Previously on Only Murders in the Building, the gang are outplayed by their billionaire suspects and lose the ability to continue their podcast. At least the setback doesn’t hinder their investigation into the death into their friend Lester.
It is interesting this season how the series uses the Arconia as a reflection of our world today. Last week, Only Murders in the Building featured a class war between the extremely wealthy versus regular people. In this episode, it covers the automation of the working class. The new robot has the staff of the building on edge since the new doorman can do their jobs more efficiently at a cheaper cost. Though the spectacle of their concerns and the situation are used for comedic effect, much of what they say is true tapping into our modern day issues.
The team turns their investigation towards Nicky Caccimelio’s wife, Sophia, and the opportunity allows Charles to turn on his charm. You have to admire Steve Martin’s commitment to dad-like awkwardness. His character plays an entertaining and silly, yet impressive, game of seduction that feels very on brand. For her part, Téa Leoni matches the energy making the scenes work.
Whereas Charles comes off as dorky as ever, the events helps build the mysterious aura around Sophia. Like with the billionaires before, Charles is once again duped. The outlandish nature of the date creates a false sense of security, allowing the impact of the closing twist to hit harder. There is so much more behind the dead mobster’s wife and she has an intriguing collaborator.
There are some aspects of “Tongue Tied” that Only Murders in the Building could have developed more. We all know Oliver is starting a new chapter in his life now that he’s married, but the idea of him leaving the Arconia seems to be brought up out of nowhere. Sure it produces some conflict within the group, but there could have been more breadcrumbs in place that could have made that leap much less large.
Also, what’s the deal with the mayor? He shows up at the most random times to say hello and ask to be on the podcast. There isn’t anything else of significance that occurs with him, and you don’t have the role played by a name such as Keegan-Michael Key to have it not matter. There isn’t a clear endgame unless it results with the mayor guesting on the podcast in the finale.
This week’s episode uses the silliness to cover real world issues and to create the aura of mystery surrounding a key person of interest.
New episodes of Only Murders in the Building release Tuesdays on Hulu.
You must be logged in to post a comment.