Only Murders in the Building season 4 episode 1 review: Not a dull moment in this Hollywood-infused return 

After a long wait (or it just feels long), Only Murders in the Building season 4 has finally premiered and brought with itself all the style and substance that has made this a critically acclaimed piece of work over the years. Though in its fourth season now, and we all know that murders and solving them can only be interesting for so long, the show seems to have lost none of its edge and with the first episode has already laid the foundation for another brilliant season.

Titled Once Upon a Time in the West, the first episode of Only Murders in the Building season 4 premiered on August 27, 2024. Thematically and stylistically unique, this episode took the viewers and the three protagonists, Mabel (Selena Gomez), Charles (Steve Martin), and Oliver (Martin Short) on a journey through Hollywood, sometimes even cleverly incorporating some commentary on modern Hollywood, while keeping the tone light and interesting.

Amidst the glitz and glam of the episode, it also managed to incorporate the murder mystery for this season by the end, giving us a perfect premiere.

All things considered, this seems like a show that refuses to lose its beauty and always finds ways to keep things interesting, even when it feels like that would be an impossible task. Read on for a full review of Only Murders in the Building season 4 episode 1.

---

Only Murders in the Building season 4 episode 1 is as good as any premiere should be

Few shows leave no opportunities to complain and Only Murders in the Building is quite far up that list. In the debut of the fourth season, the show cleverly shielded the protagonists from the knowledge that the fans possess about Sazz (Jane Lynch) getting shot, adding an intriguing dynamic to the story.

Instead, the first episode chose to focus on some Hollywood gimmicks that follow when Mabel, Oliver, and Charles are called by Paramount Pictures to make a movie. Their exploration of Hollywood, as well as the rapid status of the film's production, all seem to be a commentary on Hollywood in the age of streaming, where everything is prepared before the final decision is made.

Quite hilariously, the show also introduces the three actors slated to play Oliver, Mabel, and Charles. This gives an opportunity to the very talented trio of Eugene Levy (Charles), Zach Galifianakis (Oliver), and Eva Longoria (Mabel) to have some moments that would resonate with the fans.

There are plenty of hilarious scenarios littered throughout their visit to Paramount, with Charles' idea of negotiating to be one worth mentioning. These were enough to ensure that the show did not lose out its comedic edge.

All this is complemented by a running mystery, where Charles is unable to figure out why Sazz is absent. The episode also manages to incorporate Scott Bakula, whose name has popped up enough number of times in the past.

But by the final act of Only Murders in the Building season 4 episode 1, viewers are once again taken into the safe fold of the mystery that will dominate the rest of the season, the murder of Sazz.

Not only is this episode excellent with its treatment of characters, dialogues, and premise, but it also effortlessly changes tone as and when needed, breaking the monotony that one would expect from a show like this. Instead, the humor is fresh, the characters are as alluring, and the story is just getting started.

All in all, Only Murders in the Building season 4 episode 1 is a textbook example of a good premiere, and there is plenty to look forward to now.

---

Only Murders in the Building season 4 episode 1 and the three previous seasons are now streaming on Hulu. Stay tuned for more updates.