We visit a new part of the Arconia on this week's Only Murders in the Building.
Last week, Only Murders in the Building returned with an all new mystery. In the closing moments we found out the fate of Hollywood stunt person, Sazz Pataki. In "Gates of Heaven," Charles is having a hard time dealing with the news, but the investigation must go on.
SLIGHT SPOILERS AHEAD.
The episode does a good job of humanizing the victim. Though we've been introduced to Sazz before, we receive a clearer picture of how she ticks via interview footage from her past. Though Sazz's career keeps her out of the spotlight, we see a confident person who happens to have life figured out. Jane Lynch, is charming as usual bringing sincerity and earnestness. Plus, she can expertly deliver some great one liners. But the biggest thing you walk away with is how devoted and close she is with Charles.
For his part, we also sense how much Sazz meant to Charles as he copes with the loss and how he has hallucinatory conversations with his close friend. A simple anecdote about a weekly poker game speaks volumes to their relationship. In addition, the visions of the deceased reflects on the mental state of the Brazzos star that even his podcast partners begin to worry. That's why some of the silliness revolving around Sazz's remains feel inopportune and take away from the seriousness and emotions.
Usually, Only Murders in the Building can handle its outlandish moments, but the appearance of one of Charles' old flames doesn't quite hit the mark. Her presence provides some exposition on Sazz's final days and also caters to Mabel and Oliver's concerns of their unstable friend, but it plays too much into shock factor that it distracts from its real purposes.
The investigation takes an interesting turn when the trajectory of the bullet leads our heroes to the West Tower. It's an opportunity to further expand upon the mythology of the Arconia exploring a never before seen area. The West Tower is a stark contrast to what we're familiar with, playing on class differences (they're renters). The residents give off a slightly uncomfortable vibe with their secrecy. Though they are very hospitable, there is something odd about them.
The West Tower is an example of when Only Murders in the Building successfully utilizes the silliness in manner that naturally fits the story. The residents' idiosyncrasies help add to the tension and danger surrounding Mabel and Oliver. It is eventually used for comic relief, but is peculiar enough to raise questions and rouse suspicions surrounding the Westies.
The episode does a good job humanizing the victim garnering more sympathy while building upon the mythology of the Arconia by introducing the deeply suspicious and weird residents of the West Tower.