In an exhilarating conclusion to its fifth season, “Only Murders in the Building” takes a nostalgic turn back to its roots, as creator John Hoffman describes it. The season finale is marked by the shocking death of Cinda Canning, played by Tina Fey, who served as both inspiration and adversary for the main trio of amateur sleuths: Charles-Haden Savage (Steve Martin), Oliver Putnam (Martin Short), and Mabel Mora (Selena Gomez).
The finale features a climactic revelation, identifying New York City Mayor Beau Tillman (Keegan-Michael Key) as the murderer of beloved doorman Lester (Teddy Coluca). Tillman’s character is entangled with shady billionaires aiming to fund his campaign through dubious means, echoing real-life New York political dynamics as the mayoral race heats up.
Hoffman acknowledges the unexpected alignment of their story with current events, stating the intentions of the writers were not solely political but rather to explore power dynamics and their implications in New York City. He concludes that the narrative resonated with existing headlines, creating a compelling reflection of the power structures at play in today’s society.
As for what lies ahead, Hoffman shares insights into season six, which focuses on the origins of storytelling within the crime genre. With Cinda’s death, the show is poised to examine classic literary influences on modern storytelling, exploring the fine line between fiction and real-life tragedy. Hoffman notes that this new season will build on the foundation laid by greats like Agatha Christie and Arthur Conan Doyle while spotlighting the evolution of the main trio who have matured from novices into established investigators.
Regarding the characters, Hoffman expresses enthusiasm for bringing back fan favorites, including potential returns for characters played by notable stars. He plans to delve deeper into their journeys while retaining the heart of the show’s ensemble. The finale also signaled a moment of moral fortitude, exemplified by the billionaire Jay, who chooses to take responsibility for his actions, highlighting a hopeful message that real change can come from even the most unexpected places.
With all episodes of season five available to stream on Hulu, viewers can now indulge in the twists and turns of this gripping and humorous murder mystery series, eagerly anticipating the continuing journey of these beloved characters in the upcoming season.