The Show Must… – The episode opens at Goosebury Theater Broadway in 1962. Charles Haden Savage (Steve Martin) narrates the power of the theater and the dedication in pursuit of a role. Unable to see clearly from the eighth row, young Diahann Carroll (Rosharra Francis) takes a seat next to the stage.

The Casting Director (Lisa Kron) alerts Director Oliver Putnam (Martin Short) of an unexpected auditionee, Loretta Durkin (Meryl Streep). Oliver approves the audition. Haphazardly taking the stage, Durkin instantly gets Oliver’s attention. Olive asks where she has been. Getting no response, he repeats the question. Overcome with emotion, she thanks him.

Death Rattle – When the show kicks off, Ben Glenroy (Paul Rudd) collapses to the floor. Oliver approaches the stage as Savage announces Ben is listless. A woman yells to call 911 when someone else says there is no pulse. Mable Mora (Selena Gomez) tells Savage if the actor had foam around his mouth, he could have been poisoned. After claiming to have seen blood, he tells her that the cause of death could be natural causes. She questions the timing. Frantic, Oliver repeatedly says his male lead is dead. Howard Morris (Michael Cyril Creighton) assures him that it is not his fault. Oliver orders him to tell everyone it will be all right before announcing the opening night party is still on. Howard warns that they may not be in the mood to party. Frustrated, Oliver demands he do it.

Four Months Earlier – Savage and Mable wish Oliver a “Happy First Read-Through Day.” He still cannot believe he is heading back to Broadway. After reminding him of his last disastrous Broadway show, Savage describes him as “talented” with “leadership” qualities. The mere mention of Saving being asked to join the production crew causes a stir. Directing the attention to herself, Mable admits to being excited about Ben Glenroy Savage assures her that actors are people. Their entrance brings a round of applause. Oliver asks, “Who wants to go to Broadway,” earning another round of applause which is broad to an abrupt end by Howard’s whistle. Swiftly removing a cover, Oliver introduces “Death Rattle.” He explains the plot – in the Nova Scotia Pickwick lighthouse, an infant is alone in a room when a death takes place.

Introducing her son, Clifford “Cliff” Domeo, Donna Domeo tells everyone that “Death Rattle” will be his first film production. Cliff assures everything that they will take Broadway by storm before doing a flip. After expressing her pride in him, she kisses him in the mouth. Everyone stares in awe, she says it is okay because he is gay. Savage introduces himself as the “show elephant” which makes Oliver cringe. He boasts of his many accomplishments. Oliver reveals the “Death Rattle” model set. Mable tells viewers that theater is “lame” because of the not-so-idealistic costumes and dialogue. Ben Glenroy barges into the room and asks, “Who farted” before introducing his manager/brother, Dickie Glenroy. He jokes with Kimber (Ashley Park) and Ty (Gerald Caesar). He informs the group of his documentary with Tobert (Jesse Williams) in charge of the camera.

Schmackary cookies put Ben on edge because of his diet. Hurriedly setting out his healthy dishes, Dickie offers to take them away but he refuses. KT (Allison Guinn) starts the reading when Ben interrupts by describing his bite of cookie. Dickie removes them. When it gets to Loretta, her Scottish dialect catches everyone off-guard. She points out that the nannie was raised in Aberdeen. She takes another stab at it in a French Canadian accent. Oliver says to utilize your own voice which turns out flat. A cue makes her realize there is another line. After describing Loretta as a “stinkeroony,” Ben urges Oliver to immediately can her. In a private conversation, Loretta admits to being bad a table reads before pleading with Oliver to not give up on her. He gives her a pep talk.

Howard tells Oliver that Loretta will try to make the party. When Savage questions the party, distraught, Oliver asks him to heap more suffering onto his plate.

Back to the present, Lester (Teddy Coluca) tries to keep everyone calm until the elevator is back in operation. Donna demands a press statement be released quickly. Clifford tells them that Ben is trending on Twitter. Oliver assures them that the play can still go on. After reminding him of “Splash,” she suggests he is cursed. They file into the elevator when Uma Heller (Jackie Hoffman) says at least the body was not in the building this time.

At the party, KT and Howard have a few harsh words for each other. Mable asks Oliver if he is okay. He admits to thinking about his career, not Ben’s death. He questions if a witch did curse him. She claims to have immediately felt Ben was poisoned which would make a big podcast.

Savage confesses to being relieved the play is canceled. Uma says it will give them more time together. Loretta plays the piano while she and Oliver sing. He thanks her for lightening his mood. She says if the show is canceled, it is no longer necessary for them to get it professional. Ben bursts through the door to announce his return. He claims his stomach was pumped. Savage points out the blood spewing out of his mouth. He tells him it was from a bit tongue before explaining how he saw the “dead person light.” He goes around the room apologizing to everyone but Loretta who his hisses at. Loretta calls him an “a**hole” before leaving.

Mable informs Savage and Oliver of her apartment vacancy deadline. She invites them to visit her when she moves. In the elevator, they discuss the podcast when she sees blood dripping from the ceiling. They escape before the ceiling and Ben’s body collapses to the ground. The episode closes.

 

Only Murders In The Building Cast

• Charles Haden Savage (Steven Martin)
• Director Oliver Putnam (Martin Short)
• Loretta Durkin (Meryl Streep)
• Ben Glenroy (Paul Rudd)
• Mable Mora (Selena Gomez)
• Howard Morris (Michael Cyril Creighton)
• KT (Allison Guinn)
• Uma Heller (Jackie Hoffman)

Only Murders In The Building Synopsis

After a disastrous “Splash,” Oliver Putnam gets another opportunity to direct a play at the Gooseberry Theater. With his reluctant friend and retired actor, Charles Savage, and Mable Mora, he hopes “Death Rattle” will salvage his reputation as a director. After a rocky start thanks to actress, Loretta Durkin, things could not get worse when lead actor, Ben Glenroy collapses on the stage. The show is immediately canceled until Ben reappears with a mission to be a better person. A short time later, everything comes crashing down when Ben is found dead.

Only Murders In The Building Review

Steve Martin and Martin Short are remarkable old-school actors. The duo complement each other in more ways than one. Meryl Streep is a good addition to the cast.

The cinematography and editing are superb. While the dialogue is cringeworthy at times, there is little time to linger.

The script is a mixture of humor, dolefulness, and perplexity. All and all, a good watch. The episode deserves a 6. Get more Only Murders In The Building recaps here. Support Reel Mockery by clicking the link. Our onsite advertising builds brand awareness, reach out to our customer support to learn more.