The Residence: Who Killed Wynter? It’s Not What You Think!

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The Residence is an intriguing mystery series on Netflix, packed with unexpected plot twists and standout performances from a talented group of actors. At its helm is Uzo Aduba as Cordelia Cupp, a detective with a passion for birds who works as a consultant for the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Police Department. The cast also features Giancarlo Esposito as A.B. Wynter, initially intended to be played by Andre Braugher, in the role of White House Chief Usher; Susan Kelechi Watson as Jasmine Haney, an Assistant Usher at the White House; and Randall Park as Edwin Park, an FBI Special Agent.

As a devoted cinema enthusiast, I find myself immersed in a captivating narrative where Jason Lee, Ken Marino, Taran Gillam, and Jane Curtin join forces with Mary Wiseman, Bronson Pinchot, Julian McMahon, and an array of other characters who all become potential suspects. The crime unfolds during a State Dinner at the White House. In her relentless pursuit for justice, Cupp grills everyone inside the White House to unravel the mystery surrounding the murder of Chief Usher A.B. Wynter.

The events that transpired on the night of the State Dinner were unraveled during Congressional Hearings chaired by Al Franken as Senior Senator Aaron Fllkins. By the culmination of the eighth hearing, Cupp disclosed the identity of A.B. Wynter’s murderer, the method used, and the motive behind the crime. Here is a recap of how it unfolded.

Cordelia Cupp Can’t Get the State Dinner Out of Her Head

At the outset of “The Residence”, the spectators are introduced to A.B. Wynter and the team working at the White House. Here, they gain insights into the happenings at the president’s residence during a state dinner. Simultaneously, they catch glimpses of the staff’s relationships, peering beyond the polished facade presented during formal events.

A.B. Wynter oversees the team while they cater dinner to esteemed guests, including Stephen Roose, Australia’s Prime Minister (portrayed by Julian McMahon, son of a former Australian Prime Minister Sir William McMahon), Hugh Jackman (though not visibly), and Kylie Minogue. However, tragedy strikes when Wynter’s body is discovered on the second floor of the White House by Nan Cox, the President’s mother, played by Jane Curtin. Amidst the shock, the staff strives to maintain guest satisfaction as Detective Cupp interviews numerous attendees.

This version maintains the original meaning but is written in a more conversational and engaging manner while also providing a clearer structure for better understanding.

The primary suspect in this case keeps shifting, as evidenced during the Congressional Hearing regarding the alleged suicide. The individuals who find themselves at the forefront of suspicion include Tripp Morgan (played by Jason Lee, the President’s brother), Didier Gotthard (portrayed by Bronson Pinchot, a pastry chef), Edwina Findley (Sheila Cannon in real life, serving as the White House Butler), and Lilly Schumacher (Molly Griggs’ character, the President’s social secretary). Each of them has had their turn atop the list.

Everyone Has a Motive in ‘The Residence’ But the Killer Blinked

Following the preliminary inquiry, Wynter’s death was classified as suicide to shield Metropolitan Police Chief Larry Dokes (Isiah Whitlock Jr.) from further implications. Although numerous possible suspects exist and many believe they know who perpetrated the murder, a hitherto unidentified man emerges during the Congressional hearing, having been present at the dinner. Upon discovering that everyone in the White House on the night of the state dinner harbored resentment towards Wynter, Cupp, after her bird-watching excursion, resumes the investigation for a second time.

In the climactic episode titled “The Enigma of the Yellow Chamber,” Cupp meticulously reveals all the intricate details, yet skillfully conceals the true culprit’s identity. She informs the gathering of suspects huddled in the Yellow Oval Room, where Wynter was slain, that he was fataly poisoned, assaulted with broken pottery, and struck over the head before his demise.

One individual carried out all those actions, however, other actions such as relocating the body (performed by White House Engineer Bruce to safeguard Elsyie, a housekeeper), disposing of the alleged murder weapon (Pastry Chef Gotthard found the knife on the floor), and fabricating a suicide scene (Tripp Morgan had inflicted wounds on Wynter’s wrists) were undertaken by several guests.

Another important detail about the murder was related to access to the room where Wynter was killed. Cupp discovered that a door passageway in the Yellow Oval Room had been blocked off, which was carried out by Jasmine Haney on instructions from Elliot Morgan, the President’s husband, albeit not explicitly. The command, it turned out, originated from Lilly Schumacher, who could mimic Elliot’s voice.

The Reason A.B. Wynter Died Was Exactly What Made Him a Good Chief Usher

Lilly Schumacher and A.B. Wynter had different views regarding the transformation of the White House to better align with America’s contemporary values. Specifically, Lilly aimed to revamp the White House by incorporating eco-friendly practices, modernizing its aesthetics, and challenging traditional perceptions about the building that Wynter cherished.

Everything Lilly aimed to achieve was recorded by Wynter in his journal, including the financial mismanagement associated with it.

Lilly feigned a desire for reconciliation with Wynter but served him poison during their encounter. When Wynter sensed her deception, she hurled a vase at him. It wasn’t until Wynter collapsed that she snatched the clock from the mantelpiece and struck him over the head with it. She subsequently slipped a suicide note into Wynter’s pocket, a fact she had inadvertently revealed during an earlier conversation.

Through a series of clues like the disarranged items in the shed, decaying blossoms, and peculiar markings on the walls, Cupp managed to piece together what had happened to Wynter during her investigation. Upon discovering a hidden passageway that had been blocked off, she found the murder weapon concealed within a secret chamber, effectively wrapping up the case. As the episode drew to a close, Cupp paid one final visit to the White House to speak with Nan Cox, the President’s mother. To her surprise, Nan revealed that she had known the culprit all along.

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2025-03-25 00:02