Whodunnit Dinners Podcast #8: The Residence: Murderous Staff, Brilliant Birdwatcher and Marvellous Meringues
In the latest episode of the Who Done It Dinners podcast, we whisk together two pleasures many of us love: murder-mystery storytelling and indulgent desserts. This time, the spotlight is on the humble yet iconic pavlova — crisp on the outside, marshmallow-soft inside — and a its a cheeky nod to a the murder-mystery-meets-comedy series on Netflix, The Residence.
A Sweet Start: Pavlova on the Table
But...pavlova isn’t just an after-dinner treat — it’s a conversation starter. Where exactly does pavlova come from? The origins are famously contested. Some claim Australia, others New Zealand — and some even look further back to European meringue traditions that may have been precursors.
What seems certain is that, regardless of the exact birthplace, pavlova has found its way into kitchens and celebrations around the world. Its charm lies in the contrast of textures — a crisp shell giving way to a soft, airy interior, often topped with whipped cream and fruit. Wikipedia+1
From Shell to Suspense: Enter The Residence
With pavlova fresh on the table, the conversation shifts to The Residence — a new Netflix show blending humour, mystery, and (of course) high-stakes intrigue inside the White House. The hosts wax lyrical about how the series skilfully combines classic whodunnit tropes with comedic timing.
Central to the show’s charm is the detective protagonist, Cordelia Cup — a standout figure whose wit and determination add fresh energy to the genre. And it’s not just the character work that impresses: the cast, the dialogues, and the setting all come together to create a rich, layered atmosphere.
The White House backdrop gives the mystery added gravitas — the kind of high-society glamour and political undercurrents that make each episode more than just a puzzle to solve. Each episode is named after a classic murder-mystery, adding a delicious meta-layer to the viewing experience.
What Works (and What Could Have Been Sweeter)
There’s a particular alchemy required to blend comedy and murder mystery — and The Residence mostly nails it. The lighter moments — often delivered through Cordelia Cup’s dry humour — act as a counterbalance to darker themes, allowing the series to remain entertaining without losing gravitas. The strong cast helps, of course, grounding the tone and giving depth to even minor characters.
At the same time, the show’s ambition to marry two very different genres is a double-edged sword. The challenge lies in maintaining tension without tipping into parody — and while the pacing is generally solid, there are occasional moments when the balance feels slightly shaky.
On the culinary front, the pavlova conversation serves as a wonderful reminder that desserts — like mysteries — come with stories. The debate over origins, the evolution of recipes, and the cultural weight we attach to dishes make food more than just fuel: it becomes a link to heritage, identity and memory.
Final Thoughts: Why This Episode Resonates
Like any good dinner party — real or imagined — this podcast episode leaves you with more than full plates. It offers food for thought.
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It shows how a simple dessert like pavlova can open a doorway to history, culture, and debate.
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It highlights the creative potential of genre-blending — and how humour, when handled right, can sharpen a murder mystery rather than undermine it.
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It reminds us that stories — whether served on a plate or played out on screen — often taste better when shared.
Recipe
Here's Katie's take on the classic Pavvy.
Ingredients
- 4 egg whites
- 225g/80z light muscavado sugar
- 30ml/1/2 pint double cream
- 1 tsp cornflour
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- Fruit of your choice
Method
- Pre-heat the oven to a temperature of about 130°C
- Line a baking sheet with greaseproof paper
- Whip the egg whites in a large grease free bowl until stiff
- Now add in the sugar gradually whilst beating, until the mixture is glossy
- Finally add in the cornflour and white vinegar and mix completely
- Spoon out onto the parchment
- Bake in the oven for 90 minutes
- Turn the oven off and leave for a further 2 hours
- Whip the cream into stiff peaks
- Remove the pavlova from the oven and layer the cream in the centre of the dessert.
- Top with fruit
- And enjoy!
Whether you’re in it for the crime, the cake, or a bit of both — this episode is a treat.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5Bxap1kNbBNYJ0QyvYALVT