‘Only Murders in the Building’ Season 4, Episode 1 Recap & Review: Bye Bye Arconia

Warning: Spoilers ahead for Only Murders in the Building Season 4, Episode 1, “Once Upon a Time in the West.”

One of the most beloved trios in television is back and better than ever as Mabel Mora (Selena Gomez), Oliver Putnam (Martin Short), and Charles-Haden Savage (Steve Martin) return for another mystery with Only Murders in the Building Season 4. The first episode picks up immediately where Season 3 concludes, following the death of Charles’ stunt double and friend, Sazz Pataki (Jane Lynch).

In addition to a shocking new mystery, the latest installment changes the setting and brings in a plethora of exciting guest stars. The first episode sets the tone for the new season, which is already becoming a must-watch television show like its prior seasons. Check out all the details from our Only Murders in the Building Season 4, Episode 1 recap below!

“Once Upon a Time in the West” Investigates the Death of Sazz Pataki

The episode begins with an adorable montage of home videos from the cast’s youth. It’s a beautiful introduction to the new series, as the childhood videos are odes to the cast’s creative beginnings and appear as though they could actually be for the characters they are playing. Immediately upon their conclusion, the story picks up where last season left off, and the clues leading to Sazz’s murder already begin to appear.

Oliver, Charles, and Mabel are celebrating the conclusion of Charles’ play from last season, as a power surge causes a brief blackout. The trio notes how a surge like that hasn’t happened since the building’s incinerator was shut down years ago, and quickly moves on to note how Sazz has yet to return from Charles’ appointment with their wine. However, when they enter Charles’ apartment to check on her, the body is gone, and the murder has been cleaned up. For the first time in the series, Only Murders in the Building Season 4, Episode 1 introduces a murder without a body.

‘Only Murders in the Building’ Is Back With a Brand-New Setting

With Sazz still nowhere to be seen, Charles texts her to find out why she left the party. Surprisingly, despite the audience knowing she has died, Charles receives a text from her phone, claiming she had to take an urgent trip back to Los Angeles. Despite Charles suspecting foul play, the gang gets the opportunity of a lifetime as they learn Paramount Pictures wants to adapt their podcast into a Hollywood movie. They embark on a trip to the City of Angels in Only Murders in the Building Season 4, Episode 1, killing two birds with one stone as they meet with Paramount and attempt to check in on Sazz.

Unfortunately, Sazz’s well-being takes a back seat as the meeting with Paramount is the first priority. The group is introduced to Paramount exec Bev Melon (Molly Shannon), who attempts to wow them into signing away their life rights. Their potential movie is much further along than Mabel, Charles, or Oliver realized, with a script, directors, a budget, and even a cast they will meet later in the night.

All that remains before filming begins is for them to sign away their life rights for the right price. Although Charles and Oliver have experience in the industry, they fumble every attempt to make a deal, and it’s Mabel who successfully secures the money they want to make the movie work in Only Murders in the Building Season 4, Episode 1.

Zach Galifianakis, Eva Longoria, & Eugene Levy Headline the Guest Stars in ‘OMITB’ Season 4

After a quick visit to Sazz’s apartment, the team realizes she hasn’t been home in weeks due to the obscene amount of mail outside her door. They return to the studio, where a party is being thrown in their honor. They’re finally introduced to the cast, and find out Zach Galifianakis, Eva Longoria, and Eugene Levy will be playing Oliver, Mabel, and Charles, respectively. Although the casting of Eva throws off Mabel while Charles and Eugene begin a bromance, it’s Oliver and Zach who take center stage with a terrible first impression.

The former filmmaker and actor couldn’t be more different, as the issues between them provide hilarious comedic moments throughout Only Murders in the Building Season 4, Episode 1. Thankfully, Loretta Durkin (Meryl Streep) arrives to greet Oliver to break the tension, and the two share a moment that almost leads to Charles proposing to her. However, Charles feels self-conscious due to Loretta’s newfound success, which causes him to choke, beginning a trend of imposter syndrome that will rear its head throughout the new season.

‘Only Murders in the Building’ Season 4, Episode 1 Review: A Near Perfect Premiere

After the party, Charles, Oliver, and Mabel return to Sazz’s apartment and break in to investigate. Their suspicions are confirmed, as no one has been inside in weeks. Charles texts her phone to find out who is really on the other line, and his worst fears come to light. The mysterious person answers, “Not Your Fucking Friend” to his query about who is there, and the plot thickens to conclude Only Murders in the Building Season 4, Episode 1.

They receive a phone call from their building mate Howard (Michael Cyril Creighton), who helps them put all the pieces together. They ask him to check the incinerator they noted from earlier in the episode, where he finds the former stuntwoman’s metal joints, and the murder of Sazz Pataki is confirmed. With a new foe, great comedy, and a more mysterious murder than ever, Only Murders in the Building Season 4 is off to an incredibly hot start.

Only Murders in the Building streams weekly every Tuesday on Hulu and Disney+ internationally. Follow the Agents of Fandom socials for all the latest entertainment news and reviews.