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'Only Murders in the Building' keeps getting better

Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez show no signs of slowing down

'Only Murders in the Building' keeps getting better

Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez in Only Murders in the Building

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  • The fourth season presents a well-rounded mystery besides introducing fresh characters
  • The Podcast was in the background this season as the writers experimented with other things

The fourth season of Only Murders in the Building just ended, making fans happy with the conclusion and sad with the anticipation of the next season. The Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez starrer shows no signs of slowing down—a rare feat in an era when most TV shows lose steam by season two.

The fourth season moved the story of the three Arconian residents forward as they solved the murder of someone integral to their past mysteries. Thankfully, the writers gave more time to the three characters and less time to podcast production, which they’re pros at by now.

Why is the show still getting nominated for awards, and why are fans anticipating the next season as soon as the fourth one ends? That’s something only new viewers can discover for themselves. Loyal fans are way ahead with their theories for the next season and hope the show goes on forever.

Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez in Only Murders in the BuildingInstagram

What is Only Murders in the Building about?

Only Murders in the Building is about three residents of a high-end New York Apartment complex known as Arconia who are brought together by the murder of a fellow resident in the first season. These three – Charles-Haden Savage (Martin Short), Oliver Putnam (Martin Short), and Mabel Mora (Selena Gomez) solve that murder through their podcast, which becomes more popular in the next two seasons, where they witness two more murders.

However, in the fourth season, they lose one of Charles’ closest friends and stunt double Sazz Pataki (Jane Lynch) from yesteryear TV show Brazzos, which complicates matters. They take particular interest in the case because of their past association, only to discover that the suspect list might be more extensive this time than they could imagine. Every neighbor—from Richard Kind’s Vince Fish to Kumail Nanjiani’s Rudy Thurber—has something to add.

Eugene Levy, Zack Galifianakis, and Eva Longoria's entry into the season made it grand. They were selected to play Charles, Oliver, and Mabel in the film version of Only Murders in the Building podcast. Their presence initially irritates the mystery solvers, but they gradually bond over the case and have a great time solving the murder.

Add to that some recurring characters from the last three seasons, with Sazz appearing as a figment of Charles’ imagination, making this season everything fans could wish for. There is mystery, there is suspense, and there is the comedy that brings this brand of Three Amigos together.

Why are fans labeling the fourth season as the best

If you thought the third season was spectacular, think again. The fourth season has more of everything the previous seasons had. It wouldn’t be incorrect to say that if you miss one scene of the recently concluded season, you’ll regret it later on since everything is done to keep the audience interested.

The first half of the ten-episode season revolves around figuring out whether Sazz was the intended target or she was at the wrong place at the wrong time. The second half eliminates the suspects, leading to the single culprit responsible for everything.

Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez in Only Murders in the BuildingInstagram

Thankfully, the writers kept the Podcast element to a minimum, giving co-creator Steve Martin, the always-funny Martin Short, and the graceful Selena Gomez time to do some sleuthing. Add to that Charles’ family issues, Oliver’s love life, and Mabel’s identity crisis, and everything turns out to be perfect. The Hollywood angle is presented in a way that doesn’t feel over the top, although movie buffs can only understand some of the puns.

Why is it worth your time?

Created by Steve Martin and John Hoffman, the series appeals to viewers all over the world without being restricted to a certain generation. Steve Martin and Martin Short have made fans due to their brilliance at comedy, whereas Selena Gomez is a world-famous singer and actress with younger fans. Together, they create a synergy that is not seen on TV today, where ensemble cast plays dominate traditional TV.

Jane Lynch makes her presence felt as the victim who continues advising her friend, ensuring that her murder doesn’t remain unsolved. Thankfully, the writers handle her ‘absence’ cunningly and make the audience worry about what happens next instead of when the series will end.

Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez in Only Murders in the BuildingInstagram

Third-season recruits Meryl Streep and Paul Rudd also appear, as do a range of characters with everything and nothing to do with the plot. If Matthew Broderick had been in the last season, Scott Bakula is here, making the audience wonder who will make it to the series next year. Those who have completed this season would know and would like to stay quiet on that front because whatever happens in Arconia stays in Arconia.

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