Published by Mason Oldridge, 30 October 2024
CONTAINS SPOILERS!
The unlikely trio are back to solve another murder in the building… and this time it’s personal for Charles.
Charles, Oliver and Mabel set about investigating the murder of Charles’ stunt double Sazz. Having been murdered in Charles’ apartment, it is unclear whether Charles or Sazz was the target. The investigation heads to the west side of the building, where we meet the eccentric ‘westies’ who are collectively harbouring a dark secret.
Meanwhile, Paramount Pictures is developing their podcast into a film adaptation, with the group played by Eugene Levy, Zach Galifianakis and Eva Longoria, who star as fictionalised versions of themselves. The show has a tendency to have many guest stars appear in this form but these three are particularly enjoyable as they attempt to capture the true personalities of the podcasters they are portraying. Additionally, Paul Rudd appearing as Glen Stubbins, the Irish stunt double of Ben Glenroy, the character he played last season, is also hilarious.
However, much of the comedy this season is rather slapstick, notably Charles’ facial expressions and Oliver’s theatrics, as well as the characters of Bev Melon and Charles’ sister Doreen.
Nevertheless, the ending delivers on another satisfactory resolution to the investigation as it is revealed Sazz wrote the screenplay, but it was stolen by her former protege and wannabe writer Rex, who murdered her when she discovered the theft.
The season ends with a mysterious woman arriving at The Arconia, asking for the trio’s help investigating the disappearance of her husband, said to have a major connection to the building. Furthermore, friendly doorman Lester is found dead in the fountain outside, setting up the premise of the fifth season. It is understandable that the murders all occur in the building to align with the title, but perhaps some out-of-the-box thinking is required now as it begs the question: what are the odds of five unconnected murders happening in the same apartment complex?
The fourth season offers up another good murder-mystery but the extensive branch of new characters makes us miss the good old days of the three’s quiet investigations.
6/10