In the penultimate episode of Only Murders in the Building's captivating second season, Will unearths a profound truth about himself, one that Oliver, despite his uncanny knack for detecting the slightest of "tells," had remained oblivious to for years. The narrative delves into nostalgic flashbacks set in the vibrant '70s, showcasing Oliver's astonishing prowess in a game he devised, dubbed "Son of Sam or the Innocent Blonde." His mastery of the game is breathtaking, as evidenced by a vivid memory Will recalls, where Oliver astonishingly deduces Teddy Dimas as the culprit.
Meanwhile, in the confines of a jail cell, Charles engages in a thought-provoking exchange with Jan, extracting crucial insights into the killer's psyche. She alludes to the perpetrator being an "artistic soul," one who wouldn't abandon their masterpiece unfinished. Amidst the interrogation, Jan subtly flirts, encouraging Charles to confront his own feelings for her, adding an intriguing layer to their dynamic.
Elsewhere, Mable and Alice orchestrate their day's agenda, with Alice temporarily residing in Bushwick. Faced with a leaky ceiling, she entrusts Mable with hosting their gathering, an impromptu twist that leads to an unexpected discovery. As Mable navigates through Alice's instructions, she stumbles upon a hidden door, a secret passage linking their apartments. At its threshold, lies a haunting clue—a bloodstained matchbox, fueling their investigation further.
This fortuitous find reunites the trio, igniting a fervent discussion about its implications. They ponder if the killer might frequent the Pickle Diner, a lead that prompts Ivan, Bunny's attentive server, to provide them with a comprehensive list of the eatery's regular patrons. The stage is set for an exhilarating race against time, as they delve deeper into the mystery, each clue unraveling the intricate web of secrets within the Building.
Oliver cordially extends invitations to himself and Charles, entwining them in the tapestry of Mable's festive soirée. Mable's sole aspiration, a gentle whisper in the wind, echoes through the gathering—a yearning for normality amidst the fray. Yet, the very thought of these two embarking on such a journey seems a fantastical dream, given their unconventional natures.
In a meta-narrative flourish, the scriptweavers cunningly deploy a cadre of avid fans seated nearby, their voices weaving a commentary on the episode's narrative progression. They muse over the societal milestones it embodies, particularly Mable's romantic embrace with a fellow woman, a testament to progressive ideals in contemporary times.
As the evening unfolds, Mable gracefully introduces Alice to Charles and Oliver, her words dripping with admiration, a subtle veil that clouds Charles' judgment, convincing him that innocence shines in Alice's eyes. Oliver, however, remains a skeptic, his mind ever-vigilant, his soul a tapestry of suspicion.
He conjures a moment of nostalgia, casting a spell over the partygoers with a game reminiscent of the infamous "Son of Sam" mystery. With a flick of his wrist, he transports the party back in time, to the groovy era of the 1970s. The rules of the game are simple yet sinister: Oliver dims the lights, his voice booming with authority, "Blackout!" The crowd huddles into a circle, and one by one, a figure succumbs to the floor, their fate sealed. Oliver, the sleuth, must discern truth from fiction, eliminating the blameless blondes until only two remain—Mable and Alice, standing at the precipice of revelation.
The underlying intrigue deepens as Oliver and Charles' curiosity simmers, ignited by Jan's cryptic remark, hinting at the killer's artistic nature and the serendipitous timing of Alice's entrance into Mable's life. Their minds race, each piece of the puzzle aligning, as they contemplate the connection between Alice's artistic endeavors and the mystery that engulfs them all.
As the truth unfolds, Oliver exposes Alice's fabrications, her deceit palpable as she fidgets with her hair in a telltale manner. In a fleeting moment of despair, Alice concedes to lying about attending Oxford and hailing from a realm of wealth. Her motive: to bolster her credibility in selling her paintings, for who would invest $50,000 in the artistry of a plumber's daughter from Essex? The gathering dissipates, Alice retreats to the bathroom, tears streaming down her face. Mable endeavors to soothe Alice's troubled conscience, offering comfort amidst her web of lies.
Meanwhile, Charles continues his phone conversation with Jan, their dynamic intriguing given her past attempts on his life. Their discourse delves into both the case at hand and the lingering impact he has on her. They reminisce fondly over their shared memories, the echoes of their past resonating through the present.
Oliver's attention is drawn to an envelope brimming with cash, surreptitiously placed under Bunny's apartment door by Ivan, the diner proprietor. Curiosity piqued, Oliver ventures to the diner where Ivan confides in him, sharing the truth along with footage capturing Bunny's final days, haunted visits to the diner. In one harrowing scene, Bunny storms out, enraged, muttering about a "murderer," his fury palpable. Oliver's hand instinctively reaches for a matchbox on the table, as if to ignite the fire of understanding within him.
The climax, however, is a stunning revelation that rocks everyone to their core, particularly Oliver. Will, in a stunning disclosure, unravels the secret he had teased at the narrative's onset: Oliver is not his biological father, his heritage a blend of Greek blood, not Irish. The truth is, Teddy Dimas, who had an illicit affair with Roberta, Oliver's wife, is the true patriarch, a revelation that sends shockwaves through the room.
