Hulu's Only Murders in the Building opens with a bang, or perhaps more
accurately, a scream. A pre-credit sequence sets the stage for a classic
whodunit, with masked intruders storming through a luxurious Upper West Side
apartment building. The scene cuts to a different part of the building where
Steve Martin's Charles Haddock and Martin Short's Oliver Putnam stumble upon a
shocking sight: Selena Gomez's Mabel Mora hovering over a lifeless body, her
chic white turtleneck stained crimson. The stage is set, and the viewer is
immediately captivated by this unlikely trio and their entanglement in a
mysterious death.
The narrative then shifts two months prior, introducing us to the core characters through a series of vignettes showcasing their daily lives in New York City. Charles, a former television star best known for his role as the titular Brazzos, is a man clinging to the remnants of his fame. His days are filled with mundane routines - meticulously organizing his fridge, cooking eggs, and hoping for a career resurgence. Beneath the affable exterior lies a secret: he once shared the Arconia with a partner named Lucy, a fact he carefully conceals.
Mabel, a young woman with a sharp wit and a troubled past, is a stark contrast to Charles. Her world is shrouded in mystery, with a penchant for true crime documentaries and a recurring nightmare involving the brutal murder of a faceless man. She lives in her aunt's Arconia apartment, a space she's been promising to renovate but has yet to start. Her tough exterior masks a deep-seated anxiety, and a secret connection to the building's deceased resident will later be revealed.
Oliver, a flamboyant and eccentric Broadway producer, is the life of the party. His days are a whirlwind of failed projects and financial woes, yet he maintains an unwavering optimism. His love for the theater is palpable, as evidenced by his frequent references to Annie. Beneath the surface, however, lies a desperate man struggling to maintain his lavish lifestyle.
The three characters converge at the Arconia, their paths crossing during a building evacuation. A shared interest in the popular true crime podcast "All Is Not Okay in Oklahoma" becomes an unexpected bond. When a resident named Tim Kono is found dead, the trio, convinced of their detective abilities, sets out to uncover the truth.
The episode cleverly establishes the characters' motivations and backstories, while simultaneously introducing the central mystery. Charles's desire for relevance, Mabel's search for purpose, and Oliver's financial desperation are all intertwined with their shared obsession with true crime. The Arconia itself becomes a character, a microcosm of New York City with its own secrets and hidden agendas.
As the episode unfolds, the audience is treated to a masterclass in comedic timing and character development. The chemistry between Martin, Short, and Gomez is undeniable, their witty banter and playful interactions creating a sense of camaraderie that is both endearing and hilarious. The show's exploration of the true crime genre is both satirical and insightful, highlighting the public's fascination with real-life tragedies while also questioning the ethics of such obsession.
Only Murders in the Building successfully blends humor, mystery, and character-driven storytelling to create a captivating and engaging premiere. The episode leaves viewers eagerly anticipating the next installment, eager to unravel the secrets of the Arconia and the enigmatic characters who inhabit it.