"Only Murders in the Building" Grab Your Hankies (TV Episode 2023) Poster

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7/10
A new suspect?
santipe-9067015 August 2023
Warning: Spoilers
In this episode, Oliver's musical is green-lighted, Charles discovers who doesn't have a hanky, and Mabel, along with the documentarian Robert with a T, find out there was someone else with Ben in his dressing room during opening night. Someone who was romantically involved with Ben.

The show wants you to believe that Kimber was the one in the dressing room, but it's clear that's a red herring. The killers from previous seasons (Jan and Poppy) were never even suggested as suspects, meaning that Kimber won't be the killer, specially if the show leads you to believe that. Or maybe she was there that night, but she didn't actually kill him.

Either way, this episode was OK, i liked Meryl Streep's performance in the end, and I also like how the show, throughout the seasons, keeps switching perspectives, with Kimber being the narrator at the beginning and the end of the episode.
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8/10
smart jokes
Rob-O-Cop16 August 2023
This wasn't a massively eventful episode but there were lots of clever jokes and details to it. I loved the Starlin wife's name joke, and the Little Shop of horrors references. They're not going for the easy laughs and the jokes require some thinking from the audience, even if you do have to pause and look it up. Like last weeks chapel architecture gags. I really appreciate they're mining a lifetime note book of funnies to fill this show with unusual laughs and quirks.

I didn't get the state farm jingle gag until I read it on the trivia section.

Mabel i still the weakest link in the trio and although her talking to dead Ben piece was interesting they didn't really follow up on it. They've just given her the foul mouthed new yorker cliche act, but the stuff with the documentary guy could be interesting and finally give her some depth to take her flat character somewhere.

Charles's attempts to see everyone's handkerchief was more classic slapstick comedy though so they're still happy to put that in there for variation and it was easy and good laughs

They didn't drop the ball on the musical angle and managed to deliver a decent musical moment allowing Meryl Streep yet another opportunity to shine, this time with her singing voice, and notably Ashley Park's too.

They milked another gaffaw out of Donna and son's kissing habit, and I liked the 'under contract' bit but it was resolved a little too easily. Still a good watch and looking forward to next weeks episode.
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8/10
Mostly on Track
Hitchcoc20 August 2023
Put aside the State Farm references (they are sponsor for the show). A the cast begins to torpedo the new musical, Charles gets his nose in there and gets more than he bargained for. To think one could write a book and music for a show in a couple days is ridiculous. Collaborators may take weeks just to do a single song--and then there's the quality thing. Still, this is such a fun show. Watching Martin Short go ballistic is worth the price of admission. The only problem I have is the pacing. At some point things seem to grind to a halt and we are left waiting for a line as if an actor has gone up. Finally, I have heard Meryl Streep sing before. She has such an expressive voice and the song, itself is gorgeous. She is the stabilizing force in this show.
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10/10
Look for the light
dee-amannte17 August 2023
I have to admit I'm a fan of the show from the very first episode. I expected a lot when entering season 3. The first two episodes were really good, full of twist and turns and what makes this show special - amazing chemistry between the three lead actors. What might have seemed like an odd coupling, has turned out into an amazing detective trio.

This episode is, however, the best so far. And it's Meryl Streep who makes it happen. Her character first reminded me of a cello love interest Charles had. And I hope they won't go down this road again by pairing Oliver with a mysterious killer. And I'm pretty sure this is not what's happening (or the writing is even better than before). I love how the character of Loretta is so perfect for Oliver and for the whole group. The addition of Tobert is also a very good way to start a show (maybe Mabel finally gets someone who gets her ...).

I don't want to give up any spoilers. So my 10 goes out to amazing writing and even more amazing chemistry between actors.
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Episode 303
bobcobb30115 August 2023
Warning: Spoilers
We knew Jesse Williams' Tobert was not telling the truth when he said we would barely hear from him last week, but giving his boring character such an early focus episode made little sense. I think Selena Gomez may like him in real life, but Tobert did not have much chemistry at all with Mabel.

I feel like they're either going to have Ben as gay or attracted to Meryl Streep, which would explain the "this would ruin my career" bit from the video. The more obvious route is the latter, but the former is probably more likely.

An okay episode with a lot of laughs from Oliver, but overall a little bit underwhelming.
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9/10
This show is funny
moviesfilmsreviewsinc4 October 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Only Murders In the Building Season 3 Episodes 1 and 2 introduced numerous characters and hints at a romantic relationship between Loretta and Oliver, but the show felt awkward and unfocused. The special relationship between Loretta and Oliver and between Tobert and Mabel is fleshed out, with Oliver's initial attraction to her during her audition sparked by her uniqueness. Loretta appreciates this because no one had ever believed in her as much as Oliver did. Oliver, a talented actor, fought for his lead actress, Donna, and was determined to impress his producers before determining the success of the musical. Musicals are characterized by performers who seem possessed, making them a thrilling experience for those who appreciate it. Oliver's loud and extra persona hindered his growth, as he pigeonholed himself into a specific category, leaving no room for growth. Loretta, a person who saw beyond his flair, was the one who nurtured his unique qualities, identifying what made him special, apart from her feelings for him. This helped Oliver overcome his struggles and achieve success in the musical. The author is torn between the characters of Loretta and Oliver, with Martin Short and Meryl Streep providing outstanding performances. Martin Short's energy and charisma are unparalleled, while Loretta's enthusiasm and writing skills are akin to Oliver's. The duo's well-written duo has been a favorite for fans. An obstacle for Loretta came in the form of a new career opportunity, but they found a way forward. Loretta's belief in Oliver and their sharpened skills led her to ride to the gates of hell for them. A closet affair between Mabel and Tobert leads to a deeper understanding of each other and respect for each other's actions. However, the storyline should not turn into a love affair, as Mabel and Tobert would make a great team with Charles and Oliver engaged. Mabel doesn't need a new love interest every season, and she doesn't have the energy to care about someone else. Tobert shares his Botswana story, showcasing his seriousness in his craft. Mabel's seriousness is evident in her actions, but she doesn't need to recount dangerous things. The story revolves around a bond between Mabel and Charles, who form a bond as they navigate a new mystery. The hankie was the only lead, but it felt frail, especially from Ben Glenroy. Pursuing the hankie led to Charles embarrassment, and it was fortunate that Oliver or Mabel were not present. The killer is the least apparent person, and Dickie, Ben's brother, takes the lead. Ben initially called Dickie his manager before revealing his brotherhood, which seemed unnatural due to their mixed relationships. Working with a family member in a business venture is usually bad.
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7/10
Meryl Streep saves this
harineem-209-52548817 August 2023
It was getting boring in the first two episodes. I usually like Paul Rudd but his overacting was boring me in the earlier episodes. Selena Gomez character also seems dull. But thankfully Meryl Streep has resurrected the series with her wonderful acting and singing. Martin Short has been giving a great performance all throughout the series and his chemistry with Meryl Streep is amazing.

None of the other characters seem to work this time. The building Arconia itself was beautiful and had its own presence in the first season. I also loved the bits of New York they showed. This season even Selena's costumes are dull, hope the season perks up after this epidode.
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6/10
The Handkerchief
AvionPrince165 October 2023
Warning: Spoilers
The investigations continue and we have a lot of doubts about Oliver and his show and if he can still keep going. Mabel and Tobert make us see that someone was with the dead man before he died but we dont clearly see who he talked to. We have also that relationship between Tobert and Mabel that let us know each other and still investigate. The suspicions go to someone that didnt had her handkerchief at that moment.

But for me its kind of obvious but im really sure this is just a mislead suspect. But we will see what really happen. Im still a little bit pissed off by the humor sometimes and make it filling the blank: its just my impressions. Its a classic murder mystery and i enjoyed it anyway but needed more depth and that light tone sometimes its too much at least for me.
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3/10
Lowest rated episode in the series so far
kristinebudge18 August 2023
"I'm the documentarian, you won't be hearing from me again." That was determined to be a lie.

This episode really feels like they're trying so hard to do nothing - beyond what they did in "The Twist" of season 1, this was just grating. There are a string of scenes that were so excruciating to watch between Tobert and Mabel that I prayed I would watch one of the characters get sucked in to space just to make it end. The acting between these two does not match and the character of Mabel has been drained of the je ne sais pas that she had in the first season.

I don't know if we can blame it on the editing but everything feels so forced. I'm not watching characters existing in their own lives, I'm watching actors remembering their lines and blocking and it stinks.
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5/10
Grab Your Hankies
Prismark1018 August 2023
The third episode sees the trio splitting up. Charles and Mabel conclude that somebody from the cast and crew of Death Rattle killed Ben. A handkerchief might be an important clue.

Oliver is less interested in murder podcast. He wants to retool the stage play Death Rattle into a musical. He has to convince Donna and Cliff to invest money in it.

More importantly Oliver has a short time to write a hit musical song and sets about doing the task.

The third episode also teams up Mabel with the documentary filmmaker Tobert who left his camera behind. Only their scenes failed to sizzle.

I felt more invested in Oliver's story. Him trying to coerce Loretta to remain under contract although the stage show Death Rattle is no more. He stops Loretta taking part in a television show.

There were some in jokes musical. As Stephen Sondheim once remarked, writing musicals is hard work, it takes ages to write a musical. A message Lin-Manuel Miranda would chime with. Oliver is just indulging his ego to think he could knock off a hit musical.
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3/10
Comedy murdered here.
cpycgz5 October 2023
"Only Murderers in the Building" has taken a comedic nosedive in season three, leaving very little to laugh about. The sole reason I returned to this season was Meryl Streep, whose presence is always a delight to behold. Meryl effortlessly steals the spotlight amidst a lackluster attempt at comedy. Unfortunately, Martin Short's repetitive efforts have left me unimpressed, as he seems stuck in a one-note performance that has grown tiresome. Selena Gomez, too, falls short in her adult acting endeavors compared to her impressive work in Disney and music. As for Steve Martin, he truly deserves better material; until then, perhaps he should stick to his Banjo talents.
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