Only Murders in the Building vs. Death and Other Details: Who Does Mystery Better?
By Ed Malaker
Mystery television has been captivating audiences for decades with shows like Murder She Wrote Columbo, Matlock, and many more. It is still captivating us today with shows like Only Murders in the Building, which has become quite popular. But how does it compare to other notable mystery series in terms of death portrayal, character development, and overall mystery? Keep reading as we compare it to another popular Hulu show, Death and Other Details.
Depiction of death
Both Death and Other Details and Only Murders in the Building deal with death on the show, but both do it in different ways. Death and Other Details is more explicit in its portrayal of death, often showing the aftermath of brutal crimes. These scenes are a main part of the show that help push the story forward.
In contrast, Only Murders in the Building uses death more as a springboard for their light-hearted investigation. While they do acknowledge the seriousness of the crime, they don’t clearly depict the murders graphically.
Character dynamics: who solves it better?
Charles, Oliver, and Mabel do the investigating in Onl Murders in the Building, and their chemistry is a big part of what makes the show so popular. Their methods are often humorous and bumbling, but their passion for solving crime makes it fun to watch.
Death and Other Details, on the other hand, features a more serious group of investigators, including a seasoned detective and an investigative journalist. Their methods are systematic, and it is more like what you would expect from a real investigation.
Clues and foreshadowing
In Only Murders in the Building, they reveal clues subtly, often to mislead. There are enough clues to solve the mystery, but there are plenty that will send you down the wrong path. The clues usually emerge from the humorous situations the characters find themselves in, making the journey to solving the case just as enjoyable as the solution itself.
Death and Other Details takes a more layered approach to its clues. It’s good at hiding details in plain sight, requiring viewers to pay attention to dialogue and background items. This attention to detail creates a more intricate puzzle for the audience that rewards those who enjoy a more cerebral viewing experience.
Humor and tone
One of the high points of Only Murders in the Building is its use of humor. The light-hearted tone makes the show a breezy, enjoyable watch, even when it deals with dark themes like murder.
In contrast, Death and Other Details is much darker and more serious. Humor is nearly absent, and the focus is on creating a sense of tension and dread as the characters uncover the truth.
Pacing
The pacing of a mystery show can make or break the story, and both shows handle it differently. Only Murders in the Building has a steady, consistent pace. Each episode reveals just enough to keep viewers hooked, but the show never feels rushed.
Death and Other Details, however, takes its time. The pacing is slow and deliberate, with tension building throughout multiple episodes. This slow-burn approach creates a more immersive atmosphere, but it requires patience from the viewer.
Twists and reveals
When it comes to twists, both Only Murders in the Building and Death and Other Details know how to surprise their audience. If you enjoy twists that make you gasp and laugh simultaneously, Only Murders in the Building nails it. But if you prefer twists that pack an emotional punch, Death and Other Details might be the better choice.
In the end, both shows do mystery well—it’s simply a matter of what kind of mystery you’re in the mood for.