Only Murders in the Building came out of left field. Steve Martin (Charles Haden-Savage), Martin Short (Oliver Putnam), and Selena Gomez (Mabel Mora) made for an unlikely trio. However, since 2021 they have been riding roughshod over the competition at the Emmys and made solving murders at The Arconia their business. With solid support from an ensemble cast that has included Hollywood legend Meryl Streep and the ever-youthful Paul Rudd – Only Murders in the Building has taken on all comers. Season four is no exception, either in the confidence and complexity of its storytelling, or those solid gold cameo moments that just keep coming.
This year Sazz Pataki (Jane Lynch) comes under fire, kicking off an opening episode that effortlessly lays the groundwork for what follows. Our trio are lured out to Hollywood after a movie studio offers to turn their podcast into a film. Cue extended cameos from Eva Longoria (Desperate Housewives), Eugene Levy (Schitt’s Creek), and Zack Galifianakis (Between Two Ferns). However, fans of this show keep coming back because of the mismatched chemistry from Martin, Short, and Gomez. Culture clashes, generational gaffs, and a refreshingly genuine bond makes this show continue to fly. Steve Martin and Martin Short trade on their friendship, deliver lines like the industry legends they are, while Selena Gomez remains a perfect counterbalance.
Either away from The Arconia, as they were in season three, or roaming the halls of this uptown apartment building – Only Murders in the Building comes out swinging. Season four trades on past victories, links back to previous adversaries, but keeps things fresh, nonetheless. Michael Cyril Creighton (Howard Morris) plays a larger role this time round, adding additional comic relief, while Jane Lynch continues scene stealing, even from beyond the grave. Beyond that, this reviewer’s lips are sealed for fear of giving away juicy details.
Trying to cover a murder mystery in print is challenging. Fans appreciate the formula, come back for the chemistry, but never want anything else for obvious reasons. To avoid disappointments across the board, suffice to say that Only Murders in the Building shows no signs of slowing down. With season five confirmed, a run of episodes that maintains the originality, but keeps everything audiences love. My advice is to stay tuned since Charles, Oliver, and Mabel are far from finished.
Only Murders in the Building Season 4 is streaming on Disney+.