Just when you thought the Westies were a bunch of harmless eccentrics, the previous Only Murders in the Building redirected suspicions towards the other Arconia residents. Is this weird bunch Sazz’s killers?
“Lifeboat” brings added insight on the Westies and the mysterious Dudenoff. More interesting is how the episode plays with the credibility of these suspects. The residents of the West Tower continuously are caught in lie after lie. Not to mention, in the key flashback, the dialog and situation seems so robotic and forced, it makes you feel it can’t be real. The charade demonstrates how big of a secret they are hiding.
In general, Charles, Oliver, and Mabel, along with their actor counterparts, run a compelling interrogation providing enough surprises as the Westies have lies. The biggest twist, that only Only Murders in the Building can deliver, is dramatically delivered with gravitas, and even a little comedy with the call back.
The comparisons between the main trio and the occupants of the West Tower provide emotional weight to the situation. The episode hammers home the lone weirdos who find a family aspect for both groups, and how they finally feel they belong. Just instead of a love for real crime podcasts, it’s an interest of film. The funhouse mirror reflections of each other allow our protagonists to show the suspects compassion.
Despite the enthralling confrontation between the two Arconia sides, the episode feels long winded and drawn out. Some of the jokes fall flat including the A Few Good Men speech, and the subplots are more filler than actual development. Charles’ struggles with his emotions are an afterthought and his big blowup comes at an inopportune time that deflates the mood and brings any momentum to a screeching halt.
Similarly, the cliffhanger ending of this episode of Only Murders in the Building is treated like a throwaway line rather than giving it the proper attention it deserves. At least it should finally close the book on the Westies as suspects, and allows us to finally strap in for the ride towards the real killer in these final two episodes.
“Lifeboat” delivers a compelling confrontation between the two Arconia groups that reflects upon the power of found family.
New episodes of Only Murders in the Building release Tuesdays on Hulu.
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