Charles, Oliver and Mabel dig deeper into the mystery of Sazz Pataki’s death in the second episode of Only Murders In The Building season 4.
Welcome back to our weekly reviews of Only Murders In The Building season 4. At the end of last week’s debut episode, our trio found Sazz Pataki’s (Jane Lynch) metal joints in the building incinerator, confirming that the stunt woman was indeed dead. The first episode offered a slightly more meta-infused start, but things quickly get back to normal in the second episode.
Episode 2 of Only Murders In The Building season 4 begins with an old interview with Sazz, stunt double to Charles Haden-Savage (Steve Martin), from the set of Brazzos. She waxes lyrical about coming from a family of stunt performers and the poetry of the craft.
As we return to the present, we’re still unsure if Sazz was indeed the intended target of the shooter, which our trusty trio determines to have resided in the West Tower of the Arconia. Charles could be in danger, so Oliver (Martin Short) and Mabel (Selena Gomez) request he stay at home as they continue investigating.
It’s here that season 4 of the beloved comedy series really gets going. If episode 1 was all about the laughs and comedy, episode 2 reveals this season is about loneliness. Early on in the episode, Charles encounters Sazz’ ghost, who tells him to get his hands off her boobs. We’ll let you discover the context to that, but nevertheless, it’s always good to see more of Jane Lynch. As Charles chats with Sazz more and more, their conversations offer us a really emotional glimpse into Charles’ mindset.
All three previous seasons have highlighted Charles’ successful past as a TV star and his work on Brazzos. He’s always been presented as a bit of a has-been, but it’s mostly been played for jokes. In season 4, there’s more depth to his storyline as Charles grows more and more aware of his mortality and finds himself completely alone. It’s very affecting and it gives Only Murders In The Building a lot of heft.
Even just two episodes in, Only Murders In The Building feels like a new show. Despite a few triumphant moments, season 3 felt a little off or at least it didn’t match the first two seasons and their mysteries, but the comedy has clearly found its groove again. Most importantly, Only Murders In The Building clearly isn’t afraid to reinvent itself as the group is separated for long periods of time.
Mabel is often the voice of reason and Oliver is delightfully chaotic, so watching them head off together and leave Charles behind creates a new, fascinating dynamic. The pair head over to the West Tower and meet the various residents. We’re committed to keeping these weekly reviews spoiler-free, but there are some wonderful surprises in episode 2, including some returning faces.
Most importantly, Da’Vine Joy Randolph is back as Detective Williams. Now an Oscar-winner, Randolph is a great addition to the starry cast as is Meryl Streep who pops up from time to time this season as Oliver’s girlfriend. Thankfully, the movie plot from the first episode is mostly forgotten in the second episode. We’re sure it’ll come up again, in one way or another, but the series truly is at its best when it’s just the central trio investigating a murder.
We’re even more excited to see where the mystery goes from here. Join us again next Tuesday for another dose of Only Murders In The Building season 4.
