‘Only Murders in the Building’ season 2 episode 9 review: Stepping into the ring

Mabel goes looking for a fight in this week’s Only Murders in the Building.

August 16, 2022

On the previous Only Murders in the Building, the tension was high during a blackout of the entire Tri-state area. The darkness seemed to be the perfect backdrop for glitter guy to emerge and stalk Lucy and the main trio. Luckily, they all make it out in one piece and a subtle clue gives Mabel a pretty good idea of their assailant’s identity.

Detective Kreps receives the spotlight in “Sparring Partners.” We dive into his backstory and motivations as a cop needing to earn some extra cash. Sometimes that involves working security out in Coney Island. It’s curious to see how he ties into the narrative outside of running lead on the investigation. However, Kreps is more the hired goon than the brains so there must be a criminal mastermind at the very top.

The confrontation between Mabel and Kreps happens as you would expect but in a boxing gym. Since decorum won’t allow them to physically fight, it becomes more of a war of words. There is arrogance and smugness on both sides but only one person really benefits. Despite mentioning otherwise, the detective lets slip enough information to follow up on. Combine that with what Mabel already surmised and it points the finger at a particular someone. The big reveal in the end further solidifies the prime suspects shadiness.

only murders in the building 2.9.2 — Photo: Craig Blankenhorn/Hulu

The episode of Only Murders in the Building effectively uses parallels between the three leads as they each pursue their own path. While Mabel is tracking down her cop friend, Charles is pursuing a hunch that adds another twist in the mystery. It also allows him to find some closure with regards to his daddy issues and soften his stance, but it doesn’t completely let Poppa Savage off the hook from his treatment of Charles’ mother. As all things are seemingly connected, what Charles finds out lends credence to who the mastermind is.

Similarly, as Mabel and Kreps verbally spar in the ring, Oliver gets into actual fisticuffs with Teddy. The tussle is played more for comedy, especially with poor Howard as an innocent bystander. The subplot further plays with themes of fathers and sons, and shows how Oliver, though hurt, comes to terms with his biological relationship to Will. It’s an awkward interaction between one-time friends but very candid. Though it still seems highly improbably how civil the two are considering the drama they have caused each other.

The penultimate season two episode narrows in on the real culprit while bringing closure to the storylines revolving around fathers and sons.