Only Murders in the Building Season 4 Finale Review
All good things must come to an end! And, so it goes as the curtain falls on the final episode of Season 4 of “Only Murders in the Building.”
Though the season-ender proved to be light on the whirlwind breakout laughter that has come to define the mystery-comedy series, starring Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez, it did bring unusually quiet humor, a tinge of suspense, and surprisingly heartfelt moments throughout to tie a nice bow around the season.
The setup from episode 9’s dramatic reveal allowed the finale to weave the unexpected into a plausible narrative for the modern-day whodunit. As a matter of fact, it’s just plausible enough that the only thing that truly remains farfetched in the series is the inordinate amount of people who seem to drop dead in this one apartment building. Seriously, it’s a revelation that should be studied or, at the very least, invite a modicum of concern from the authorities. But, I digress.
For those trying to keep up, this season centered on the murder of Sazz Pataki, Charles’ (Martin) long-time stunt double from his Brazzos TV show days. Sazz was found dead in Charles’ apartment at the close of Season 3, and as luck would have it, a short list of suspects pop in and out of the frame as the season progresses, until there was only but one.
When we last we saw our trio of true crime podcasters, Mabel (Gomez) had just found an original script of the fictional “Only Murders” movie, but unknowingly written by Sazz, stuffed in a case of Irish beer in her refrigerator, while rookie scriptwriter Marshall P. Pope stews over his own script’s needed re-writes in her apartment. Across town, Charles (Martin) and Oliver (Short) had a light-bulb moment figuring out Sazz’s murderer over soup, with the help of iconic movie director Ron Howard. Charles and Oliver attempted to give Mabel a heads-up on their discovery, but the message falls into the wrong hands, literally.
While much of the episode centers on the killer’s confession monologue and crime scene walk-through, the reveal is not only clever but also ties in beautifully with some of the series’ nostalgia, if you have been paying attention. The final moments bring closure to various character arcs, particularly Oliver’s search for true love, Charles fight to avenge a friend, and Mabel’s quest to be…well, just Mabel. The resolution of the murder mystery, complete with a dramatic confrontation and a sprinkle of “wait, what?,” is satisfying enough and leaves you with the best feeling that there will be more.
To also wrap up the season is the fictional show-within-a-show subplot of the “Only Murders” movie production. With it comes the return of the crime-solving trio’s movie alter egos, played by Eugene Levy, Zach Galifianakis, and Eva Longoria as themselves, and a brief appearance of fictional movie executive Bev Melon, played in more reserved fashion this go-round by Molly Shannon.
In a masterful balance of comedic moments and just enough genuine tension, the show never fails in allowing the characters to shine in their eccentricities while keeping the plot tightly woven to the bitter end. Though, admittedly, the success of this season, as with all others before, rests squarely on the on-screen dynamic and chemistry of the series’ three popular leads. Their witty banter, timing, and interactions with the support players — including their West Tower neighbors, the movie set doubles, and even confronting the one who did it — result in fun-filled experiences that keep the audience guessing even as they are slapped in the face with the a-ha moments. As the wrap up unfolds, the episode takes a turn, leading to that proverbial curveball in the denouement that reminds you that what you thought were throw-away scenes leading up to that point were decidedly potential clues — all of them.
A highlight of the series not given enough attention the season is the show’s aesthetics. Visually, the episode maintains the show's signature style—meticulously curated set designs, unique background decor to match the moment, and even a whimsical score at times that enhances the humorous elements. The cinematography, something that is perhaps the most underrated, deftly captures the most stunning character in the “Only Murders” cast — the Arconia apartment building, itself. The grand, old world architecture of the residential enclave in NYC’s upper west side, with its vintage charm and renaissance-styling, provides a beautiful canvas on which the show effectively captures the unique blend of mystery, humor, and character-driven storytelling.
Though, Only Murders wrapped its fourth season with a quiet close, of sorts, the finale not only delivers on the promise of a wedding and a mystery yet to come. It also succeeds in reinforcing the notion that while murder may be foul, laughter remains THE best remedy.
Created by Steve Martin and John Hoffman, “Only Murders in the Building” has been renewed for a fifth season. Until then, catch all 10 episodes for season 4 streaming now on Hulu.
What did you think of the season?
Loved it
Hated it
So/So
Comments