This piece was written during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Without the labor of the actors currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.
The Only Murders in the Building Season 3 finale is here! The final installment in the crime series boasts a wondrously heartfelt, yet riveting story that spotlessly closes the chapter on Ben Glenroy’s murder. A smattering of charisma alongside some rather poignant moments makes “Opening Night” the perfect formula to remind its audience of everything this show leads in. Already renewed for a fourth season, season three goes out in the grandest possible way.
*Warning: Spoilers ahead for the Only Murders in the Building Season 3 finale*
The Chemistry Between Oliver and Loretta Makes the Only Murders in the Building Season 3 Finale an Enchanting Viewing
The Only Murders in the Building Season 3 finale begins in the most joyous nature! It’s opening night for ‘Death Rattle Dazzle’ and the leading cast stands around a suspect board ready to debrief. In true Only Murders fashion, Oliver (Martin Short) enacts the season’s standard practice and breaks the fourth wall with a characteristically witty quip, “I’ve had like six heart attacks this season, Charles, can we move past the shitty review and just recap what we know?” Loretta (Meryl Streep) temporarily joins the ensemble in their investigation, now cleared of any charges.
Though, her focus is elsewhere as she plans to tell Dickie (Jeremy Shamos) the true nature of their relationship. Streep depicts a nervous excitement to share this bond with her long-lost son so beautifully. This character arc for the pair is one of the strongest in the show to date — it’s original and unfailingly strikes numerous heartstrings over the ten-episode run.
Loretta performs her solo in ‘Look for the Light’ (the show’s most beautiful piece of music) and then approaches Dickie who is watching in the wings. The pair share a tender moment in which Dickie informs his mother “It’s like you were calling to me, like the lighthouse”. Streep and Shamos’ performances are unquestionably one of the many highlights of this episode. Their performance is so raw, and the build-up to this moment is more authentic for it.
The Curtain Rises For the Cast of ‘Death Rattle Dazzle’ in the Only Murders in the Building Season 3 Finale
Investigations are implemented during Oliver’s opening night. Pursuing the prior week’s lead, the trio constructs a ploy to lure Donna (Linda Emond) into a confession. However, their plans are thwarted when she confesses without prompt. The group is seemingly disappointed in Donna’s revelation when, in a moment that’s quite meta, they create cue cards to direct them to a confession as they’re reasonably out of practice.
It’s moments like this one, and later when Oliver must take the reins to perform as the leading man and save his play, that the show radiates the most enjoyment. Witnessing Short, Steve Martin (Charles), and Streep take to the stage in Oliver’s musical is so entertaining. It’s understandably clear the entire cast is having fun in the creative freedom of their roles and bounce off each other remarkably. This filters into the show to create an engaging triumph.
As predicted last episode, writers Steve Martin and John Hoffman entertain one last twist. Donna reveals she is in the early phases of stage four lung cancer and only wants to protect her son — who is truly Ben Glenroy’s (Paul Rudd) killer. This season is bursting with the most wonderful parallels, and this mirrors her earlier choice to take the heat for Dickie, as there is “nothing you won’t do for your child.”
It serves as a reminder of the narrative’s intricate details. Cliff (Wesley Taylor) moves to the rafters during the show and threatens to jump in the wake of his confession before Donna comes to his rescue and the pair are arrested. It’s once again, another touching moment that expertly weaves comedic threads in without taking away from the gravity of the situation.
What’s Coming Next for Arconia and What Will Only Murders in the Building Season 4 Look Like?
Ultimately, the Only Murders in the Building Season 3 finale is a well-paced spectacle that embodies the magic of the theater into honest and heartfelt charm. Weaving musical theater into this season is a wonderful addition. Finally obtaining his rave review for ‘Death Rattle Dazzle’, Oliver and his friends celebrate their success. Loretta and Tobert (Jesse Williams) are offered huge opportunities in L.A. and make the decision to leave the Big Apple, leaving their return for a fourth season open.
The party is in full swing when Charles’ old friend and stunt double, Sazz (Jane Lynch) joins the gathering. The trio is ecstatic to see her, and it sets up a major shock. Charles announces he’s going to fetch some wine from his apartment when a shot goes off and knocks the figure to the ground. A moment later Charles asks his friends “What’s taking her so long?”, unbeknownst to the partygoers downstairs Sazz has been shot dead.
The new victim for season four is revealed! A death that takes place in the Arconia is sure to see the OliMabel trio working together on their ‘Only Murders’ podcast once more. Whatever happens, after three successful seasons, it’s certain that Only Murders in the Building Season 4 will produce another trailblazing series of TV.
All episodes of Only Murders in the Building Season 3 are now streaming on Hulu and Disney+. Follow the Agents of Fandom socials for more Only Murders in the Building content.
OMITB Season 3 Finale Review
OMITB Season 3 Finale ReviewThe Good
- Musical theatre is a genius addition
- Outstanding guest stars and performances
- A beautifully, intriguing plot throughout
The Bad
- No Teddy Dimas (Nathan Lane)!
