Netflix’s new murder mystery series,The Residence, marks executive producer Shonda Rhimes' return to White House scandals with a behind-the-scenes detail that makes it feel all the more real. The series follows Cordelia Cupp, an avid bird watcher and talented detective who is called in to investigate the death of the Chief Usher in the White House.The Residence’s castis led by Uzo Aduba as Cupp with great supporting stars who perfectly balance comedy and drama.
After Cupp’s arrival, she is met with resistance at every turn, making it even more difficult to find out who could be the killer. After several twists,The Residence’s endingfinally reveals the killer and why they targeted A.B. Wynter (Giancarlo Esposito).The Chief Usher’s death inThe Residenceis complicated, thanks to the numerous people he interacted with that night who could have wanted him dead. While some are determined to rule the death a suicide,Cupp eventually solves the mystery, and the Senate hearings afterward help illuminate that timeline.
Former US Senator Al Franken Plays Senator Filkins In The Residence
Filkins Oversees The Congressional Hearings About The Crime
While the majority ofThe Residence’s story takes place in the White House as Detective Cupp investigates the murder of Chief Usher Wynter, it is interjected with scenes showing the hearings concerning the crime. In these scenes, which depict various characters being interviewed about what they witnessed that evening, the senate committee overseeing the hearing is led by a real former U.S. Senator, Al Franken.InThe Residence, Franken plays a senator named Aaron Filkinswho at first seems convinced that the death was a suicide despite the evidence that the witnesses share.
Franken’s character is entertaining as he initially tries to keep the witness stories on track and move toward a swift conclusion, but the committee is often interrupted by outbursts from different members who disagree, especially a Senator Bix (Eliza Coupe). The two quickly get into arguments over Cupp’s investigation and whether Wynter’s death was murder. Despite the more ridiculous aspects of the mock senate hearing, Franken’s appearance adds an interesting touch.
BeyondSNL, Franken has hosted various radio and television talk shows both about politics and more comedic topics, showing that he has plenty of experience in both fields to take on this role inThe Residence.
While it may appear to be just another funny cameo for a former senator to play a senator in the series, Al Franken is certainly no stranger to comedy.Before becoming a politician, Franken served as a writer forSaturday Night Liveduring its early yearsand occasionally appeared in roles on the show. BeyondSNL, Franken has hosted various radio and television talk shows both about politics and more comedic topics, showing that he has plenty of experience in both fields to take on this role inThe Residence.
Al Franken Was Inspired By Other US Senators For His Role In The Residence
Franken Drew His Character From Other Senators
Despite having his own experience of serving in the U.S. Senate for nearly a decade, Franken chose not to base his character solely on himself. Instead, he was inspired by other senators for his role. When speaking toThe Hillrecently, Franken shared that he modeled the character on several Republican senators. In particular,Franken cited Chuck Grassley, Lamar Alexander, and Lindsey Graham as his inspirations for the character of Filkins.
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Netflix’s The Residence is a brilliant murder mystery with a very distinct style, and these other crime comedies should scratch the same itch.
While Franken toldThe Hillthat “he saw the character as a Democrat,” it is interesting to see how older Republican senators shaped the role. His persona is very clearly meant to contrast with the younger committee members in the process who get more involved in hearing the story, and he seems less willing to accept the facts.Franken’s character is modeled off several people who he feels are “avuncular,“but he also admitted that there are clear moments where these senators and his own character stray from their composed personas.
Casting A Real US Senator Made The Residence’s Hearings Feel Much More Legitimate
Casting A Former Senator Gives The Series A Hint Of Reality Within Its Comedic Moments
The Residence’s focus on a murder mystery could be quite serious, but instead, the comedy is arguably the best part of the series. Cordelia Cupp and her line delivery are hilarious and often surprisingly wholesome as she uncovers who could have killed the Chief Usher. Likewise, the Senate hearing scenes in the show often devolve quickly into silly arguments, butFranken’s presence as a real former senator gives them a slight note of reality that makes the comedy even better.
The Residence: The Chief Usher’s Job & Responsibility At The White House Explained
Since the Chief Usher’s job in The Residence is one factor that leads to his murder, viewers may be curious what exactly he does in the White House.
These sequences rely on being an effective satire of what a real Senate hearing looks like. Though, of course, real senators disagree over issues all the time, the show’s shouting matches between Filkins and Bix take that to a funny extreme. However, having Franken play Filkins gives the show a sense of legitimacy with someone familiar with real Senate hearings overseeing the fictional proceedings. Though these scenes may not be the biggest part of the show, Franken’s presence is entertaining and adds an extra layer to the scandal inThe Residence.
