Exploring Uzo Aduba’s Role in The Residence
When Jennifer Euston took on the casting for Orange Is the New Black, it seems her primary focus was not only to showcase captivating performers but also to ensure they possessed unique qualities that could carry over into other genres, including mystery-solving dramas. This is particularly intriguing as we see familiar faces such as Kate Mulgrew and Natasha Lyonne returning to the murder investigation genre.
Kate Mulgrew and Natasha Lyonne: Returning Icons
Kate Mulgrew, well-known for her role in the beloved spinoff series Mrs. Columbo, fits seamlessly into this narrative. Meanwhile, Natasha Lyonne is gearing up to reprise her Emmy-nominated role as the human lie detector, Charlie Cale, in the highly anticipated return of Poker Face on Peacock.
Uzo Aduba Joins the Fray
Adding to this ensemble is Uzo Aduba, who steps into an eccentric role in Netflix’s latest offering from Shondaland, The Residence. Positioned in the innovative Orange Is the New Forensic Investigation genre, the series embodies the quirky charm of the detective drama while it stands out with its unique narrative style.
Chaos at the White House
The Residence blends comedy and drama in a chaotic, fast-paced format, immediately setting a frenetic tone throughout its seven out of eight episodes made available to critics. Aduba’s dynamic performance, coupled with a vibrant ensemble cast, elevates a mystery that feels too frenetic to resonate on an emotional level.
Set in the White House during a state dinner for the Australian prime minister, the series kicks off with a star-studded event featuring Kylie Minogue and a celebrity cameo that serves as a humorous recurring gag. However, the celebration quickly shifts as the chief usher, A.B. Wynter, portrayed by Giancarlo Esposito, is discovered dead in the game room, prompting an urgent investigation.
Unraveling the Mystery
To prevent an international debacle, political advisor Harry Hollinger, played by Ken Marino, is keen on dismissing Wynter’s death as a suicide, citing a discovered note and apparent self-inflicted wounds. However, the complexity increases with the arrival of Metropolitan Police Department Chief Larry Dokes, accompanied by consultant Cordelia Cupp, an eccentric birder and detective brought to life by Aduba. Teaming up with the skeptical Edwin Park, played by Randall Park, they plunge into a world of intrigue amid a gathering of impatient VIPs.
Political Subplots and Flashbacks
As tensions rise, members of a Senate committee begin holding hearings on the investigation, adding yet another layer of chaos, led by Al Franken’s Senator Filkins and Eliza Coupe’s Senator Bix, who embodies various political caricatures. The comedic elements continue as Cupp and Park engage with various guests and staff, including Wynter’s second-in-command Jasmine (Susan Kelechi Watson) and the quirky White House chefs, while flashbacks provide varying perspectives of that fateful night.
Challenges of a Long-Duration Mystery
One significant challenge emerges: the fragmented storytelling popularized by films like Knives Out becomes cumbersome when stretched across eight episodes. Unlike a succinct movie runtime, the commitment to unraveling the intricacies of the case poses risks, particularly when there isn’t a strong emotional investment from the audience in the victim or the scenario.
The series, transforming its story elements too quickly, sometimes confuses rather than captivates, leading to diminished viewer engagement with the unfolding mystery. As we approach the eighth episode, the concluding revelations may come with a caveat: whether viewers truly care about the outcome and its implications.
A Homage to Classic Mystery Elements
Created by Paul William Davies, The Residence openly references landmark works in the mystery genre, naming Agatha Christie as a key influence while its soundtrack pays tribute to classic scores. Episode titles cleverly incorporate wordplay, hinting at the humorous and whimsical tone that persists throughout the narrative.
Setting and Character Dynamics
The series distinguishes itself with its delightfully crafted White House setting, inspired by Kate Andersen Brower’s nonfiction account, The Residence: Inside the Private World of the White House. The blend of trivia and intrigue elevates Aduba’s charming character, Cordelia Cupp, as she chases after knowledge about the White House even as she solves a crime.
Ensemble Talent and Performances
Directed primarily by Liza Johnson and later by Jaffar Mahmood, the visual presentation of The Residence shines, showcasing intricately designed replicas of the White House. Notable is the ensemble cast led by Meredith Tucker, where every cameo, although occasionally underutilized, contributes a layer of humor and intrigue to the tapestry of characters.
Among the standout players are Jane Curtin, whose comedic timing shines through, and the emotive performances from the rest of the cast, perfectly highlighting the series’ comedic textures and themes.
Looking Ahead
Uzo Aduba’s character remains the anchor of The Residence, masterfully balancing eccentricity with depth. Her interactions with Randall Park’s Edwin showcase a partnership that could easily transition into future mystery adventures, emphasizing the potential within this talented trio.
While the series succeeds in crafting an engaging environment filled with eccentric characters, the hope remains for a narrative that offers deeper emotional engagement. As for future leads from the Orange Is the New Black cast, the pairing of Dianne Guerrero and Jackie Cruz would make for a stellar next-generation detective duo, promising viewers a captivating crime-solving experience.