uzo’s portrayal of Cordelia added a layer of depth and complexity to the character that made her all the more intriguing and lovable. Her ability to bring out the nuances of Cordelia’s personality and make her feel like a real, three-dimensional character was truly impressive. Uzo’s energy and charisma on screen made Cordelia a joy to watch, and her performance truly elevated the show to another level. She has such incredible range, and she’s such a life force that she made it all the more distinctively Cordelia.
A.B. was always a pivotal character in the show, and his presence was crucial to the overall narrative. However, Giancarlo Esposito brought a different energy and charisma to the role compared to Andre Braugher. While Braugher’s portrayal was more authoritative and stoic, Esposito infused the character with a sense of charm and intrigue.
The dynamic between A.B. and Lilly also shifted slightly with the recasting. Esposito and Molly Griggs had a different chemistry on screen, which added an interesting layer to their interactions. The tension between their characters felt more palpable, and it added a new dimension to the storyline.
Despite the challenges of recasting such a pivotal role, the transition was seamless, thanks to the talent and professionalism of both actors. The show was able to maintain its momentum and quality, and Esposito’s performance was praised by both fans and critics alike.
Overall, the decision to recast A.B. with Giancarlo Esposito was a bold move that paid off, adding depth and intrigue to the character and the show as a whole. It was a testament to the flexibility and creativity of the production team, ensuring that “The Residence” continued to captivate audiences until the very end. We had written it with him in mind, but I didn’t know if he would say yes or not. And he was so game and so great that I just kept writing more and more for him, and he just kept coming back and doing it. He’s just delightful, and I think he’s perfect in the role. I mean, it’s just a joy to work with him.
Overall, the experience of working on “The Residence” was a mix of challenges and joys. The loss of Andre Braugher was a devastating blow to the cast and crew, but the resilience and talent of Giancarlo Esposito helped carry the show forward in a new direction. The use of “plates” to superimpose images of Esposito over Braugher in certain scenes was a technical feat that allowed the show to continue without skipping a beat.
The cameos of Kylie Minogue and the fictional portrayal of Hugh Jackman added a touch of humor and star power to the show. Despite not being able to secure Jackman for the role, the decision to use a body double was a creative solution that kept the storyline intact. Similarly, having Al Franken play a fictional senator was a bold choice that paid off thanks to Franken’s talent and willingness to fully commit to the role.
In the end, “The Residence” stands as a testament to the dedication and talent of its cast and crew, who navigated challenges with grace and produced a show that honors the memory of Andre Braugher while moving forward in a new direction with Giancarlo Esposito at the helm. Al Franken made a guest appearance on the show and his performance was well-received by both the cast and audience. His presence added a special touch to the scenes he was in, and his legendary status definitely shone through. Working with him was a great experience for everyone involved, and his contribution to the show was truly appreciated.
The title of the show, “The Residence,” opens up the possibility of exploring different famous homes in various countries in potential future seasons. The creator of the show has hinted at the idea of taking the story to new locations and introducing new mysteries for the characters to solve. While there hasn’t been much time to fully flesh out these ideas, the concept of expanding the show’s universe is something that has been on the creator’s mind since the beginning.
Thinking about the characters of Cordelia and Edwin, played by Randall Park, opens up a world of possibilities for where the story could go next. The creator envisions creating new mysteries that feel both unique and familiar, drawing inspiration from classic detective fiction where each case is different but follows a familiar pattern. Just like iconic detectives such as Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot have their own distinctive styles, Cordelia and Edwin could continue their adventures in a similar fashion.
As the creator continues to brainstorm ideas for future seasons, the goal is to build on the foundation laid out in the first season while adding new twists and adventures. The comfort of a great mystery lies in its familiarity while still offering something fresh and exciting with each new case. The creator is excited about the possibilities and has no shortage of ideas for where the story could go next.
In conclusion, the future of “The Residence” holds endless possibilities for new adventures and mysteries in different iconic locations around the world. With the groundwork laid out in the first season and the potential for new and exciting storylines, fans can look forward to more thrilling episodes filled with intrigue and suspense.
*This interview has been edited and condensed.*
