As season four of Only Murders in the Building winds down, it’s about that time to start discovering who the real killer is. After multiple misdirects including the residents of the West Tower and the Brothers sisters, we finally start to find real answers in “Escape from the Planet Klongo.”
The episode does a good job building the aura of mystery. During the flashback scenes, the killer’s face is never revealed nor do we hear their voice. That way it can keep you guessing amongst the multitude of characters we’ve met so far. The teases also provide the first steps of the slow build up to the big reveal.
Though the path is long and convoluted, Only Murders in the Building expertly crafts the dramatic reveal. The use of two locations and the jumping back and forth ratchets up the suspense, and when we finally discover their identity, it adds another level of peril and intrigue. The perfect way to segue into the finale although it seems overdone to use the female character to emphasize the danger. It’s like she’s a damsel in distress.
As the title implies, there is also a sillier side to “Escape from the Planet Klongo.” The series continues its ribbing of Hollywood as a lead sends our trio into a movie production. We have an amusing look behind the scenes as an extra. Martin Short finds many opportunities to ham it up during rehearsals, and we get the hilarious but a little disturbing sight of both Short and Steve Martin in tight motion capture suits.
Behind the foolishness, we receive a deeper exploration of Charles and Oliver’s relationship. Their dynamic is changing with the latter’s engagement and Charles has serious concerns of being left behind or becoming a third wheel. It’s a rare moment of honesty that is touching and Charles admits his awkwardness around people. Oliver’s reassurances and kind gesture are equally moving further solidifying their friendship.
Only Murders in the Building also delivers one of its more entertaining cameos. They are very fitting for a season focused on filmmaking and they are a good sport willing to play along with the gags from their past. It also plays with the whole credibility of Oliver referenced earlier in the season and the secret behind his celebrity stories especially how outlandish his inside joke is with the guest star. Plus, the appearance isn’t gratuitous just for show, but they play an intricate part in the killer reveal.
Season four’s penultimate episode has a sweet moment between Charles and Oliver and an exceptional guest star, but it’s the big killer reveal and cliffhanger that has the biggest impact.
New episodes of Only Murders in the Building release Tuesdays on Hulu.
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