Only Murders In The Building (Season 4) Review

Only Murders In The Building (Season 4) show continues to surprise us with the intriguing murder mystery. Interestingly, several guest stars appear in Season 4 of the show.

Most of these guest stars are known as top-class comedic actors/actresses. In the past, we reviewed the first three seasons of “Only Murders In The Building” in our Focus Magazine.

“Only Murders In The Building (Season 4)” – Once Again All 3 Podcasters Shine Bright In The Well-Made Whodunnit Series

Spoiler Free Review: Only Murders In The Building (Season 4) Series

The trailer: Only Murders In The Building (Season 4)

Trailer – Only Murders In The Building (Season 4-2024) Series – Hulu | YouTube.
Recap of the first three seasons (Only Murders In The Building = OMITB)

A trio of strangers {Charles-Haden (Steve Martin), Oliver Putnam (Martin Short), and Mabel Mora (Selena Gomez)} each sharing a deep interest in true crime, finds themselves entangled in a chilling scenario. When a horrific death occurs in their prestigious Upper West Side apartment building in New York (USA), they suspect murder and leverage their expertise in true crime to seek the truth. Yet, the deceptions they maintain with one another may be even more perilous. As they strive to piece together the growing evidence, they begin to understand that a killer could be lurking among them.

The synopsis

Now, in Only Murders In The Building (Season4), the amateur podcasting trio, viz., Charles-Haden (Steve Martin), Oliver Putnam (Martin Short), and Mabel Mora (Selena Gomez), delves into the shocking incidents that characterized the conclusion of Season 3, centring on the figure of Sazz Pataki (Jane Lynch), who serves as both Charles’ stunt double and friend.

Unique selling proposition (USP) of the Only Murders In The Building (Season 4) Series

Both the veteran actors, Steve Martin and Martin Short, have given many funny moments in their illustrious movie (and shows) careers. But in this show, along with Selena, both Martins have given us many memorable comedic acts. Furthermore, these unusual trio – Steve Martin (79 years), Selena Gomez (32 years) and Martin Short (74 years) lead from the front in this well-written comedy-crime show. Moreover, given the mammoth age differences between the two Martins and Selena, we liked their smart and crispy one-liners highlighting the said generation gap. As a result, this unconventional yet inspired casting is the USP.

But that is not all.

This season 4 also boasts of special appearances by Zach Galifianakis, Eva Longoria and Eugene Levy. After looking at the featured image and style of the dressings of the actors, henceforth, one can easily guess that Zach plays Oliver Putnam, Eva portrays Mabel Mora and Eugene renders Charles-Haden in a Hollywood movie about these three podcasters.

“Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness.”

Oscar Wilde

In addition to the regulars, there is a whole lot of infusion of talented artists and the cameo roles by some of the famous names. So, keep a close eye on this murder mystery drama.

Interestingly, actor Jin Ha plays Marshall P. Pope in this show, which is an important character in the Season 4. 

And a few days back, we reviewed the epic Asian series titled "Pachinko" in our Focus Magazine, where actor Jin Ha portrays Solomon Baek.

What else did we love about the Only Murders In The Building (Season 4) Series?

One of the things to admire about Season 4 is that it has many layers in its storytelling. Firstly, a stunt woman is murdered at the Arconia. Secondly, Hollywood Studio starts shooting a movie about the 3 podcasters. Thirdly, there is another mysterious death at the Arconia. Fourthly, a murderer escapes from prison and hides at Arconia. Fifthly, almost all the key characters have some interesting life story. And, we can go on adding a few more layers to this murder mystery. But that might ruin your surprise.

In addition, the usual comedic flavours have always managed to tickle our funny bones. It is hard to imagine that Selena could be funny, but she does well in the company of 2 Martins. More often than not, their smart one-liners compel us to smile and/or laugh a lot. All of these funny scenes happen, while they try to solve the murder(s) in the buildings.

Key details

GenreComedy, Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller, Whodunnit
Original LanguageEnglish (USA)
SeasonSeason 4 / Season Four
Episodes10 Episodes / Ten Episodes
CreatorsJohn Hoffman & Steve Martin
Special AppearancesZach Galifianakis, Eva Longoria & Eugene Levy
CastSteve Martin (Charles-Haden), Martin Short (Oliver Putnam), Selena Gomez (Mabel Mora), Meryl Streep (Loretta Durkin), Jane Lynch (Sazz Pataki), Jin Ha (Marshall P. Pope), Richard Kind (Vince Fish), Kumail Nanjiani (Rudy Thurber), Molly Shannon (Bev Melon), Michael Cyril Creighton (Howard Morris), Amy Ryan (Jan Bellows), Paul Rudd (Ben Glenroy/Glen Stubbins), Catherine Cohen (Trina Brothers), Siena Werber (Tawny Brothers), Da’Vine Joy Randolph (Detective Donna Williams), etc.
NetworkHulu, Disney Hotstar
The fourth-season characters known as the "Brothers sisters," Trina Brothers and Tawny Brothers, are played by Catherine Cohen and Siena Werber, respectively. It is important to note that they are not related and do not share the bond of identical twin sisters.

The poster

Only Murders In The Building (Season 4-2024) Series Poster

The spoilers: Episodes Summary

Summary of the 10 Episodes in the Season 4
In accordance with the cinematic concept of the Series, the titles of all episodes in Season 4 are based on famous films.
Once Upon a Time in the West (S4, E1)

Charles, Oliver and Mabel are whisked to Los Angeles where a legendary film studio intends to adapt their podcast. However, Hollywood’s glitz is overshadowed by a stunning clue about Charles’ stunt double and friend Sazz Pataki.

Once Upon a Time in the West (1968) - a spaghetti Western film
Gates of Heaven (S4, E2)

Mabel and Oliver begin investigating Arconia’s West Tower and get trapped inside an ominous game. Meanwhile, Charles is visited by two individuals from his complex past.

Gates of Heaven (1978) - an independent documentary film
Two for the Road (S4, E3)

Charles, Oliver and Mabel begrudgingly pair off with new investigators – actors Eugene Levy, Zach Galifianakis and Eva Longoria.

Two for the Road (1967) - a romantic comedy-drama movie
The Stunt Man (S4, E4)

Charles, Oliver and Mabel delve into the particular universe of stunt people. They encounter a suspect with an incredibly familiar face.

The Stunt Man (1980) - an anti-war action comedy film
Adaptation (S4, E5)

The trio face off against a collection of individuals who deceive, manipulate and threaten as second nature – a Hollywood cast and crew.

Adaptation (2002) - a comedy drama film
Blow-Up (S4, E6)

A documentary film is made by the Brothers Sisters.

Blow-Up (1966) - a psychological mystery film
Valley of the Dolls (S4, E7)

Terrified by a threat inside the Arconia, the trio race out of the city. A member of Charles’ family provides refuge and yet, this safe house proves to be anything but.

Valley of the Dolls (1967) - a drama
Lifeboat (S4, E8)

Charles, Oliver and Mabel combine forces with the film actors in an epic showdown against the Westies. You can’t handle the truth.

Lifeboat (1944) - a survival film by Alfred Hitchcock
Escape from Planet Klongo (S4, E9)

Seeking a critical clue, Charles, Oliver and Mabel must infiltrate a film set to get the real “background” on why Sazz was killed.

My Best Friend’s Wedding (S4, E10)

The final answers to our season are revealed, but not before the trio faces mortal danger and an Arconia wedding.

My Best Friend's Wedding (1997) - a romantic comedy film

The rating

FM Rating4.05/5

The conclusion

The “Only Murders In The Building (Season 4)” Series takes it a notch higher, by adding so many new stars to its incredible ensemble cast. Add the fact, that its narrative flesh out depth and complexity to the storyline. So, there are enough twists and turns to keep us engaged in this highly entertaining show. Then, one more murder takes place as the series finishes with the cliffhanger ending, once more. Now, we look forward to what the next season holds out for dedicated viewers like us, who love this series, very much.


Featured Image of Zach Galifianakis, Eva Longoria, Eugene Levy & Oliver Putnam (Martin Short).

Poster & Featured Image of Only Murders In The Building (Season 4/2024) Series. | All the images are credited to Hulu.

Discover more from Focus Magazine

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading