Can I give you a classic tip? The first scene of a play, series, or film, as well as its first words, in general, ALWAYS hide the conclusion of the story. Either to “confuse” us or to “indicate” us what the conclusion will be like. That said, it’s interesting that in the opening monologue of the season of Only Murders in the Building, Loretta (Meryl Streep) takes her test by admitting that the nanny is the killer to protect one of the babies suspected of a crime.

Now that we’re approaching the end of the BEST season of the series, it’s even more important to remember how Meryl, for a change, got her foot in the door and killed it in the first take. “Would I kill to protect one of the children I care for?”, the nanny asks the detective (in this case the late Ben Glenroy (Paul Rudd)), “I would kill without remorse, for the good and safety of every child I care for. Then you have your answer,” she confesses. Then we have the confession: the nanny is the killer! In the play, yes, in the series? Slowly…

The statement responds to the motive for the crime – a mother or maternal caregiver – would do anything to protect the child (or child). Therefore, the list of suspects changes radically if we remember the tip that the screenwriters gave us in the opening.

The third season of OMITB is a lesson in metalanguage storytelling, with the production of a play, turned into a musical, shaken by the murder of its biggest star on opening night and with the entire cast, and production, with reasons to kill. It has been a lesson in how actors work, directors work, producers interfere, the terms used in theater, its legends, and even ghosts! I’m a Broadway Freak, I’m in paradise. But the text is conducted in such a way that although it is detailed, it is also explanatory without being patronizing. Perfect for those who like storytelling. And the “who killed” genre? Of course, I love it. Following this formula, the question of who is to blame needs to hold our interest until the end, generally surprising us. Along these lines, we are well served!

In general, the culprit is between the lines, in the unexpected, so whoever it appears to be right away is generally not. Therefore, I have always ruled out that Loretta was the killer, although they insist on placing her as the main option. My suspects were always others: I thought of Howard (Michael Cyril Creighton), Dickie (Jeremy Shamos) or Cliff (Wesley Taylor). Of course, we have Tobert (Jesse Williams), but since he is the “boyfriend” and we already had this version of the killer in the first season, I don’t have him at the top of the list. But now I don’t include Howard or Dickie either.

Wait, how? Yeah, hey, the last two episodes were aimed at my (former) favorite suspect, Dickie, with Loretta “taking the fall” to protect him (look at the babysitter taking on the crime!), but paradoxically for that very reason he’s not guilty, even if he seemed to have made a confession to Loretta, I know, but she is so desperate to defend him that it eliminates him. I know that Oliver (Martin Short), who prefers that Dickie take the blame so as not to interrupt the season, says that “Mabel (Selena Gomez) is never wrong.” This time I say: it wasn’t Dickie! Now I suggest again: it was Cliff!!!! And Donna (Linda Edmond) covered up the crime.

Several hints were given over time, but the strongest came from the sneaky bump between Donna and Loretta in the bathroom in which the producer sighs that a “mother would do anything to protect her child”. Death Rattle (Dazzle) is Cliff’s first production and promises to be a failure until Ben is actually murdered. In theory, it would all be over, but Oliver turned the tragedy into a musical and once again became a great promise of success, with Mabel ending up interfering by relaunching the podcast (alone) by questioning the first suspect arrested by the police.

Mabel is determined that Dickie is to blame, because there is clearly more than he lets on, but it is only when it is too late that, with the help of Charles (Steve Martin), she discovers Loretta’s connection to the Glenroy brothers. Unbeknownst to them (as far as we can see), they don’t know that Loretta is the biological mother of Dickie, who has always been mistreated by Ben. She admitted to killing Ben because she thinks that Dickie confessed to murdering his adopted brother, and without, until now, the two really have the greatest reasons to kill, but I reaffirm that they will not be the ones to blame. The reason would have been “mother’s love”, but it refers to the other family. Cliff and Donna.

At the same time, seeing the trio of podcasters working together again is obviously another highlight of the episode, as is the triumphant return of detective Donna Williams (Da’Vine Joy Randolph). The season has been a non-stop Martin Short show with Oliver who is not only hilarious in his narcissism but keeps the drama just below the surface. Oliver hides his heart attack from everyone, only selves fears and Martin never lets us forget it, with his subtle pauses, his glances, his unspoken words. Spectacular is the least I think and this Emmy for Best Actor will be deserved when it comes (in 2024?). Once again I also praise the soundtrack, which with each arrangement changes the central theme and is of unique genius.

Having said all that, will I find the culprit once again? Unfortunately, we’re coming to the end… and I think I’m right!

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