Only Murders in the Building Official Podcast: S2 E5 “The Tell” — Detailed Summary

Release Date: July 20, 2022
Hosts: Elizabeth Keener & Kevin Lawn
Featured Guests:

• Matteo Borghese & Rob Chbosky (Writers of Episode 5)
• John Hoffman (Showrunner & Co-Creator)
• Ryan Broussard (Plays Will Putnam)
• Arielle Shafir (Plays Ivan)

Episode Overview

This episode peels back the curtain on Season 2, Episode 5 (“The Tell”) of Only Murders in the Building. The hosts guide listeners through the intricacies of the narrative, character motivations, and on-set antics, with insights from the episode’s writers, cast, and showrunner. The discussion spotlights the blend of comedy and mystery at the heart of the show, the meta-layers between fans and creators, and offers inside scoops on memorable scenes and creative choices.

Key Discussion Points

Recap of Episode 5 Plot (01:32–02:51)

• Will Putnam narrates, setting up Oliver’s skills of observation and his favorite party game, “Son of Sam.”
• Charles consults Jan in prison for advice on Bunny’s murder, getting a tip to look for an “artist or storyteller.”
• Mabel grows closer with Alice, discovers a secret matchbook at her place—possibly a clue.
• At the Pickle Diner, Ivan provides a list of regulars and, later, security footage revealing Bunny’s last moments.
• The relationship between Mabel and Alice deepens despite suspicions, as Oliver faces a DNA revelation—a comedic and dramatic twist.

Writing Season Two: Interacting with Fan Speculation (03:13–05:24)

• Matteo Borghese:

  “We definitely kind of, like, look at what the fans are saying and kind of consider it… it gave us an opportunity to kind of lead our audience in unexpected places and to different suspects.” (03:52)

• Rob Chbosky:

  “You want it to be different, but… the same but different kind of is... what you’re trying to do, and that’s never that simple.” (04:55)

The “Son of Sam” Party Game (05:24–08:43)

• John Hoffman (Showrunner):

  "Oliver… had this other interesting aspect… I like to get to know when someone’s lying. I have a skill.” (05:32)

• Game is loosely based on “Mafia” or “Werewolf,” adapted for Oliver’s flair.
• Writers explain the fun and narrative value of using a murder mystery game to seed suspicion and character conflict.

Notable Quote:

• Matteo Borghese:

  “We just kind of want to honor that, his completely rational kind of emotional thinking.” (08:06)

Martin Short’s Monologue & Creative Process (10:18–13:36)

• The energetic, one-take monologue by Martin Short during the Son of Sam game was largely as scripted—with input to maintain energy and comedic momentum.
• The writers reveal that Martin Short often ad-libs or adjusts material:

  “We really like about Oliver being… he works from his gut a little bit, and the kind of logic of his method, like, can’t really be questioned.” (08:06)

• The “Muppets Take Manhattan” line almost didn’t make it due to historical inaccuracy, but stayed in for comedic effect.

The Depth of Alice’s Character & Fan Suspicions (13:36–16:59)

• Alice’s mysterious background and relationship to Mabel serve as both a red herring and a genuine development for Mabel’s character.
• Rob Chbosky:

  “We wanted to really think about that, like, what the promise is that Alice offers her.” (15:13)

• Ongoing speculation and theories swirl around Alice’s true motives.
• Hosts and writers engage with popular theories, debating the likelihood of Alice as murderer or red herring.

Jan’s Return & Charles’ Silence of the Lambs Moment (17:00–20:38)

• Writers confirm “bringing Jan back” was an early season objective.
• Matteo Borghese:

  “Her attitude is basically like, we never broke up.” (17:34)

• The “Silence of the Jan” motif shapes Jan’s role as a informative, seductive, yet dangerous confidant.
• Rob Chbosky:

  “We loved right away that idea of ‘Hannibal Jan’...” (18:59)

Exploring Oliver & Will’s Evolving Relationship (21:01–27:37)

• Writers and Ryan Broussard (Will) discuss deepening Will's character, his dynamic with Oliver, and the surprise DNA twist revealing Will is likely Teddy’s son.
• Ryan Broussard:

  “... getting to be around Martin, it’s like, yeah, I don’t have to pretend anymore to try to be his son… we have such a great relationship…” (23:29)

• On the Greek DNA reveal:

  “I looked up at John and I was like, are you. Are you kidding me? … Rough, rough life, you know?” (25:34)

Comedy Riffs: Iran Contra Scandal Scene (28:40–33:03)

• The detailed, absurd back-and-forth about the Iran Contra scandal is born from the writers’ love of surreal, progressive comedy (like “The Simpsons’” rake gag).
• Rob Chbosky:

  “The dream is to force two comedy legends to just say nonsense names from 35 years ago at each other at a, you know, incredible clip.” (30:30)

• Marty and Steve’s comedic chemistry is highlighted, with Selena Gomez reacting in character as an exasperated straight man.

Ivan, The Diner, and Neighborhood Ecology (33:55–37:29)

• Arielle Shafir:

  “...Ivan was an immigrant… part of a family diner... people will tell him their life story if they sat next to him on a bus or plane… Pickle Diner is a hub of sorts.” (35:10)

• Ivan’s role as an open, trusted confidant expands the show’s sense of community and gives writers narrative flexibility for drawing out secrets and connections.

Theater/TV Duality & Cut Jokes (37:29–39:00)

• Discussions of the cast’s theater backgrounds, improvisational moments, and lines that made (or didn’t make) the cut.

Clues, Secrets & Theories (39:40–41:03)

• Teasers about the meanings of “14” and “savage”—the writers cryptically suggest that answers will become clear by the season's end, with an allusion to a misremembered movie reference.
• Matteo Borghese:

  “After you watch all of the episodes… you'll come back to this podcast episode and you’ll hear me say this again… and you will nod and you'll be like, I understand exactly what he's talking about.” (39:55)

Whodunit Summit—Fan & Host Theories (41:16–43:54)

Host Picks:

• Elizabeth: Howard, the cat guy, for suspiciously sweet behavior and physical comedy. (41:43)
• Kevin: Alice, as the possibly too-obvious new arrival with a suspicious backstory. (42:27)

Fan Theories:

• Alice is the murderer (Ryan M.), with a long theory tying art and inheritance to Bunny’s murder. (45:25)
• Theo as Bunny’s killer due to plot logic involving the secret passageways (Julie H.). (45:45)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• John Hoffman:

  “Just when [Oliver] thinks he’s… doing the thing that he does better than anybody… he realizes with probably the biggest part of his life, he’s missed it. He’s missed it.” (09:40)

• Martin Short as Oliver:

  “Red before green, you’re peeing clean. Green before red, your liver’s dead.” (10:49)

• Ivan (Arielle Shafir):

  “For seven years, she (Bunny) was my regular… Maybe she saw me as grandson. Maybe she saw me as something else.” (34:19)

• On Will's parentage:

  “Now I have to play Nathan Lane’s son. Rough, rough life, you know?” (25:34)

Episode Timestamps: Important Segments

• Episode Recap: 01:32–02:51
• Fan Theories & Audience Engagement: 03:47, 16:18, 41:16–43:54, 45:25–46:22
• Son of Sam Game & Writing Process: 05:24–13:36
• Charles & Jan, “Silence of the Jan”: 17:00–20:38
• Will & Oliver’s Relationship: 21:01–27:37
• Iran Contra Scene Deep Dive: 28:40–33:03
• Ivan & the Pickle Diner: 33:55–37:29
• Clue Teasers & Intertextual Mystery: 39:40–41:03
• Whodunit Summit: 41:16–43:54

Tone and Takeaways

The podcast maintains a witty, meta-referential tone, matching the show, with plenty of in-jokes and fan-forward engagement. Cast and crew insights are peppered with dry humor, occasional deadpan silliness, and a delight in both the show’s narrative puzzles and the community around them.

For Listeners:

• The episode is a treat for superfans, blending backstage stories, creative secrets, and rabid theorizing.
• The writers’ playful approach and actors’ collaborative energy are on full display.
• Theories abound, but answers await—stay suspicious, stay tuned!

Next Time:
The podcast promises continued dives into season two’s biggest mysteries and more behind-the-scenes revelations. Email theories and tune in for future “Whodunit Summits.”