Only Murders in the Building Season Three Early Review

The following is a spoiler-free review of the first 8 episodes of Only Murders in the Building. The first two premiere August 8th on Hulu in the United States and Disney Plus internationally.

Murder just can’t escape murder podcast fans and amateur sleuths Charles, Oliver, and Mabel. Consistently increasing the stakes and the tension through its first two seasons, the third season of Only Murders in the Building continues that streak as it finds new life beyond its premise. Viewers have come to know and love these characters therefore over time, they’ve arguably overshadowed the murder mystery of the season. Martin, Short, and Gomez are so fun to watch together that the premise that puts Charles, Oliver, and Mabel together is secondary. That being said, there’s much more to them than their affinity for murder podcasts and that’s what makes this latest season feel so refreshing. Turning the tables on the format so to speak, it aims to develop the character outside of the scope of the murder mystery of the season but viewers should not worry, there is one and watching it unfold over the course of the season rang different this time around. Finding the right balance between character and story, there were still plenty of hijinks but it made things more interesting to watch for the most part.

The flash forward at the end of last season set the stage for this new season as it literally takes place on a stage with Oliver’s new play playing a major role in the story. Looking for redemption, things did not go according to plan as opening night as it would see his star, Ben Glenroy (Paul Rudd), die under mysterious circumstances. Jumping back and forth in time between the present and as the play came together, the season slowly put the pieces together as Charles, Oliver, and Mabel sought to find the killer and solve the case. Unlike the previous two seasons, this one saw them in a different place and attempting to move on and move forward but once another murder fell in their lap, it was certainly hard to fight the instinct to jump back in to the thick of things. However, some handled it better than others. Drifting apart, it was perhaps an opportunity for them to reconnect. Like the famous showbusiness line goes, the show must go on and so did the investigation. While Oliver found a sense of purpose in the play, Mabel found purpose in investigating another murder as Charles found himself somewhere in the middle.

As Oliver’s admittedly ridiculous play came together (which goes without saying), he stumbled upon Loretta Durkin (Meryl Streep), an often-overlooked veteran actress looking for her big break. Though it didn’t seem likely that he would cast her, there was a connection there despite her rough edges. Glenroy was a Hollywood A-list action star whose fame and celebrity got to his head which in turn translated to how he acted with others, rubbing essentially everyone the wrong way. However, every one had no choice but to put up with him because he was a star and a big name to draw attention to the play. That obviously made him a target but it wasn’t so simple. This also made the cast the obvious suspects but that wasn’t so simple either. There was clearly more to that story as the answers ultimately appeared to reside within those involved in the production of the play and their connections with one another. Over time, as the latest investigation and its many twists and turns became increasingly intertwined with the lives of our trio, there were some real stakes there. Meanwhile, the added focus on the trio added yet another dimension to the proceedings. While it was nice to see them work together again, some big decisions had to made about their futures. In the end, it almost felt like the relationship of Charles, Oliver, and Mabel laid in the balance. Through 8 episodes, there’s still runway left as the walls closed in on the alleged suspect or suspects.

As always, the writing is on point but what has carried the first two seasons of Only Murders in the Building has been the performances and that continues to be the case here. Led by Martin, Short, and Gomez, and their stellar chemistry, they were a blast to watch together while they got to truly show their chops as the season allowed them a chance to shine as individuals as the story dove deeper into Charles, Oliver, and Mabel. The supporting cast also delivers. Featuring the likes of new additions Meryl Streep and Paul Rudd and several other returning cast members just to name a few, they were a delight to watch in what were more than mere cameos as they fit right into the insanity. Playing against type, Loretta was the exact opposite of Streep and showed some vulnerability and flaws as the tried and tested actress. Rudd relishes playing an abrasive actor caricature but he was equally adept into exploring what made Glenroy tick. Promoted as a series regular, Michael Cyril Creighton’s Howard was a scene-stealer.

At the end of the day, season 3 of Only Murders in the Building evolves beyond its humble murder mystery premise thanks to a renewed focus on its characters, making for a more well-rounded and compelling story.

still courtesy of Hulu

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Keith Noakes

The EIC of the coincidentally-named keithlovesmovies.com. A Canadian who prefers to get out of the cold and into the warmth of a movie theatre.