Last August, streaming platform Hulu premiered the irreverent series Only Murders in the Building, a crime-solving-oriented mystery comedy. This peculiar production follows three strangers, Charles-Haden Savage (Steve Martin), Oliver Putnam (Martin Short), and Mabel Mora (Selena Gomez), who share an obsession with true crime and suddenly find themselves embroiled in one.
Almost immediately, the first season of the ten-episode show took the small screen by storm, becoming the most-watched original comedy in Hulu’s history.
Months later, Only Murders in the Building returns with its addictive original formula. For the second season, the show’s creators, Steve Martin and John Hoffman, manage to maintain the series’ initial charm and deliver on the promise of a genuinely thrilling mystery.
Once again, viewers will be able to theorize about a violent crime while discovering new and unsuspected facets of its protagonists. As for the cast, the charismatic lead trio reprises their respective roles. Legendary comedians Steve Martin, Martin Short, and pop star, Selena Gomez keep the bar high and continue to captivate audiences.
The first season of Only Murders in the Building ended with the bloody and unexpected murder of Bunny Folger (Jayne Houdyshell). Since then, fans of the series have done nothing but speculate about the crime: Who killed Bunny? Why would someone specifically attack the manager of the Arconia? Was it about killing Bunny or framing the main characters? This powerful cliffhanger has kept critics and viewers alike interested and hooked on the Arconia and its residents.
A new puzzle
In the final chapter of the first installment, Charles, Oliver, and Mabel enthusiastically celebrate unraveling and solving the mysterious murder of Tim Kono. Brimming with satisfaction, the trio of neighbors allow themselves for the first time to contemplate the prospect of a better future. However, their luck suddenly and drastically changes when Mabel turns up covered in blood, next to a lifeless body.
This time, cranky Arconia Board Chair, Bunny Folger, has been stabbed to death, and unfortunately Mabel tops the list of suspects. It so happens that the young woman not only finds the victim’s body in her own apartment, but also suffers from mental lapses that undermine the credibility of her testimony at the police station. It should be noted that Mabel is not the only one implicated in this murder, her partners Charles and Oliver are also being investigated.
Cornered by the unfortunate circumstances and looking to clear their names, Charles, Oliver and Mabel decide to uncover the truth and expose the killer. One of the great strengths of this season is that the trio don’t only investigate the new crime as hosts of their own podcast, they also head the police’s list of persons of interest. Ironically, the heroes of the show become the accused and persecuted. Such a situation precipitates the plot and brings a sense of urgency to the program.
On top of this huge legal entanglement, celebrity podcaster Cinda Canning (Tina Fey, reprising her role), has decided to do a rival podcast in which she openly frames the trio of neighbors for Bunny’s death. As a result, Charles, Oliver and Mabel find themselves in the public eye and it doesn’t take long for New Yorkers to become convinced of their guilt.
It is noteworthy that the universe of Only Murders in the Building is growing considerably. Among the guest stars are Cara Delevingne, playing a modern gallery owner who tries to conquer Mabel; veteran actress Shirley MacLaine in the role of Leonora Folger, Bunny’s mother; witty comedian Amy Schumer, in an entertaining and exaggerated cameo of herself. Also returning are some of the characters from the previous series, adding to the list of suspects and planting increasingly disconcerting clues.
What is known about Bunny?
As President of the Arconia board of directors, Bunny Folger had the power to decide who could move in and who could be evicted from the building. She also used to keep a close eye on the residents’ wanderings and missteps. In the first season, Bunny had the image of a cantankerous, lonely and controlling old woman.
This time, however, it is revealed that Bunny was a New Yorker at heart. It is implied that she was a vehement basketball fan, a parrot lover, and an essential part of the historic Arconia Building. As with any good mystery, Only Murders in the Building is not only concerned with unveiling “who committed the crime”, but “why the victim was attacked”. Thus, the details of Bunny Folger’s story are of essential importance in piecing together the puzzle.
As expected, the Hulu comedy also delves into the personal lives of the unlikely trio of protagonists. In this season, the father-son relationship proves to be a key theme. On the one hand, Charles-Haden Savage discovers unexpected truths about his late father, while trying his best to reconnect with Lucy, a young girl he considers a daughter. On the other hand, Oliver Putnam faces a delicate revelation: the biological kinship between him and Will may be based on a lie.
As for Mabel, the young woman must heal deep wounds from her father’s death. Tormented by the cracks in her mind, the aspiring artist must revisit her past and heal the traumatic events that are affecting her memory. Even the relationship between Bunny and her mother comes to light, and the enormous distance between them is revealed.
Whether it is hidden truths or renewed connections, the theme of family ties is decisive in this installment.
The second season of Only Murders in the Building does a great job of expanding the world that had been previously built. In this regard, the plot remains true to itself, replete with self-referential humor, mysteries, conjecture, melancholy and genuine surprises. At a glance, you can see that the entire production team has made a sincere effort to preserve the show’s identity, wit, and cheekiness.
The daring combination of Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez remains a strange but deeply authentic and wonderful formula. The central trio reiterates their innate talent for comedy, but also proves that they have become much more adept and audacious in their dynamic. One of the most remarkable attributes of the cast is that the actors strike a beautiful balance between satire and emotional depth.
Who is behind the scenes?
Only Murders in the Building is based on an original idea by Steve Martin, in collaboration with John Hoffman. The latter is best known for his work as writer and director of the popular series Grace & Frankie. Dan Fogelman, the creator of the acclaimed drama This is Us, is executive producing this mystery comedy.
It’s good to know that Only Murders in the Building has already been renewed for a third season. In this regard, the president of Hulu Originals and ABC Entertainment, Craig Erwich, has expressed: “Only Murders in the Building is the true crown jewel of our slate. Its appeal across generations, the intersection of humor and heart, and its truly original approach are a hallmark of and testament to Dan, John, Steve, Marty and Selena’s work. We are grateful to be able to continue telling the stories of Charles, Oliver and Mabel to viewers that have consistently shown us they crave more of this story.”
While waiting for the final episode of the second season to learn the true identity of the killer, it is very pleasing to know that this is not the last crime that the unlikely trio of neighbors in Only Murders in the Building will have the opportunity to solve.