Similar to a majority of society, the characters of “Only Murders in the Building” are
obsessed with true crime—that is, until they are involved in a case themselves. The
show premiered the first three episodes on the streaming service Hulu Aug. 31.
In the first five minutes of the series, the show introduces the three main characters:
Charles-Haden Savage, Oliver Putnam and Mabel Mora, portrayed by Steve Martin,
Martin Short and Selena Gomez, respectively. Savage is a former actor who once
played a detective on a television series. Similarly, Putnam is a Broadway director.
Mora, however, does not work within the entertainment industry. Instead, she claims
that she is residing in the Arconia building—wherein the show is set—to renovate an
apartment for her aunt.

The characters are also all struggling, which makes them more relatable to audience
members. Moreover, when the three of them meet in the elevator, they awkwardly
interact with each other, which enhances the realism.

The theme song is short and sounds upbeat, as well as mysterious, which further
alludes to the crime. More so, the theme song is accompanied by animated footage
depicting Savage, Putnam and Mora in their respective apartments. While audiences
tend to fast forward through theme song sequences, that of “Only Murders in the
Building” sets the tone of the comedy-mystery and builds suspense for audience
members.

As the character Tom Kono approaches the others on the elevator, tension builds as he
talks on the phone about a mysterious package and carries a trash bag on the other
hand.

From there, the show switches to scenes of the three characters in their apartments,
listening to the fictional true crime podcast “All Is Not Okay in Oklahoma,” which further
connects the characters. Then, as an alarm sounds, Savage, Putnam and Mora reunite
as they talk about the podcast, asking each other about what is in Bo’s mouth. The
characters’ interactions with each other are awkward, yet humorous, which adds some
lightheartedness to the mystery.

When a resident of the Arconia Building is found dead, the three of them sneak upstairs
on the freight elevator and discover that the deceased is Kono, whom the police
theorize committed suicide.

The show uses music to build suspense, especially as the three main characters
approach the elevator to meet with each other. In the elevator, they spend their time
theorizing about Kono, specifically focusing on the events that they witnessed prior to
his death.

Even though the characters have recently met, the show takes the time to build
connections between the characters as Savage talks about his acting career with Mora,
Putnam opens up about his financial issues with his son and Mora discusses her past
with her former friends, the Hardy Boys, with Savage. Meanwhile, as they bond with
each other in their investigation of Kono’s death, other secrets begin to reveal
themselves, such as Mora’s connection to Kono and her reason for residing in the building, Putnam’s financial issues and Savage’s connection to a woman by the name
of Lucy.
The show “Only Murder in the Building” starts off slow; however, it allows the audience
to become acquainted with the characters, as well as introduce the characters to each
other. More so, it builds suspense through pauses, which draws in the audience.
Even the addition of the characters working on a podcast together adds an intriguing
element as Savage, Putnam and Mora try to solve Kono’s mysterious death.
The show takes risks as it adds humor to the mystery, but with a cast of Martin, Short
and Gomez, it works effortlessly. For those looking for a lighthearted mystery, “Only
Murders in the Building” is the show to watch.

To solve the mystery behind Kono’s death and the other characters’ secrets, tune in to
watch “Only Murders in the Building” on Hulu.