“Only Murders in the Building” — Season 2 review
The sophomore season of “Only Murders in the Building” has definitely cemented the show as one of the best modern mystery shows, as well as one of the best comedy shows that is airing right now.
“Only Murders in the Building” is a show that is meticulously written — even tiny details can end up being important later.
Season 2 of “Only Murders” gives even further proof of the great things that come from adding Selena Gomez to the iconic comedy duo of Steve Martin and Martin Short. This decision was criticized and questioned heavily at the beginning, but Gomez continues to prove that this casting decision was a true stroke of genius.
Gomez delivers a performance this season that is undoubtedly the best of her acting career. Season 2 gives us a more intimate look at her mysterious character, Mabel Mora, and her tendency to keep her life private. This tendency of Mabel allows Gomez to do something she does very well: play a character who is hiding something.
Martin and Short do exactly what is always expected from the pair: make viewers really feel like the characters are their old friends. This is a comedy duo who has done work together for almost 40 years, and their chemistry is undeniable. Their two characters are very different, and they balance each other out well.
Season 2 picks up right where the first season left off, with the murder of Bunny Folger, the mean-spirited board president of the Arconia. As the episodes continue, the audience gets a better look at her life, and the events of the day she was murdered. More information about the Arconia itself is also revealed.
This time, however, it is the three main characters who are suspects in the murder. Mabel is the number one suspect, as she was found covered in blood with Bunny’s dead body in her apartment at the end of Season 1.
Detective Krepps (Michael Rapaport) is especially sure that Mabel is guilty of the murder and dedicates himself to bringing her down. These accusations against Mabel make it hard for the trio to attempt to solve the crime.
There are a few guest stars this season as well, including Cara Delevigne and Amy Schumer. Schumer, who plays herself, is a new resident of the building, while Delevigne plays Alice, an enigmatic artist who befriends Mabel.
Another highlight is that Tina Fey, who plays the famous podcaster Cinda Canning, has a bigger role this season, which is exciting for comedy fans everywhere. The audience learns more about Cinda and her awkward assistant, Poppy, throughout this season.
The audience is also introduced to some new characters. Bunny’s mother (Shirley MacLaine) is a particularly exciting guest star to see on the screen. Another character that is introduced is Lucy, who was revealed in Season 1 to be the young daughter of Charles’ ex-lover. Lucy and her mother had lived with him in the Arconia before the start of the first season.
The first season of this show was incredibly strong, and the second season carried that momentum on with ease. There are so many unexpected twists and turns, and each episode makes it feel as though you’re in the walls of The Arconia itself, watching it all unfold.
Overall, this season was an even better continuation of a show that exceeds expectations, and Season 3 is already highly anticipated.
Rating: 5/5
Izzy Charboneau is a second-year majoring in journalism. To contact her, email ijc5186@psu.edu.
