Two for the Road

This episode almost feels like a reunion episode or final episode of Saturday Night Live when they try to cram as many celebrities into it as possible. It's not terribly funny. It seems like they try to do the Hollywood satire thing and it doesn't work the last 10 minutes of the episode comes together nicely once you have the actual cast doing their thing which is what makes the show so great. I feel like having these Hollywood actors come into shadow the trio is not a good turn for the series and is just going to be a repetitive season of the same jokes. I don't know why they decided to do that because the writing on this series is so good and it is such a well cast show. Richard kind is an excellent addition to this season.

You would think with as many prolific actors as this, this episode would be so much stronger but it fails to remember what makes this show so good, the chemistry of their leading trio.

In terms of plot, I understand this writing choice. Explain and explore three different plot routes without having to over dedicate time to each. But separating the trio and pairing them up with other completely unknown, in the context of OMITB characters anyway, actors.

Unfortunately, I think this is the weakest episodes of OMITB to date. The most compelling part of the episode is the final five minutes where we get our leading trio in a scene together without any other people. A show can't run by solely relying on the core trio, but when your other characters clash so badly with them, it just doesn't make an enjoyable episode for your audience.

Season 4 of Only Murders In The Building is off to a solid start, with Charles, Oliver, and Mabel investigating the murder of Charles' stunt double, Sazz Pataki. Paramount Pictures is interested in turning the podcast into a Hollywood film, casting Eva Longoria, Zach Galifianakis, and Eugene Levy as Mabel, Oliver, and Charles. This week's episode finds the OGs and cast teaming up to find out more about the murderer. Last week's episode revealed that Charles' old flame Jan, a convicted killer, escaped jail to hide in Charles' closet. Detective Williams believes Jan is still salty about the events of season 1 and hired someone to kill Charles, accidentally taking out Sazz. The trio is torn between suspects, with some suggesting Rudy (Kumail Nanjiani) and others believing Vince (Richard Kind). Oliver suggests the group should divide and conquer, leaving Eva and Mabel visiting Rudy while Charles and Eugene chat to Vince. Martin Short and Galifianakis create a tangible dynamic in the episode, with their scenes going deeper than just cheap thrills. The new actors and their research into their future roles provide valuable insights into the central trio. Michael Cyril Creighton as Howard is a highlight, often acting as both comedic relief and the best part of any scene he's part of. Season 2 of Only Murders In The Building has been successful due to the tragedy of the murders and the introduction of a new side of the victim, Bunny. The new season is expected to find its emotional grounding, with the trio finding themselves in a bar full of stunt men. Selena Gomez and Eva Longoria were the stars of Only Murders in the Building Season 4, Episode 3. Mabel and Mahbel were the queens of the episode, and it would be amazing if they teamed up for their own show. The movie twins arrived in New York City for a one-day "character study" courtesy of the Brothers sisters, which was at a worse time than Detective Williams had just dropped some juicy intel on Sazz's murder. Mabel and Charles were against the idea of Longoria, Levy, and Galifianakis following them during their investigation. Oliver, however, was all about himself, thinking this was his big chance for Galifianakis to "fall in love" with his character. The extra hands helped them make some headway in solving Sazz's murder. Although it took Oliver a while to realize he doesn't need to be fake for people to like him, Galafragalistik showed him how ridiculous he can look and that people can see through him. The ones who matter accept him for who he is, regardless of his embellishments and flaws. Oliver is still living in a celluloid fantasy world, but it's uncertain how long he can keep up before the cracks start to show.

I like Zach, Eugene, Eva, Richard and Kumail.

But it wore a bit thin if I'm honest. The show is a delight from its natural absurdity, it doesn't need to force it.

Actors playing themselves generally always amuse me, and this wasn't an exception, but I still think it distracted from the story. Where one of our characters lost a close friend and was tried to be murdered.... I don't think we need the slapstick that accompanied it.

Still a lot to like about this episode, and I am looking forward to the rest of the story and the conclusion of the mystery.

So a six out of ten for me for this one.

I thought this episode was a joy. Particular loved Da'vines' crack about ZG and the "Perfect Strangers" homage. And the super tense ending. I can't find any fault with this season so far, but then, I've only had minor quibbles in the past.

It's amazing how well all the guest players fit this time around-you can tell that the actors are having a blast. This must be the happiest set ever. So refreshing.

It's been particularly great to see how many SCTV people have passed through OMitB. Maybe it's time to bring some Monty Python in, too-John Cleese would be perfect.

I also keep going back to what Charle's onetime "daughter" said to him about the building in Season 2, that there was a lot of bad stuff going on and he needed to be tougher. I wonder if this is a callback to that.