How Is Paul Rudd Back in Only Murders in the Building Season 4?

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  • Is This a Jump the Shark Moment?
  • How Does Glenn Fit Into the Only Murders Plot So Far?

As a long-time fan of Paul Rudd and his hilarious performances, I must say that seeing him join the cast of “Only Murders in the Building” has been nothing short of delightful! It’s like having a favorite dessert suddenly appearing on your table when you least expect it.

Only Murders in the Building is distinguished not just by its impressive leading cast, but also by welcoming high-profile stars from one season to another. The roster has varied widely, with big names like Meryl Streep appearing in Seasons 3 and 4, alongside Zach Galifianakis, Eugene Levy, Eva Longoria, Molly Shannon, Kumail Nanjiani, Melissa McCarthy, and Richard Kind gracing our screens in Season 4.

A specific character, Paul Rudd’s Ben Glenroy, was the focus of an entire season. Tragically, Ben was killed off in Season 3, with his demise hinted at towards the end of Season 2. However, the show found a way to bring him back for Season 4, leaving viewers baffled and divided. Some consider it a stroke of genius, while others believe it was a misstep that tarnished the reputation of an otherwise beloved series.

How Did Only Murders in the Building Bring Back Paul Rudd?

Initially, it was believed that Ben Glenroy perished before Season 3 commenced. However, this turned out to be a misconception as he managed to survive an ordeal where his stomach was emptied. Yet, he ultimately met his end in the Arconia, a fitting location given the show’s title requires murders happening “in the building” for its title to remain relevant.

The central focus of Season 3 was the aftermath of his death, and Rudd’s character was prominently depicted in flashbacks detailing the events leading to his murder. With the resolution of the murder case, there was a double celebration: not only had they apprehended the culprit but also because Oliver’s (Martin Short) play, “Death Rattle Dazzle,” enjoyed a successful opening night.

When Rudd reappeared in a bar that Charles (Steve Martin) and Mabel (Selena Gomez) entered to investigate the death of Sazz Patecki (Jane Lynch) during the fourth season, fans were left puzzled. But as soon as he spoke up, the truth came out.

Instead of Ben, it was actually his seasoned stuntman, Glen Stubbins, who took the role. Incredibly, the casting team managed to find a stunt double that looked just like Ben. Consequently, Rudd takes on another character with a robust Irish accent and a noticeably more energetic demeanor.

Though visually identical, this individual is remarkably changed. Haunted by the demise of his long-standing companion and jobless, he too becomes interwoven into the unfolding narrative. As a stand-in for action sequences, he belongs to a broader fraternity of stunt doubles mourning the loss of their comrade, Sazz. Enraged that the perpetrator remains undiscovered and that they could not provide an appropriate burial for Sazz, Glenn appears more distraught than usual. However, it’s evident he’s also characteristically quirky.

Is This a Jump the Shark Moment?

The phrase “jumping the shark” is used to describe a scene in a TV series where an unexpected, illogical event occurs that seems unrelated to the show’s normal flow and makes it appear less credible or interesting. In other words, it refers to a turning point when the plot takes such a dramatic and unrealistic turn that viewers feel the show has lost its original direction or quality. Is this what you think happened with the introduction of Glenn?

While it’s not a requirement, “Only Murders in the Building” is a show that generally maintains a lighthearted tone. There are numerous elements that are exaggerated for effect. The core concept of the series is that multiple murders occur within the same building, which provides an ideal setting for Charles, Oliver, and Mabel – avid true-crime podcast fans who have now started their own show – to conduct their own investigations. Additionally, they often find themselves entangled in the mysteries as possible suspects, potential victims, or individuals connected to the deceased in some capacity.

The show is famous for its exaggerated humor and absurd plots, making it ideal for Chris Rudd’s return to portray a look-alike stunt double. This fits perfectly with the outlandish storylines previously presented on the show, such as a character residing in an attic of a theater during Season 3, a lethal bassoonist, and the entire play written by Oliver, to name a few.

It’s quite logical that the show might prefer to have Rudd as part of the cast, given his knack for comedy and vibrant character, if he were open to it. While it may seem unlikely, it certainly adds a humorous twist to imagine him in another role.

In addition to Glenn, it was revealed by showrunner John Hoffman to The Wrap that other stunt doubles will make an appearance in the season. Since characters who died weren’t actors with regular stunt doubles, this might suggest that actors like Eugene Levy, Zach Galifianakis, and Eva Longoria could take on double roles – playing both themselves and their stunt doubles within the storyline. The idea of seeing Eugene Levy portray his own stunt double is sure to bring plenty of laughs!

Despite some opinions that the inclusion of actors like Rudd might overshadow the main story and the trio who can stand on their own, others argue that he adds a perfect touch to the cast. His presence enhances the season, although it’s debatable whether the flamboyant character of Glenn is too over-the-top for some viewers.

How Does Glenn Fit Into the Only Murders Plot So Far?

As Oliver, Mabel, and Charles discover that Sazz visited her usual hangout for stunt performers on the night she was killed, they decide to pay a visit to this spot in hopes of uncovering why she went there and what transpired. It’s within this bar where they encounter Glenn, who, like the others, initially bristles at their intrusion. However, he eventually consents to assist them by linking them with Dr. Maggie (Veanne Cox), a chiropractor whom Sazz occasionally consulted and who works in the bar’s backroom area.

Glenn consents to assist as Charles will take Sazz’s place during their friends’ customary memorial service for the deceased. In this scenario, Charles lies on a floating device while each friend offers their tribute and symbolically shatters a fake bottle over his forehead – an appropriate farewell for a stand-in. Regrettably, a genuine bottle is mistakenly used once, causing Charles to lose consciousness, thereby ending the celebration prematurely.

In light of this arrangement, fans anticipate that Glenn will appear in further installments, just as he believes the trio will keep their word and support his struggling profession.

Last year, prior to Season 3’s premiere, Rudd shared with Entertainment Weekly that being a part of the show feels almost unreal to him. “For someone who adores comedy as much as I do, having Martin Short and Steve Martin on the same platform is like standing before Mount Rushmore. frankly, they are my idols. The fact that I get to collaborate with them still seems surreal,” he said.

In simpler terms, Rudd’s character will carry on his role with a character who is even more eccentric than Ben, but connected to the new storyline in a fresh way. This isn’t an over-the-top move like jumping the shark because shows like “Only Murders in the Building” are always full of silliness, which is exactly why fans adore it so much. You can catch “Only Murders in the Building” on Hulu.

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2024-09-22 04:31