by Alice-Ginevra Micheli, Contributing Writer
I think we can all agree that the concept behind Only Murders in the Building has always been bonkers. Two old men and a jaded millennial team up to solve a murder that happens in their building. Oh, and they decide to record a podcast while they’re at it.
It may be bonkers, but boy has it worked, and color me surprised that it has worked so successfully for a third time with its most recent season.
This show has quickly become one of my favorite watching experiences, not only because it promises fun-filled excitement for less than 40 minutes a week, which is very rare in the “golden era” television. However, what’s even more surprising is how the show has managed to keep the quality going across not just one, but two extra seasons.
This year’s shenanigans find our favorite trio trying to solve the murder of famous actor, Ben, played by the effervescent Paul Rudd. Distracted by desire, love, and ambition, Oliver (Martin Short), Mabel (Selena Gomez), and Charles (Steve Martin) must work together to solve the case of the star who has been struck or risk the consequences… again.
Three seasons in, our key cast of Short, Gomez, and Martin deliver performances filled with utter chemistry and pure ingenuity. It’s such a pleasure to watch each of these characters on their own, as well as together, with each scene giving us a little extra piece of enjoyment each time. This season expands upon the tragedy, and deeper parts of each main’s psyche, inviting us further into their humanity, as well as their kookiness.
However, let’s not ignore the elephant in the room — the killer cameos making their way on stage. From the aforementioned Rudd, to the up-and-coming Ashley Park, to the blink-and-you’ll-miss it Matthew Broderick cameo, we are awash with a frenzy of familiar names and faces. Of course, I also haven’t forgotten the inclusion of the absolute powerhouse that is Meryl Streep in one of our main roles this season. She does great, but did we really think she would give us anything less? Suffice to say, she certainly doesn’t disappoint: She delivers a beautifully complex and intriguing turn as struggling actress Loretta.
So the cast is a joy to watch. But is the execution of the season good enough? I am extremely pleased to affirm that it is in fact just as good, if not better in some ways, than the previous two outings. Not only because we are given a musical background, with original songs to boot, but also because of how it delves into the heart of it all. Where the previous seasons really played with the podcast and genre of the piece, this one really pulls out all the stops and let us in behind the literal curtain to tease out the various twists and turns.
I think a big plus of this show, what keeps it coming back bigger and better each year, is the felicity that is present across the whole production. People want to be there; they want to be telling this story, and it’s so evident in every scene that is shown to us. For a show about murder and mayhem, it’s one of the most positive pieces of media to exist right now, and that’s saying something.
If you haven’t figured it out by now, I thoroughly enjoyed the third season of Only Murders in the Building, and I will continue watching for however many years they decide to keep making this silly little show.
The fact that it once again one-ups the previous season by adding a more active musical layer, and even further expanding the characters wants, needs, and desires, makes me believe that there is in fact longevity in this concept. Yes, it’s a bit ridiculous that the murders always happen in this one building in New York City — giving our trio the story they need to build a podcast around — but that’s one of those “suspend your disbelief” moments you’ll need to give yourself into.
All I know is that every time we’re invited into the doors of the Arconia, I’ll be the first one to step through.
Rating: Loved It
Only Murders in the Building is currently streaming on Hulu
You can read more from Alice-Ginevra Micheli, and follow her on Instagram and Letterboxd