The Residence

This show is a bit of a conundrum. On one hand it has all the pitch perfect elements of high end entertainment; humor, an all star cast, a fun setting, a twisty story. But on the other hand, it drags like a wet mop, especially in the last three episodes where it reveals crucial information in clumsy chunks for sake of pushing the plot forward. There is a near masterpiece show buried here that needed a few more rounds of refinement to tighten up, although I'm fairly certain Netflix forced the show runners to stretch this story over 7 episodes. If it had been 4 episodes, where every detail mattered and every revelation built to something greater, this may have been one of the best detective shows of all time. Instead we're left with 5 episodes of red herrings that we know are red herrings from the outset for sake of painting by numbers. Ultimately the payoff is satisfying but not mind blowing like the Usual Suspects or The Orient Express, which will keep the show from having much staying power. Enjoyable? Absolutely. Genius? Not even close.

This was amazing. That could be my whole review but that won't work here. The acting, the intricately woven plot and the ensemble cast were just top notch. The story of the murder of a head usher at the White House being murdered during a state dinner would have been interesting enough to me, but add in Detective Cupp and her eccentric personality and bird obsession and this was a pure winner. I just knew I had it all figured out, but not even close and I'm usually good at this kind of thing. There's 8 episodes which might seem like a lot but I was so fascinated that I watched all 8 in two sittings. I'm really hoping for season 2 with all new characters except for her and some of the other law enforcement characters. Netflix, I hope you are listening!

This show looks and sounds quite a bit like 'Only Murders In The Building', and it is quite similar. As if the female detective from season on of OMITB had her own show. But then it rolled out similar to a 'Thin Man' movie and/or an Agatha Christie plot with hints of Upstairs Downstairs.

It's quite entertaining and stands on its own. Each potential suspect has their own story, the writing is witty and the plot is THICK with all kinds of cobwebs. Everyone has a motive, even the guests at a state dinner. Detective Cupp is a very interesting woman and I enjoyed her analogies to birds and situations. I see a franchise waiting to happen and I am here for it.

A. B. Wynter The Chief Usher at The Whitehouse is killed, Cordelia Cupp is brought in to investigate, it's a sensitive time as The President is entertaining The Australian Prime Minister. Cuppa puts the building on lockdown, but her enquiries are hindered by lies and evasion.

Stick with it, that's my advice, just stick with it, I'm going to say I loved it, I have thoroughly enjoyed it, but I found it a little slow to start, for me the first two episodes were a little frustrating, once it got going though, I was hooked.

The final two episodes had me absolutely captivated, the way in which all of the pieces of the puzzle fall into place, it's so satisfying. Arguably it could have been done in fewer episodes.

There's nothing like a Whodunnit, it gets your brain working, and if you're like me, you moved from The Pastry chef, to Sheila, to lily to the next one, who doesn't love a puzzle.

It has more of a Knives out vibe, it's smart, definitely not your Agatha Christie style murder mystery.

It's quite funny at times, in a subtle sort of way, I thought Sheila was a laugh, plus the hope of getting to see Hugh Jackman.

The characters are so rich, even those that seem not to have any significance early on, soon offer something.

Uzo Aduba does a great job as Cordelia, I'd love to see more of the character, she's one smart cookie.

Very watchable.

8/10.

OMgoodness!! I knew when I saw it was from Shondaland that it would be good - but I didn't expect this! So good from the first episode to the very end!! Great rabbit holes to throw you off the trail! Uzo Aduba was amazing in the role of Cordelia - as were all the cast! You love them, you hate them, you blame them and then hear the backstory. Only thing I didn't like was the imitation of Hugh Jackman (not needed). Funny, intriguing and I loved the bird info. I highly recommend this series and I hope that there will be a season two and beyond to follow ( like the Knives Out series). More Cordelia please!!