“Only Murders in the Building” is a highly enjoyable series that effortlessly captures audience attention. The plot revolves around Charles (played by Steve Martin), Oliver (Martin Short), and Mabel (Selena Gomez), who are true-crime podcasters residing in the Arconia, a peculiar building where they also solve murders. The show cleverly explores the generational differences among the trio, using humor to highlight their unique friendship, which is strengthened by their shared and unconventional hobby. While the stakes are relatively low, the show compensates with a high density of jokes and an abundance of entertaining twists.
What adds to the light-hearted atmosphere is the constant flow of familiar faces making guest appearances. Charles, Oliver, and Mabel frequently come across wonderfully eccentric personalities during their investigations, including fellow Arconia tenants, long-lost relatives, and familiar neighborhood figures. Notable guest stars in the first two seasons include Nathan Lane, Tina Fey, Shirley MacLaine, and even Sting, many of whom become suspects in the murders.
Meryl Streep, the latest addition to the ensemble cast, proves to be the most intriguing guest star yet. Playing the character of Loretta Durkin, Streep portrays a struggling actress who has resided in a rundown apartment for years. Loretta finally gets her big break when she is cast in Oliver’s latest theatrical venture, “Death Rattle,” as he stages his comeback on Broadway. Streep’s Loretta exudes warmth wherever she appears, often reminding viewers of her childhood self through flashbacks, with her hair in braids and a shawl or cardigan draped around her shoulders. However, in the latest episode, she becomes the prime suspect in the murder of her castmate Ben, portrayed by Paul Rudd.
Loretta is not just another potential culprit played by a famous name; she becomes a captivating character in Streep’s capable hands. Streep masterfully portrays Loretta as both open and enigmatic, leaving viewers constantly questioning why she would be involved in the murder. Despite her dislike for Ben, she swiftly apologizes for speaking ill of the deceased. Loretta embodies the persona of a caring aunt while occasionally revealing glimpses of a more devious side, adding to the puzzle of her nature. In a standout scene from the recent episode, Loretta invents various scenarios explaining why she and Oliver never crossed paths until later in her career, each one more violent than necessary. This playful interaction intrigues Oliver, and it leaves the audience uncertain whether Loretta is simply flirting and enjoying the shared joint, or if she possesses a hidden cunning. Streep’s portrayal makes Loretta initially easy to decipher, until she isn’t.
Highlighting Streep’s exceptional performance may seem like an obvious statement, considering her numerous Oscar wins, especially after witnessing her pivotal role showcased in the season’s opening scene. However, it’s worth noting how previous guest stars have been used on the show. Some celebrities, like Sting, have played exaggerated versions of themselves, relying on their celebrity status for comedic effect. Others, like Rudd in this season, have portrayed hilariously caricatured characters, ensuring the mystery never feels overly dark or serious.
Streep could have settled for doing less to embody Loretta, but she goes beyond expectations. She humorously pokes fun at her own reputation as an actor, infusing Loretta with impeccable accent work. Yet, she also delves deeper into the character, infusing vulnerability into a solo ballad in Episode 3 and showcasing Loretta’s duality in confidence and fragility during a single scene. Streep clearly relishes the role, ensuring that Loretta is not just a collection of peculiarities. Informed by shattered dreams and unfulfilled desires, Loretta demonstrates that youthful aspirations and habits are not easily outgrown.
Occasionally, casting major stars can become a distraction in a series. Adding Streep to the second season of “Big Little Lies,” for instance, generated buzz but failed to mitigate the show’s descent into melodrama and convoluted storytelling. However, in “Only Murders in the Building,” Streep’s involvement serves to enhance the show’s strengths. Loretta becomes a complex suspect, an essential addition to the dynamic of the central trio, and a testament to the series’ ability to offer intricate character studies alongside entertaining murder mysteries. In other words, “Only Murders in the Building” grants Streep a role that matches her talent and provides viewers with a captivating and comforting season.
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