Emmy categorizations continue to baffle critics and viewers alike. Many of the year’s most nominated dramas, such as The White Lotus, Succession, and Bad Sisters, are regarded more as satires with dramatic undertones. Similarly, several of the most nominated comedies, like Barry, The Bear, and Ted Lasso, have taken on a more dramatic tone in their recent seasons. This blurring of genre lines has sparked debates about the appropriateness of such categorizations.
One example of a show that defies easy categorization is Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building. While it may not be classified as a drama, the third season of the show delves into introspective themes of loneliness amidst a crowded city. Set in a bustling apartment complex of New York City, the characters, who form a theater troupe and consider themselves a found family, grapple with the isolation that can accompany urban living. This exploration of loneliness has always been present in the show, but it takes center stage in the latest season.
The comedy in Only Murders in the Building, on the other hand, struggles to find its footing. The jokes rely heavily on callbacks to previous seasons, resulting in a sense of repetition rather than freshness. Additionally, the humor aimed at the Broadway community often comes across as shallow and reliant on insider references. While the cast, which includes Martin Short, Meryl Streep, Selena Gomez, and Steve Martin, brings their comedic talents to the table, the material they have to work with sometimes falls flat.
The core plot of the third season revolves around a murder mystery set in a Broadway revival. When the leading man dies on opening night, suspicions arise among the cast members. The suspects include a social media influencer, an understudy, a struggling actress, a co-star, and more. Each episode focuses on a single suspect, with the structure of the show playing out like an Agatha Christie novel. However, the mystery fails to be as engaging as it could be, and it becomes challenging to invest in the characters and their motivations.
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Despite its shortcomings, Only Murders in the Building manages to maintain its appeal through its dramatic elements. The tentative love story between Martin Short and Meryl Streep’s characters brings a sweet melancholy to the show. Martin’s performance as a director plagued by regrets is heartfelt, particularly in scenes with his grouchy neighbor played by Jackie Hoffman. Selena Gomez shines in her role as Mabel, capturing the character’s frustration and sarcasm with impeccable delivery.
Ultimately, Only Murders in the Building struggles with juggling multiple genres and fulfilling all its ambitions. It attempts to blend comedy, mystery, and drama but falls short in certain areas. However, the show’s exploration of loneliness and its strong performances from the cast make it an entertaining watch, at least for the time being. As the Emmy categorizations continue to confound, shows like Only Murders in the Building serve as a reminder that genre distinctions can often be nebulous and subjective.
