VIDEO REVIEW ON YOUTUBE
You can find the video version of this review on YouTube.com/@filmerdude
CONFLICTING SEASON
I am conflicted. Let me just say that both Season 1 and 2 have not been able to perfectly re-capture the magic that was Only Murderers in the Building Season 1. Both seasons 2 & 3 are good in their own right, but it’s tough to choose a favorite season and still give it a realistic rating. You see, I am a theater/film kid. So, I absolutely LOVED theater aspects and, of course, Meryl Streep is simply tantalizing in her role, it’s amazing. However, this season also had its issues–big issues–but that’s not to say I still enjoyed it, regardless. I liked season 3 more than season 2 because I love musicals and this season did GREAT incorporating songs into it. Yet, it didn’t do so hot in the mystery/sleuthing department; season 2 did a much better job at that. In fact, most of the issues fall in the format the show decided to adopt this season.
BRAND NEW FORMAT
This season, OMITB did something interesting with their episodes where they would almost focus on a “suspect” for a good bit of the episode, like a mini origin story. Personally, I didn’t like this format. It felt too much like filler for me in the overall investigation. I wanted to yell, “LOOK AT THE OBVIOUS, PLEASE!” many times throughout the season because this mini origin story format doesn’t allow much time for sleuthing. I understand the need to plant fake and real seeds, but this only serves to detract from the main focal point, which is the mystery, which is something I keep repeating, because I wanted season 4 to get back to the mystery sleuthing. Of course, there is sleuthing that happens, but this season decided to focus more on developing our characters further rather than focusing on who actually did it. But I will say whenever the sleuthing does happen, it does scratch that murder mystery itch every time.
I can’t say much without getting into spoiler territory, but just know that there was barely any podcasting this season. I very much missed the podcast angle. I mean, they tried to keep some of it in, but it wasn’t nearly enough and that’s what makes OMITB OMITB!
THE WRITING
The overall writing is a bit all over the place this season. A LOT happens this season to the point where it feels a tad overstuffed with bits that either never got a payoff or whose payoffs were a bit weak. We spent a LOT of time with our favorite trio separated or off in pairs at a time, which felt almost wrong. I understand the need to add some tension and drama, but with a season already SO full with stacked casting, random storylines, and a seemingly large suspect list but in actuality is quite small, we don’t really have the time to have conflicts with the trio. WE WANT TO SEE THEM TOGETHER, PLEASE.
I just think we spend a little too much time in the trio’s personal lives that, honestly, we have gotten in the past already. We are here, yes, for Mabel, Charles, and Oliver, but we have seen Mabel deal with TWO relationships previously, do we REALLY need to rehash for a third, potentially a FOURTH in season 4? Oliver is a change because he’s not had a love interest before, but Charles’ storyline with Joy wasn’t great; poor Joy.
I sound harsh, but that’s because I like what I like, and though I liked the season, I never came to LOVE it like I did the first two seasons… at least until the VERY END. That and the SONGS.
AMAZING SONGS
Yes, THE SONGS!! We get THREE really great songs, very theatrical, and we even get to see one of them performed by the entire cast, it was AWESOME. Steve Martin and Meryl Streep both have a song. I won’t say who gets the third one because it’s part of a punchline and it was such a surprise gag moment for me, I LOVED it! But if I were to rate the songs, it would be,
- Look for the Light
- Creatures of the Night
- Which of the Pickwick Triplets Did It
FAVORITE PERFORMANCE
I mentioned Meryl Streep. Yes, mother does have a recurring role this season, and she, obviously it goes without saying, WIPES THE FLOOR with EVERYONE. Her song is my absolute favorite. I do hope we get to see more of her next season. What a delight to have had her a part of this cast! The rest of the cast also did great, but, come on, it’s Meryl Streep.
SPOILER FREE CONCLUSION
All in all, I think this season will either jive with you or it won’t. There’s very little in-between. Like I said, I enjoyed the ride, but I am not sure if I liked the format they chose to tell the story this season. The classic humor is still present and the trio, whenever they’re together, always manages to make me smile. Once again, Mother Meryl does FANTASTIC and steals the entire show. But let me tell you what, the FINAL SCENE… Broke. My. Heart.
MY RATING
I give Only Murders in the Building Season 3 an 8.5; in contrast to Season 2 which I have a 9, and Season 1 which I gave a perfect 10. Let me know your rating for Only Murders in the Building Seasons in the comments below.