Who is Senator in The Residence? Character arc and storyline explored

Netflix’s new comedy-drama, The Residence, takes viewers inside the private quarters of the White House, uniquely blending mystery and humor. The show, which was first announced in 2022 but delayed due to the writers' strike, finally made it to the streaming platform.

One of the most talked-about cast members is former senator and comedian Al Franken, who plays Senator Aaron Filkins.

Al Franken, known for his background in comedy and politics, portrays Senator Aaron Filkins. His character is part of a Senate hearing investigating a mysterious death at the White House. Initially, Filkins believes the case is a suicide, dismissing witness testimonies that suggest otherwise.

However, as the hearing progresses, the situation spirals into a chaotic debate among committee members, with frequent interruptions and arguments. One of the standout clashes is between Filkins and Senator Bix (Eliza Coupe), who strongly disagrees with his assessment of the case. Their heated exchanges add to the comedic tension of the show.

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Al Franken’s role as Senator Aaron Filkins

Surprisingly, Al Franken didn’t audition for the role. The production team simply offered it to him. Speaking at the premiere, Franken said:

“I did not audition. It just came to me. They asked me to do it and I went, ‘I haven’t done this in a while. I hope I can do it!'"

After reading the script, he recognized how "great" it was but admitted he wasn’t sure if he could pull it off:

“I wasn’t sure that I would be great in it, but I wanted to do it.”

To get into character, he made a few simple changes:

“I got a different pair of glasses, and I [parted] my hair on a different side and I was a whole new different person.”

Senator Filkins is part of a mock Senate hearing investigating the case. While he tries to steer the witness testimonies toward a quick conclusion, the other committee members keep derailing the discussion.

His main rival in these debates is Senator Bix, who challenges his attempts to brush off the case as suicide. Their disagreements highlight the absurdity of the Senate hearing and provide some of the show's funniest moments.

Al Franken’s role in The Residence adds an interesting layer to the show, blending his political background with his comedic skills. His character, Senator Aaron Filkins, starts as someone trying to dismiss the case but quickly becomes part of the chaos. With its mix of mystery, satire, and sharp humor, The Residence brings a fresh take on White House drama.

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