Stunt performers take center stage in ‘Only Murders in the Building’ Season 4
In a profession often shrouded in invisibility, stunt performers are finally stepping into the limelight in 2024. Following the success of Ryan Gosling’s “The Fall Guy,” which celebrated the unsung heroes of action cinema, the latest season of “Only Murders in the Building” brings a fresh twist to the narrative. Season 4 kicks off with the mysterious disappearance of Sazz Pataki (Jane Lynch), the long-time stand-in for Charles-Haden Savage (Steve Martin). This new chapter promises to be as quirky as its predecessors, but with a deeper exploration of doppelgangers and their reflections on our identities.
A new mystery unfolds
“Only Murders in the Building” has always been about more than just solving crimes. The Hulu hit centers on a trio of neighbors—Charles, theater director Oliver Putnam (Martin Short), and millennial Mabel Mora (Selena Gomez)—who turn their love for true crime into a podcast. This season, however, adds a hefty dose of Hollywood satire. Unbeknownst to our protagonists, their story has inspired a screenplay, and under the show’s whimsical logic, it’s now a full-blown production. All that’s needed is their signature to get the cameras rolling.
A trip to Hollywood
The season premiere takes our heroes on a field trip to the City of Angels, but don’t expect a reprise of Martin’s 1991 classic “L.A. Story.” Fans of “Only Murders” can rejoice in the familiar comforts: the waning summer, the crisp air of sweater weather, and the return to the Arconia, their palatial Upper West Side complex. The only West Coast these Manhattanites recognize is the one bordering the Hudson River. Yet, the presence of showbiz types and a new corner of the building to explore adds a fresh layer of intrigue.
New faces, new mysteries
If the Arconia won’t leave its iconic setting, it can at least introduce a new set of city dwellers to pique our curiosity. The building has a long-forgotten annex across the street, and the bullet hole through Charles’ window points directly at it. This season’s suspects are even more colorful and famous than before. We meet Stink Eye Joe (Richard Kind), an absentee film professor (Griffin Dunne), and a fitness influencer obsessed with Christmas (Kumail Nanjiani). Mabel, still without a permanent residence, decides to squat in an empty apartment that might be a crime scene.
Hollywood meets the Arconia
The introduction of these “Westies” adds a delightful twist, but it’s the movie subplot that gives Season 4 its emotional depth. The inside jokes about Hollywood, including a nod to a well-known publication, and the casting of Eugene Levy, Zach Galifianakis, and Eva Longoria as themselves, add layers of meta-humor. Charles becomes increasingly convinced that Sazz took a bullet meant for him, leading to heartfelt introspection about what it means for someone else to capture your essence.
Reflections on identity
“Is that really me?” Charles ponders in his opening voiceover, contemplating the experience of seeing oneself onscreen. “Is that how I want to be remembered?” Oliver worries that Galifianakis sees him as boring and pathetic, reflecting his insecurities about his girlfriend Loretta’s newfound stardom. Mabel is unsettled by being labeled as a jobless, homeless, adrift young woman. Unlike previous seasons, this one shifts narrators with each episode, focusing less on the podcast and more on personal introspection. Charles’ narration sets the tone for a story that balances melancholy loneliness with whimsical humor, like naming an adorable piglet George Swinebrenner.
A season to remember
The first episode of “Only Murders in the Building” Season 4 is now streaming on Hulu, with new episodes airing weekly on Tuesdays. This season promises to be a blend of comedy, mystery, and heartfelt moments, making it a must-watch for fans and newcomers alike.
For more details and to watch the trailer, visit Only Murders in the Building.
This season of “Only Murders in the Building” not only continues to entertain but also offers a deeper look into the lives and identities of its beloved characters. Whether you’re a fan of cinema, TV series, or just love a good mystery, this season has something for everyone.