Episode 3 of the eagerly anticipated new season of "Only Murders in the Building" kicks off with a whimsical yet poignant character introduction, painting a vivid portrait of Loretta Durkin, an actress whose dreams of stardom remained elusive despite relentless effort and impeccable dedication. Portrayed with irresistible charm by the legendary Meryl Streep, Loretta's life-long quest culminates in a moment of serendipity when she finally hears the enchanting phrase, "Where have you been?" echoing through the audition room as she vies for the role of a nanny in Oliver's upcoming play.
Her stellar performance not only secures her a place on stage but also sets the stage for a fateful opening night, marred by tragedy: the untimely demise of the play's lead, Ben Glenroy, brought to life with chilling precision by Paul Rudd, who departs from his usual nice-guy persona. As Ben's lifeless body is whisked away, shockwaves ripple through the crowd, yet Oliver, more determined than ever, insists on proceeding with the planned afterparty at his abode.
The narrative then takes us on a nostalgic journey four months back in time, to the nascent stages of Oliver's play rehearsals. Charles and Mabel find themselves seated at the inaugural table read, where Oliver unveils his masterpiece, "Death Rattle" – a gripping tale of a murder committed within the confines of a Nova Scotia lighthouse, with the sole witness being an innocent infant.
As we circle the table, acquainting ourselves with the cast, Ben makes a grand entrance, stealing the spotlight. Donna Demeo and her openly gay son, Cliff, stand as the driving forces behind the production, set to grace the Gooseberry Theater. Prior to Ben's arrival, Charles attempts a modest speech, humorously acknowledging his own celebrity status, only to be swiftly silenced by Oliver's authoritative voice, setting the tone for the intricate web of intrigue and murder that unfolds within the walls of the building.
Ben arrives in grand style, accompanied by his dual-role brother and manager, Dickie, who promptly distributes Non-Disclosure Agreements to the ensemble cast with a flourish. Ben's brilliant stroke of genius: capturing the journey of his maiden Broadway venture through the lens of a documentary, even as rehearsals commence.
Among the diverse cast members introduced, Kimber, Ty, and the endearing Bobo steal the spotlight. Intriguingly, Ben has taken up residence in Amy Schumer's former apartment, a move orchestrated by Oliver's sage counsel.
The scene shifts to a rehearsal room where Loretta, with unbridled enthusiasm, experiments with accents, her efforts to breathe life into her character both earnest and admirable. However, Ben finds her antics perplexing at best, culminating in a request to Oliver to relieve her of her duties post the initial read-through. Oliver, ever the diplomat, assures Ben he'll address the matter with Loretta, soothing her ruffled feathers and reassuring her of her place in the production.
Time leaps forward, and Howard, now Oliver's trusted assistant on the play, rallies the troops for the post-show festivities. With the elevators in a state of disrepair, Donna seizes the moment to quip about the Gooseberry's string of misfortunes, particularly for Oliver.
At the afterparty, attendees slowly emerge from the initial shockwaves, their spirits lifting amidst the revelry. KT, the stage manager of the notorious Death Rattle, and Jonathan, a recurring character from seasons past, grace the gathering, adding to the eclectic mix.
Oliver, in a heart-to-heart with Mabel, confesses his moral dilemma—the guilt of prioritizing his career amidst the tragedy of a performer's demise onstage. Mabel, ever the conspiracy theorist, posits that Ben may have been poisoned, fueling her desire for yet another sensational podcast. Oliver, seemingly swayed, nods in tacit agreement, the room pulsating with unspoken tensions and unfulfilled questions.
It subtly whispers of a budding romance between Oliver and Loretta, weaving a tender arc within this season's tapestry. Suddenly, the fabric of their world is upended as Ben storms in, a shocking testament to life's unexpected turns. He's alive, his near-death experience attributed to a gastronomic mishap that granted him a fleeting glimpse of the afterlife's "light." The revelation sends ripples of disbelief and fleeting relief through the gathering, as Ben circulates, humbly apologizing for his past indiscretions—from mango thievery to relentless dressing room grievances. With his amends made, he retreats to the solitude of his apartment within the complex.
Loretta's departure from the festivities is tinged with bitterness, her eyes betraying a simmering resentment towards Ben. Under Mabel's urging, the trio seeks solace in a late-night pickle diner feast. Oliver's announcement that the play will rise from the ashes of controversy, rejuvenated by its unwelcome fame, sends Donna and Cliff soaring with joy.
Yet, amidst this glimmer of hope, Mabel drops a bombshell, disclosing that her aunt's renovated abode has been sold, signaling her impending departure from Arconia. The news casts a pall over Charles and Oliver, their expressions mirroring the sudden weight of loss. As they step into the elevator, Charles's sardonic observation underscores their predicament: "Our podcast dreams were doomed from the start, for Ben's demise didn't occur within these walls." But fate has a twisted sense of humor, for just as the words leave his lips, a crimson rain falls from above—Ben's lifeless form plummeting from the elevator's shattered glass ceiling, shattering their tranquility.
The trio emerges, stupefied, as Uma's iconic line echoes, punctuating the episode with disbelief: "You've got to be kidding me!"
