The continuous appeal of Hulu’s murder mystery hit undoubtedly lies in its leading trio’s unique and wholesome connection, as well as the exploration of various universal themes that match the state of the world creatively. It’s been a constant balm on our screens since its debut, and even while Only Murders in the Building Season 5 loses some of its coziness, it’s still a solid run with enough vulnerability that persists to honor both the Arconia, New York City, and, more importantly, the characters.
Some of the ideas of loneliness and community that were introduced in Season 4 understandably still play a role in the fifth, showcasing that these matters simply aren’t an overnight fix. As we continue to see throughout the series, while one case ends, another begins, and until we reach the inevitable final season, that’ll likely be the case for the character journeys, too. Frustrations, sadness, and uncertainties will persist, and that’s a good thing because it’s precisely why we return every year. It adds a relatability factor that feels deeply comforting.
In an unsurprising turn of events, Martin Short, Steve Martin, and Selena Gomez are better than ever. As the writing continues to allow the characters to evolve, it gives the actors space to grow in a showcase that’s truly astounding every single time. With every passing season, they’re a little funnier than before, a bit more sad, and always effortlessly charming in a way that makes it feel as though the roles are tailor-made for them. The series shines because of them, and no matter what else is happening, because they’re here, everything is well and truly glorious.
In addition, coming off the heels of Season 4 and a wildly tremendous cast of guest stars playing gripping characters, Season 5 unfortunately fumbles a bit in that area. While the performances Renée Zellweger, Téa Leoni, Christoph Waltz, Keegan-Michael Key, Beanie Feldstein, and Logan Lerman each bring are easily riveting, it’s challenging to feel any sort of attachment to their respective characters. In more ways than one, because the murder involves a long-time Arconia resident, this season should’ve included more characters from Season 1 than new players. Still, they’re all mostly enjoyable when on screen, and if nothing else, it continues to make the series the kind of joy ride that, when we someday look back upon, we’ll take note of how many exceptional stars have made an appearance.
More than anything, Only Murders in the Building Season 5 continues to be a glorious spectacle for its attention to detail and creative means of adding emotional depth to the murders. It’s not simply about a clever motive, but it’s about how it impacts the characters we’ve grown to love, and with Lester being at the center this time, no season has played on the idea of a found family more closely. Why is the Arconia so special? Why do these characters continue orbiting around each other? How does this all tie together with the importance of community? The season answers all of these questions and more, and with the type of flashback episode that shines with so much heart, it feels monumental in all its quiet revelations. The story’s meta approach to solving cases and poking fun at itself is a large part of its appeal, but this specific episode then makes it come across like a classic murder mystery. It taps into emotions that not only feel essential to connecting the characters within the story, but it also brings the audience into this sacred space in a way that feels impactful and intimate.
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For five seasons, we’ve grown with these characters, so their losses feel like ours as much as their gains do. Every crack in a case makes the whole story feel more connected in a way that caters to the characters. And that’s what continues to stand out exceptionally in Only Murders in the Building. Five seasons in, and the characters remain in the driver’s seat, nestled in one thrilling episode after another that’s brimming with notable humor and big feelings.
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Only Murders in the Building Season 5 is now streaming on Hulu.
First Featured Image Credit: (Disney/Patrick Harbron)