The hit Hulu mystery comedy Only Murders in the Building wrapped up its fourth season with a dramatic finale that solved one murder while setting the stage for another. The series, starring Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez, continued its tradition of blending humor, suspense, and star-studded guest appearances. Here’s a comprehensive recap of the key events, twists, and characters from Season 4 to prepare you for the upcoming Season 5.
The Central Mystery: Who Killed Sazz Pataki?
Season 4 opened with the shocking death of Jane Lynch‘s character, Sazz Pataki, Charles-Haden Savage’s longtime friend and stunt double. Sazz was shot in Charles’s apartment under mysterious circumstances, leading the trio—Charles, Oliver Putnam, and Mabel Mora—to launch a new investigation .
The initial investigation pointed toward the Arconia’s West Tower, where the trio encountered a group of secretive residents, including Vince Fish (Richard Kind), an eyepatch-wearing oddball, and a Hispanic family obsessed with a card game called “Oh Hell” . Their search also led them to a locked apartment belonging to a mysterious figure known as Professor Milton Dudenoff (Griffin Dunne), which contained bizarre clues like a live pig in the bathtub and a ham radio .
Sazz’s final act was to write “Tap in” with her own blood, a message encouraging Charles to solve her murder . This clue, along with her cryptic notes, became central to the investigation.
The Hollywood Connection
A significant subplot of Season 4 involved a Hollywood film adaptation of the trio’s podcast. Bev Melon (Molly Shannon), a Paramount Pictures executive, approached Charles, Oliver, and Mabel with a proposal to turn their story into a movie . This storyline introduced Eugene Levy, Zach Galifianakis, and Eva Longoria as fictionalized versions of themselves, hired to portray the main characters .
The film adaptation plot eventually intertwined with the murder mystery. The trio discovered that Sazz had written a screenplay about their adventures, which she shared with Marshall P. Pope (Jin Ha), an aspiring screenwriter and her former stunt protégé . Marshall, whose real name was Rex Bailey, had a troubled past after a stunt gone wrong cost him his career .
The Killer Revealed
In the season finale, it was revealed that Marshall P. Pope was Sazz’s killer. His motive was not personal vendetta but professional jealousy and plagiarism. Marshall had stolen Sazz’s screenplay and sold it to Bev Melon as his own. When Sazz threatened to expose him, he murdered her to silence her .
Marshall’s crime was a commentary on the exploitation of artists in Hollywood, particularly stunt performers and writers who often go unrecognized for their contributions .
Marshall’s plan unraveled when Mabel discovered an earlier draft of the script written by Sazz. He took Mabel hostage, but Charles and Oliver staged a rescue operation with the help of residents like Vince Fish and Rudy Thurber . In a dramatic confrontation, Marshall was shot and killed by Jan Bellows (Amy Ryan), Charles’s ex-girlfriend and a previously convicted murderer. Jan had been hiding in the Arconia’s secret passages, seeking revenge for Sazz’s death .
Secondary Plots and Character Arcs
Season 4 also explored personal storylines for the main characters. Oliver Putnam (Martin Short) and Loretta Durkin (Meryl Streep) continued their romance, culminating in a heartfelt wedding in the Arconia’s courtyard . However, their joy was short-lived, as Loretta revealed she would be moving to New Zealand for a acting role, leaving Oliver in New York .
Charles-Haden Savage (Steve Martin) grappled with grief and guilt over Sazz’s death, compounded by Jan’s return and her declaration that they were “endgame” .
Mabel Mora (Selena Gomez) faced career uncertainties but found inspiration in Eva Longoria’s advice to use her life rights earnings to build something of her own .
The Season 5 Setup: Lester’s Murder
The finale ended with a cliffhanger: the discovery of Lester (Teddy Coluca), the Arconia’s longtime doorman, dead in the courtyard fountain . Lester had been a minor but recurring character since Season 1, and his death immediately sparked speculation about the next mystery.
Lester’s murder is set to drive the plot of Season 5, with the trio investigating whether his death was linked to broader conflicts involving powerful billionaires, mobsters, or secrets within the Arconia .
Additionally, the arrival of Téa Leoni as Sofia Caccimelio hinted at deeper connections to organized crime. Sofia sought the trio’s help in finding her missing husband, Nicky, the “dry cleaning king of Brooklyn,” who had ties to the Caputo crime family. She claimed his disappearance was linked to the Arconia, suggesting that Season 5 would explore the building’s hidden history and its connections to New York’s criminal underworld .
Returning and New Cast for Season 5
Season 5 will see the return of main cast members Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez, along with supporting actors like Michael Cyril Creighton (Howard), Jackie Hoffman (Uma), and Da’Vine Joy Randolph (Detective Donna Williams) . Meryl Streep is also confirmed to reprise her role as Loretta, despite her character’s move to New Zealand .
New guest stars include:
- Bobby Cannavale as Nicky Caccimelio
- Téa Leoni as Sofia Caccimelio
- Christoph Waltz in an undisclosed role
- Renée Zellweger as Camila White
- Keegan-Michael Key as Mayor Tillman
- Dianne Wiest as Lorraine Coluca
- Beanie Feldstein as Althea
- Logan Lerman as Jay Pfluig
- Jermaine Fowler as a new Arconia doorman .
Themes and Reception
Season 4 was noted for its meta-commentary on Hollywood, exploring themes of artistic theft, the struggles of stunt performers, and the complexities of adapting real-life events into entertainment . While some critics found the West Tower plotline overly convoluted, the season was praised for its humor, emotional depth, and the chemistry among the main cast .
The season also continued the show’s tradition of blending dark comedy with genuine mystery, keeping audiences engaged with red herrings, twists, and memorable guest appearances .
Looking Ahead to Season 5
Season 5 of Only Murders in the Building is set to premiere on September 9, 2025, on Hulu. The first three episodes will be released simultaneously, followed by weekly releases every Tuesday until the finale on October 28, 2025 .
The new season will delve into Lester’s murder and its connections to New York’s criminal underworld, while also exploring themes of gentrification and the changing dynamics of the city . With the introduction of mob-related storylines and powerful new characters, Season 5 promises to be another thrilling chapter in the series .
Also Read: Only Murders in the Building Season 5 Trailer Released – Watch
Credits: Wikipedia, Mashable
