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All right, Season 5 of ‘Only Murders In The Building’ is a legit humdinger. Our favourite real crime podcasters who keep discovering dead people in their building are back with a new season — just a year after they delivered the disappointing season 4 — and I’m thrilled to report that they are back in cracking form, as is the franchise.
One of the biggest problems with the previous season was that it took the trio away from their beloved Arconia, with its super-fancy NY address and array of kooky, lovable residents. Now they are reunited with the mothership, which is about to experience the kind of upheaval only long-time buildings do — a change of guard necessitated by the death of their beloved doorman Lester, whose body is found in the courtyard’s fountain at the end of season 4 — all will be well. Or will it? How did Lester die? Is it, gasp, yet another murder in the building?
Now Lester is the kind of doorman who doesn’t just open and close doors, with a courteous ‘after you’. He is as much a part of the tony building as are the residents, privy to their joys and sorrows, and his tragic departure kickstarts the new season, fronted as ever by Charles (Steve Martin), Oliver (Martin Short), and the gorgeous Mabel (Selena Gomez), deftly navigating old secrets and new twists.
I’ve watched nine of the ten episodes (the first three are out on Jio- Hotstar ) and I can tell you that the new season hits all the right notes, with the same serio-bizarre fun layered with emotion, a hard mix to pull off, which has been such a strong hook all along, with the exception of the previous season.
In addition to the murders — I can tell you, without giving away spoilers, that there will be more than one body, as well as a tiny body part appearing as a queasy hors d’oeuvres — this one is powered by a cool Godfather-New York vibe, with smooth mobsters, bossy mob wives, eccentric billionaires, and sundry others dialing up the fun and frolic.
I’m not one of those who have a problem with the format being the same because that’s precisely the show’s X factor. The grouchy-sly-needy residents are back in full force. Starry add-ons (Renee Zellweger, Christoph Waltz and Logan Lerman), and a brand new arrival — actually, make that two — one, Mabel’s childhood friend (Beanie Feldstein) who is now more a frenemy, and two, an unexpected gatekeeper — add zing.
The delightful Da’ Vine shows up as the cop who keeps on showing up — familiarity here breeds comfort. And Meryl Streep is back too, as Loretta, Oliver’s beloved, making us miss her when she’s not on screen. Podcasting rituals and murder boards crop up, as do snooty social media queens, and even a flash of AI: never let it be said that the writing is only quaint, not au current. And the theme music is as flavourful as ever, which will keep you humming along as the terrific opening credits roll.
I can’t wait for the final episode which will reveal all, even though I do have some thoughts on who the murderer might be. Let me know if you do too.
Only Murders In The Building 5 cast: Steve Martin, Martin Short, Selena Gomez, Meryl Streep, Renee Zellweger, Teddy Coluca, Dianne West, Keygan Michael Key, Tea Leoni, Christoph Waltz, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Beanie Feldstein, Logan Lerman, Jermaine Fowler, Nathan Lane, Michael Cyril Creighton, Jackie Hoffman, Bobby Cannavale
Only Murders In The Building 5 co-creators: Steve Martin and John Hoffman
Only Murders In The Building 5 rating: 4 stars
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