Obsessed with Arconia and Only Murders In The Building? Me too!
Let's talk Season 1. It was pure comedic, mystery gold. But I have a confession.
I have a slightly controversial opinion. And it involves the number of episodes.
The Perfect Episode Count? Maybe Not...
Season 1 gifted us with ten episodes. Ten glorious episodes of Charles, Oliver, and Mabel sleuthing around.
I was hooked. Totally and utterly hooked. But did it *need* ten?
Hear me out! I loved the slow burn. The character development was *chef's kiss*.
We got to know Charles' past. And Oliver's financial woes. Plus, Mabel's mysterious vibes.
But sometimes, I felt a *teeny* bit of filler. Like, could we have shaved off an episode or two?
My Unpopular Opinion
Okay, here it is: Eight episodes might have been the sweet spot. Boom. I said it.
Imagine a tighter, more streamlined story. Every clue meticulously placed. No room for fluff.
I know, I know! Some of you are clutching your pearls. “But the character moments!” I hear you cry.
We could've still had character moments! Just, you know, slightly less of them. More mystery, less...dim sum?
Let’s be real, Oliver could have easily cut one anecdote about his theatre days. We love you, Oliver, but brevity is key.
I think the pacing would have been even more gripping. More suspenseful. Less time to wander around the Arconia wondering if Jan was *really* that into bassoons.
Don't Get Me Wrong!
I adored Season 1. It's a masterpiece of modern television. Especially with the killer performance by Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez.
The writing was sharp. The acting was superb. And the mystery kept me guessing until the very end. It was a perfect balance of comedic and mysterious.
But sometimes, less is more. You know?
A Case for Less Is More
Think about other amazing shows. Shows that nail the short-season format. Fleabag anyone? Or The Queen's Gambit?
They pack a powerful punch in a smaller package. They leave you wanting more, but satisfied at the same time.
Maybe Only Murders could have achieved the same effect with a slightly leaner season. A season so tight, it could make a bassoon string snap!
Perhaps, if we were to consider the future seasons, keeping the number of episodes smaller will be beneficial.
So, What Do You Think?
Am I crazy? Am I a heretic? Do I need to be banished from the Arconia?
Let me know your thoughts! Was ten the perfect number? Or would you have preferred a shorter, snappier Season 1?
Maybe the beauty is in the eye of the beholder. And the number of episodes is in the mind of the binge-watcher.
Either way, Only Murders In The Building remains a delightful, hilarious, and utterly addictive show. Even if I secretly wish it was just a *little* bit shorter.
I still think it’s amazing. And it still makes me laugh. Plus, I will still watch season 2,3,4.
Okay, I'll stop now. Time to rewatch Season 1... all ten episodes. (Don't tell anyone I said that.)