Only Murders in the Building – Season 3 Episode 7

Published: Aug 27 2024

Episode 7 commences with a stunning revelation that shatters Mabel's theory about Ben's murder and the enigmatic handkerchief. Her supposition proves to be a misstep as the truth unravels through Uma, Bunny's irascible confidante, who orchestrates the prologue with a mischievous touch. Uma, a self-confessed kleptomaniac, finds solace in objects over people, believing they "linger longer." It transpires that she was the culprit who absconded with the handkerchief, her detachment from the crime making her an unlikely assassin.

Only Murders in the Building – Season 3 Episode 7 1

At the diner where memories of Bunny's laughter still linger, Uma's path crosses with Charles. The bench, a symbol of their friendship, remains vacant for Bunny, yet Uma reluctantly extends an invitation to Charles, sharing the space once occupied by her dear companion. The conversation, though lacking in groundbreaking revelations, leaves Charles contemplating the intricate ties he shares with Mabel and Oliver, realizing their detachment may not come easily.

Meanwhile, Mabel embarks on a mission to uncover the truth, aided by Theo Dumas, a guest appearance this season, as she assists in packing up Oliver's belongings in anticipation of his apartment change. Amidst the chaos, they speculate on the faceless killer, revisiting Dickie, Ben's brother, who had been briefly shrouded in suspicion at the conclusion of episode 5. The silent auction at Ben's apartment serves as the stage for Mabel's confrontation with Dickie, her direct inquiries about the murder leaving him indignant and distant.

Oliver, facing the daunting task of replacing Charles, sits with "the producers," auditioning countless actors in search of a suitable substitute. Donna's wise counsel urges Oliver to reconcile with Charles, recognizing his dependability despite not being a theatrical prodigy. As the curtain rises on the play's impending reopening, Oliver remains steadfast in his refusal to backtrack.

Enter Cliff, with a masterstroke, summoning a "special someone" to audition. The mysterious figure turns out to be none other than Broadway's illustrious Matthew Broderick, his mastery of the patter song astonishing everyone in attendance, particularly Oliver, who is convinced he's found the missing piece to complete their theatrical puzzle.

Charles, as he rides the elevator to his sanctuary, encounters the crestfallen actors on Oliver's floor, inadvertently eavesdropping on Broderick's impeccable vocals. His heart sinks, and Oliver, witnessing his friend's distress, feels a fleeting pang of vulnerability. Yet, the rift remains unbridged, with Broderick now firmly entrenched as Oliver's chosen one, leaving Charles in the dust.

Mabel seeks absolution, apologizing profusely to Dickie for her unwarranted accusations. Dickie, finding solace in her understanding, confides that he's long walked in the shadows of his illustrious brother Ben, the family's golden child who monopolized all the limelight. This, perhaps, explains why Dickie found his calling as a manager rather than an actor. As they segue back to the murder, Dickie assures Mabel that justice has been served; Gregg, the deranged stalker, has been apprehended and incarcerated. The case, he insists, is closed, urging Mabel to accept the inevitable.

Charles' hopes of regaining Oliver's favor through Uma's handkerchief are dashed when he discovers she's already sold it for a substantial seven thousand dollars to an auction bidder. This missed opportunity weighs heavily on him. Meanwhile, at Oliver's abode, Broderick's overzealous method acting begins to fray Oliver's nerves, his unorthodox interpretations of 'The Constable' threatening to unravel the production. Oliver seeks counsel from Mel Brooks, Broderick's former director in 'The Producers', who reveals Broderick's penchant for creative madness when given free rein.

Charles, lingering at Oliver's doorstep, yearns for a reconciliation that seems ever so distant. Oliver, sensing Charles' desperation, seizes the moment to dismiss Broderick and reinstate Charles in the play. Over a celebratory glass of wine, Oliver unveils Loretta's diary, shedding light on Ben's enigmatic past.

Elsewhere, Mabel, Theo, and Tobert converge in Mabel's cozy apartment to record a podcast episode. As Mabel pores over crime scene photos, a vital clue emerges: Ben habitually set his watch 20 minutes ahead to avoid tardiness. This revelation shifts the timeline of his demise from 12:06 to 12:26, casting doubt on Gregg's guilt as he was spotted leaving at 12:06. Mabel hesitates before pressing record, nostalgia for her late friends clouding her thoughts, but she perseveres.

Charles and Oliver intend to gift Mabel the diary as a token of apology, only to find her apartment empty. The podcast, however, resounds through the airwaves, Mabel's impassioned argument about Gregg's innocence igniting a firestorm. Detective Biswas, swayed by her logic, reopens Ben Glenroy's murder investigation. A surprising twist emerges—it was Dickie who purchased the handkerchief from Uma, a testament to his lingering bond with his beloved brother.


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