Knit to This
The Residence
Kay swears by her British mystery shows. Just mention to her that you’ve not seen Vera and see what happens.
And while I love some moody fog and an impenetrable accent, sometimes the sheer British-ness of the best detective shows can be a bit predictably much. How is anyone still alive in those rural villages?
Enter Shonda Rhimes‘s The Residence, which is set in a location that could not be more American: the White House.
Yes, yes. Most shows set around 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue are focused on the elected occupant and frequently involve dudes in suits chasing suspects down corridors to save democracy or whatever.
That’s not this show.
Rather than a dude in a suit, our hero is Cordelia Cupp, a birdwatching detective played by Uzo Aduba. Her goal is not to save democracy or whatever but to solve a murder: someone has killed the head usher. The suspects include pretty much everyone in the building on the night of the Australian State Dinner, from guests to staff to party crasher.
The writing is whip-smart and joyful (and full of callbacks to other media and White House lore, to say nothing of all of the quotable quotes. The set/costumes/make-up/visual effects are perfection. The acting is divine, as are some of the surprise cast members (and, in one case, the lack thereof).
You can feel how much care went into every aspect of this series, all the way down to the title design and the incidental music. The Residence is one of those rare shows worth watching more than once, if only to catch all of the details you missed while figuring out whodunit.
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This was a really fun quirky series, reminded me of Only Murders in the Building. And who doesn’t love a lead detective who is an avid bird watcher?
Love the “impenetrable accent” accent part. We always have to resort to the Closed Caption feature. Even though it kinda feels like cheating. Will have to try this one.
I loved this show, Cordelia is amazing. I agree that the writing was fantastic. Just when you thought you knew “whodoneit,” there’s another option. And the twists and turns and relationships it spotlight were great. And I totally knit to it!
I loved it. Hoping to see more of her. Though difficult to see it without those particular supporting characters.
Watched it and totally enjoyed it. The quirky characters and the “hey, that’s so-and-so from such-and-such” added to the fun, like a side game of who’s-that-celeb!
Loved this show!
I’ll give it a watch, pet.
I stumbled upon this a couple of months ago and loved it. Now, where is my vodka?
Out of the vast TV Wasteland comes this amazing show! Tune in for a pleasant surprise.
So much FUN! SUCH good acting!
I love this show! Thanks for reviewing so that others can find it.
Absolutely love, love The Residence. Have already binge watched this 3 times.
The acting and writing is superb.
Hope they have Cordelia Cupp character in more productions; for me, she’s more fun to watch than Benoit Blanc!
I loved this series, especially our detective. It was excellent!
I am a bit of British mystery fan, too. But this was SO GOOD! I might take your recommendation and rewatch.