Episode 9 of Season 2 of "Only Murders in the Building" kicks off with a gripping voice-over from Detective Kreps, framed against the backdrop of his boxing ring, which doubles as his abode in this enigmatic tower. As he engages in a grueling sparring session, his thoughts wander to the meager salary of an NYPD detective—a mere $80,000, hardly sufficient to sustain life in one of the world's most expensive metropolises. To bridge the financial gap, Kreps indulges in a covert side hustle, sneaking into the precinct's evidence room under the cover of darkness, his actions a testament to the lengths he goes to make ends meet.
Moreover, he confesses to moonlighting as a detective-for-hire in small towns and enterprises, offering his big-city expertise in forensic analysis and murder investigations. Amidst his confession, a fleeting mention of a captivating lady encountered in a smoky bar adds a touch of intrigue to his already complex narrative.
Back in the fold, Mabel delivers the shocking revelation to Charles, and his image joins the growing lineup of suspects on the investigation board. Yet, both Mabel and Charles concur that Kreps, despite his suspicious activities, is not the mastermind behind the web of mysteries. Just then, Oliver bursts in, accompanied by the drowsy-eyed Mrs. Gambolini and a hairdo screaming of a wild night out. To his delight, Oliver shares the DNA results, confirming his paternity. However, Charles refuses to accept the responsibility that comes with the news, much to Oliver's dismay.
Meanwhile, an unexpected discovery shakes up the investigation: the genuine Rose Cooper painting, concealed beneath its counterfeit counterpart, emerges from the shadows. It transpires that Bunny had been keeping the original hidden, using the fake as a decoy.
Alice makes a tentative visit to Mabel's apartment, bearing a gift—a beautifully crafted puzzle adorned with her own artistic flair, a peace offering of sorts. Though Mabel appreciates the gesture, her trust in Alice has been shattered, and she's hesitant to rekindle their friendship. Alice, the eccentric Brit, gracefully accepts Mabel's stance and retreats, leaving behind a lingering sense of unresolved emotions.
Charles, fueled by the discovery of the painting, sets his sights on contacting Leonora, Bunny's mother. His call to the assisted living facility where she resides yields a surprising revelation: Leonora hasn't ventured outside its confines in years. Even more perplexing, the photograph the facility shares online bears no resemblance to the woman they've encountered previously, casting further doubt on her true identity and deepening the mystery surrounding the building and its inhabitants.
Oliver delicately unveils the truth to his son, Will, whose relief mingles with emotion upon grasping the reality. Already burdened by the pressures of the school production, Oliver's revelation imparts a much-sought-after boost of confidence. Meanwhile, Charles fidgets with the watch bestowed upon him by his father, a memento from the painting's enigmatic past. His curiosity piqued, he discovers an inscription etched on its reverse: an address. As he dials the number associated with that address, his suspicions solidify into certainty.
Mabel, on her trail, discovers Kreps' abode and ponders the significance of the chicken emblem adorning his shirt. Arriving at the gym, she finds him locked in a rigorous sparring session. Without hesitation, she challenges him, unleashing a barrage of insults intended to shatter his focus. Her relentless pursuit of answers reveals Mabel's unyielding spirit, as she continues her assault, even daring to engage him in a bout. Her weekend kickboxing training proves invaluable in this unexpected confrontation.
As the narrative weaves between three parallel narratives—Mabel's fierce gym confrontation, Charles' intriguing exchange with "Rose Cooper" (the elderly woman who once claimed to be Leonara, now revealed as the painter herself), and Oliver's tense elevator ride with Teddy—the tension mounts.
Mabel mocks Kreps' perceived foolishness, only to be met with a sly rejoinder, "If I am so stupid, how did I manage to captivate the smartest girl in the world?"—a subtle nod to OMITB's dedicated fans, foreshadowing a revelation that will leave even the skeptics convinced. Kreps casually mentions the OG podcast, 'All is Not Okay,' before Mabel abruptly departs.
Elsewhere, Oliver's confrontation with Teddy erupts into a revelation: Will is, in fact, the son of both Roberta and Teddy. Together, they retreat to Oliver's apartment, where they share a heartfelt evening, baring their souls and the imperfections of their respective parental bonds. By dawn's break, Teddy vows to uphold the secret, and the two men emerge reconciled, their bond restored.
Meanwhile, Charles' conversation with Rose takes an unexpected turn as she confesses that her disappearance was a bid for greater fame, painting a fascinating picture of her motivations and ambitions.
Moreover, her life hanging in the balance, she implores Charles to uncover the hidden nails securing the painting to its canvas, and behold, a revelation unfolds. Within the painting lies another, a secret masterpiece. The outer portrait, a testament to Rose's fervent love for Charles' father, conceals beneath it a portrait tailored for him—a heartwarming scene of him standing tall, with Charles, a cherubic child by his side. This portrait embodies the ideal fatherhood Charles' father yearned for yet couldn't quite grasp. He had also shielded Rose from her abusive spouse, shouldering the blame himself.
Charles finally finds solace and takes pride in the man his father truly was. Rose entrusts the painting to Charles, deeming him a far more worthy recipient than "that meddling woman who sniffed around a few months ago," her features etched in memory—brown hair, framed by glasses.
Mabel's quest for the final puzzle pieces draws her perilously close to the truth. 'All is Not Okay' in Oklahoma, a podcast that catapulted Cinda to fame, holds the key. Cinda, it seems, is but a fragment in a larger narrative. Mabel hastens to Cinda's office, only to find Poppy in her stead. Cinda absent, Poppy's warning rings loud upon mention of the podcast and Detective Kreps, revealing a shocking truth: Poppy herself is the elusive piece. She is none other than Becky Butler, the enigmatic figure from the Oklahoma podcast that Cinda claimed to have unraveled!
Kreps, indulging in his freelance antics, stumbled upon Cinda in a pub, instantly captivated. His infatuation clouded his judgment, leading him to manipulate evidence. This is why Poppy, alias Becky, trembles at the mere mention of Cinda's name. The stage is set for a dramatic revelation, as the intricate web of deceit begins to unravel.
