Only Murders in the Building returns with twists, surprises and new cast members as a third body hits the Arconia floor in season 3!
The crime centers on the murder of Ben Glenroy (Paul Rudd), a movie star who has become the lead actor in Oliver's latest theatrical production. He clashes with almost every member of the cast and crew, including Loretta Durkin (Meryl Streep), a struggling veteran actress who may have finally gotten her big opportunity in the play. With a multitude of potential suspects, our team must be at their best to apprehend the murderer.
This new setting brings a fresh energy to the series. It allows us to move away from the familiar Arconia and explore an uncharted locale. Moreover, we are introduced to a fresh ensemble of vibrant characters among the other actors, creators, and technical staff. While it's still early to fully grasp each individual, the premiere primarily serves as an introduction to these new characters and sets the stage for what's to come. Among the noteworthy additions to the show, Rudd and Streep unquestionably shine.
The twist that Ben didn't initially die adds an interesting layer, but his rapid demise for a second time following his "return" let the premiere down somewhat. If the trio had initially delved into an attempted murder case, followed by Ben's second demise a few episodes later, it would have been more of a surprise. Mabel's hallucinations also don't really fit with the vibe of the show. It's a clever way for the audience to learn things about the dead character, but has already been used in the past seasons with Tim Kono.
I really like that the play places Oliver at the forefront, providing us a genuine glimpse of him thriving in his element, whether for better or worse. After the first season delved into Mabel and the second season focused on Charles, it feels right to direct the spotlight onto the third member of the group this time around. Oliver finds himself torn between his twin passions, Broadway and unraveling mysteries, and these two pursuits are bound to clash. Additionally, his undeniable bond with Loretta further enriches the narrative, offering intriguing story arcs.
A heightened tension emerges as Mabel grapples with a sense of being the odd one out, given her exclusion from the play. When considering her potential departure from the Arconia, this might possibly mark the end of their collaborative mystery-solving endeavors. But first, they must solve the mystery of who killed Ben Glenroy. I'm excited to see this play out throughout the season.