"Only Murders in the Building" is a new comedic mystery series on Hulu that has gained a lot of attention, thanks in large part to its star-studded cast. The show follows three neighbors in a New York City apartment building who bond over their love of true crime podcasts and become amateur sleuths after a murder occurs in their own building. The premise is intriguing and has the potential to be a lot of fun, but the execution falls short in several key areas.

First and foremost, it must be said that Steve Martin and Martin Short are comedic geniuses. They bring their trademark humor and chemistry to their roles as Charles-Haden Savage and Oliver Putnam, respectively, and are easily the highlights of the show. Their banter and one-liners are a joy to watch and provide many of the show's funniest moments. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for Selena Gomez, who plays Mabel Mora, the third member of the trio.

Gomez's acting leaves a lot to be desired. While she has improved over the years, her performance in "Only Murders in the Building" is often wooden and lacks the natural charisma of her co-stars. She struggles to keep up with Martin and Short's comedic timing and falls flat in several key scenes. It's clear that she's trying her best, but the contrast between her performance and that of Martin and Short is stark.

The direction of the show is solid, with a clear vision and style that sets it apart from other comedies. Director Jamie Babbit infuses the show with a sense of whimsy that suits the offbeat premise, and the show's visuals are often striking. The use of split screens and other stylistic flourishes adds to the show's charm and helps to keep things visually interesting.

The acting of the supporting cast is also good, with standout performances from Nathan Lane as a washed-up actor and Amy Ryan as a grieving widow. Each of the characters in the show is given a distinct personality and backstory, which helps to flesh out the world and make it feel lived-in.

The story itself is entertaining, with plenty of twists and turns to keep the audience guessing. The show's central mystery is intriguing, and the way it slowly unfolds over the course of the season is well done. The show also delves into themes of loneliness, friendship, and obsession, which adds depth to the characters and makes the stakes feel higher.

However, the story does have some noticeable plot holes that are hard to ignore. Several key developments feel contrived and lack the necessary setup to make them feel believable. The show also relies heavily on coincidences to move the plot forward, which can be frustrating for viewers looking for a more cohesive narrative.

Overall, "Only Murders in the Building" is a mediocre show that falls short of its potential. While Martin and Short are comedic powerhouses, Gomez's performance leaves a lot to be desired. The direction and supporting cast are solid, and the story is entertaining, but the plot holes are hard to ignore. Despite its flaws, the show may still be worth checking out for fans of the cast or the mystery genre. However, viewers looking for a standout comedy or mystery may be disappointed.