Only Murders in the Building Can’t Live Forever
In its current phase, the structure of “Only Murders” is established: another season, another crime, another enigma to be unraveled by the Arconia trio who seek purpose in their lives and material for their podcast (still not yet video). Characters Oliver, portrayed by Steve Martin as Charles, and Selena Gomez’s Mabel collaborate on the investigation while dealing with a collection of peculiar characters that surround them. Every year introduces new oddities to replenish the pool of potential suspects and victims. Some jokes work well, others don’t, but the script’s unexpected bouts of melancholy always resonate deeply. Over time, “Only Murders” has experienced highs and lows but now resembles a comforting British mystery where bodies accumulate inexplicably in picturesque locations, allowing the format to potentially continue indefinitely. However, this is not possible due to Martin’s age (80) and Short’s advancing years, reminding us that life sets its own boundaries. This understanding lurks beneath the humor, giving “Only Murders” a subtle, poignant poignancy – perhaps more than any other modern murder-mystery series, it delves into existential contemplation.