MWAAH! I’m absolutely not a kisser but I could throw my arms around this piece--the unexpected turns of phrase, the wit, the deep attention to the show and Gomez in particular (both the character she plays and her real, exceptional self). I don’t often see writing that sparkles and illuminates at the same time, as this does. For what it’s worth, this septuagenarian has learned a fair bit over time. The hard part is acting on what I know. Telling people you love their work is always easy and fun. I’m making up now for compliments withheld when I was younger.
I’ve watched Murders from the very beginning and it did not hit me until I read this story that it is a series that explores loneliness... at every age. Wow, so good and the writing is exceptional because this theme is woven throughout but I didn’t pick it up until you pointed it out here. That’s show writing talent, skill, where the writers don’t beat us up over the head with the theme. They distract us with a murder, a frozen cat, some silly slapstick... some awesome Jiminy Glick... I LOVE THAT CHARACTER, don’t you...
Selena Gomez, I first saw her on Wizards (my daughter is 32, AMA about Lizzie and Hannah/Miley, HSM, LaGuna Beach, OC...yeah...😳) lost track as she got older, then she reemerges as Mabel with perfect timing and character... I love that you see her with fresh eyes!!
Your reference of Shetland made my morning. I’d love to visit the island but since watching the series my husband jokes that it is much too dangerous a place.
I love this show, and your commentary is spot on. Short is just genius, Martin is his reliable funny deprecating self, and Gomez. My God, she is perfection. In this role, the juxtaposition against the other two is obvious in all scenes - the combination of these three is just magical. It’s so much fun to watch and not too much slapstick fir mu taste, but just enough to get me guffawing here and there... I just laughed thinking about it. I’m 62 and just love Selena’s wise old soul character who can play young when she has to. The veteran comedic actors are icing on the cake; Lane, Streep, Rudd. I know Williams would have joined in the fun if he was still with us. Highly recommend!
I, too, am a Murders in the Building fan (in the middle of season 2). By far, my greatest enjoyment of the show is watching the three characters bond and form a community. How refreshing it is to find new friendships building in later life and across multiple generations. Many people in the city (and, in general) seem so desperately alone. This show inspires the viewer to explore and remain curious...together!
Also, I didn’t know about Selena Gomez either before this endeavor. Big fan now 😁
Sep 14, 2023·edited Sep 14, 2023Liked by Sari Botton, Laurie Stone
I don’t watch much TV but I’m really enjoying this series…and I enjoyed your lovely & thoughtful take on it. Thank you! One minor quibble: Altho he’s called himself an “honorary Jew,” Robin Williams wasn’t actually Jewish.
This piece is so wonderful and insightful (as always!) that I am going to drop everything and watch this series. I am 70, and I agree with you about the joys of friends (usually female) who are 40+ years younger.
Selena Gomez is a revelation and a perfect foil for Martin and Short. Love her voice, mannerisms, and sweaters! And brava on the sidebar - outstanding!
Wow! Sometimes I read these pieces kind of reluctantly, to get through and get them out of my inbox. This morning I savored every bit of your essay, understanding even better why I love Only Murders as a bonus. I agree with other commenters, the sidebar is the icing on the cake, most delicious. Thank you
I had coffee with a 20 years younger friend yesterday and I think we need more age gap friendships in books, TV and movies. Thank you for writing this love letter of a piece.
This beautifully written phrase sums up this show so perfectly- “It’s a funny show about loneliness and the weird ways connection can fall on you, in any combination of ages, like a weather condition or a wolf’s paw”. Your writing is fantastic and fascinating. Thank you.
MWAAH! I’m absolutely not a kisser but I could throw my arms around this piece--the unexpected turns of phrase, the wit, the deep attention to the show and Gomez in particular (both the character she plays and her real, exceptional self). I don’t often see writing that sparkles and illuminates at the same time, as this does. For what it’s worth, this septuagenarian has learned a fair bit over time. The hard part is acting on what I know. Telling people you love their work is always easy and fun. I’m making up now for compliments withheld when I was younger.
This whole piece is a chef's kiss. Enjoyed every word. Thank you!
I’ve watched Murders from the very beginning and it did not hit me until I read this story that it is a series that explores loneliness... at every age. Wow, so good and the writing is exceptional because this theme is woven throughout but I didn’t pick it up until you pointed it out here. That’s show writing talent, skill, where the writers don’t beat us up over the head with the theme. They distract us with a murder, a frozen cat, some silly slapstick... some awesome Jiminy Glick... I LOVE THAT CHARACTER, don’t you...
Selena Gomez, I first saw her on Wizards (my daughter is 32, AMA about Lizzie and Hannah/Miley, HSM, LaGuna Beach, OC...yeah...😳) lost track as she got older, then she reemerges as Mabel with perfect timing and character... I love that you see her with fresh eyes!!
Your last sidebar is a knockout! You know how to explode idiocy!
Your reference of Shetland made my morning. I’d love to visit the island but since watching the series my husband jokes that it is much too dangerous a place.
I love this show, and your commentary is spot on. Short is just genius, Martin is his reliable funny deprecating self, and Gomez. My God, she is perfection. In this role, the juxtaposition against the other two is obvious in all scenes - the combination of these three is just magical. It’s so much fun to watch and not too much slapstick fir mu taste, but just enough to get me guffawing here and there... I just laughed thinking about it. I’m 62 and just love Selena’s wise old soul character who can play young when she has to. The veteran comedic actors are icing on the cake; Lane, Streep, Rudd. I know Williams would have joined in the fun if he was still with us. Highly recommend!
I, too, am a Murders in the Building fan (in the middle of season 2). By far, my greatest enjoyment of the show is watching the three characters bond and form a community. How refreshing it is to find new friendships building in later life and across multiple generations. Many people in the city (and, in general) seem so desperately alone. This show inspires the viewer to explore and remain curious...together!
Also, I didn’t know about Selena Gomez either before this endeavor. Big fan now 😁
I don’t watch much TV but I’m really enjoying this series…and I enjoyed your lovely & thoughtful take on it. Thank you! One minor quibble: Altho he’s called himself an “honorary Jew,” Robin Williams wasn’t actually Jewish.
This piece is so wonderful and insightful (as always!) that I am going to drop everything and watch this series. I am 70, and I agree with you about the joys of friends (usually female) who are 40+ years younger.
Selena Gomez is a revelation and a perfect foil for Martin and Short. Love her voice, mannerisms, and sweaters! And brava on the sidebar - outstanding!
Love this, Laurie! But ohno! Now I’m gonna have to watch OMITB
Wow! Sometimes I read these pieces kind of reluctantly, to get through and get them out of my inbox. This morning I savored every bit of your essay, understanding even better why I love Only Murders as a bonus. I agree with other commenters, the sidebar is the icing on the cake, most delicious. Thank you
I had coffee with a 20 years younger friend yesterday and I think we need more age gap friendships in books, TV and movies. Thank you for writing this love letter of a piece.
What I love most about you is your astute, serious analysis and then finishing it off with: “Bite me.” Hahahaha!!!!!!
Love this write-up of the show. Makes me want to see more seasons (only watched the first). Brava!
This beautifully written phrase sums up this show so perfectly- “It’s a funny show about loneliness and the weird ways connection can fall on you, in any combination of ages, like a weather condition or a wolf’s paw”. Your writing is fantastic and fascinating. Thank you.