Season 3 of the critically acclaimed Hulu series, "Only Murders in the Building", has created quite a buzz since its premiere, primarily due to its ingenious narrative technique that's not just about unsolved crimes but also an in-depth exploration into the dazzling world of Broadway. It manages to amalgamate unexpected twists, turns, and enthralling introductions of new characters without losing the essence that made the series a must-watch from the start. The show, though rooted in its well-loved setting of a maze-like apartment building, dares to transcend its conventional boundaries, ensuring that the viewers remain glued to their screens with every new revelation.
As fans would recall, Season 2 left us reeling with a shocking development that no one saw coming. The stage was set and as the spotlight turned to Paul Rudd's character, Ben Glenroy, audiences watched in horror as he unexpectedly collapsed and was declared dead while delivering his performance under the watchful eyes of the director, Oliver. This character, brilliantly portrayed by the legendary Martin Short, adds a layer of comic genius to the series.
But, as with any great show, the unexpected ending of a beloved character was not the conclusion but the beginning of another thrilling chapter. The unexpected exit of Ben Glenroy opens up a gateway into the world of riveting flashbacks. These carefully placed memories do not only shed light on the mysteries surrounding the present events but also give the viewers a rare, behind-the-curtains peek into the mesmerizing world of theater. It becomes an elaborate game of "will they, won't they?" as the viewers speculate whether the show will indeed go on.
In an incredible casting move, Meryl Streep takes the center stage as Loretta. She begins her journey impressing Oliver with her impeccable audition, only to later navigate the play with choices that can only be termed as 'unconventional'. Yet, it is these unexpected decisions that keep the audience guessing about her next move.
Eight episodes into the season, the narrative intertwines with the vibrant New York theater ambiance. This change of setting brings the seasoned actor, Steve Martin's character, Charles, into the limelight. Charles, previously a TV star, now navigates the world of Broadway. On the other hand, this new environment places Selena Gomez's character, Mabel, in unfamiliar territory, creating ripples in the dynamics of the central trio.
With humor, suspense, underlying motives, and a plethora of red herrings, the show masterfully crafts a narrative tapestry. It seamlessly incorporates familiar characters from previous seasons and sprinkles in delightful theater in-jokes, such as the tongue-in-cheek jab at Streep's character's difficulty with accents.
The camaraderie between Martin and Short is palpable and serves as the emotional and narrative core of the series. Their transition from mainstream cinema to the world of streaming has been graceful, with Short especially thriving amidst the theatrical elements of the show.
The suspense, drama, and hilarity culminate into one crucial question — in the wake of Glenroy's shocking exit, will the show continue? Given the unparalleled blend of humor, creativity, and suspense in "Only Murders in the Building", one can only hope it does.
To sum it up, the suspense-packed third installment of “Only Murders in the Building” has been gracing our screens on Hulu since August 8, ensuring binge-worthy content for all its fans.