Hulu's hit series Only Murders in the Building just concluded season 2 and continued to keep viewers on edge with the dark developments at the Arconia building on the Upper West Side of NY. While the mystery is always at the center of the story, it's the comedy that really makes it into a special show.
That's thanks in large part to the cast. Steve Martin as Charles-Haden Savage and Martin Short as Oliver Putnam continue to enrapture viewers of the show with their witty, humorous and memorable dialogue which is worth reflecting on.
"Sweet freedom for the innocent and justice for all crime fighters."
Oliver
Season 2 opens with Oliver continuing to crave attention and stardom. This quote is taken as the media is in a photo frenzy following him descending the stairs of the police precinct after being warned he, Mable, and Charles are considered suspects.
Martin Short brings this scene home with his overwhelming enthusiasm at being a “person of interest.” This quote shows him in a moment where his cup “overfloweth” making the comedic timing impeccable. You would almost think he was nominated for an Emmy, but he in fact is being implicated for murder.
“Well second seasons are tough you know, but people keep on dying, so I suppose there’s always a chance.”
Oliver
Bring two great comedians together and you are guaranteed scintillating dialogue. The awkwardness, double language and innuendos between Oliver Putnam and Amy Schumer are brilliant in this scene. The quote above is at the end of a mildly uncomfortable conversation between Amy and Oliver, not only answering Amy’s question about a second season but also its global fans.
What is superb about this series is the depth of celebrity talent and the amazing comedic timing of the greats: Martin Short and Steve Martin with Amy Schumer serving as the cherry on top with this "oh so uncomfortable" elevator scene between Amy and Martin where the words and silences are equally hilarious.
“We’re the heroes of this building. Before us, you could be killed in your own apartment, and no one would know it.”
Oliver
Oliver Putnam’s self-infatuation is contagious and hilarious. Martin Short embodies the director who is dying to make it, epitomizing the belief that it is better to be infamous than not known at all. This quote shows his conviction that he is the hero of something important.
Throughout Only Murders in the Building, his enthusiasm in attracting public attention, even as a very real murder suspect, does nothing to dilute his pure delight in being famous, giving his character the perfect comedic twist.
“... When you're in danger it is all ion and sex. But then when things settle down, it’s hard to know what comes next, that’s why Judi Dench and I lost touch after the infamous ride on the Concorde.”
Oliver
From the beginning of the series, the generation gap between Mabel and her two costars, Charles and Oliver is the core of the comedic thread of the story. Mabel Mora, though young, is sharp as a whip and is easily the most astute of the group.
This quote disarms Oliver as he no longer can charm and beguile Mabel with his celebrity connections who sees right through his lovely white lies in this uncomfortable elevator moment. Selena Gomez and Martin Short's moment here represents the inevitable truth that as a team, they really cannot hide from one another. It's a highlight of their time in the building's secret ages.
"Sometimes it’s easier to figure out someone else’s secret than it is to deal with your own.”
Charles
Whereas Oliver’s character is out front, Steve Martin plays a character whose past slowly unravels in Season 2. Audiences discover, for example, that he adored, yet is ashamed of, his father who is at the center of the murder mystery being pictured in the scandalous painting that was stolen from Bunny’s apartment the night of her murder.
This quote of Charles in a sense reveals the essence of his character. It shows that he is more at home being a detective for the Arconia murders, than unraveling his own messy past.
“You know, I’m thinking of putting myself out there again. I mean, I slept with a murderer! That is a great story to tell on a first date."
Charles
Seeing Only Murders in The Building is witnessing the comedic genius of the one and only Steve Martin. His portrayal of Charles who desperately wants a girlfriend and approval from his neighbors in the building is hilarious as seen in this quote above.
He is half serious here and half laughing at himself but either way, this quote leaves viewers of this show chuckling most of the show.
"I have never broken up with anyone. I usually spend one year getting into a relationship, one year enjoying it and four years trying to get out."
Charles
This quote shows the tense but comedic moments between Charles, Mabel and Oliver, waiting to catch “glitter guy” in a car. Asked about how he is still in touch with Jane, Charles its he is still dating her though she is a psychopath who tried to kill him.
The quote above is poignant as it captures the diffidence and vulnerability of Charles’ character. During the series, this character weakness is the butt of many punch lines, but also compliments the swagger and theatrical aura of his co-star, Oliver.
"I call it the Mariah- a pound of glitter, a jar of rubber cement and just a nugget of Seaford."
Oliver
Oliver never disappoints with his zany, overly dramatic take on the universe. At this moment of season 2, he along with Mabel and Charles are in a quandary on how to move forward as they know that “glitter guy” is involved and could be the key to Bunny’s murder, but they continue to lose him.
This quote describes the poof of glitter left as the unknown suspect escapes and captures Oliver Putnam’s endearing yet eccentric way of perceiving the universe, a key part of the show.
“New Yorkers have a special way of communicating. And by special I mean direct."
Charles
The iconic Steve Martin is legendary and what makes his role in Only Murders in the Building so compelling is that he is an everyday, awkward person who tries his best to please everyone, yet doesn’t quite succeed. This quote is appropriate and comedic coming from Charles because he is anything but direct.
He has abandonment issues stemming from his colorful childhood history with his father as we learn in season 2, which only multiplies with the discovery of Bunny’s painting of his father with Rose Cooper.
“I wasn’t stabbed, it’s all theater.”
Charles
It is appropriate that Charles has one of the gut-wrenching quotes in the season 2 finale when the entire “murder reveal party” stages an act to incite Becky Butler to confess. Charles is stabbed by Mabel’s artistic girlfriend Alice which is a pivotal moment as viewers are horrified to see Charles stabbed only to find out a few minutes later that it’s his sheer acting prowess and deliberate plan along with Oliver and Mabel to force Becky’s confession.
Drama, theater, and surprise are stirred up in this last scene of the inhabitants of the Arconia and the quote succinctly captures this moment.
