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In Season 4, ‘Only Murders in the Building’ morphs into a marvelously funny Hollywood farce

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In Season 4, 'Only Murders in the Building' morphs into a marvelously funny Hollywood farce

As a seasoned film enthusiast with over five decades of cinematic experiences under my belt, I must say that “Only Murders in the Building” continues to impress and delight me with each new season. The idea of having Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez as the lead trio in a television series seemed implausible, yet here we are, enjoying the fruits of their collaboration.

It’s surprising that we’re getting a fourth season of “Only Murders in the Building” on Hulu, starting Tuesday. The creators may have anticipated this, given how they’ve wrapped up each season with an unresolved mystery for the next. However, it was almost unbelievable when we considered Steve Martin and Martin Short, both in their 70s, taking on a TV series alongside Selena Gomez, who wasn’t even 30 at the time. Yet, as it turns out, this unlikely combination has proven to be delightful. With each new season, it feels like receiving a charming, slightly unexpected present.

The fading energy of elder statesmen has become something of a hot topic this year, but “Murders” continues to argue for a productive long life. Short, 74 this year, is still in touch with his inner Ed Grimley, and Martin, now 79, is still funny in a specifically Steve Martin way — there were times watching the new season when I expected him to finish a sentence with “and I am a wild and crazy guy” — including some subtle physical humor. Gomez, solemn and low-key — who one could not have foreseen becoming the fulcrum in a May-December comedy trio — provides the perfect balance.

Let’s briefly reacquaint you with our protagonists, who initially crossed paths as solitary individuals united by a mutual affection for true-crime podcasts and their shared residence in the Arconia, an iconic upper Manhattan building. They are Charles-Haden Savage (Martin), a struggling actor once famous for his role in the hit ’80s cop series “Brazzos,” which he’s more than happy to bring up if given the chance; Oliver Putnam (Short), a theater producer plagued by flops like the musical “Death Razzle Dazzle,” whose fortunes take a turn for the worse at the beginning of this season; and Mabel Mora (Gomez), an intelligent and creative young woman searching for purpose. At present, she’s residing with Oliver, and scenes depicting them all in bathrobes discussing the latest mystery have a cozy charm.

Over the last three seasons, their relationship has experienced its fair share of highs and lows, but it’s now reached a stage of consistency, blending aspects of friendship and collaboration. This season seems to be a fresh start, much like a new broom sweeping clean. Apart from the return of neighbor Howard (Michael Cyril Creighton) and the characters Det. Williams played by Da’Vine Joy Randolph and Loretta Durkin portrayed by Meryl Streep, there aren’t many familiar faces. The focus this year is on solving cases without personal relationships interfering.

Towards the conclusion of Season 3, Sazz Pataki (played by Jane Lynch), a past stunt double and long-standing friend of Charles’, suffered a gunshot wound through the window of his apartment during the grand premiere of Oliver’s play. The writers have left us wondering if Sazz survived – “Did she die?” is a question that arises. Additionally, given that Sazz was dressed identically to Charles, there’s speculation as to whether she was intentionally targeted – “Was she the intended victim?” is another question worth pondering. These questions, along with many others, are likely to be unraveled gradually as the season progresses.

This season offers a comical mix of doubles, both literal and metaphorical. The entertainment industry, represented by Hollywood, is eager to produce a film from our heroes’ podcast, under the eccentric guidance of executive Beth, portrayed brilliantly by Molly Shannon. Before our main characters even sign any contracts, there’s already a script, a cast, and twin-director sisters – fresh from their Grand Prix win at Cannes and their viral Walmart ad campaign – ready to take charge. In contrast to Season 3’s exploration of theater themes, the current series humorously critiques movies and actors. The idea of characters encountering those who are set to portray them is not novel, but it’s exceptionally enjoyable in this context. Here, Zach Galifianakis expresses a weary disdain towards Oliver, Eva Longoria appears desperate for Mabel to acknowledge her as an equal, and Eugene Levy demonstrates unbridled admiration for Charles’ work on “Brazzos.”

This season lacks the bittersweet melancholy that characterized earlier seasons, focusing instead on satire, farce, and a cast of eccentric characters more bizarre than ever. For instance, Richard Kind plays a resident of the Arconia with an unremovable case of migrating pink eye, while Kumail Nanjiani portrays his neighbor, who keeps Christmas decorations in his apartment all year round. These two reside in the West Tower, a part of the building where Charles’ season 1 serial-killer girlfriend Jan (Amy Ryan) used to live. From their vantage point, Charles, Mabel, and Oliver observe this part of the building much like James Stewart does in “Rear Window.”

Melissa McCarthy, whose character may contain plot surprises, will play a significant role upon her arrival, and, in line with the overall season, she proves to be incredibly humorous.

The storyline involves visits to Los Angeles (for stock footage, scenes on the Paramount lot, and a Hollywood bash), a New York bar known as the Concussion for stunt performers, and a longer stay in suburban Long Island. However, only seven out of ten episodes have been presented for viewing, so it’s unclear whether additional locations or characters will be introduced, or if Portugal has any connection to the plot.

I can say that I’m sad not to have been sent those final three episodes. We will wait together.

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2024-08-27 13:31

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