The fourth season of Only Murders in the Building has arrived on Hulu, bringing with it an impressive array of high-profile guest stars and a plot that, while bursting with talent, struggles to maintain focus. As the series continues to blend comedy with mystery, the latest installment presents both dazzling moments and notable challenges, particularly in balancing its star-studded ensemble with the core dynamics that made the show a hit.
An All-Star Cast and a Packed Plot
The charm of Only Murders in the Building has always been its blend of clever mystery and quirky humor, anchored by its central trio: Steve Martin’s Charles, Martin Short’s Oliver, and Selena Gomez’s Mabel. This season, however, the show’s signature dynamic is overshadowed by a relentless parade of celebrity cameos and guest appearances.
Returning stars include Meryl Streep as Oliver’s girlfriend Loretta and Jane Lynch as Sazz, the former stunt double and this season’s murder victim. The show also introduces a host of new faces, including Eugene Levy, Zach Galifianakis, and Eva Longoria, who appear as themselves in a film within the show about the podcast trio. These high-profile appearances are undeniably exciting but also contribute to the season’s narrative overload.
Adding to the star power, the season features cameos from Melissa McCarthy, Kumail Nanjiani, Richard Kind, Molly Shannon, Griffin Dunne, Scott Bakula, and even tennis legend John McEnroe. While it’s thrilling to see such a diverse range of talent, the sheer volume of guest stars sometimes feels like it detracts from the show’s focus.
The Trouble with Too Many Suspects
Midway through the season, Mabel and NYPD Detective Williams (Da’Vine Joy Randolph) acknowledge a problem that mirrors viewers’ frustrations: the investigation has become too convoluted. With so many suspects and shifting allegiances, the plot becomes increasingly hard to follow. This overabundance of characters and red herrings means that the central mystery often feels buried beneath a pile of celebrity cameos and side plots.
The season premiere initially seems to promise a fresh perspective as Charles, Oliver, and Mabel head to Los Angeles, offering a temporary break from the Arconia’s familiar confines. This move introduces some interesting new dynamics and moments of humor, including Oliver’s foray into the world of In-N-Out Burger. However, the show quickly returns to its New York setting, and the influx of L.A. characters into the Arconia only adds to the clutter.
Balancing Act: Humor vs. Mystery
One of the show’s strengths has always been its ability to balance humor with intrigue. Season Four, however, struggles to strike this balance as effectively as previous seasons. The comedic moments, while often delightful, sometimes feel forced or overshadowed by the complexities of the murder investigation. For instance, the extended brawl between Meryl Streep and Melissa McCarthy is a highlight, but such scenes are exceptions rather than the rule.
The meta-humor remains a strong suit, with characters frequently breaking the fourth wall to comment on the absurdities of their situations. This self-awareness is part of what makes the show enjoyable, but it also underscores the difficulties in maintaining narrative cohesion when the show’s own characters acknowledge its formulaic nature.
Looking Ahead: Streamlined Stories?
As the fourth season progresses, it becomes clear that while the show has managed to attract a remarkable roster of guest stars, the focus on maintaining its original charm and storytelling prowess is somewhat diluted. The show’s ability to captivate audiences with its central trio is occasionally lost amid the myriad of celebrity appearances and an overcomplicated plot.
It’s a testament to the show’s success and reputation that so many stars are eager to appear, but there’s a growing sense that a more streamlined approach could benefit future seasons. A tighter narrative focus would allow the central characters and their dynamics to shine without being overshadowed by an ever-expanding cast.
The fourth season of Only Murders in the Building is now streaming on Hulu, with new episodes releasing weekly. As fans dive into this latest chapter, it will be interesting to see how the show navigates its ambitious, star-studded setup and whether it can refocus on the elements that made it so beloved in its earlier seasons.