Last week’s episode of Only Murders in the Building Season 4 ended with a big cliffhanger. The trio faced Bev Melon (Molly Shannon), who was holding a gun. Since she runs the movie adaptation of their podcast, this twist shocked everyone.
The show has taught us that we cannot trust anyone. Episode 5, titled “Adaptation,” builds on this tension and brings more clues to Sazz’s (Jane Lynch) murder investigation. However, it also shifts the focus away from Oliver (Martin Short) to show his relationship problems with his girlfriend, Loretta (Meryl Streep).
There are several mentions of Oliver worrying about Loretta cheating on him with her handsome new co-star, known for seducing his co-stars. Although Oliver remains part of the episode, his storyline is minor and not very significant.
He does deliver some funny lines, showcasing Short’s great comedic talent. Despite Oliver not being very helpful in this episode, his presence allows for fresh perspectives, which might be what the investigation needed.
Bev Isn’t a Threat in ‘Only Murders in the Building’ Season 4 Episode 5
After running into Bev at the Sazz Pataki Impact Academy and being threatened while held at gunpoint, Charles (Steve Martin), Oliver, and Mabel (Selena Gomez) feel tense.
Oliver starts mumbling in his usual style, making Bev turn on the light when she realizes who is in the shed with her.
She quickly becomes friendly, as if she wasn’t just pointing a gun at them, but they still remember the threat, and Mabel asks her to put the gun down.
Bev claims the gun is not loaded and fires a warning shot, only to find out it is actually live. She says she found the gun in the shed and thinks it belongs to Sazz since it is her building.
Bev’s presence raises red flags for Charles, Oliver, and Mabel. They ask her directly if she killed Sazz. She denies it but mentions that someone working on the movie might have. According to Bev, Sazz called her the night she died and left a voicemail.
In the message, Sazz says there is a serious problem with Bev’s movie but cannot explain over the phone. She asks Bev to call her back.
Bev took her time returning the call because the voicemail seemed to suggest trouble for her movie, which is not good for a creator.
Still from Only Murders in the Building (Credit: Hulu)
Mabel figures out that Sazz left the voicemail at 11:07 PM, right after leaving the party to get wine. This gives them a better timeline of events before Sazz’s death, but they still lack a clear suspect.
It’s a Race Against the Clock in ‘Only Murders in the Building’ Season 4 Episode 5
The episode opens with narration from Marshall (Jin Ha), the screenwriter for the Only Murders movie. This is the first time viewers see him in detail since the first episode of Season 4, where he observed Charles, Oliver, and Mabel while working on his script in Los Angeles.
In his narration, he wears a fake beard and glasses and looks at pieces of Charlie Kaufman memorabilia. He bumps into Charles and Mabel when they arrive at the production office to investigate.
Charles pretends to be on the phone while actually taking pictures for their murder board and looking for suspicious people.
When they make eye contact with Marshall, he tries to escape, but he is not guilty of murder.
He is just nervous that Charles and Mabel might have notes on the script because others have been giving feedback, and he has had enough.
He is excited to be a suspect and even says it will help him write an interrogation scene for the movie.
They all meet at Charles’s apartment, where Marshall claims he has an alibi for the night of Sazz’s murder. He was trying stand-up comedy in West Hollywood. Happy to know that Marshall could not have killed Sazz, they decide to include him in the investigation.
Marshall looks at the murder board and spots a mistake, particularly in the “when” section. They have broken down the night’s events, from Sazz’s voicemail to a power surge.
Marshall points out that there was only a 12-minute window for the murderer to shoot Sazz, walk to the Arconia, sneak into Charles’s apartment, get Sazz’s body, and dispose of it in the incinerator.
This scenario seems unlikely. The screenwriter adds that for everything to happen in those 12 minutes, the killer would need to be very fit.
If the Footprint Fits in ‘Only Murders in the Building’ Episode 5
Earlier in the episode, Mabel, Charles, and Oliver are invited to a photoshoot for the movie, an event they were reluctant to attend.
While Mabel goes through the pictures Charles took at the production office, she spots a distinct footprint that matches the one found in Dudenoff’s apartment.
This suggests that whoever shot Sazz was also at the production office and will likely be at the photoshoot. The trio dresses up in stylish outfits to fit in with the Hollywood crowd at the photoshoot, and Mabel asks her actor friend, Eva Longoria, for help in collecting footprints.
Still from Only Murders in the Building (Credit: Hulu)
It is noted that Eva is an expert in adhesives, from breast tape to tacky mats, which Mabel needs. The tacky mats capture dust and particles from shoes, and Eva uses her diva status to get them placed all over the studio so Mabel can examine the footprints left behind.
While Mabel watches the mats for footprints, Charles has an awkward moment with Eugene Levy. They keep getting in each other’s way while trying to leave the makeup chair. Suddenly, Charles has a realization: two people must have killed Sazz.
He shares this idea with Mabel, explaining that one person fired the gun while the other cleaned up the scene and disposed of the body. This theory makes sense, especially when Mabel finally sees a footprint on the mat.
She looks up to find it belongs to Tawny Brother (Siena Werber), one of the directors for the Only Murders movie.
This discovery puts Charles and Mabel on alert regarding Tawny and her sister, Trina (Catherine Cohen). Just as Mabel is about to approach Tawny, the woman disappears, and there is no time to search for her because gunshots are heard. The screen fades to black, and a panicked voice exclaims, “Oh my God, they’ve been shot.”
In Episode 5 of Only Murders in the Building Season 4, titled “Adaptation,” the trio—Charles, Oliver, and Mabel—confront Bev Melon, who threatens them while holding a gun. Although she claims the gun isn’t loaded, the tension escalates as they question her involvement in Sazz’s murder.
Bev shares a voicemail from Sazz hinting at a serious problem with the movie, leading the group to construct a timeline of events. Meanwhile, screenwriter Marshall returns, providing an alibi for the night of the murder and pointing out flaws in their investigation timeline.
Still from Only Murders in the Building (Credit: Hulu)
As Mabel discovers a crucial footprint matching one found in Dudenoff’s apartment, she realizes that two people might have been involved in the murder. Just as they close in on a suspect, gunshots ring out, leaving the trio in danger and viewers on edge as the episode concludes.
Only Murders in the Building is available to stream on Hulu in the U.S. New episodes premiere every Tuesday.
Baking competitions are a favorite for many TV watchers. They mix creativity and skill, making these tasty shows exciting to watch. The drama that comes from trying new things adds fun and chaos. One show that brings this excitement is Fox’s Crime Scene Kitchen, hosted by Joel McHale.
This series takes the idea of a baking competition and adds a mystery twist, making it more than just a cooking show. Season 3 shows that this challenge tests the bakers in ways beyond their culinary skills.
This season features a variety of challenges that surprise even the most experienced bakers, pulling viewers into a mix of guessing and cooking that is packed with drama.
Crime Scene Kitchen is one of the first of its kind on network TV. It’s surprising that this show has not received more attention among reality shows. The baking series is creatively exciting, combining cooking with elements of mystery.
While nothing bad happens in a kitchen filled with crumbs and dirty dishes, the surprise ingredients and sudden changes in plans keep each episode fresh. This mix ensures that Crime Scene Kitchen is always entertaining from start to finish.
The Spirit of Competition in Season 3
The pandemic changed how people view cooking, encouraging everyone to try making new things. This spirit is alive in Season 3 of Crime Scene Kitchen, which changes its format. Unlike the first two seasons, which featured trained bakers, this season tests friends and family members.
They use their detective skills in cooking for a chance to win a grand prize of $100,000. This change adds a new level of tension, especially in the first episode called “A Family Affair.”
The idea of pairing friends and family brings both excitement and challenges to the show. This season’s contestants face a unique kind of pressure. With their loved ones by their side, the stakes feel higher, and the emotions run deeper.
Certain groups in the competition show clear signs of not getting along. The pressure of being on camera amplifies their reactions. This creates interesting drama that viewers expect from reality TV. This tension also affects the baked goods they create. The stress can either make or break the contestants, helping the show connect emotionally with its audience.
In the first episode, “A Family Affair,” viewers see how this dynamic plays out. The episode introduces us to various teams, some of which have visible tensions. The audience can feel the heat as contestants attempt to work through their differences while racing against the clock.
Still from Crime Scene Kitchen (Credit: Fox)
As the bakers show the challenges of teamwork, they also face the challenge of cooking under pressure. This episode sets the tone for the season, highlighting how personal relationships can impact performance in a high-stakes environment.
The second episode, “The One With Friends,” has a different, lighter vibe, filled with support and encouragement. However, it still carries the pressure to perform alongside unique characters that viewers will enjoy. The friendships showcased in this episode offer a refreshing contrast to the previous episode’s drama.
Here, the competitors cheer each other on, creating a positive atmosphere. This balance between tension and camaraderie keeps the audience engaged and shows the variety of experiences within the competition.
Unpredictable Challenges Keep Viewers Guessing
The detective-style format of Crime Scene Kitchen makes it an engaging show. This season introduces the twist of family versus friends while keeping some elements from previous seasons.
Each episode starts with a safety bake round where teams search the kitchen for clues about the mystery dessert. The team that gets closest to solving the mystery earns immunity from the second bake and moves on to the next week.
In this segment, the bakers showcase their problem-solving skills as they sift through clues in the kitchen. The search for hints makes the competition more interactive for viewers, as they can try to guess the mystery dessert alongside the contestants.
The clues can be anything from specific ingredients to cooking techniques that hint at the final dish. This engagement adds an extra layer of excitement for the audience, making them feel like part of the action.
The remaining teams then face an elimination round, where they recreate the dessert they think was made in the “crime scene kitchen.” Each week, the team that performs the weakest in both rounds is eliminated until a winner emerges.
This elimination format keeps the stakes high, as contestants must perform at their best to avoid going home. The pressure mounts as each team realizes that their fate depends on their ability to guess correctly and execute their plans flawlessly.
The crime scene part of the show can be very frustrating for both viewers and contestants. Bakers have just two minutes to look over the scene, which often feels too short. The time constraint adds to the suspense and urgency of the competition.
While the mystery aspect is fun, the clues can sometimes be unclear, leading to drama and surprises. This causes rushed decisions and more guesswork than skill, increasing the tension.
During these segments, viewers witness the contestants’ thought processes as they analyze the clues. Some bakers may overthink their strategy, while others rely on their instincts.
This range of reactions keeps the audience entertained and invested in the outcomes. It also highlights the diversity of baking skills and approaches among the contestants.
While judges Gampp and Stone closely evaluate each baked item, Crime Scene Kitchen thrives on unpredictability. The unknown ingredients can lead to any outcome. The mix of critical thinking and creativity adds a new layer of strategy to the show.
Anyone can bake a cake, but knowing the right ingredients makes it interesting, showing more than just basic baking skills. This unpredictability keeps both the contestants and the viewers on their toes, eager to see how each round unfolds.
The Team That Brings the Show to Life
As the drama of baking unfolds, the chemistry between McHale, Gampp, and Stone enhances the experience. This trio offers support, expertise, and humor to the contestants. Their natural chemistry allows for spontaneous, fun moments.
McHale, known for his humor, keeps the contestants grounded. He brings a genuine heart and concern for them, helping the audience connect with the bakers. Through McHale, viewers understand the stakes and the contestants’ stories.
Gampp and Stone provide a strong “mom-and-dad” vibe that adds tension to the competition. Gampp, a skilled cake artist and influencer, gives wise insights and critiques. His advice helps contestants improve. His friendly demeanor puts contestants at ease, allowing them to focus on their baking.
Stone, while not as intense as Gordon Ramsay, still serves as a strong voice of authority. His culinary knowledge and energy inspire contestants while balancing McHale’s humor and Gampp’s friendly guidance.
He offers constructive criticism while motivating the bakers to push their boundaries. Together, this trio creates an environment where contestants can learn and grow, making the show both entertaining and educational.
Still from Crime Scene Kitchen (Credit: Fox)
The dynamic among McHale, Gampp, and Stone adds depth to the competition. Their banter and interactions create a warm atmosphere, making the audience feel like they are part of the kitchen fun.
Viewers can laugh along with the jokes while appreciating the serious aspects of baking. This balance of humor and tension keeps the show engaging from start to finish.
High Stakes and Exciting Twists in Season 3
While Crime Scene Kitchen is fun and mysterious, it is still a serious baking competition. This season feels even more intense, especially with the new twist on competitors.
The family versus friends dynamic allows for more drama and suspense, recalling moments like the famous “apple pie soup” from Season 1. This notorious dish brought chaos to the kitchen and showcased how unpredictable the competition can be.
With its surprises and a memorable trio, the stakes are higher than ever this season. Each week presents new challenges, ensuring that contestants must adapt quickly.
The introduction of more savory bakes also keeps things fresh and exciting. The blend of sweet and savory challenges tests the bakers’ versatility and skills, requiring them to think outside the box.
As a standout show in the crowded cooking competitions, it turns up the heat with new challenges and recipes that amaze viewers.
Each episode reveals something unexpected, keeping audiences guessing about what will happen next. Whether a contestant excels or stumbles, viewers feel the tension and excitement.
Whether you enjoy the creative desserts or the thrill of solving a mystery, Crime Scene Kitchen is an exciting competition that stays fresh and entertaining.
Still from Crime Scene Kitchen (Credit: Fox)
The show manages to combine the best elements of cooking competitions and mystery-solving, providing a unique viewing experience.
Fans of baking shows will appreciate the creativity and skill on display, while mystery lovers will enjoy the detective elements woven throughout.
Crime Scene Kitchen Season 3 premieres Thursday, September 26 on Fox. You can also watch the series on Hulu.
This season promises to deliver more surprises, more laughter, and more delicious baked goods. Don’t miss the chance to see how family dynamics and friendly rivalries play out in the kitchen!
