Decoding the Cody Compound: Whose House is Smurf’s in Animal Kingdom?
The iconic house featured in Animal Kingdom as the Cody family residence, often referred to as Smurf’s house, is a central element of the show, representing power, control, and the twisted family dynamics at its core. The real-life house used for exterior shots of Smurf’s “Oceanside” house is actually located in Long Beach, California. This is where much of the action unfolds, the schemes are hatched, and the Cody boys live under the watchful eye of their matriarch, Janine “Smurf” Cody.
The Real-World Location and “Smurf House” Connection
While the show is set in Oceanside, California, the production team utilized a house in Long Beach for filming the exterior scenes of the Cody residence. This created a disconnect between the fictional setting and the real location, but it allowed the show to capture the specific aesthetic they desired for the Cody compound.
Intriguingly, there’s another location that is colloquially known as the “Smurf House,” which is a seven-bedroom and eight-bathroom home in West Bloomfield Township, Michigan. This house has garnered the nickname because of its striking blue Cotswold cottage-style roof. While this “Smurf House” shares a name with the iconic character, it is important to note that it has no direct connection to the Animal Kingdom TV series.
The House as a Symbol in Animal Kingdom
In Animal Kingdom, Smurf’s house is more than just a building; it’s a character in itself. It represents Smurf’s dominance over her sons and her control over their lives. She meticulously cultivates an image of a domestic, loving home, while simultaneously running a criminal enterprise from within its walls. The house is a sanctuary, a fortress, and a prison, all rolled into one.
The architecture and decor reflect Smurf’s personality: bold, unconventional, and unapologetically seductive. The open floor plan facilitates her constant surveillance of the boys, while the comfortable furnishings create a false sense of security. Every aspect of the house is designed to manipulate and control those who inhabit it.
After Smurf’s death, the house becomes a battleground for power, with the Cody boys vying for control of her criminal empire and, by extension, the house itself. The struggle for ownership of the house mirrors the larger struggle for identity and autonomy that defines the series.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Smurf and Her House
1. Where is Animal Kingdom filmed?
The hit crime drama Animal Kingdom is filmed primarily in Oceanside, California, for many of its scenes. However, the interior shots are often filmed in a studio in Los Angeles, and Smurf’s house (exterior shots) is located in Long Beach.
2. Why was Smurf written out of Animal Kingdom?
The producers felt they had exhausted Smurf’s storylines in the present and wanted to explore her origins. They were also concerned about repeating familiar plotlines.
3. Why did Smurf leave everything to Pamela?
Smurf’s will was a calculated move to exert control over the Cody boys from beyond the grave. By leaving her fortune to Pam, she created a situation where the boys would have to do Pam’s bidding to access the money.
4. Who kills Smurf in Animal Kingdom?
J Cody (Finn Cole) kills Smurf (Ellen Barkin) in Season 4. He does so as retribution for her role in the death of Baz Blackwell (Scott Speedman), who is revealed to be his father.
5. Why did Smurf hate Julia?
Smurf saw Julia as a threat to her control over Pope and Baz. She feared that Julia’s bond with them could disrupt the criminal enterprise she was building.
6. What happens to J after Smurf dies?
After Smurf’s death, J seizes control of her criminal empire, using his knowledge of her business dealings to his advantage.
7. Why does Smurf kiss her boys?
Smurf’s kisses are a manifestation of her desire to control the Cody boys on multiple levels: emotionally, materially, and even sexually. It’s a form of manipulation, blurring the lines of familial affection.
8. Why did Smurf adopt Baz?
Smurf adopted Baz to remove him from an abusive environment and integrate him into her criminal schemes. He quickly became her second-in-command.
9. Why did Emily Deschanel leave Animal Kingdom?
The showrunners felt that Emily Deschanel, who played Angela, could not replicate Smurf’s energy and that her character wasn’t effectively tying back to Smurf’s influence.
10. Why did Baz betray Smurf?
Baz discovered Smurf’s hidden stash of money and jewelry, accusing her of being greedy and skimming off their jobs. This led to a major rift between them.
11. Why did J shoot Smurf?
J shot Smurf as a mercy killing and to regain some control over his life. Smurf had orchestrated a suicide mission for herself and Pope, and J intervened to end her suffering and prevent further bloodshed.
12. What happens to Deran in Animal Kingdom?
In the series finale, Deran escapes the authorities and reunites with his lost love, Adrian.
13. Why is Janine called Smurf?
Janine was nicknamed Smurf because she loved to swim as a child and would stay in the water until she turned blue.
14. Is Deran Smurf’s real son?
Yes, Deran is Smurf’s real son. His father is Billy, and he is the youngest of her four children.
15. Who was the body found at the end of Animal Kingdom?
The body found at the end of Animal Kingdom was Catherine Blackwell, Baz’s wife. This discovery implicates Pope in her murder and sets the stage for future consequences.
The Enduring Legacy of Smurf’s House
Smurf’s house remains an unforgettable element of Animal Kingdom. Its presence underscores the complex and often disturbing dynamics of the Cody family. It serves as a constant reminder of Smurf’s manipulative nature and her enduring influence, even after her death.
Interested in the psychological aspects of storytelling and character development? Check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org for resources and information on narrative design and educational gaming. This organization studies the impact of games and interactive media on learning and behavior, offering valuable insights into how narratives like that of Animal Kingdom can captivate audiences and explore complex themes.