Who Really Killed AB Wynter? The Shocking Truth Revealed!

*Warning: There are major spoilers for The Residence in this article.*

Inside the hallowed halls of the White House, “The Residence” invites Netflix audiences to unravel a whimsical mystery reminiscent of the intriguing style of Knives Out and Only Murders in the Building.

In simpler terms, throughout eight chaotic installments, Detective Cordelia Cupp (played by Uzo Aduba) gets nearer to unmasking the show’s villain. However, it isn’t until the extended final episode that all pieces of this intricate puzzle are revealed for everyone to understand.

In the manner reminiscent of Agatha Christie’s mysteries, Cordelia assembles the main suspects – from the White House staff right up to the President and his most trusted advisors – in a single room. There, she delves into each individual’s account, scrutinizing their inconsistencies one by one.

Enthusiasts of “The Residence” series are undoubtedly curious to unmask the perpetrator behind the intricate puzzle. Dive in as we unveil a comprehensive breakdown of the season 1 finale – revealing the identity of the culprit, their rationale and approach, and hints about potential future developments.

The Residence ending explained: Who killed AB Wynter?

In my humble opinion as a film critic, the nail-biting climax of The Residence’s final episode leaves us stunned. It turns out that our beloved White House social secretary, Lilly Schumacher (portrayed by Molly Griggs), is the enigmatic assassin of AB Wynter. A twist so unexpected it left me reeling!

During a meeting with everyone who could potentially be involved, the surprising disclosure takes place inside the White House’s Yellow Room. As the minutes pass, Cordelia Cupp systematically unravels the complex narratives offered by each individual present.

Following several wrong turns, the unconventional detective ultimately zeroes in on Lily, not long after the assistant tried to shift the guilt onto the blameless couple Elsyie and Bruce.

Regarding Lilly’s intentions, Cordelia clarifies: “She acted out of hatred towards you, and when I say ‘you,’ I refer specifically to you, Mr. President. However, my comment encompasses a broader group – the entire household.

Regarding the real building, the actual structure – have you noticed the transformation she’s made in the blue room? Such changes are usually undertaken only by someone who has a strong dislike for the place.”

Or simply:

“Have you taken a look at her renovation of the blue room? It seems that one does such things only if they truly dislike the overall space.

She went on to say, “Moreover, she holds a disdain for the concept of a home – as a system, an establishment. She despises its heritage, its customs, its personnel, and what it symbolizes. Essentially, she feels this way about America.

She intensely dislikes it, and above all else, she detests Mr. Wynter. This is due to the fact that he symbolizes something she dislikes and has consistently obstructed her path for quite some time.

In simple terms, Cordelia explains that Lily had a grand plan to transform the White House entirely. This ambitious project included dismantling the building from within.

On the other hand, AB, the victim, held deep respect for its traditional aspects and aimed to maintain and honor it in its original state for many future years.

Apart from amassing proof, it was found that Lily was exploiting her advantageous role for illicit activities. These activities involved embezzling and misusing public funds, as well as bartering benefits with her contractors and associates.

AB chose to inform the President about these wrongdoings, aiming to ensure Lily would be permanently barred from the White House. This action led to an altercation, during which she tore out a page from his diary – a page that eerily resembled a suicide note.

In my perspective, that’s what sparked the thought within her to orchestrate the tragic event involving AB that fateful evening, presenting it as a suicide scenario instead.

At first, Lily thought her plan would unfold exactly as she envisioned; however, in a bid to settle things amicably with AB, she led him to a secluded area for what seemed like a reconciliatory drink (containing poison secretly obtained from the greenhouse).

Yet, as AB discovered that her drink was laced and chose to abstain, she found herself deviating from the plan, delivering the fatal strike with an old clock instead. Subsequently, she concealed the clock in a hidden maintenance corridor.

Lilly made an attempt to conceal her involvement in the disturbing event by pretending to be the First Spouse of the U.S. during a phone call with Assistant Usher Jasmine Haney, instructing them to lock down the access corridor.

In the end, even Lilly would find herself perplexed like everyone else when the probe began, since AB’s body wasn’t located where she had originally placed it.

In the closing questioning session, Cordelia disclosed that the President’s sibling, Tripp, moved AB’s corpse into another chamber, suspecting for a moment that he could be linked to the demise, while being disoriented and heavily intoxicated.

He was hesitant to reveal his plan to relocate the corpse sooner, for fear it might suggest to others that he himself was the one responsible for the murder.

What next for Cordelia Cupp after The Residence season 1 finale?

Towards the close of the season, Cordelia makes a visit to the mother-in-law of the U.S. President, who happens to be living in the White House, and shares the news that the culprit has been found.

Content with a job well done, Cordelia proceeds to get back to her primary hobby of birdwatching.

It appears that her impressive detective work has earned her favor with the President and Congress. Consequently, there’s a strong likelihood she could be asked to handle another significant case in the future.

For now, though, we’ll just have to wait and see whether Netflix orders The Residence season 2.

2025-03-20 21:05

The Residence ending explained: Who killed AB Wynter?

What next for Cordelia Cupp after The Residence season 1 finale?

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