Only Murders in the Building (TV Series) Open and Shut (2021) User Reviews

Good ending

[asterblasterth · 9/10 · 19 October 2021]

I am hooked on this series. Everything in this show just hits all the right buttons for me. It was a great, albeit surprising, ending. It wasn't the obvious choice for me from the beginning. Had a good laugh about Steve Martin's speech to Jan in the basement (if you have watched it you know what I mean). Only thing that was a bit disappointing was the fact that they picked up the knife and ring without gloves. Overall it wasn't a big deal but I just noticed it when watching.

The ending is great because it means we're getting at least a second season. If they can keep up the quality I'll be for sure watching the 2nd season too.

Great job.

Wonderful World

[Hitchcoc · 10/10 · 20 October 2021]

It's so nice to feel good about something sparkling and original. This series came out of the blue. Steve Martin shows his comic genius by playing a straight role and nailing it. Don't get me wrong. He is still comedic but under great restraint. I thought the multiple story telling was very creative, though it didn't always hit home. The three cast member have great chemistry. I also thought the motives driving the plot worked very well. The other people in the building were quite interesting. Good setup for the next season.

What a funny, feel-good finale.

[mfmehmood · 10/10 · 19 October 2021]

The reveal from last episode came into play well. We get a satisfying ending to this story but also an intriguing start to the next. I loved Steve Martin and Martin Short way before this but seeing them in a TV show was great. Selena Gomez was surprisingly good and the story was interesting, never boring or for filler. Not gonna lie, it's one of my favorite shows that's come out in a while.

Tremendous finale to a tremendous season...

[Wililjam · 10/10 · 26 October 2021]

There were two episodes that really stuck out to me, "The Boy from 6B" and this episode. They were perfect.

The way they set up season 2 in the first and last episode, while simultaneously wrapping up this season in this episode. Brilliant stuff.

To say that I am excited for season 2 would be an understatement.

Only Tim Konos in the building!!

[Laqshayaroraofficial · 9/10 · 19 October 2021]

I really loved the finale episode, it was by far the best episode of this show. But I didn't like the scene where they all meet face to face with the killer and then what happens and that happened so easily... Last scene of this episode was super awesome. I started this show just because of Selena Gomez (Mabel) because I love her songs but surprisingly I liked Charles and Oliver even more. Also Jan was amazing!

Overall, I loved the concept, cast and the theme song. Waiting for Season 2.

Still so many questions!!

[rademacheralyssa · 10/10 · 19 October 2021]

Season 1 finished out so nicely, and glad that we finally figured out WHO KILLED TIM KONO (and how!) We got to see all of our characters briefly once more, and it was a nice spin having a voiceover by Tim.

But of course there was a cliffhanger at the end leading to so many more questions about another murder!!

What a finale

[ramo140 · 10/10 · 19 October 2021]

I am really blown away by this finale and the show overall. I expected to like it but i had no idea it would be this good.

It's a twisty mystery with a lot of jokes as well as physical humour. The main characters have amazing chemistry together. On top of that the show experiments with the storytelling and each episode is told from a different perspective.

If you are a fan of Steve Martin, I think this show will also blow you away. Best show on Disney plus so far.

Open and Shut

[Prismark10 · 9/10 · 15 April 2022]

A thrilling end of season conclusion. There is no doubt who the murderer is and more importantly. Will she get away with it?

Charles confronts the killer and think he is smart enough not to get poisoned.

Only to discover that there are a very few in the building willing to help a man in distress.

Oliver and Mabel also draw their own conclusions and go snooping.

The balance between thriller and comedy worked much better than it should have.

For the first time, Tim Kono gets to tell his own story.

I Love endings that make an another season

[moviesfilmsreviewsinc · 10/10 · 12 August 2022]

At long last, we know the true identity of Tim Kono's murder.

Only Murders In the Building Season 1 Episode 10 is the straightforward finale toa show that has taken more twists and turns than we ever imagined possible. T was Jan!!! Charles's sweet bassoonist girlfriend was the cold-blooded killer. What's more, she was also sleeping with Tim Kono -- up until two days earlier, when he had broken up with her. Amy Ryan did such a fantastic job as Jan, both in her initial quirky incarnation as well as her demented killer persona. The reasoning behind Jan killing Tim was that she hated being second -- she had found the emerald ring and thought he meant to give it to someone else. So, she poisoned him and shot him to make it looks like a suicide. This seems like an excessively brutal way to off someone, but Jan is clearly being painted as a psychopath. She's not the person we thought she was. As we learned from Sazz Potacki in Only Murders in The Building Season 1 Episode 9, this was a crime of passion. Jan loved Tim, but she also loves Charles. And she's now trying to gas the entire building to get away with it? It's just that the scorned-lover trope feels hackneyed and overdone -- and the show is better than that. Though, we did start the season with what we thought was an engagement ring -- maybe that actually was our first hint. How did Jan leave the note on the door without anyone seeing it? Where was Jan getting all these poisons? And if she hid the knife, why wouldn't she hide her poisons? And was there really so much in Tim's glass that his blood could kill Evelyn? Why was Jan so adamant about framing Howard when she could have just let everyone believe the Dimases did it? The answers to these questions don't really matter in the grand scheme of things. Jan did it, the case is open and shut. There are certainly some things to love about this final episode. Steve Martin's physical comedy is extremely goofy. Though he was poisoned and fighting for his life, Charles's tenacious spirit made for some hilarious visuals. The whole sequence gets very farcical with the many elevators going up and down and the doors opening and closing. His speech about the importance of his friends is heartfelt and poignant and certainly articulated one of the main themes of the show. It was just a shame (albeit a very funny one) that he didn't actually say any of it out loud. Having Tim Kono as the final narrator is a perfect choice. Julian Cihi does well inviting us into Tim's world, but it is all too brief. A little bit more of Tim and Jan's relationship wouldn't have gone amiss. Though it didn't feel like we truly got to know Tim Kono, that's not who the show was really about in the end.

Holy moly

[kamsmith-71543 · 10/10 · 19 October 2021]

What an ending I'm so reading for the next season. This was such a good episode. My main complaint was the the blowing up the building really didn't seem in place with the show but honestly they didn't focus on it much so I'm not bothered by it. I really loved that ending though can't wait.

A great finale and the best episode

[tanstorck · 9/10 · 20 October 2021]

This episode was the funniest of the season. There were a bunch of hilarious moments throughout and some surprisingly intense scenes. I am glad our main 3 characters made it out alive. Charles has some hope for love even though after dating a murderer (serial killer?) that tried to kill him. The episode ends on a major cliffhanger and leaves plenty of room for a season 2 mystery. I wonder if season 2 will take place in a prison.

A puzzling, surprising finale

[yavermbizi · 6/10 · 13 March 2022]

For the most part this episode is quite good. The reveal of the villain is cool, and there is the usual amount of quirky, well-written and well-directed moments. However the final confrontation is incredibly lame and poorly done, and doesn't really fit the show. Like, yeah, I guess our heroes act true to their characterisations, but Jan's strange plan, and her being so utterly helpless, somehow failing at the most basic situational awareness (Oliver was talking to Mabel literally a second before Jan stepped out!) as well as her fake fall from Mabel's punch just rubbed me the wrong way. So did some grammar/pronunciation mistakes by some characters. Charles' final sentiment is also kind of lame and cheapens his character a bit.

The episode's ending is really odd, I've got to say. In a way, the randomness and absurdity factor is good at grabbing one's attention - although knowing that there's going to be Season 2 kind of lessens that, because I can't imagine they'll follow this story to its expected, obvious conclusion (to the extent that anything in this strange twist ending is expected or obvious) - perhaps it would be better to just end the series on a puzzling note, with no follow-up. The acting didn't feel particularly strong either. But I guess it's cool to have an explanation for the flashforwards, as well as to finally see Mabel brutally murder somebody with her needle, as she had been hoping for so long.

I just have to wonder - if they don't actually cheaply drop this plotline, is Oscar going to be teaching Mabel the basics of prison life while she's out on bail or something (a comedic plotline angle) or will he abandon her by essentially going: "At least I wasn't a real murderer, whereas you'll get what you deserve!" (a dramatic angle). The latter could be strong, so long as they don't drop it to switch for the former midway.

Worst episode of the season

[matthewbrenwick · 3/10 · 20 October 2021]

We all guessed the killer by last episode (I hope) so there wasn't really any tension for the mystery in this one. As a result, the episode was mostly just fluff. The scene where Charles makes his impassioned speech but is revealed to still be under the influence was genuinely funny, but other than that there was nothing compelling in the episode. All that would be forgiven, but the episode took one turn so egregious it makes my blood boil.

Starting a series with one of the main characters covered in blood and promising that it will be explained should mean that the show will develop in such a way that this crazy circumstance makes sense within the narrative. This mystery framed the entire season and most of the tension within ...how can we trust Mabel if she eventually ends up covered in blood? Sure, she is helping with the podcast but since she is covered in blood by the end, clearly she is hiding something!....Is there some explanation? Was it an accident? ..........

Turns out none of that matters, because that is a problem for next season. This was all a ploy to create contrived tension and get us hooked. The show lied to us and thought the chemistry the leads develop throughout would compensate for a dishonest set-up that is never paid off. This is a lazy move that spits in the face of viewers. I still liked the show, but it will forever be tainted by this obvious manipulation.

Season One Review

[southdavid · 8/10 · 26 October 2022]

One for the "better late than never" pile here, as the Guardians top TV of 2021 list finally pointed me in the direction of Disney Plus Original (in the UK) "Only Murders in the Building". A charming and affable sitcom, that includes two comedy legends and a twisty meta plot.

Three true-crime podcast devotees, struggling actor Charles-Haden Savage (Steve Martin), down on his luck Director Oliver Putnam (Martin Short) and artist Mabel Mora (Selena Gomez) are delighted when a murder in their own apartment complex gives them a chance to conduct their own investigation and produce their own effort. Their inquiries undercover a myriad of secrets about their neighbours, but they are also keeping secrets about themselves, even from each other.

Tonally, it takes a little bit of getting used too. There are some farcical elements and physical comedy from both Martin and Short. There are various meta jokes as their podcast on the show "Only Murders in the Building" becomes popular and aspects of the podcast format are mirrored in the actual show. That Martin and Short are good was perhaps to be expected, but Gomez is perhaps the real surprise package (though she shouldn't be, she's been making interesting choices post Disney channel for years). She carries most of the heart of the series, as her relationship with the dead man is revealed. Her sardonic delivery works perfectly with her two, sillier co-stars too. You can also include legends like Tina Fey, Nathan Lane and Jane Lynch in the cast as well as good performances from Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Jayne Houdyshell and Amy Ryan.

Comedy is subjective, obviously and I can imagine that some people might not gel with that particular tone of the show. But it worked for me, and was linked to a logical and interesting case, which ends with an immediate cliff-hanger for the second season.

Outta left field - fabulously!

[unclehud · 10/10 · 22 August 2022]

We could see it coming, but certainly not that! Nice touches to tie up all the raveled loose ends. Believable, too.

Good to see two old-timers hanging with a newbie. Can't wait to start Season 2. Fingers crossed for Season 3.

Best Show on Hulu From Steve Martin & Company

[angela-61058 · 9/10 · 20 October 2021]

This is suspenseful funny dramatic and much much more. We love this series. Haven't missed an episode and we are really hoping there will be more than just this 10 episode run for this series. Great new series are hard to come by these days. This is one we will watch the the end and rewatch. Already waiting to find out if there will be more episodes with a new storyline. This is well worth the watch. Steve Martin Martin Short and Selena Gomez are a brilliant team in this who done it? I HIGHLY RECOMMEND. Its a great watch. Cant wait to see whats next for this series!!

Top Notch!

[dleflore63 · 10/10 · 20 October 2021]

Steve Martin has been top notch throughout this series, but he was in rare comedic form for the season finale. He was downright hilarious one minute, almost heartbreaking the next. And the physical comedy he performs in the elevator scenes are hysterical. Overall, this episode was very well written and well acted (kudos to the entire cast) and is not to be missed. The final scene is the perfect tease for season 2.

Pure delight

[djohnson-97143 · 9/10 · 24 October 2021]

I needed a while to get into the show, but by the third episode I was hooked and charmed by its warmth, humour and the wonderful chemistry between the three lead characters, and of course, by the comic genius that is Steve Martin.

Reminded me tonally of the equally binge-worthy "Kominsky Method" in its compassionate exploration of human foibles, the value of friendship and loneliness.

A second series in in production, apparently, which is great news.

10/10

[GracieLouFreebush87 · 10/10 · 21 October 2021]

I absolutely loved every minute of this show. It's refreshing, funny and original. Steve Martin and Martin Short are incredible together. It's like nothing else I've seen- a modern murder mystery that's simultaneously a love letter to Manhattan. Extremely well done.

Funny, Bizzarre, satisfying finally

[thekingmanx · 8/10 · 19 October 2021]

This was a pretty solid ending overall, Jane was the killer, but I can't help feeling it was kind of rushed. It takes 15 minutes for the Jane to be revealed and subsequently defeated. The last 10 minutes were essentially just an epilogue of sorts and the other 5 were set up for the next season. There are some pretty funny bits, like brozos being paralyzed throughout the conflict, but besides that it was kind of underwhelming. I feel like the better option for the murder was the original fake out. But Jane is fine. The very end is super weird because it is unclear if mable actually stabbed bunny or bunny was already stabbed. It's also weird that Charles and Oliver are arrested to even though they clearly have nothing to do with what happened. Anyways very confusing but still enjoyable ending.

Wow!

[Fun1988 · 9/10 · 20 October 2021]

What amazing finale. Talk about wanting to leave you wanting for more! I cannot wait until next season. This show has been the best thing to come along in a very long time. Unique, intriguing, and funny its the way only these actors could do! I'll keep watching if you keep creating this one of a kind show!

Episode 10

[bobcobb301 · 7/10 · 8 August 2022]

Not perfect by any stretch, but a fitting end to the season and they did a good job instantly wanting us to see what happens next. Just let this be the end of Amy Ryan. Didn't like her on The Office, didn't like her here.

Underwhelmed

[wildsnow90 · 4/10 · 21 October 2021]

This episode continues with the dull monotone Gomez who can't really open her mouth any wider than a centimeter even when the emotional level should be over the roof (see what I did there?).

They also continue to have every character, new or old, dump awkward vulgar language. It just seems forced and unnatural from almost every character. A13 year old edited the script to give Tina the language node this week.

6 stars for Steve and Martin with some actual comedy in this eposide. And 1 more for Steve's scene in the basement. Minus 3 stars for dumping the Gomez scene in eposide 1 that was simply a fake-out and added just for season 2 teaser.

Hopefully, next season the fake praising of this show will fade away. It's mediocre at best.

I guess we wait now...

[luistaboada02 · 9/10 · 20 October 2021]

The season finale was a banger! I love how they put everything together although, we have still so many questions! But we will see how season two goes with this cliffhanger.

Great finale but some minor nitpicks

[zaydrutkowski · 9/10 · 16 November 2021]

I overall did really think it was a great finale. Everything that was wrapped up made sense, both the Martins were at their best, and it was still full of surprises. I did have a few problems though:

1. Blowing up an entire building seems a bit extreme for the show, and Jan wouldn't have even had an Alibi since she left the orchestra she was supposed to be apart of (yes she made that one line about how no one would notice but let's be realistic here) She would've also been possibly the only survivor from the building. Very suspicious and a seemingly bad plan for someone that had just almost pulled off a murder.

2. I feel like everyone expected the cliffhanger at the beginning of the show (Mabel and the stabbed body) to have some impact on season 1. It didn't. It was just a set up for season 2. Kinda disappointing.

3. Why did Charles and Oliver get arrested as well. They were just standing by Mabel and clearly seemed to have nothing to do with it. Obviously they would get questioned, but the way they presented it made it seem like they were automatically in big trouble as well. Somewhat strange.

4. If Jan was going to kill everyone anyways, why not make sure Charles was dead before she left. If for some reason he happened to survive (which he did as we know) she was the one that literally gave him a full confession.

5. The way they "took her down" at the end was a bit goofy. I mean she did have a gun and was clearly a murderous psychopath. What's stopping her from just shooting them. Another instance where Jan hesitates to kill for some reason even though she was about to kill hundreds.

6. Oliver and Mabel were way too lenient with the way they handled the "evidence" at Jan's apartment. Obviously in the end it all worked out for them, but they weren't even wearing gloves or anything.

These are just a few random nitpicks though. For a show this good the problems are things you wouldn't even notice in other shows, because of how excellent everything else was done. The acting, directing, story, and comedy were all superb. The show was done extremely well and will surely return for season 2.