Gates of Heaven

Or at least in a long time. The way they introduced the west side (story) characters, all phenomenal casting btw. Was a nice touch from seeing the same tenets as past seasons. I do wish I could see some more Uma tho. Bring back a ghost from Charles past. (Literally and figuratively) was the perfect spilt for the episode. Really, a top notch episode this week. As much as I'd stream this straight thru I love waiting the week. I'm also required to use another 140.. no 131 characters now. It just went down again. Anyways I need to keep writing so Steve Martin & Martin Short still got it! Only 5 char.

Following an incredible premiere with a chilling cliffhanger, OMITB has just released a more personal chapter that poignantly highlights the connection between Charles and Sazz. Though still brimming with the show's customary quirky wit, this episode wraps up with some of Steve Martin and Jane Lynch's most emotional work in front of the camera. Richard Kind was also a delight in his guest appearance, as was the unexpected return of a familiar face. "Gates of Heaven" is another stellar addition to season four that furthers the mystery and scores plenty of laughs, while also retaining its primary focus on Charles's loss.

The feeling of watching Only Murders in The Building is almost inexplicable, a mixture of "what's next?" and "I want to live in this moment forever", surrounded by a feeling of being at home with old friends, Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez.

This episode manages to capture exactly that feeling, the script is extremely sharp and oscillates between drama and comedy with impeccable naturalness. The performances are fabulous and the special appearances are just the icing on the cake - and what a delicious cake it is!

Perhaps the distance from the movie arc was what made me happiest about this episode, but I feel apprehensive about what's to come, I'm afraid that this story will diminish the narrative instead of expanding it. In any case, I'll be here to find out as soon as it's released.

So far the episode titles of series 4 of Only Murders in the Building reference movies. Gates of Heaven was an Errol Morris documentary from 1978 about dead pets.

Although I thought this episode could had been aptly called Babe the Pig.

Charles is distraught over Sazz's death. Now he is having visions of her as his mind interacts with her. Maybe dead Sazz could lead him to the murderer.

Sazz might not be the only figment of his imagination. He also sees Jan but she is meant to be in prison.

Mabel and Oliver want to be ahead of the police. So they investigate the residents of the West Tower of the Arconia. Not discounting the fact that the actual target might have been Charles.

It was bright opening episode, a better second episode. Especially the pathos between Charles and Sazz, the realisation of how close they were as friends.

The inclusion of the West Tower residents allows it to expand the cast and the list of suspects.

I LOVED this episode. I prefer it when it's just the three of them, united & working together, rather than the huge ensemble cast of season three. For me the last season lacked the cosy, intimate feel that I love about this show. It felt manic, hectic & disjointed. It all came back together in this episode. Selena Gomez & Martin Short made me laugh. Steve Martin & Jane Lynch made me teary. Everyone's acting was absolutely superb & extremely moving in parts. Charles' ex was funny & terrifying in equal measure. In the next episodes of this season I hope they stick to this 'less is more' kind of format.