Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 9/10

Cast: Steve Martin, Martin Short, Selena Gomez, Michael Cyril Crieghton, Meryl Streep, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Téa Leoni, Bobby Cannavale, Dianne Wiest, Renée Zellweger, Christoph Waltz, Logan Lerman, Jackie Hoffman, Beanie Feldstein, Keegan-Michael Key, Jermaine Fowler, Shea Buckner, Dame DiLiegro, Aaron Dean Eisenberg, Cory Jeacoma, Evan Mulrooney, Vanessa Aspillaga, Dane DiLiegro, Russell G. Jones, Emory Cohen, Julian Cihi, Siobhan Fallon Hogan, Nathan Lane, Jayne Houdyshell, Adriane Lenox, Tony Plana, Madison Wray, Jane Lynch, Richard Kind, Paul Rudd, David Patrick Kelly, Theo Stockman, Becky Ann Baker, Dylan Baker, James Caverly, Tina Fey.

There seems to be no stopping the trio of Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez as they continue to prove that comedy drama is alive and kicking as the fifth series of the acclaimed Only Murders In The Building comes to a completion, just as another opportunity to solve another riveting and complex case falls almost squarely into their laps.

The joy of the latest series comes in its hidden complications, the nature of the convoluted and involved large ensemble that brings new names to the Arconia’s doors, and a past so far lain uncovered that threatens to destroy the building in a secret room, far from prying eyes. It is to this that the sheer, unmitigated success of the lead trio’s work forces both the comedy and the action to combine in ways that really captures the understanding that it is a universal process to be able to have different generations combining for a force of good and not in an antagonistic way.

The measure of wealth that a series commands is always to be seen in who it can attract to play a villain, the suspects, those to whom with a devilish grin can stand up to the rigours of the piece with a stoic face and produce a masterclass in timing; and to that end the inclusion of Bobby Cannavale, Christoph Waltz, and Téa Leoni involved in the series is a dream of casting, their presence as Charles-Haden Savage, Oliver Putnam, and Mabel Mora investigate the disturbing truth of the death of the much loved doorman Lester Coluca, played with great fondness for his character by Teddy Coluca, is paramount to the show’s appeal and unquestioning audience response that has matured expertly over the last five years.

A secret beneath the building, two murders, a plethora of faces, a returning Nathan Lane as Teddy Dimas, the legendary Dianne Wiest and Renée Zellweger, a leading trio to whom the series complements with grace, and as the mystery unfolds, the interaction between all the cast is of the most impressive occasion.

Only Murders In The Building is to be seen as one of the most unique programmes of the last twenty years, it proves that for actors age is no barrier to great parts, that comedy only improves with age, and especially for Steve Martin and Martin Short it is a validation, if it be needed, of their influence on comedy as a whole. Once again, the team have delivered, solidifying the presence of the series as one of excellent entertainment.

Ian D. Hall