This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the work being covered here wouldn’t exist.
Opening night of Death Rattle is approaching. You can tell because the production is approaching the titular “Sitzprobe” where the cast rehearse with the orchestra for the first time. The episode also represents a turning point for Only Murders in the Building as a suspect is taken into custody for the murder of Ben Glenroy.
The introduction pieces together the developments from the previous two episodes. It’s a tragic backstory of Loretta making a sacrifice in order to pursue her love of acting and how it all connects to the suspect established in “CoBro,” Dickie. We receive more insight into Loretta’s motivations giving her a reasonable reason for her actions and adding emotional weight.
There is also tension amongst our Only Murders in the Building trio. Even though the guys were ready to make amends, things might have changed when Mabel recorded a podcast episode without them. It’s always better when Mabel, Oliver, and Charles aren’t squabbling, but it does seem as though they reconcile a bit too quickly and conveniently. Particularly with Mabel, she is quite presumptuous to think she would be welcome to the sitzprobe considering she is ready to move on from her friends. Regardless, you can stay mad at them for long when they make up and put their hands in the middle like a team.
The episode highlights the secondary characters of the show. Howard has silly moments of self-deprecating humor while performing a pivotal role for the case. Donna Williams returns to the series as well and makes a big entrance worthy of the theater. She is a person of layers that is so intimidating and bad ass but also a big theater nut. Charles and Oliver amusingly use their bumbling personas to one up the detective and take a peek at her investigation.
Only Murders in the Building cleverly incorporate the songs from the rehearsal into the narrative artfully using split screen. First with Charles’s patter song that is the spectacle you would expect it to be with everyone taking a break to watch. At least he doesn’t enter the white room. At the same time, Oliver puts his side of the plan into effect capitalizing on the diversion. The different shots and angles add a slickness and style to the older leads that we usually associate for their humor and clumsiness.
More impactful is Loretta’s solo at the end. The outside drama, like the song, builds during the performance and even the lyrics help set the mood. Meryl Streep conveys so much conflict and emotion while singing to the audience and observing the cops. Loretta has a feeling of helplessness and desperation as she does the only thing she can do to protect the one she truly loves. And it isn’t Oliver.
This all leads to an explosive cliffhanger that puts everyone’s plans into jeopardy. The future of Death Rattle is at stake. The group’s investigation is sidetracked not only by the development but also due to Oliver’s deteriorating health. Then, there’s the question whether the police have the real murderer.
“Sitzprobe” effectively ties in the previous two episodes leading to a dramatic ending as we approach the final two episodes of the season.
New episodes of Only Murders in the Building are released Tuesdays on Hulu.
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