Despite Overdoing Stunt-Casting, ‘Only Murders in the Building’ Comforts

Remember the excitement when Meryl Streep joined “Only Murders in the Building”? Just when we thought the show couldn’t surpass its core cast’s chemistry, the producers added one of the most respected actors in entertainment—alongside Paul Rudd!

When you’ve watched as much TV as others, a cast this impressive can make you nervous. After Streep, where is there to go? The fourth season answers with a concentrated formula of Hollywood stunt-casting overkill.

You’ve seen the promo trailer: Eva Longoria, Zach Galifianakis, Eugene Levy, Richard Kind—it’s a who’s who of guest appearances. It’s almost like the show is trying to outdo itself in the celebrity department.

While celebrity appearances can be exciting, they can also distract from the murder mystery elements. The show’s power trio—Selena Gomez, Martin Short, and Steve Martin—already shine. Every additional famous face, though entertaining, risks diluting the series’ original flavor.

Despite this, “Only Murders in the Building” remains enjoyable. While not as lovable as prior seasons, it is still highly likable. Gomez’s Mabel Mora, Martin’s Charles Haden-Savage, and Short’s Oliver Putnam maintain unmatched chemistry that keeps their quirks from becoming tiresome.

The trio still shines because they embrace their insecurities, despite the growing popularity of their podcast. As their fame expands, the show itself also ambitiously scales up, moving from hyperlocal murder mysteries to solving the homicide of a Hollywood star temporarily residing in their building.

This season, the story extends with a host of side characters competing for attention. Often, they distract from vital clues. Over time, the patterns of who the culprits are become easier to trace.

Even with this complexity, co-creator John Hoffman, who directed and co-wrote the season premiere with Joshua Allen Griffith, smoothly continues from last season’s cliffhanger. The new mystery revolves around Hollywood’s barely talented Ben Glenroy. In a twist, Charles’ childhood friend and stunt double, Sazz Pataki (Jane Lynch), becomes a key figure.

Flashbacks and “what if” fantasies remain part of the series, enriching its storytelling. But the show’s satirical humor impacts its intimacy, especially with the death of a character close to home. Sazz, who arguably lived an alternate version of Charles’ life, is a deeper connection than most. They shared a joke that she dated all of Charles’ exes while staying his closest friend.

This season ends with Hollywood making an impact, as seen by Sazz being shot from a mysterious location within Charles’ apartment. This twist implies the assassin is a building resident, adding another layer to the mystery.

Before starting their investigation, Mabel, Oliver, and Charles fly to L.A. for a meeting about a movie adaptation of their podcast. Contrary to rumors, the show isn’t switching locations; they just visit and realize their roots lie in New York.

Viewers may find the influx of star power overwhelming, reducing screen time for beloved regulars. Notably, Michael Cyril Creighton’s Howard has more presence, though Sevelyn appears less often. As the season progresses, it becomes clear why. Howard’s role is often to move clues along.

Detective Williams, played by Da’Vine Joy Randolph, also has a limited presence, likely due to her increased demand.

The season sometimes feels it can get away with indulgence—a reflection of its characters exploring their own flaws. Eva Longoria shadows Mabel, tweaking her into a glamorous, aged-up version. Levy, stepping into Charles’ shoes, and Galifianakis as Oliver, bring their own unique flairs.

These portrayals may contrast L.A.’s superficiality with New York’s authenticity. Even in Manhattan, the show packs in cameos for the sake of it, often to humorous effect. Nanjiani’s Christmas-obsessive and Kind’s eyepatch character are examples of quirky side plots.

Overall, “Only Murders in the Building” retains its heart, focusing on Oliver, Charles, and Mabel finding themselves through each other. This is especially true for Gomez’s Mabel, who grapples with imposter syndrome.

Despite its star-studded cast, the show’s core remains comforting. While it may take time to hit its stride, and although it lacks the addictive hooks of previous seasons, it still retains enough charm to keep us watching. Like Oliver turning a Broadway failure into a triumph, there’s hope this season will find its own successful turnaround.

The fourth season of “Only Murders in the Building” premieres Tuesday, Aug. 27 on Hulu. New episodes stream on Tuesdays.

Source: particle.news