TV REVIEW: ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING - Season 5

4/5

Dial 3 For Murder

10 Episodes. Starring: Steve Martin, Martin Short, Selena Gomez, Michael Cyril Creighton, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Jackie Hoffman, Richard Kind, Téa Leoni, Bobby Cannavale, Beanie Feldstein, Keegan-Michael Key, Logan Lerman, Renée Zellweger, Christoph Waltz & Meryl Streep. Created By: Steve Martin & John Hoffman. On: Hulu & Disney +.

Hear no evil. See no evil. Speak no evil. The 'OMITB' crew just took Hollywood, but now the New Yorkers, with the best theme tune titles in the city, are back where they belong for 'Only Murders In The Building' Season 5 on Hulu and Disney Plus. Surprising us with a sprung new season in September, that has taken its critical swipes, but could still out sleuth 'The Thursday Club' on Netflix, and all the competition they've created in this 'Knives Out' era of murder mysteries, back like it was what she wrote. But this time, it all looks like Vegas for these high-rollers in the dark basement of the legendary Arconia apartment. One that we all want to be residents of, but may actually even be a victim this season, under the knife, like our Martin double-act. And if that isn't a zinger to best the big-three of Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez. Maybe the somewhat underused, but completely undeniable, villainous trio of Logan Lerman, Renée Zellweger and Christoph Waltz will be. These rich tycoons want to take over everything, even the "New York KnickerBOXers?!" And just wait until Waltz flashes his evil Bond villain grin.

Yep, the show that everybody watches and everybody wants to be in always knows how to roll out the red carpet. Even when casting movie versions of your favourite podcasters in the form of Eugen Levy, Zach Galifianakis and Eva Longoria. In this season, there are so many special guests, some we shouldn't spoil, that even the return of Meryl Streep, on fine form, is a walk in Central Park routine. It doesn't get much more NYC than Bobby Canavalae and Téa Leoni. And a 'Booksmart' Beanie Feldstein steals the show as a satirical pop star. Meanwhile, Keegan-Michael Key makes for an amusing mayor. But no one at the table is outshining our three of a kind. But should that be a fantastic four in this new New York? As the great, Michael Cyril Creighton continues to be a critical part of this investigation. That's right, murder fans. The recurring regulars still rent here, like co-creator John Hoffman's beloved, hilarious Jackie Hoffman. Or a held over, potty mouth detective in the always amazing Da'Vine Joy Randolph. Even your 'Everybody's Live' announcer, Richard Kind, with an eye patch. Some former faces will be missed, but you never know who might show up at this iconic building's door.

Last season ended with the heartbreaking shock of kindly doorman Lester lying in a fountain of blood. And therein lies the rub of this mystery. He's been replaced by a robot, (who hasn't these days?). And the android, that will remind you of the Pepper's that you can even be served food by in Japan, has the most hilarious moment of the series, sounding like Roger Troutman. But in this city, we thought it was Patton Oswalt who voiced this droid with hilarious arm-waving complaining. When you Wikipedia which 'OMITB' alumnus it is, you'll be pleasantly surprised. Just like you will when this season finally gets going. Maybe it came too soon (last season finished last December), as some critics are calling time. Lavishing helpings of bad reviews on in, like they're doing 'The Bear' restaurant on the same streaming service. Yet the quality is still there. Too much of a good thing? Sacked by the episodic success of Glen Powell's 'Chad Powers' released weekly on the same day? Nah, it's no time to die, like 'The Bear' isn't overdone. They're only always building to something more. Murder most fun. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Investigation: 'Murder Mystery', 'The Thursday Murder Club', Wake Up Dead Man: A 'Knives Out' Mystery'.