Framed

The second instalment of the second series goes back in time: we learn more about Arconia, the building where 'only murders' have been taking place; about Bunny Folger (Jayne Houdyshell) and her family; and about Charles's (Steve Martin) relationship with his father. (Young Charles was a very neat boy. Young Bunny had a kitten. Arconia has hidden passages, purposefully designed by its salacious architect.)

The best part of this episode is the sudden appearance of Shirley MacLaine. Cast as Bunny's mother, the acting legend (she was 88 when the segment aired) is brilliant in a largely comedic part - and her character just might have the best wardrobe. I'm sorry, Oliver.

Perhaps, the most memorable part of the episode - and not for any good reason - is the scene shared by Mabel (Selena Gomez) and Alice (Cara Delevingne), in which the latter invites the former to destroy a sculpture. In the group chat where I discuss the series with friends, the commentary read, 'I made this lump. It's you. Here's an axe. This is Meaningful.' My own commentary was less articulate, along the lines of 'It's just ugh.' This particular scene is so bad that even Billie Eilish playing in the background cannot save it.

Amy Schumer's performance, on the other hand, while annoying, comes across as intentional. Do I want her character to die? Yes. Do I expect from Schumer a switch to less comedic and more dramatic delivery, with some sincerity of tone? Also, yes.

Mrs Gambolini (voiced by Jayne Houdyshell) continues to be excellent as both parrot and plot device.

I know she's a big star. And if other folks love her in this show, that's fine. I'm not one of them. Her style of gutter humor ("I was riding a motorcycle and s**t myself" line for example), and seemingly mugging for the camera just isn't a good fit in my opinion. Which granted, isn't worth much, but there it is.

The second episode of the second season is unfortunately a let down. Easily the weakest episode of the whole series so far. The addition of Cara Delevingne and Amy Schumer to the cast does nothing for the show.

Delevingne's addition, whilst generally unnecessary, shows some potential growth and plot relevance. The same can't be said for Schumer who plays herself in an attempt to recreate Sting's cameo of season one only the difference is, while Sting's appearance was self-contained to his two episodes it seems Schumer has been written to have a longer presence in the season.

One can only hope that this episode is a blip in what will be a great season.

Lots to loathe in this episode:

1. Obnoxiously unfunny amy schumer replaces the droll sting in the p3nthouse apartment.

2. some criminally untalented actress with a terrible haircut recruits Mabel into a cult,,,er,,,,artists' collective. They talk gibberish. They make out. /barf.

Even worse, Oscar the season 1 stud is gone.

But two things make this my favorite episode of what has otherwise been disappointingly over-rated show:

1. It's genuinely funny. Which is a shocking change of pace for this series.

2. shirley MacLaine. To say she steals the show would be n understatement. She's so great she almost made me forget amy schumer is in the same episode. No THAT is talent.

I became absolutely obsessed with season 1 of Only Murders in the Building. Most of all I loved the main three characters together. Each episode had me on the edge of my seat while giving me a few laughs. This season is leaving me flat and I think it has to do with some of the new characters that were added in. One in particular...Alice (Cara Delevingne) is soooo wrong for the show/plot. I'm cringing at Cara Delevingne's "acting". She feels so forced as does Amy Schumer. Please, please, please don't run this show off the rails!