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ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING - “Silver Alert” - MARTIN SHORT
Photo: Patrick Harbron/Disney

Television

‘Only Murders in the Building’ season 5 episode 7 review: Brilliant situational humor but lackluster confrontation

It’s billionaires versus our heroes round 2 on Only Murders in the Building.

The battle between the billionaires and our humble crew on Only Murders in the Building became even more personal when tech giant Bash Steed catfished Charles. That incident leads to a round two between both sides in “Silver Alert.”

The episode has some great situational humor. It continues its analysis of the ultra wealthy with a simple game of Celebrity. The names the billionaires receive are all some of the world’s worst people, yet they have a personal connection to each one since they all run in the same circles. The stories are funny but random and show the billionaires are definitely not like us.

The same game also demonstrates how close of a relationship the Only Murders in the Building trio have. Oliver’s uneasiness confronting their powerful adversaries causes a rift within the group and he leaves them to the wolves. Imagine Charles and Mabel’s shock when they draw Broadway as their Celebrity category and don’t have their theater aficionado. Though they have a rough start, they find their groove all due to Oliver’s personal anecdotes and gossip he’s shared in the past. They actually spent the time to listen to their friend’s ramblings and in a way, he saves the day.

ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING - “Silver Alert” - RENÉE ZELLWEGER
Photo: Patrick Harbron/Disney

In another way, Oliver also saves the day. He rides in on his white horse to whisk away his friends from the billionaires. It’s a very Oliver heroic moment since in actuality, he rides a bulldozer barely moving faster than a brisk walk. In the very end, he couldn’t abandon his friends. Also playing with the amusing situational comedy is Oliver’s encounter with Bash’s neighbors. As he explains his circumstances as we know of to be true, it comes off as a mad man babbling nonsense. It’s no wonder the neighbors considered taking him to a mental hospital. In retrospect, our main trio have had a bunch of silly experiences.

Other than the game of Celebrity, the rematch between the billionaires and our crew disappointed. It could have been more dramatic with evil henchmen about and more dangerous situations, but it was more low key and mostly the six of them. You would expect more animosity from Charles when he confronts Bash considering the catfishing, However, it turns the tides and makes the adversary more sympathetic due to his attempts at being a good father. In addition, Only Murders in the Building is trying to push this romance angle between Mabel and Jay Pflug, but it’s hard to to make it believable. Chemistry can’t develop if they hardly have any screen time together. 

Though the confrontation between the billionaires and our heroes underwhelmed, the situational comedy of “Silver Alert” is entertaining enough to compensate.

New episodes of Only Murders in the Building release Tuesdays on Hulu.

ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING - “Silver Alert” - MARTIN SHORT
Only Murders in the Building S 5 E 7 review: 'Silver Alert'
Though the confrontation between the billionaires and our heroes underwhelmed, the situational comedy of “Silver Alert” is entertaining enough to compensate.
Reader Rating0 Votes
0
The game of Celebrity both provided commentary on the ultra wealthy while also further solidifying the bond Charles, Mabel, and Oliver have.
The ability of Martin Short to make Oliver both punchline and hero.
The confrontation between the billionaires and our heroes lacked the drama and flair a showdown like that needed.
7.5
Good

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