Episode 2 of Only Murders in the Building Season 2 commences with a captivating flashback, unraveling the rich tapestry of Arconia's history and Bunny's origins. This majestic edifice, a masterpiece conceived by the visionary architect Archibald Carter, concealed within its walls a labyrinth of secret passages, testament to the architect's ingenuity. Carter, once a notorious playboy, eventually found solace in domesticity, as his daughter Leonora tied the knot with Mr. Folger, birthing Bunny, who would spend her entire life embraced by the embrace of Arconia.
Simultaneously, the intricate web of affairs unfolds, revealing Charles' father's romantic entanglements with both Leonora and Rose, the enigmatic artist residing in the adjacent building. Given this intricate backdrop, it strains credulity to believe that Bunny remained oblivious to the clandestine passage lurking within her closet's recesses. Yet, the more intriguing query looms: who else was privy to this secret?
In the present day, the trio's gaze falls upon the painting, their eyes fixated on the enigmatic word "savage" scrawled at its rear, a cryptic message that Bunny alluded to, not Charles. As if on cue, Howard's arrival disrupts their contemplation, prompting Mabel and Oliver to hastily conceal the painting's presence. Their quick reflexes allow them to emerge unscathed as Howard announces a somber gathering at Bunny's abode, where a pall of gloom hangs heavily.
Adding to the already somber atmosphere, Nina Lin introduces herself as the newly anointed Board President, her presence a stark reminder of the shifting tides within Arconia. Amidst this turmoil, an elderly lady enters the apartment, her claim to the missing Rose Cooper's possessions ringing with authority. She is none other than Leonara, Bunny's mother, her arrival a jarring reminder of the past's lingering presence.
With strategy in mind, the trio devises a plan: Mabel and Oliver to slip away with the painting, disappearing into the shadows of the alley, while Charles navigates the hidden passage, stealthily returning the painting to its rightful place. The stage is set for a thrilling caper, where the past and present collide, secrets threaten to unravel, and the residents of Arconia find themselves entangled in a web of murder, mystery, and the unyielding pursuit of truth.
Despite his preoccupation, Charles finds himself captivated by the painting's unfinished narrative, yearning to delve deeper with Leonara through questions, only to be abruptly summoned by his companions. In a familiar twist of fate, akin to the unraveling of their 'plans,' Charles inadvertently slams the portal to the edifice shut, leaving them stranded beside the unsightly dumpsters, the painting in tow. They reluctantly abandon it there, nursing the hope of retrieving it once the commotion subsides.
Meanwhile, Mabel's burgeoning romance with Alice blossoms into a tender kiss, sealing their affection as she inadvertently demolishes a sculpture crafted by Alice's own hands, a testament to her devotion. Oliver, on the other hand, embarks on a journey to Schumer's abode to discuss their shared endeavor, only to encounter a double jolt: the painting that has captivated them all hangs proudly on her wall, and Amy, with a sparkle in her eye, declares her desire to embody the role of Jan in their upcoming series.
Charles's quest for answers about his father leads him to Leonara once more, where the veil of secrecy surrounding their romantic entanglements is lifted. As the trio converges at Amy's apartment, the true proprietor of the painting, with a discerning eye, instantly discerns the forgery. The original, a victim of Rose's cunning, bears the scars of its past—torn from behind and its canvas crudely stitched back together.
In a poignant moment, Uma entrusts Oliver with the care of Mrs. Gambolini, fulfilling a part of Bunny's final wishes. Charles finally finds solace in the memories of that fateful night, the flashbacks offering closure regarding his elusive father. Yet, Mrs. Folger's ominous words echo, warning him that "he will come seeking her," hinting at a possible familial bond between Charles and Bunny, perhaps as siblings.
In a climactic revelation, Gambloini, with a knowing gaze, drops a bombshell—she holds the key to the identity of the murderer, leaving the audience breathless with anticipation.
