The Show Must...

Charles, Oliver, and Mabel return for the third season of the hit show "Only Murders in the Building." Paul Rudd joins the cast as Ben Glenroy, a television star making his Broadway debut. He survives a murder attempt but dies on the Arconia's elevator. The trio is now on a new quest to find his killer and save Oliver's return to Broadway. Meryl Streep, an Oscar winner and Hollywood legend, plays a woman who struggled to make it as an actress before landing a role in Oliver's play. The first episode hints at a romantic entanglement between Oliver and Streep's character, Loretta Dunkin. Streep is likely to nail the role, but the animosity between Rudd's and Streep's characters may not be the killer. The third season of the popular series, Oliver and the Men, has seen the return of beloved characters such as Howard, Uma, and Oliver's son Will. Howard, a cat-loving resident, serves as Oliver's assistant for his Broadway play. Uma, a character who initially avoided a murder in the building, is also back. Will, Oliver's son, takes care of his father when Oliver needs him most. The first episode of season three was a great start, but it didn't hit the same level as the first episodes of seasons one and two. The series has high hopes for this season, but it's essential to temper expectations to view it in the proper light. Meryl Streep's Only Murders in the Building premiere features her as a struggling, failed actress, Loretta Durkin. The show broadens its world to the Broadway stage, where Oliver (Martin Short) is directing a new play. Streep's character, Loretta, is introduced through a voice-over from Charles (Steve Martin), who reveals her backstory. Loretta fell in love with theater as a child and struggles as a struggling actress. She auditions for Oliver's play, entrancing him with her performance and earning the role. Charles's voice-over questions how far she would go to hang on to her dream moment in the spotlight. OMITB has the task of staying fresh by delivering a new murder mystery each season without becoming cyclical or repetitive. This season takes a step out of the building and takes place one year after the events of season two, keeping the series fresh and showing the characters in a new light. After successfully solving two murders and clearing their names, the characters finally enjoy their moment in the spotlight. Oliver is directing a Broadway play, and both are reveling in their newfound career success. Mabel, meanwhile, is navigating the new dynamic and struggling with feeling left behind, especially without the shared outlet of their true-crime podcast. Oliver joins Loretta at a party where she sings Richard Rodgers's "The Sweetest Sounds," sparking her love for theater. Ben's death may have hindered Oliver's career, but Loretta believes the end of the show allows them to pursue a nonprofessional, non-platonic relationship. However, Ben returns from the dead, reevaluating his behavior towards the cast and crew. His apologies reveal his relationship dynamics with potential suspects and give Rudd a chance to shine. He calls Loretta a snake and dramatically hisses at her. Ben's grand return is cut short when he takes a suspicious phone call and heads to his apartment. With Ben back, the show is back, but Loretta is unhappy, stating that he is still a Mean Loretta's line "Ben may be back, but it doesn't change the fact that he's a jerk positions her in prime-suspect territory.

They already had 2 murders in the building so how are you going to keep the show going without repeating yourself and boring your audience.

Season 3 Episode one didn't disappoint and managed to twist an interesting story into the shows format as noted by the title.

It's still self referential, and irreverent about itself when it needs to be, and it's got depth too, and some really good dialog and writing.

And they've gone for star power and they deliver in the form of Meryl Streep taking digs at herself beautifully and hilariously especially with the Scottish accent. The show knows we know who she is and they give her plenty to shine with.

Paul Rudd also is given plenty to play with and doesn't disappoint. Acting chops is embraced here and it's enjoyable to watch.

And we've got the characters we know and love from the first 2 seasons giving themselves depth and heart which is where this show signaled it wasn't just another old people's last effort series to be ignored. This show is well conceived and written, it's clever, it's funny, and it deserves attention. Season 3 ep 1 didn't disappoint. Lets see where they take it.

Season 3 looses it funniness, glibness and light hardiness. There's way to much Paul Rudd and his meanness is way overdone. This season everyone in the show now seems melancholy. The trio of sleuths appears to be at a loss. Each drowning in their own world, past and present. Myrel Streep may prove the savior of this season. We hope so. In the first season, with its effective mystery and comic sensibility, and the angst came across as a valuable supporting player. But, in season three, the angst has taken on the leading role because the comedy is a worthless mixture of awful flashbacks and rehashed jibes. It is a great disappointment so far in episodes 1 and 2.

The first two episodes of season three are out and it's off to a great start! New players are introduced stage actors and potential suspects of the murder of their lead actor, Ben. Paul Rudd and Meryl Streep join the cast with impressive performances. Episode 1 and 2 fluctuate between present and four months before the opening night of Oliver's play Death Rattle. Oliver is struck by Streep's character, Loretta and casts her in his play. Loretta is a struggling actor who has never made it big, romance seems to start between the actor/director. Speaking of romance: Joy (Andrea Martin), Charles' makeup artist and new love, has moved in with him. This poses a challenge for Charles because he's absorbed in the role as detective in Death Rattle but wants to spend time with Joy. We learn Mabel is going to move out soon since her aunt is selling her condo, which makes me wonder if this is her last season.

As in past seasons of the series, season 3 continues to offer an abundance of suspects, humor, investigation, clever writing, and charm.

Meryl Streep can do a movie about the life of a fruit fly and win an Emmy.

Paul Rudd is amazing. There isn't a movie that he is in that isn't either watched or on my list to watch.

But you have to admit; Selena, Steve and Martin are what makes this show!!. I mean come on. I have told so many people to watch this show and when ever the new season starts they are the first ones to ask, did you see the new season is out.

Please, make this a 20 season run.

Only downside to this show is it's only 10 episodes. When did shows start deciding that they only need to give us 10 or 12 per year? This makes me mad. Not enough not to watch but,,,,,