“Only Murders in the Building” stands out as the best comedy series of the decade thus far, featuring the talented Steve Martin as Charles-Haden Savage, a washed-up TV actor.
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The show offers a delightful blend of warm, campy humor and clever, unexpected gags, all wrapped in an engaging whodunnit plot, where the murder victim isn’t the typical beautiful young woman.
The Premise
Set in The Arconia, a classic Upper West Side apartment building, the series portrays a diverse group of eccentric New Yorkers living in a community that swings between friendliness and judgmental behavior.
During a New York blackout, Charles meets Oliver Putnam, a former Broadway producer (played by Martin Short), and Mabel Mora (played by Selena Gomez) at a local diner.
The trio discovers their shared interest in a Serial-style true crime podcast called ‘All Is Not Ok In Oklahoma’, hosted by Cinda Canning (Tina Fey).
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Season One and Two
The first ten episodes of the show shine with wit, presenting a fresh yet familiar atmosphere akin to Woody Allen’s Manhattan setting.
Celebrity cameos, including Sting, add to the enjoyment.
The final episode of season one leaves viewers eagerly anticipating more, and season two does not disappoint, with a second murder and more laughs, featuring appearances from Shirley MacLaine, Amy Schumer, and Paul Rudd.
Season Three
Season three revolves around a shocking death during a production of Death Rattle, a murder mystery directed by Oliver.
Charles becomes the sleuth, suspecting triplet babies of the crime.
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The introduction of Loretta, portrayed by the brilliant Meryl Streep, adds to the Broadway-themed intrigue.
Stagnation and Over-Complication
Despite a promising start, the season faces stagnation when a rift develops between Charles, Oliver, and Mabel, impacting their on-screen chemistry.
A cameo from Matthew Broderick as an obsessive method actor adds excitement, but the plot’s complexity with overlapping murder mystery threads makes it somewhat convoluted.
The dialogue feels tired, and the jokes become predictable.
Conclusion
“Only Murders in the Building” remains an uncynical and generous show, easy to like and enjoyable for avid fans.
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While the latest season may not fully match the perfection of its predecessors, it still caters to devoted followers, making it a worthy continuation of this magical world.
The series airs on Disney+ from August 8.
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