Upamanyu Biswas
Created by Paul William Davies, Netflix’s ‘The Residence‘ uncovers a shocking murder mystery in the halls of the White House in the middle of an important state dinner. The victim, A.B. Wynter, is the White House Chief Usher, whose dead body is discovered in the third-floor game room, inciting a chaotic end to the event downstairs. As such, the investigation’s lead detective, Cordelia Cupp, learns more about Wynter’s past exploits through the recollections of his assistant, Jasmine Haney, the person best placed to take over his post. The two characters play a pivotal role throughout the drama, setting the stage for the internal politics that exist within the building and the divide between the White House staff and the incumbent administration led by President Perry Morgan.
A.B. Wynter is a Fictional Usher at the Heart of the Murder Mystery
While Netflix’s ‘The Residence’ takes inspiration from Kate Andersen Brower’s non-fiction book ‘The Residence: Inside the Private World of the White House,’ the events, characters, and plot are entirely fictional and drafted from the imagination of scriptwriter Paul William Davies. As such, A.B. Wynter, the White House Chief Usher for decades, is a fictional character with no connections to reality. His murder incites the story to kick into action, allowing a deeper glimpse into the complexities that exist within the walls of the White House. Giancarlo Esposito, who plays Wynter, described the Usher as “a guy who is in action,” referencing the character’s ability to be stoic, functional, and responsible regardless of the chaos unfolding around him.
A.B. Wynter comes across as someone who is unable to enjoy a joke and is only focused on delivering the best results possible. However, this only scratches the surface of his actual disposition. He takes great pleasure and honor in representing the White House’s traditions and values in the right way. To that end, the work is less tiring and demanding than it is nourishing to his soul. His hard exterior is a mask hiding a lot of pain and emotions, all of which are inconsequential because work is his first priority. His role was initially expected to be played by Andre Braugher, who tragically passed away during filming. Esposito was approached for the part but remained hesitant. He eventually saw it as a great honor to step into Braugher’s shoes, an actor he respected immensely. Over time, he found similarities between himself and Wynter’s “exacting” characteristics.
“It’s not until later on in this piece that he (Wynter) talks about where he comes from and his family,” Esposito explained in a Shondaland interview. “No one really knows anything about him because it’s not appropriate for him to share that; he’s here to do a job and do it beautifully, not get the reward and the grace and the glory.” The actor felt even more in touch with Wynter’s work through his previous experiences as head waiter in a dinner theater and working behind a reservations desk. These small details gave him a better sense of what Wynter prioritized in his life and how he finds meaning through his job. The character feels fully fleshed out and showcases the dedication of workers who devote their lives to service. However, despite his indelible mark on the narrative, he remains a fictional creation with no ties to reality.
Jasmine Haney Brings a Closer Perspective Into the White House’s Dynamics
With Wynter’s passing confirmed within the opening moments of ‘The Residence,’ the onus falls on Jasmine Haney, his assistant, to pick up the slack and run the ship known as the White House. Despite being fictionally conceived by Paul William Davies, she plays a prominent role in the story. The character provides some great insight into the White House’s internal politics and the separation that exists between the staff and the current administration residing within the Presidential Mansion. She is also Cordelia’s eyes and ears within the White House, often chipping in with helpful comments about certain guests or staff members, which helps provide deeper context on the situation overall. However, she also faces a bit of shock when her boss, A.B. Wynter, ends up mysteriously dead on the night of an important state dinner between the two nations.
Early in the story, we are told that Haney desires to take over Wynter’s Chief Usher role. Her dreams are also close to fruition because Wynter has already confided in her about retiring soon. However, it all goes pear-shaped when he tells her on the night of the state dinner that he wishes to continue on for longer. It puts a wrench into her plans, but only for a few minutes before she discovers that he has been killed. “Listen, the same night she (Haney) finds out she’s not going to get the position, she still ends up getting the position. I feel like she’s just as ready for it as she would’ve been,” explained Susan Kelechi Watson, who plays Haney. Thus, while fictional in conception, the character adds some much-needed context to the White House’s unique workplace environment.
Read More: Is Hugh Jackman in The Residence? Why Do We Never See His Face?
