Meryl Streep’s Captivating Performance Breathes Life into “Only Murders in the Building”

Review: Meryl Streep Breathes New Life into ‘Only Murders in the Building’ Season 3

Introduction

In its third season, Hulu’s “Only Murders in the Building” welcomes Meryl Streep in her captivating performance as a struggling actor. Streep’s whimsical portrayal adds a much-needed freshness to the popular series, which was beginning to show signs of stagnation. While Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez form a mesmerizing trio, the show’s quirky murder-solving formula set in an aesthetically pleasing Upper West Side Manhattan apartment building requires rejuvenation. As the audience wonders how many murders can occur in a single building, the creators rely on more gimmicks, A-list cameos, and musical numbers to sustain their narrative.

A Charming Trio and a Familiar Formula

The third season continues to follow the podcasting team, comprised of Charles (Steve Martin), Oliver (Martin Short), and Mabel (Selena Gomez), as they confront the latest death. The Season 2 finale teased the murder of Ben Glenroy (played by Paul Rudd), a movie star and the lead in Oliver’s Broadway comeback play, in which Charles also stars. As in previous seasons, the trio finds themselves intimately connected to the victim’s death and surrounded by a supporting cast of eccentric characters who serve as red herrings and murder suspects.

Meryl Streep’s Standout Performance

Meryl Streep’s character, Loretta, immediately stands out as suspicious and flighty. She is a manic woman who was getting her big break, as well as a date, from Oliver. Streep’s portrayal allows the grand dame of American acting to take on the role of a harried and humble Broadway wannabe who never quite made it in the industry but never stopped trying. Additionally, Paul Rudd’s depiction of a pompous Hollywood jerk, known for his role as “CoBro,” adds an extra layer of delight to the series.

Lukewarm Intrigue and Juggling Storylines

While the overall entertainment value of “Only Murders in the Building” remains intact, the mystery itself occasionally lacks intrigue. The writers struggle at times to balance the central whodunit plotline with the character-driven stories of Oliver, Charles, and Mabel. Oliver grapples with his fading career, Charles takes his relationship with girlfriend Joy (played by Andrea Martin) seriously, and Mabel faces the reality of her unaccomplished adulthood. Consequently, the show oscillates dramatically in tone and format, transitioning from fever-dream fantasies to supernatural ghost hunts to full-blown Broadway showstoppers. Although each element adds to the entertainment value, the episodes do not always seamlessly fit together.

Editorial and Analysis

As “Only Murders in the Building” progresses into its third season, several challenges arise. Firstly, the writers must find new ways to sustain the murder-solving premise within the confines of a single building. With three murders already explored, the audience may question the plausibility of further crimes occurring within the same space. The show relies on gimmicks, A-list cameos, and musical numbers to maintain its momentum, but this approach may not be endlessly sustainable.

Secondly, the balance between the central murder mystery and the character arcs of the trio becomes more precarious. While the show’s charm lies in the chemistry between Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez, it is important to ensure that the series does not become solely reliant on the star power of its cast. The narrative and engagement with the audience must remain at the forefront to prevent the show from becoming a mere vehicle for celebrity cameos.

The show’s tendency to name-drop celebrities and incorporate unlikely cameos, which could potentially come across as crass or hacky in other series, somehow manages to be charming in “Only Murders in the Building.” However, this charm may wear thin if the series continues to rely solely on the novelty of star-studded appearances. The creators must find a delicate balance between entertainment value and substance to maintain the show’s appeal as it progresses into further seasons.

Advice for the Creators

As the third season of “Only Murders in the Building” progresses, it is essential for the creators to reassess the show’s formula and ensure it remains engaging and fresh. While the addition of Meryl Streep has breathed new life into the series, it is crucial to avoid excessive reliance on star power alone. The mystery elements should be carefully crafted to maintain intrigue throughout the season, without sacrificing the development of the central characters.

Moreover, the creators should focus on striking a balance between the murder-solving plotline, the character-driven arcs, and any additional elements such as gimmicks, cameos, or musical numbers. Each component should serve the overall narrative and contribute to a cohesive viewing experience. Avoiding tonal inconsistencies and ensuring seamless transitions between different storytelling formats will enhance the show’s coherence and viewer satisfaction.

Finally, to sustain the longevity of the series, the creators should consider evolving the setting beyond the single apartment building. This could open up new avenues for storytelling, allowing for fresh mysteries, diverse locations, and an expanded supporting cast.

As the audience eagerly awaits future seasons, the success of “Only Murders in the Building” relies on the creators’ ability to navigate these challenges and continue delivering a compelling blend of mystery, humor, and charm.