How can a show with such a specific premise last for multiple seasons without overstaying its welcome? After all, Only Murders in the Building started with the idea that three true-crime podcast aficionados Charles (Steve Martin), Oliver (Martin Short), and Mabel (Selena Gomez) would unite forces and create their own podcast to investigate a murder that happened in their building (the Arconia) on the Upper West Side in New York.
With one murder per season, the formula could easily get repetitive and make the show less entertaining. Luckily, however, the writers keep finding interesting ways to keep the story fresh and funny. If the plot of season three revolved around Broadway, this new season brings Hollywood into the mix, with producer Bev Melon (the hilarious Molly Shannon) determined to turn the trio’s podcast into a movie.
If Only Murders was already known for its famous guest stars, the lineup grows even more this season, with Eugene Levy, Eva Longoria, and Zach Galifianakis playing versions of themselves. They have been cast to play Charles, Mabel, and Oliver, respectively, in the movie being produced, so the interactions with their counterparts are always hilarious.
In the midst of it all there is, of course, a murder to be solved. The season picks up right where the last one left off, with Charles’s stunt double Sazz Pataki (Jane Lynch) being killed in the former’s apartment. The investigation into her murder gets bigger and messier than in previous seasons, with many more new characters introduced and plenty of motives flying around.
Only seven out of the ten episodes were made available for review, but it was enough to see that this season is more ambitious than ever before. The many storylines allow for a big number of guest appearances, and most of them are very funny.
Having said that, there is a moment where it seems like the story is starting to drag a little bit, especially on episode 6. However, it does pick up again on episode 7, ending on a big cliffhanger.
The interactions among the three main characters are still the best part of the show, with Martin Short being responsible for many of the funniest moments.
It’s safe to say that the Arconia and its residents are still worth revisiting for a fourth season, even if murders keep happening!
