At the heart of the beloved series Only Murders in the Building, the fourth season has emerged as another delightful chapter, continuing to blend humor, mystery, and references to musical theater. Returning to the captivating Arconia building, viewers rejoin true-crime buffs Charles, Oliver, and Mabel—played by the iconic trio Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez—as they navigate not just murders but the quirks and eccentricities of their community.
The exploration of Only Murders has always been enriched by its nods to the world of theater, and this season is no exception. Richard Kind introduces new character Vince Fish, whose lively antics and interactions with the trio echo the zany spirit of Mel Brooks' productions. Kind, known for his stage and screen roles, plays Vince with flair, adding to the season's charm and depth by shining light on the interactions within the West Tower of the building.
Fans of the show were previously introduced to hints of Mel Brooks through character cameos and references. Most notable was the cameo of Brooks himself during the third season when Oliver sought his advice on directing—a moment cherished by those who love both comedy and theater. This blending of narrative elements creates layers of enjoyment for viewers who tune in, fully aware of the homage being paid to Brooks's legacy.
One standout feature of season four involves not only the continuance of its comedic chops but also its ability to surprise and engage audiences with twists. Just three episodes in, the plot took unexpected turns surrounding the murder of Sazz Pataki, leaving fans speculating about the motives and possible culprits. It quickly became clear to viewers and characters alike—Sazz's demise was far from random.
Opening with Sazz's tragic death not only propelled the plot forward but also allowed for extensive character development, particularly of Mabel. Ever the pragmatist, she stands as the grounded center amid the comedic chaos. An astute observation by the show's creators shines through: the juxtaposition of Mabel’s steadiness against the flamboyant personalities added not only drama but also moments ripe for comic relief.
While Mabel, Oliver, and Charles are fixated on finding Sazz’s killer, they find themselves guessing who had intended to harm her—and who could be hiding dark secrets among the Westies of the Arconia's Western tower. The plot thickens as they learn Sazz might have been investigating something inherently dangerous, providing clues and breadcrumbs for the audience to piece together.
Unlike previous seasons, this time around, one key element was the twist on presumed relationships and character motives. Throughout the investigation, the trio suspects Charles was the real target, believing he was the intended victim. This assumption leads them down various rabbit holes, only for them to discover it might have been Sazz the entire time, which adds depth to the story. The suspicion not only sheds light on their friendships but complicates them, driving home the lasting impact of betrayal and trust among close friends.
What's equally impressive is how the fourth season engages its audience with clever misdirection. Viewers began piecing together evidence alongside the characters, often feeling they were part of the investigation. Each episode unveils subtle cues and clues—like the suspicious activities of their neighboring Westies, leading Mabel and her friends to explore darker aspects of their community. The engaging writing plays on the show’s overall whimsical tone, peppering moments of silliness with situations drawn from their investigations.
This season also wove guest stars seamlessly with the main cast, breathing fresh life and energy within the plot. Unlike many shows where beloved guest characters vanish by the end of their episode, Only Murders has cleverly integrated stars like Eugene Levy and Eva Longoria, who offer engaging performances. Their roles not only highlight their talents but also serve as mirrors reflecting Mabel and her friends' flaws and strengths as amateur sleuths.
One particularly memorable interaction unfolded when Mabel teams up with Eva Longoria's character to investigate Rudy, the Christmas-loving culprit. Mabel’s grounded demeanor provides continuity, standing juxtaposed against Eva's vibrant energy. This chemistry presents captivating moments filled with tension and humor, steering the narrative toward newfound paths of discovery.
The comedic performances of the main trio remain riveting. Selena Gomez, often underestimated, shines brightly as Mabel, offering deadpan deliveries and earnest reactions, perfectly timed to highlight absurd situations. Critics have lauded Gomez not only for her acting chops but also her ability to anchor the sitcom's more outrageous elements, elevulating Mabel’s persona from simply the sidekick to the integral character of the series.
Despite or perhaps because of the series' absurdist elements, Mabel's character exploration continues to resonate. She epitomizes finding balance within chaos, encouraging viewers to connect deeply with her experiences of loss, friendship, and resolve. This growth is all unveiled elegantly through her interactions with fellow characters, especially her heartfelt exchanges with Charles and Oliver as they rally to support her through this turbulent phase.
Through every twist and turn, Only Murders has cultivated this rich narrative, breathing life back to beloved characters. Each season pulls threads from the previous ones, reinforcing connections across time and plotlines to create impact. With the introduction of Vince Fish and the escalation of murder plots, the series has not lost its flair but enhanced it, merging comedy with mystery artistically.
The joy of Only Murders is not merely unraveling who is behind the murders; it’s witnessing how its characters evolve, reflecting depth through their misadventures. Each season invites viewers back with the promise of excitement, laughter, and warmth from familiar faces and friendships. Season four implies it's only just begun, delivering the delightful balance of murder and comedy viewers have come to adore.
While some theories speculate wildly about who could commit the next murder or what absurd scenarios the characters will navigate next, one certainty remains: this multifaceted series is set to keep audiences guessing. The interplay of satire and homage, along with deeply woven plotlines and character growth, continues to build anticipation for whatever Only Murders serves next.
