Only Murders in the Building Official Podcast

S1 E2: Who is Tim Kono? — September 1, 2021

Host: Hulu, Michael Cyril Creighton
Producer Guest: Kirker Butler (episode writer)
Cast Guest: Julian Cihi (Tim Kono)

Episode Overview

In this witty, behind-the-scenes episode, the hosts peel back layers of episode two of "Only Murders in the Building," focusing on the enigmatic murder victim, Tim Kono. Through playful banter, they unpack the process of building a mystery within the Arconia, discuss the creation and casting of its quirky residents, and chat with both episode writer Kirker Butler and Tim Kono himself, actor Julian Cihi. By dissecting key scenes and character interactions, they deepen the intrigue and help fans go beyond the events onscreen.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Writing a Mystery for the Arconia (01:24 - 05:00)

• Virtual Writer’s Room:
  Kirker Butler shares the unique experience of developing the show entirely via Zoom during the pandemic.
  • Quote:
    “Well, this is the first one I’ve ever done completely on Zoom. So it’s, you know, it’s. It’s been very different. The commute is fantastic.” (01:37, Kirker Butler)
• Populating the Building with Suspects:
  The fun of distributing eccentric characters in a large apartment building, ensuring every neighbor could be a potential killer.
  • The writers worked to make everyone—a neighbor wanting an apartment, a therapist, a cat guy, the gruff building supervisor Bunny—feel like they might have a motive.
  • Quote:
    “Once we had these fun characters and we could develop them, like, oh, they would be a fun suspect. They would be a fun suspect.” (03:51, Kirker Butler)

2. Tim Kono’s World: Exploring the Victim (05:00 - 10:32)

• Guest: Julian Cihi (Tim Kono)

  • Julian calls from the southern tip of Japan and humbly admits he hasn’t yet seen the show.
  • Insight into character creation: The character’s name evolved from Tim Lee to Tim Locke, finally to Tim Kono at Julian’s request to honor his Japanese heritage.
    • Quote:
      “My actual heritage…they changed the surname to a Japanese one, which is why it became Tim [Kono].” (06:26, Julian Cihi)
  • Cihi discusses the sense of excitement seeing a character he could genuinely relate to in terms of heritage, and how an audition exercise—reading lines as both young and adult Tim—helped him understand the role.

• Why Does No One Like Tim Kono?

  • Julian on the social pariah status:
    “I think he’s curt. I think he’s on a mission, and that’s all he cares about. He doesn’t care about anything else. So he probably comes off, you know, blunt and impolite.” (10:32, Julian Cihi)
  • The hosts and Julian joke about not seeing the show yet—making for a meta moment, given his character’s central mystery.

3. On-Set Connections & Chemistry (10:54 - 12:28)

• First Encounters With The Cast:

  • Cihi was most familiar with Selena Gomez—through her song “Naturally”, which he used as workout inspiration before knowing who she was.
    • Quote:
      “The first time I knew about her was in college or grad school... I just really liked the song.” (11:01, Julian Cihi)
  • Filming the elevator scene with Gomez, Steve Martin, and Martin Short fostered real connections due to the long hours and close quarters.

• The Secret of the Murder:

  • Julian confirms he knew from the start who killed Tim Kono but stays mum for spoiler reasons.
    • Quote:
      “Hell, yeah.” (12:47, Julian Cihi, on whether he knows who the killer is)

4. Easter Eggs and Teasers for Future Episodes (13:02 - 14:46)

• Writers’ Clues:
  • Kirker Butler teases an “incredible performance” from Nathan Lane in an upcoming, unique episode.
    • Quote:
      “There is some stuff [Nathan Lane] is doing in an episode coming up that I think is some of the best acting I have ever seen him do.” (13:31, Kirker Butler)
  • On the season as a whole:
    “If you keep going, there’s some good surprises... fun twists and turns and… a satisfying ending. So, yeah. Please join us for the ride.” (14:17, Kirker Butler)

5. Who Done It? Hosts’ Theories (14:46 - 16:22)

• In signature playful fashion, the hosts open their “Whodunit Summit” envelopes with their current murder suspects:
  • Host 2 guesses: Howard, the cat guy—“that is a very safe choice.” (15:29)
  • Host 1 guesses: Jackie Hoffman’s character, “Flipping the Bird Lady” (Uma), citing her obvious anger issues.
    • Quote:
      “Well, the very first time we see her, I guess she does flip the bird to someone. So that’s kind of an anger management.” (16:09, Host 1)
• They tease the next episode’s guest: Michael Cyril Creighton (Howard, the cat guy).

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• Meta Humor:
  “We’re making a podcast about a show where the characters make their own podcast about a murder. So, meta...” (00:24, Host 2)
• On Changing Tim’s Name:
  “Sometimes you just have to ask. You’re absolutely right. But John and Jess created an environment for me to feel comfortable enough to ask.” (07:22, Julian Cihi)
• On Being Starstruck:
  “I wasn’t really, like, I was starstruck by a different person that I will not name… Was that Sting by any chance? …It was not Sting.” (12:15-12:24)
• Writers’ Room Comedy:
  “Do you wear pants? … Sometimes. You know, if I’m dressing up, if it’s a special day, sure, I’ll throw on some pants.” (01:47-01:49, Host 2 & Kirker Butler)

Important Timestamps

• 01:37: Kirker Butler on writing for the show via Zoom
• 03:51: Designing the Arconia’s suspect pool
• 06:26: Julian Cihi on the evolution of Tim Kono’s name
• 10:32: Why nobody liked Tim Kono
• 11:01: First impressions and connection with Selena Gomez
• 12:47: Julian Cihi confirms he knows the killer’s identity
• 13:31: Kirker Butler’s Nathan Lane teaser
• 15:17: “Whodunit Summit”—the hosts make their murder predictions

Tone & Style

The episode maintains a clever, easygoing, slightly irreverent tone, brimming with curiosity and warmth. Behind-the-scenes tidbits, honest laughter, and playful engagement with the ongoing mystery keep things just as delightful and sharp as the show itself.

Summary

This episode dives beneath the surface of "Who is Tim Kono?" with cast and creator insights: from exploring the peculiarities and motives of the Arconia’s residents to honoring authentic representation through character naming. It masterfully weaves production anecdotes, speculations, and excited teasers for future episodes, all while inviting listeners to join in the playful detective work—the hallmark of both the show and its companion podcast.