Only Murders in the Building Season 5 Review: Dances Between Comedy and Mystery?

Only Murders in the Building Season 5 Review: As happened with previous seasons, too, Only Murders in the Building Season 5 starts again on Hulu exactly where the events of the fourth cycle of episodes ended. A few days after the wedding of Oliver (Martin Short) and Loretta (Meryl Streep), he and his friends, Charles (Steve Martin) and Mabel (Selena Gomez), must once again investigate a new murder that has occurred in their building. This time too, the victim is a person they knew: the goalkeeper Lester (Teddy Coluca), found dead in the fountain set up in the courtyard for the wedding. After the initial shock, the three podcasters refuse to believe it is an accident, so they begin to investigate. The clues will take them to the darker sides of New York, where powerful billionaires, the old mafia, and mysterious residents of Arconia are involved. Their palace conceals many secrets that have yet to be revealed. What shocks them most, however, will be discovering a deep rift between the Big Apple they thought they knew and a new city where a fight between criminals is taking place.

In fact, these are the elements on which the show has always focused since the beginning, laying the foundations of its fortune. Martin Short, Steve Martin, and Selena Gomez created one of the most adorable TV threesomes in recent memory. The connection between the three performers and their friendliness contributed to the success of Only Murders in the Building. Who, precisely because his back is covered by his protagonists, can also indulge in some smudges about everything else. The accelerated pace of the plot, then, made things easier, making this show fluid, casual, and smooth. Only Murders in the Building Season 5 has no reason to stray from its own seed. And in fact, the first three episodes of the new season all seem to point in that direction, making little or no changes compared to the past. A way to reconnect the audience with the show’s frequencies and to reassure everyone that Only Murders in the Building will always focus on the strength of its best components: the great alchemy of the trio, episodes full of plot twists, and a great dynamism of the plot.

Only Murders in the Building Season 5 Review: The Story Plot

The fourth season then closed with the discovery of the corpse of the Arconia porter, the good Lester Coluca (played by Teddy Coluca; yes, the last name is the same), lying in a pool of blood in a fountain in the palace shortly after the end of Oliver and Loretta’s (Meryl Streep) wedding. Shortly before, Charles and Mabel had refused to deal with the case presented by Sofia Caccimelio (Tea Leoni), namely the disappearance of her husband Nicky Caccimelio (Bobby Cannavale). [Small curiosity: the surname Caccimelio is not present in Italy, while it is attested in the USA: this is probably because until a few decades ago, spelling and transcription errors were frequent when Italian immigrants, sometimes illiterate, were registered upon their arrival by American customs agents. Caccimelio could be the incorrect transcription of a surname like Coccimiglio] According to the police, Lester’s death is accidental, and apparently there is no connection between his passing and the disappearance of the shady Italian-American businessman who owns a chain of laundries, but, as detective stories and in particular the previous ones teach us seasons of this series, coincidences do not exist in the cases faced by Mabel, Oliver and Charles.

Who will find themselves investigating other secret places hidden in Arconia, the mafiosi of the past, and the no less insidious billionaires of today, endangering themselves and also the existence of their podcast. And, as usual, in their investigations, they will find themselves meeting a plethora of curious characters (and great guest stars) of old and new acquaintances. Among the cast names of the fifth season of Only Murders are the usual Howard of Michael Cyril Creighton, and special guest stars that include Meryl Streep, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Richard Kind, Nathan Lane, Bobby Cannavale, Renee Zellweger, Logan Lerman, Christoph Waltz, Tea Leoni, Keegan-Michael Key, Beanie Feldstein, Dianne Wiest, and Jermaine Fowler.

Only Murders in the Building Season 5 Review and Analysis

Mysteries, mysteries, secrets, fears…and a dash of technology. This new season maintains the high level of the previous ones, managing to be at the same time fun, deep, and addictive. The inimitable chemistry between Steve Martin and Martin Short continues to be the driving force behind the series, with their hilarious dynamics blending seamlessly with Selena Gomez’s measured and brilliant performances, coupled with the explosiveness of the other palace inhabitants. The season isn’t just about making people laugh; it explores themes of reflection and coming to terms with one’s past, adding a layer of melancholy and introspection that makes the characters even more human. The series’s ability to reinvent itself every year, while keeping its identity intact, is proof of its success. Only Murders in the Building Season 5 once again confirms itself as one of the most intelligent and entertaining series on the current television scene. Unlike many series that lose their luster over time, this one improves with each new season. The writing is brilliant, with a narrative that is enriched with new mysteries, leading the protagonists to dig deep into the secrets of Arconia, a building that, it seems, hides more mysteries than any other in New York.

The new case brings to light intriguing characters and unexpected situations, confronting the trio with dilemmas that even affect their personal lives. This season particularly explores the themes of reflection and dealing with the past. The three protagonists find themselves wondering who they are, what they have built, and what they want for their future. Their personal stories are intertwined with investigation, adding a layer of melancholy and introspection that makes the characters even more human and three-dimensional. The whole thing is told with a perfect balance between drama and comedy, making viewing a rich and engaging experience. The series never drops in quality, managing to keep intact its original spirit and its ability to entertain and make the public feel good, season after season. After five seasons, there is, for the first time, a desire for change and an uncertain future for the protagonists.

Every year, Only Murders in the Building demonstrates its ability to attract an exceptional guest star cast, and season five is no exception. In addition to the high-profile cameos that have featured previous seasons, such as Sting and Paul Rudd, and the addition of Meryl Streep to the regular cast, the series welcomes three new talents for pivotal roles. Christoph Waltz plays an Internet and artificial intelligence genius, a character who moves through the world of billionaires and who may hide unsuspected motives. Renee Zellweger takes on the role of an influential figure, a lifestyle guru who conjures up the image of a powerful and determined entrepreneur. Finally, Logan Lerman is born to a rich young heiress, a financial guru who embodies the power and arrogance of new wealth. The presence of these actors is not accidental: their characters intertwine organically with the main plot, adding further levels of mystery and complexity. The series has become a veritable magnet for big names in Hollywood, proving that the quality of the writing and the unique atmosphere of the show offer irresistible roles.

To be fussy, there are some (secret) somewhat forced passages in Only Murders in the Building Season 5: nothing serious, just a couple of moments in which we must overlook the lack of plausibility of a detail that moves the story or a joke in slight contradiction with what we saw previously. This is to say that this series also has a couple of insignificant flaws. Yet, it’s impossible not to love this new season as we loved the first four stories of Only Murders in the Building. You can’t help but love the narcissist Oliver, the insecure and visionary Charles, the patient and very elegant Mabel (if you’re wondering the reason for Selena Gomez’s noticeable weight loss, the actress has started following a more rigid and healthy diet to counteract the effects of lupus, the autoimmune disease she found out she was suffering from). And of course, around them shine both the usual supporting characters and the usual parade of guest stars who queue to participate in this series, as happens with another Hulu jewel, The Bear.

But the most shocking thing about Only Murders is that it manages every time to enrich with grace and precision the wonderful fresco represented by Arconia, the only place in the world where living is riskier than at Cabot Cove. With each season, the building opens up to new tenants and people passing through, to new but also to old stories, managing each time to carry on the narrative with an impressive freshness and modernity. In particular, in this new season our heroes are contrasted (see the photo above) by another trio of villains-who-look-good, three billionaires with a mirrored public image, with kind and even humble ways, who, in reality they know how to be ruthless like only certain contemporary CEO of cinema and TV (and tennis courts, lately) can be. In short, Only Murders in the Building Season 5 is another exceptional season of a TV series so crazy well-made that we no longer know how to define it.

If mystery can sometimes appear a little tangled, Arconia continues to be the true narrative center. The season introduces a surprising revelation: one has always existed in the basement of the building, a clandestine gambling den. A detail that further enriches the myth of the building, now transformed into a universe apart, where each season reveals new ravines, secrets, and parallel stories. Particularly successful is the second episode, which focuses on the figure of Lester, and he traces his years of service as a goalkeeper. It’s one of those moments when the series stops chasing the twist to dedicate itself to the “supporting protagonists”, delicately revealing the depth of characters that often remain in the background. The episode, moving and intimate, reminds the viewer that Arconia is not just a condominium, but a microcosm inhabited by individuals full of invisible stories, which deserve to be told. Next to Lester, they do their entry with other figures related to the staff of the building, such as Randall (Jermaine Fowler), a new doorman bringing a different but complementary energy.

It is precisely this continuation enrichment of the secondary cast to make Arconia a living place and pulsating, more than just a scenario. Despite the expansion of the cast, the driving force behind the series remains the chemistry between Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez. The three still function as a well-oiled mechanism: Martin allows himself new physical gags thanks to a storyline linked to drug therapy, Short continues to shine with her smitten and theatrical Oliver (rendered even more delicious from the skits with Loretta/Meryl Streep), and Gomez faces new insecurities thanks to the return of childhood friend Althea (Beanie Feldstein), now established popstar. The best moments of the season are, once again, where we see them arguing, teasing, and improvising in front of a clue. Whether the mystery is brilliant or not, their dynamics are enough to support the attention of the viewer, offering a blend of irony, melancholy, and complicity that few other series can replicate.

There is, however, no shortage of limits. The writing often appears didactic, with dialogues that tend to explain too much instead of hinting. Some subplots – like that of the robot goalkeeper – risk falling into the ridiculous, while the presence of prestigious guest stars, for how funny, at times it feels more like a display of power than a real narrative value. Yet, even when plodding, Only Murders in the Building retains an undeniable charm. The tone remains that of a “comfort series”: elegant, fun, punctuated by brilliant gags and moments of sincere emotion. The ability to mix crime and comedy without ever taking yourself too seriously remains the trademark, and it is what keeps making us come back season after season. In conclusion, Only Murders in the Building Season 5 does not just maintain the high level of the previous ones but also elevates it, broadening the nuances and chemistry among its protagonists. While past seasons had accustomed us to a gripping mystery solved with humor and sharp jokes, this time there is a touch of melancholy that makes the experience deeper and more complex.

For the first time, our heroes don’t just chase a killer; they reflect deeply on their lives, the time that passes, and the relationships that really matter. Steve Martin explores loneliness and fears related to the future, while Martin Short reevaluates his priorities, balancing a passion for podcasts with a love for his wife. Also, Selena Gomez confronts his past, dealing with old ties and the expectations of others. This introspection gives their bond a new, touching dimension. The dynamics between the three protagonists, always brilliant and full of life, are enriched with a new sensitivity. They are no longer just makeshift detectives, but friends who support each other in times of vulnerability, finding comfort in each other. The fifth season is proof that Only Murders in the Building is more than just a mystery: it’s a tale about friendship, personal growth, and the beauty of finding comfort in each other, even when the world around you is full of mysteries.

Despite some weaknesses, especially in the final part of the season, Only Murders in the Building Season 5 confirms itself as a quality product. The strength of the Hulu series remains its cast: Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez are now one with their characters, and interactions happen spontaneously, without needing to pretend an alchemy present since the first season. The key lies in having been able to blend old and new generation Hollywood, as also happens in this fifth chapter, giving life to a screenplay rich in content. The presence of high-level guest stars is another strong point, which is renewed from season to season. Only Murders in the Building reaches its climax in the interactions between Meryl Streep and Renée Zellweger: perfect and in harmony with their characters, as expected from two Oscar-winning actresses. The TV series could very well go on for other seasons, but sooner or later, there is an end to everything. In the long run, the format may show signs of tiredness, and not because of its cast, but because of a narrative structure that risks repeating itself and which is already experiencing its first signs this season.

Only Murders in the Building Season 5 Review: The Last Words

Only Murders in the Building Season 5 does not betray expectations. It’s not limited to a simple mystery, but delves into the characters. The series focuses on their personal growth, fears, and the importance of friendship, making the experience deeper, while maintaining the ironic and light-hearted style that distinguishes it. Only Murders in the Building could go on forever. This is demonstrated by the fifth season, which, although pivoting on narrative patterns and topoi already seen, manages to explore the past of the protagonists and Arconia in a still new way, and therefore also their future. Precisely a reflection on the generational “changing of the guard” and privilege is underlying the new episodes, full of funny scenes, explosive guest stars, twists positioned ad hoc, and that New York scent that can be felt at every shot.

Cast: Steve Martin, Martin Short, Selena Gomez, Meryl Streep, Téa Leoni, Bobby Cannavale, Christoph Waltz, Renée Zellweger, Logan Lerman, Dianne Wiest

Creators: Steve Martin, John Hoffman

Streaming Platform: Hulu

Filmyhype.com Ratings: 4/5 (four stars)