Warning! Spoilers for The Residence ahead!
In the captivating murder mystery series The Residence, Detective Cordelia Cupp stands out as an enthusiastic birder, a passion that intricately weaves into the story’s complex mystery. This Netflix original cleverly parodies the traditional murder mystery genre, infusing humor while cleverly flipping the usual tropes on their head. One notable trope is the eccentricity of the detective, which Cupp embodies perfectly. Her passion for solving challenging murders is rivaled only by her love for birdwatching, as she diligently works to check off her extensive birding list. The White House serves as a surprising yet fitting backdrop for her birdwatching adventures, making her hobby not merely a quirk but a thematic element deeply embedded in the narrative.
Uzo Aduba, portraying Cordelia Cupp in The Residence, demonstrates that her exceptional detective skills stem from her keen observation as a birder. Her patience and ability to discern subtle behavioral patterns are essential when both tracking elusive bird species and uncovering murderers. Throughout her investigation, the staff and residents of the White House often express frustration with Cupp’s bird-watching antics. However, she frequently emphasizes the valuable lessons that can be drawn from the avian world. Ultimately, the recurring references to birds in The Residence create significant and insightful parallels that enhance her investigative journey.
Discover Every Bird Featured in Episode 1 of The Residence
Episode Title: The Fall Of The House Of Usher
The premiere episode of The Residence, titled “The Fall of the House of Usher,” introduces audiences to the character of Cordelia Cupp, showcasing her birdwatching on the expansive grounds of the White House. Although she does not reference any specific bird during this episode, she passionately explains the significance of this unique opportunity, noting that President Theodore Roosevelt himself was an avid birder. Cupp came prepared with a list of all the birds that the iconic Teddy had spotted at the presidential residence. Among the first birds she enthusiastically mentions checking off her list are:
- Warbler
- Screech Owl
- Purple Grackle
- Buff-Collared Nightjar
- Song Sparrow
The selection of birds Cordelia observes during the episode holds a deeper significance, representing the initial stages of her investigation. At this point, she refrains from focusing on any particular species, instead noting the more common birds that require minimal effort to spot. With the influx of guests at the White House during Wynter’s murder, Cordelia can only mentally eliminate those individuals who appear to have nothing to conceal.
Explore Every Bird Featured in Episode 2 of The Residence
Episode Title: Dial M For Murder
In the second episode of The Residence, the focus shifts to a specific bird, as the title “Dial M for Murder” features a Falcon soaring over the White House grounds just before A.B. Wynter’s demise. Through the falcon’s perspective, viewers witness a series of intriguing events unfold—an intimate couple behind a tree, an individual smoking beneath a pine, and a shadowy figure rummaging in the greenhouse. Each of these moments proves essential to the plot, but it is ultimately the falcon’s hunting instincts that aid Cordelia Cupp in her investigation.
Cordelia explained to Edwin Park that a Falcon possesses the remarkable ability to survey a massive flock and identify the weakest among them to pursue as prey. Using this keen skill, the detective noticed Chef Didier Gotthard exhibiting suspicious behavior.
As the second episode of The Residence nears its conclusion, Cordelia requests that the coroner bring Wynter’s body out through the front entrance. This strategic move would compel everyone in the White House to gather, allowing her to observe their reactions closely. She reminded Edwin Park that a Falcon can scan an extensive flock and pinpoint the weakest target, a skill she applied to discern Chef Didier Gotthard’s questionable actions.
Discover Every Bird Featured in Episode 3 of The Residence
Episode Title: Knives Out
In episode 3 of The Residence, titled “Knives Out,” Detective Cordelia Cupp references another bird while investigating. After discovering potential involvement of Chef Gotthard in Wynter’s murder, Edwin Park eagerly categorizes him as a suspect. However, Cupp remains cautious. Although the pastry chef tampered with evidence, she senses that critical information eludes her. To clarify her thought process to Park, she emphasizes the significance of thorough research, using the Yellow-throated Longclaw as an example.
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Where Was The Residence Filmed? Exploring the Filming Locations of this Netflix Murder Mystery
The impressive setting of The Residence at the White House may leave viewers curious about the actual filming locations, which is an intriguing story in itself.
Cordelia then shows Park an image of a Yellow-throated Longclaw and asks him to identify a bird from a recent photograph she captured. When Park mistakenly claims both images depict the same bird, Cordelia corrects him, revealing that the bird she observed was an Eastern Meadow Lark, while the Yellow-throated Longclaw is native to Africa. While they may appear similar, their differences underscore the importance of thorough research in birdwatching. Cordelia’s insight here reflects a broader message: just because someone has the appearance of a suspect doesn’t mean they truly are one.
Uncover Every Bird Featured in Episode 4 of The Residence
Episode Title: The Last Of Sheila
In episode 4, titled The Last of Sheila, Cordelia Cupp reflects on a memorable birding adventure with her nephew. During their quest to spot a Tuamotu Sandpiper, her nephew quickly becomes disheartened, convinced that they will never find the elusive bird. Nevertheless, Cordelia’s passion and determination shine through as she diligently records her observations in her birding journal. Her nephew’s doubts are palpable, but Cordelia assures him that their search will not end in disappointment.
Much like her pursuit of the Tuamotu Sandpiper, Cordelia’s confidence in solving the case remains unshaken.
The ongoing mystery surrounding the murder at the White House appears increasingly complex during this episode of The Residence. With numerous clues to unravel, it becomes evident that the state dinner guests cannot be confined indefinitely. However, just as in her birding adventures, Cordelia’s unwavering confidence pays off when she uncovers a crucial lead—though the resolution may take time to manifest.
Discover Every Bird Featured in Episode 6 of The Residence
Episode Title: The Third Man
By episode 6, titled The Third Man, the investigation into A.B. Wynter’s death has taken a dramatic turn, with the case now ruled a suicide. Reluctantly, Detective Cordelia Cupp departs the White House to embark on a new quest in South America, pursuing a particularly elusive bird known as her nemesis—the Giant Antpitta. It’s suggested that Cordelia has been on the hunt for this bird for years without success. During this expedition, she manages to spot a stunning Golden-headed Quetzal, yet the Giant Antpitta remains elusive.
Just as Cordelia Cupp has her nemesis bird, A.B. Wynter’s murder has transformed into a nemesis case for her. Despite the ruling of suicide, she is convinced that Wynter did not take his own life and is determined to uncover the truth. Fortunately, a “third man” emerges, claiming to have witnessed an individual dragging a body on the second floor of the White House. This new lead rekindles Cordelia’s hope of solving her nemesis case, prompting her to temporarily set aside her pursuit of the Giant Antpitta.
Explore Every Bird Featured in Episode 7 of The Residence
Episode Title: The Adventure of the Engineer’s Thumb
Detective Cordelia Cupp returns to the White House in episode 7, titled The Adventure of the Engineer’s Thumb, sharing her birding experiences in South America over a phone call with a fellow enthusiast. Although none of these were the elusive Giant Antpitta, Cordelia remarks that “everything fits together,” drawing a parallel to her ongoing investigation into Wynter’s murder. While she hasn’t yet pinpointed the actual murderer, she has identified an individual of interest—engineer Bruce Geller. Despite her suspicions that he may not be the killer, she acknowledges that all clues are interconnected.
In this episode, Cordelia identifies the following birds:
- El Oro Parakeet
- Long-wattled Umbrellabird
- Pale-headed Brushfinch
- Pale-footed Swallow
Uncover Every Bird Featured in Episode 8 of The Residence
Episode Title: The Mystery Of The Yellow Room
In the gripping series finale of The Residence, titled “The Mystery of the Yellow Room,” Cordelia Cupp finally uncovers the identity of A.B. Wynter’s killer. Before reaching this pivotal moment, she takes a final opportunity to observe the birds inhabiting the White House grounds. Mirroring her experience in the premiere episode, she identifies several birds from Theodore Roosevelt’s list. While these may not be her nemesis birds, their sighting holds special significance. This reflective moment highlights the numerous suspects who could have been involved in Wynter’s murder, reinforcing the necessity of gathering them all for observation.
Among the birds Cordelia checked off her list in episode 8 of The Residence were the Fish Crow, Downy Woodpecker, and Saw-whet Owl.
One particular bird mentioned by Cordelia in episode 8 played a crucial role in her murder investigation. Although she hadn’t observed a Mockingbird (at least not visibly), she explained to Park that this bird will flap its wings when it detects a camouflaged insect nearby, prompting the insect to blink and reveal its location. Cordelia likened this behavior to her investigative approach, emphasizing the need to watch for the “blink” that could expose the murderer. Through this bird-inspired technique, Detective Cordelia Cupp ultimately deduces that Lilly Schumacker was the one responsible for A.B. Wynter’s death, showcasing how her passion for birding played a pivotal role in solving the case.
