Only Murders in the Building season 4 episode 2 recap and review: Gates of Heaven

Only Murders in the Building season 4 episode 2 recap and review: Gates of Heaven

As a long-time fan of gripping mysteries and captivating characters, I must say that the latest episode of “Only Murders in the Building” was nothing short of brilliant! The way the story unfolds, piece by piece, keeping us on the edge of our seats, is truly a testament to the show’s writing prowess.


In the second installment of Only Murders in the Building‘s fourth season, we find Oliver, Mabel, and Charles reeling from the shocking discovery that Sazz has been killed. Naturally, they jump back into detective mode to try and unravel the mystery before the police arrive on the scene to assume control of the case. This episode presents numerous advancements in the investigation and boasts some outstanding guest performances, both from fresh talents and familiar faces.

Warning: Spoilers from the second episode of Only Murders in the Building season 4 ahead! 

Following the grim discovery of Sazz’s remains within the building incinerator, Charles is undeniably shaken and distraught, given that his clothes are still stained with Sazz’s ashes. He feels reluctant to cleanse his hands of these remnants, yet after a period of contemplation, he decides to do so. However, instead of letting the water run off, he collects it along with the ashes in a bowl and subsequently transfers them into a mason jar.

While Charles is cleaning up, Oliver and Mabel are pondering the potential trajectory of the bullet and precisely where Sazz may have been hit. Upon returning, Charles expresses his intention to contact the police. However, Oliver and Mabel secretly desire to collect some information before the officers arrive, as they fear that everyone in the building might become cautious.

They’ve started making progress, as Mabel found some broken glass fragments on the windowsill hinting that the bullet didn’t originate from within the apartment but rather outside, and Oliver is now figuring out that Sazz’s body was moved out of the apartment and into the garbage chute by someone with access to the building.

The team can’t pinpoint the exact source of the gunshot, but it appears to have originated from the West Tower, possibly the fourth floor. As Charles persists in seeing apparitions of Sazz, Mabel, and Oliver grow concerned that Charles was the intended victim, not Sazz. Instead of acknowledging this possibility, Charles starts delving into the notes found in Sazz’s apartment. These notes contain intriguing items such as “Sick Pup,” several random numbers on a post-it, “Dudenoff” written somewhere, and a paper that reads, “Observing Charles.”

While Charles is holding on the phone with 911, the team starts brainstorming possible suspects. Charles then shares some insights about the residents in the West Tower. These include Stink Eye Joe, The Sauce Family, a man who celebrates Christmas year-round, and an enigmatic tenant who always keeps their blinds closed.

Only Murders in the Building season 4 episode 2 recap and review: Gates of Heaven

Mabel and Oliver begin their investigation 

Without Charles in his apartment for his security, Mabel and Oliver embarked on their journey towards the West Tower to start investigating their possible suspects.

Initially, they encounter Stink Eye Joe and are warmly received since they mention they’re exploring possible settings for their film studio. Upon entering his residence, it becomes clear that his eye patch stems from an extreme case of pink eye. This allows them to freely explore, during which they notice the windows are blocked with paint, preventing them from being opened. Subsequently, he extends an invitation for them to participate in a game with The Sauce Family. As they journey towards the Sauce Family’s apartment, Mabel observes an apartment sandwiched between theirs and another one, which features a sophisticated lock box that demands a PIN code to open its door.

Upon reaching the Sauce Family’s apartment, the family is introduced, consisting of Inez, a passionate fan of Brazzo; her husband, Alfonso; and their daughter, Ana. Mabel and Oliver join in playing their preferred card game, Oh Hell, along with the rest of the group. Matters become peculiar when they repeatedly leave to use the bathroom to “partake” in something involving a knife. It’s later revealed that the mystery substance they were referring to was actually attempting to carve a ham suspended from the shower rod.

The gathering seemed to be failing in its purpose until Ana revealed that the secret apartment with the PIN code was connected to the Dudenoff residence. Mabel tried to learn more details, but people grew uncomfortable as she probed further for additional information.

Only Murders in the Building season 4 episode 2 recap and review: Gates of Heaven

Charles gets a surprise visit from a familiar face 

As Mabel and Oliver delve into the West Tower’s mysteries, I find myself unexpectedly face-to-face with Jan, who manages to slip into my apartment unnoticed through hidden passages that only I know of in this building. It wasn’t a plot to end my life; instead, she had another purpose.

As a devoted fan, I found myself slipping out of confinement, taking down a guard and donning their uniform, all because I hadn’t received a word from Sazz and was hoping against hope that maybe Charles had some news. At last, Charles delivered the devastating truth, revealing that Sazz had been taken by a sniper. The news left me reeling, as my deep affection for Sazz was evident – it was Sazz who had always kept me from attempting to harm Charles.

I shared with Charles a conversation I’d had with Sazz, who had hinted at investigating him. Sazz seemed concerned because it appeared another potential murderer might be lurking within our building. Much like Oliver and Mabel, I too suspect that Charles was the intended victim. It doesn’t make sense for the killer to conceal their actions if they had actually targeted someone else.

Their conversation is cut short when Oliver and Mabel make their way back to the apartment, with Jan sneaking out via the passageways before she’s seen by the duo – who fail to believe Charles when he tells them both that Jan was there. 

Only Murders in the Building season 4 episode 2 recap and review: Gates of Heaven

Was Charles the real target? All signs point toward yes

Oliver and Mabel share with Charles their discoveries from their trip to the West Tower. They learned that the owner of the apartment was Dudenoff, and it was a regular habit for the blinds to be closed there. Later, Mabel deduces that the numbers might be the key to the apartment’s lock, so she and Oliver return to the West Tower to check if the numbers Sazz had written down matched the apartment’s number, which they did.

Upon entering, Oliver and Mabel notice that the apartment seems hardly ever occupied, and they uncover several intriguing artifacts such as a ham radio, a footprint near the window, peeled paint suggesting forced entry through the window, what looks like remnants of tinsel, and a pig bathing in the tub.

Their sleuthing is interrupted when they hear a banging at the door, but when they open it, they’re shocked to find no one is there – though the pig does get free and runs off. 

At Charles’ apartment, moments before he was about to retrieve the Luminol Spray for investigating where Sazz was murdered (as previously arranged), a group of officers, headed by Detective Donna, burst in. This unexpected visit was linked to Jan’s escape, and it coincidentally happened right as the 911 operator finally connected, with Charles simultaneously informing both the operator and Detective Donna about the murder of Sazz.

As police officers examine the incinerator containing Sazz’s remains, Charles, Oliver, and Mabel apply Luminol Spray to find where Sazz was fatally shot. Upon using the spray, they uncover that she was indeed shot in the kitchen, but there’s more to their discovery. Interestingly, the message written in Sazz’s blood before her death reads “Tap In,” which was a term she used when logging in for Charles on set.

In a mishap, Oliver unintentionally drops the sticky note containing numbers on the floor and notices that the sequence might be letters instead. This revelation suggests that Sazz may have been investigating someone in the West Tower since the letters form “Oh Hell.” The storyline concludes with Charles coming to terms with their shift in focus, acknowledging they’re no longer probing into Sazz’s death but rather his murder – for it appears he was the intended victim!

Only Murders in the Building season 4 episode 2 recap and review: Gates of Heaven

Only Murders in the Building season 4 episode 2 review

In simple terms, the second episode of Only Murders in the Building season 4 was an excellent continuation from the season premiere, emphasizing the central trio’s charm. It effectively introduced us to the season’s initial set of suspects while also offering delightful appearances by some familiar faces from the show’s recurring cast.

As a gamer, I can’t help but marvel at the masterful performance of Steve Martin and Jane Lynch, their chemistry was unparalleled as Charles grappled with the harsh truth: Sazz’s demise stemmed from an unfortunate case of mistaken identity. It was a sight to behold, and having Amy Ryan reprise her role as Jan, adding to the mix, only made it better! The moment Da’Vine Joy Randolph stormed into Charles’ apartment, leading the charge of the police force in search of Jan, turned out to be another layer of intrigue – not just for Jan, but also for Charles, Oliver, and Mabel, who once again found themselves right smack in the middle of it all. What a thrilling ride!

Without a doubt, it’s truly delightful when the main trio solves mysteries together, and this episode was an enjoyable surprise as Oliver and Mabel teamed up. The chemistry between Selena Gomez and Martin Short is simply outstanding, and we enjoyed watching them collaborate on the case, leaving Charles to manage on his own in his apartment due to their concern for their friend.

However, it was the finale of the episode that truly highlighted why this series is exceptional, skillfully doling out clues and gradually connecting them throughout the episode. The episode undeniably leaves us yearning for more, as the investigation into Sazz’s murder is only starting to unravel, and numerous questions are left for the show to address in future episodes. As Oliver, Charles, and Mabel collaborate to uncover who orchestrated Sazz’s death and why they want Charles eliminated.

Only Murders in the Building season 4 episode 2 recap and review: Gates of Heaven

Only Murders in the Building season 4 episode 2 guest cast

In the second installment of “Only Murders in the Building” season 4, titled “Gates of Heaven,” we find an exceptional collection of performers joining the cast, with some familiar faces making a return and fresh talents poised to make significant contributions throughout the upcoming episodes.

In this new season, Jane Lynch reprises her role as Sazz, Amy Ryan returns as Jan, and Da’Vine Joy Randolph is back as Detective Donna. These outstanding performers have been integral to the Only Murders family for multiple seasons now, and it’s always a delight to watch them work alongside the show’s impressive lead trio!

“In ‘Gates of Heaven,’ fresh characters make their debut, serving as our initial batch of potential suspects from the West Tower, skillfully portrayed by exceptional guest actors!”

Here are the characters in this setting: Richard Kind portrays Vince Fish, also known as Stink Eye Joe; Kumail Nanjiani takes on the role of Rudy Thurber, or Christmas All The Time Guy; Desmin Borges plays Alfonso; Daphne-Rubin Vega is Inez; and Lilian Rebelo acts as Ana, who are collectively known as the Sauce Family.

So where do you know some of these amazing guest stars from? 

Richard Kind is a character actor who has appeared in nearly 300 titles during his many decades in the industry so odds are he’s popped up in one of your favorite shows on more than one occasion, or perhaps voiced one of your favorite characters. Kind has appeared in far too many titles to rattle off but most recently has appeared in hits such as Evil, Girls5eva, Night Court, and Mr. Monk’s Last Case: A Monk Movie. He’s also lent his voice to Bing Bong in Inside Out, Al Tuttle in American Dad, Marty Glouberma in Big Mouth, and Cheezel and Sneezel in Mickey Mouse Funhouse. 

While his cameo was rather brief, we also got to see Kumail Nanjiani make his Only Murders debut in the episode and he’s no stranger to the big or small screen. Marvel fans will recognize him as Kingo from Eternals, Star Wars fans will spot him as Haja Estree from Obi-Wan Kenobi, and then there are the countless other shows and movies he’s appeared in including The Big Sick, Welcome to Chippendales, Silicon Valley, Franklin & Bash, and The Lovebirds.

Speaking of the Sauce Family, you might be familiar with Daphne Rubin-Vega from various productions like “In the Heights,” “Katy Keene,” “tick, tick… BOOM!,” and “Accused.” On the other hand, Desmin Borges has appeared in numerous shows such as “The Time Traveler’s Wife,” “Welcome to Flatch,” “Utopia,” and “You’re the Worst.”

Don’t miss new episodes of Only Murders in the Building Tuesdays streaming on Hulu!

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2024-09-03 07:28

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