The conclusion of season 4 of Only Murders in the Building is just around the corner. In the latest episode, titled “Escape from Planet Klongo,” we seemingly learned the identity of Sazz Pataki’s murderer—though, as always, there may be unexpected twists. I’ll refrain from disclosing any specifics, but the possibility of a partner in crime looms large. Could it be that a twin is involved? We’ll get answers soon!
As we approach the season finale, I anticipate that the focus will center on fully unveiling the killer’s identity alongside the intricate details surrounding the crime—who was involved, what transpired, where it happened, and why. Additionally, it appears to be a tradition that the finale introduces the next victim; previous seasons have seen the demise of characters like Bunny Folger in season 1, Ben Glenroy in season 2, and Sazz Pataki in season 3. So, who will be the next casualty? Could it be someone familiar to our beloved trio, or perhaps a newcomer at Oliver and Loretta’s forthcoming wedding at the Arconia? Given the show’s premise, it’s likely this event will set the stage for the next victim.
Personally, I have a strong preference for the first scenario. This season has highlighted how engaging the series becomes when there is an emotional bond between our intrepid podcasters and the victims they seek to uncover the truth about. Such connections enrich the storyline, providing opportunities for deeper explorations into these characters’ backgrounds and emotional landscapes, which I find particularly compelling. While Only Murders in the Building has always looked ahead to set up future mysteries, it sometimes overlooks its characters’ histories, which desperately deserve more attention.
This season has also been dedicated to addressing unresolved plot points, such as who was responsible for poisoning Oliver’s dog, Winnie, back in season 1. The storytelling is clever, revealing tighter connections between the murders and the overarching mysteries than we previously believed. Yet, it’s not solely the plots that draw me in; the colorful personalities inhabiting the Arconia, alongside the chaotic lives of Oliver, Charles, and Mabel, are equally fascinating to me.
Where is everyone?
This season, aside from Howard, who has been notably missing in recent episodes, many other Arconia residents have been somewhat sidelined or entirely absent. The same applies to significant figures in our trio’s lives. While Loretta has made a welcome return—who wouldn’t want to see Meryl Streep again?—and Sazz remains a focal point, the secondary characters this season feel predominantly new. Detective Williams has made only a few appearances to scold her frenemies and deliver critical information, but where’s her family? How is her baby doing?
What about Oliver’s son? Or Mabel’s mother and her friend Oscar? We haven’t seen much of Charles’ quasi-stepdaughter, Lucy, either. And what has happened to Teddy’s son, Theo, with whom Mabel was forming a genuine bond last season? Uma has barely made an appearance this time around as well. These supporting characters add depth and realism to Oliver, Charles, and Mabel’s lives. Sure, we saw a fleeting return from Jan to unnerve Charles, but she has disappeared once more. Though there’s a fresh lineup of intriguing new characters, the lives of our trio feel a touch more hollow this season. They may occasionally appear to rely solely on one another, but that’s not entirely accurate; it feels as though the show has chosen to overlook this dynamic.
Instead, we’ve been treated to a sequence of delightful celebrity cameos, including Kumail Nanjiani sporting an array of garish Christmas sweaters, alongside an assortment of one-time characters unlikely to return after this season concludes. While we did meet Charles’ sister, Doreen, portrayed by the wonderfully eccentric Melissa McCarthy, there’s no certainty she will reappear. Lucy hasn’t surfaced again, so it casts doubt over Doreen’s return as well. Even if Mabel continues residing in her west-side place, will her fellow Westies ever make another appearance? I’m skeptical.
Nevertheless, Oliver and Loretta’s wedding presents the perfect chance for the show to resurrect these familiar figures, and I have faith it will. However, one episode won’t suffice, especially since much of the finale will understandably focus on unraveling the mystery surrounding Sazz’s death and unveiling the series’ next victim. It certainly won’t be adequate if the following season forgets the existence of these beloved secondary characters all over again. Here’s hoping that season 5 of Only Murders in the Building will remember the vital roles these individuals play within the crew’s narrative framework before it’s too late.
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