AtanariaEpisode 5 of Only Murders in the Building‘s fourth season, titled “Adaptation,” takes a thrilling turn as the plot kicks into high gear. The show, which had been meandering through the murder mystery, finally hits its stride, bringing sharper focus to the investigation and introducing an intriguing new suspect.
The episode starts with a bang—literally—with Bev holding the trio at gunpoint at Sazz’s “poverty cottage.” Her suspiciously convenient explanation about her relationship with Sazz adds tension from the start. But what truly elevates the episode is the focus on Marshall B. Pope (played by Jin Ha), the screenwriter for the OMITB movie, who quickly becomes the prime suspect in the murder of Sazz. Marshall, with his quirky appearance, fake beard, and imposter syndrome, is perfectly crafted as a shady, enigmatic character. His unverified alibi and the trio’s odd reluctance to dig deeper only increase the suspense. This feels like a clear nod to Poppy White’s quiet killer persona from season two, hinting that Marshall may be hiding something dark beneath his intellectual exterior.
The episode’s investigation uncovers an exciting twist: the potential involvement of two killers. As Charles deduces, the logistics of Sazz’s murder would require two people—one to fire the gun and another to clean up. This revelation raises the stakes significantly and introduces the possibility of an unexpected collaboration between murderers, with the quirky twin directors of the movie and Bev climbing the suspect list.
While the murder mystery unfolds, the show also delivers strong character moments. Oliver’s personal insecurities come to the forefront, particularly regarding his long-distance relationship with Loretta. The running gag about her “Jonk-ing” with the absurdly named actor Jack Jonk provides some of the episode’s best comedic moments, as Martin Short once again shines with his impeccable timing and humor. His attempts to prove his youthfulness, culminating in a disastrously slow 37-minute race between Arconia West and East, are hilarious yet endearing.
The standout comedic moment, though, comes from Molly Shannon’s line, “The Jonk jonk’d my jonk till I jonk’d,” which leaves both the characters and viewers in stitches. With such sharp writing and performances, this episode balances its darker, more serious plot developments with OMITB‘s signature humor.
Visually, the episode cleverly ties back to the show’s origins. The trio don their iconic premiere outfits during a promotional shoot for the OMITB movie, underscoring the show’s theme of mirrors, doubles, and illusions. The symbolism deepens with the introduction of doppelgangers in the photo shoot—Glen Stubbins (Paul Rudd) doubles for Zach Galifianakis, highlighting the episode’s exploration of facsimiles, both literal and metaphorical. This plays into the emerging theory of two killers, adding a layer of psychological depth to the mystery.
The episode ends on a tense cliffhanger as someone fires a shot during the photo shoot, leaving viewers questioning who the real target was and whether anyone was actually injured. This abrupt and thrilling ending serves as the perfect lead-in for the next episode, keeping viewers on edge.
Final Thoughts: “Adaptation” is a return to form for Only Murders in the Building. The episode effectively builds suspense while offering plenty of laughs, propelled by strong performances from Martin Short and an increasingly important supporting cast. With new suspects, twists, and that tantalizing cliffhanger, the season seems poised to deliver a gripping second half.
