As a long-time fan of Steve Martin and Martin Short, I was thrilled to jump back into the world of “Only Murders in the Building” for its fourth season. The show’s unique blend of comedy, mystery, and star power never fails to entertain, and this time around it didn’t disappoint.
In simple terms, Season 3 of “Only Murders in the Building” concluded with the demise of Sazz Pataki (played by Jane Lynch) at the Arconia, and our cherished trio found themselves immersed in another mystery. The upcoming Season 4 finds Charles Haden-Savage (Steve Martin), Oliver Putnam (Martin Short), and Mabel Mora (Selena Gomez) engaged in solving Sazz’s murder, all while grappling with the intricate preparations for a film adaptation of their podcast.
In a fascinating turn of events, Charles, Oliver, and Mabel encounter their screen doppelgangers, who are skillfully brought to life by Eugene Levy, Zach Galifianakis, and Eva Longoria respectively. To add to the dazzling array of talent, Season 4 introduces new neighbors from Arconia, played by Kumail Nanjiani and Richard Kind, as well as Charles’ sister, portrayed masterfully by Melissa McCarthy. Still not satisfied? Well, fear not, because Meryl Streep and Paul Rudd are reprising their roles for Season 4 too!
Originally intended as a short-lived series with high potential, “Only Murders in the Building” has transformed into a comforting watch, an unexpected feat considering its restrictive premise set in Season 1. The podcast and consequently the series are confined to exploring murders within the Arconia, yet an unusual number of bodies keep turning up. Despite being in its fourth season, “Only Murders in the Building” continues to improve, demonstrating that the right blend of characters can propel a show beyond expectations.
The OMITB returning cast meshes perfectly with the newcomers
Steve Martin and Martin Short continue to shine as they did in the first three seasons of this show. They’ve added more depth to their characters in Season 4. While watching, I felt the same way as the previous seasons. This show wouldn’t be what it is without Martin or Short, but Gomez doesn’t seem to have the same impact. She’s good in her role, but not a standout. The older cast members tend to overshadow her. If Martin and Short could carry the show alone, I believe they would. However, I think the series benefits from having a younger main star like Gomez to balance things out. She was a great choice to attract a younger audience with her fame, but I sometimes wonder if another actress might have portrayed Mabel better.
In Season 4 of “Only Murders in the Building,” Eugene Levy, Zach Galifianakis, and Eva Longoria fit their roles perfectly, each bringing unique interpretations to their own personas. Levy embodies his real self, being quirky, quick-witted, and always impeccably dressed. The banter between him and Steve Martin is electrifying, leaving me eager for more on-screen encounters. Longoria portrays an exaggerated version of herself, boasting about her celebrity acquaintances while remaining unphased by a fresh corpse in the building. Galifianakis stands out among the newcomers; his character is the exact opposite of the lovable character from “The Hangover” films, often appearing frustrated as he takes on the most passionate and eccentric role within the “Only Murders” group. The contrast between these characters results in some hilariously entertaining scenes. Melissa McCarthy’s presence is also appreciated, though she seems to be used sparingly. I believe this is for the better, as her immense talent might overshadow the other cast members if overused.
In a surprising twist, Meryl Streep’s impact on “Only Murders in the Building” has seemed to lessen since the first season, and I didn’t really feel her absence when she wasn’t there. Despite being absent for several episodes, the original cast members are so exceptional that you don’t yearn for her presence more. This is a testament to the show’s strength – its primary cast and recurring characters are so talented that Meryl Streep’s presence isn’t essential. On the other hand, Paul Rudd’s return is handled in a way that fits well with the storyline, but his appearance doesn’t necessarily elevate the season to new heights.
The story is fresh, despite its premise being somewhat stale
True crime podcasts will never go out of style, and as long as they climb the Apple and Spotify charts, “Only Murders in the Building” can go on. But how many people can drop dead in the Arconia before someone finally says, “okay, enough is enough?” Certainly not this season. It is, however, refreshing to be back in the building after spending a lot of time at the theater in Season 3. This show thrives on its stunning set-pieces, and each new apartment we enter is unbelievably different from the last.
In Season 4, the storyline doesn’t grow stale as key characters like Charles are grappling with the loss of a significant person in their lives. This isn’t Ben Glenroy (Paul Rudd), Bunny (Jayne Houdyshell), or Tim Kono (Julian Cihi). Instead, it’s Sazz, who has been working closely with Charles for decades, that adds depth to the grief experienced by both Charles and viewers of “Brazzos” and “Only Murders in the Building.” The tension deepens as we wonder if the bullet meant for Charles could have hit someone else. With fewer potential victims left in the building, our trio is at increasing risk. Could it be Charles, Mabel, or Oliver who meets a tragic end next? This sense of danger and emotional turmoil keeps the show engaging, and Season 4 delivers on that promise.
“Only Murders in the Building” Season 4 premieres on August 27 on Hulu.
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2024-08-26 19:30