This Quirky Netflix Mystery Series Reigns as the Streamer’s Top New Comedy

If this were a novel, it would be quite the riveting read.

Certainly, that's quite a daring assertion. However, regarding The Residence , I will stand my ground. Netflix His eccentric new mystery series. Shonda Rhimes -- which debuted on the streaming service On Wednesday — poses the query: What occurs when a crucial dinner at the White House gets interrupted due to the killing of one of its employees? The outcome is utter chaos. Set against the chaotic backdrop of a murder investigation, this series emerges as a particularly enjoyable highlight.

In the murder case at The Residence, it boils down to probabilities: one deceased individual, 132 rooms, and 157 potential culprits. To uncover the killer amidst such complexity, the group enlists a top-notch detective. Like all great whodunits require, this sleuth brings an unorthodox approach and quirky techniques into play. So, move over, Adrian Monk; here’s Cordelia Cupp (Uzo Aduba).

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Like Sherlock Holmes and Benoit Blanc In front of her stands the title of the world's premier investigator. She has decided to undertake this challenge: solving the case before midnight to prevent any leaks from surfacing and uphold the political stability of the country’s capital city.

Imagine the series of challenges she faces as she deals with an array of dominant characters, each providing contradictory versions of what happened when interacting with her. It’s important to mention that the White House is not accustomed to having a detective meticulously examine every detail in such a manner. This institution operates under strict protocols designed to maintain constant order, which makes her inquiry even more chaotic.

Should there be a detective suited for such an unusual case, it’s Cupp. And Aduba slips seamlessly into the character, as though she was born to play this endearing, unapologetically bold investigator. Her portrayal elevates the performances of her accomplished fellow cast members—Randall Park, Giancarlo Esposito, Jasmine Haney, Ken Marino, Edwina Findley, Bronson Pinchot, Mary Wiseman, Paul Fitzgerald, and Jane Curtin. While I would gladly commend every actor featured herein, their ensemble is so vast it defies enumeration. The fact that all find moments to sparkle across just eight episodes is truly astonishing.

The Residence has a clear understanding of its goals and purpose, confidently winking at the viewers within a well-known genre framework. It doesn’t aim to revolutionize the format; it simply excels where it stands. Should someone inquire about how to explain the series to an older relative like my grandmother, I would compare it to a mix of "Knives Out," "Clue," "Columbo," and "Monk,” topped off with a dash of “Murder, She Wrote.” As suggested by the title of this piece, it’s deemed the streaming platform’s finest new comedy offering. Rest assured, once finished here, I’ll inform my grandma accordingly.

Paul William Davies, the former Scandal writer behind The Residence, mentioned at an online press conference that films such as Clue and Noises Off significantly shaped the comedy style of his series. He not only penned all the episodes but also acted as the executive producer and showrunner for the program.

The humor succeeds in both instances thanks to the disarray inherent in each narrative. In "Clue," an improbable assembly of visitors frantically tries to survive and crack a murder case within a sprawling estate. Meanwhile, "Noises Off" delves into the pandemonium occurring backstage as a troubled acting troupe overcomes internal conflicts, conflicting egos, and ineptitude to mount their theatrical performance.

The Residence confidently steps into the comedic territory of classic satires with its clever script, precise direction, and editing that maintain a consistent tempo. The sharp interrogations scenes combined with numerous false leads keep viewers intrigued until the final moments.

Let’s turn our attention back to the White House for a moment. Choosing this legendary setting as the epicenter of our mystery adds an element of intrigue. With far more chambers within these walls compared to Mr. Boddy’s estate in Clue, it provides numerous spaces for the narrative to unfold. Additionally, the series delves into the rich history of the White House and examines the varied experiences of its unseen workforce—such as chefs, doormen, and custodial personnel—who embody the classic upstairs-downstairs dynamic. This dichotomy introduces an us-versus-them tension that only intensifies the complexities faced by Detective Cupp during his probe.

As Cupp explores the case further, every episode offers an extensive walkthrough of the premises. For instance, did you know that the White House has not one but two basement levels? Have you heard anything about its enigmatic third story? Or perhaps you're curious about the ominously named Red Room? While unraveling the criminal puzzle, we also get glimpses into the hidden facets of the White House, shedding light on the individuals who operate behind the scenes. It’s truly captivating.

In "Scandal," Rhimes and Davies breathed life into an enduring political drama set within the Oval Office, often centering around the U.S. President. In contrast, "The Residence" gives less prominence to the role of Commander-in-Chief, which is a refreshing approach. Early in the series, Cupp recognizes that there’s an overabundance of male characters. And she isn’t mistaken.

Furthermore, the president and his predominantly male team appear to be inadequately prepared for their roles. Harry (Marino), who serves as the president’s chief confidant and long-time companion, directs this group in an erratic and frenzied manner that establishes the tone of operations within. Predictably, Cupp interrupts this dynamic, leading to numerous comical clashes with these... shall we say, gentlemen.

In the realm of murder mysteries, many contemporary works have eschewed humor to uphold their highbrow reputations. It’s about time someone injected some silliness into this mix. "The Residence" accomplishes just that without sacrificing its esteemed aura. This makes for a murder mystery series quite distinct from what's currently airing on television. Let me clarify, I’m not suggesting you should have To watch the show. However, I shall wear my detective cap and infer that you'll thoroughly enjoy it if you decide to join in.