Only Murders in the Building Official Podcast

Episode: S2 E7 BONUS: Flipping the Pieces - LIVE REDDIT TALK
Date: August 9, 2022
Featured Guests: Stephen M. Irwin (writer), Ben Philippe (writer)
Host Panel: Steve, KK, Hannah

Overview

In this engaging, fan-driven Reddit Talk episode, writers Stephen M. Irwin and Ben Philippe join the Only Murders in the Pod hosts to discuss behind-the-scenes details from Season 2, Episode 7, "Flipping the Pieces." With a focus on Theo and Mabel’s story arcs, the writers reveal tidbits about writing for deaf characters, the collaborative process in the writers’ room, incorporating fan speculation, and the playful on-set moments that define the show’s charm and humor.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Fan Theories & Community Sleuthing

(00:11 – 03:34)

• The episode opens by highlighting the role of the Only Murders subreddit in dissecting clues, with particular focus on fan theories about the Coney Island scenes and speculation on the identity of "Glitter Guy/Gal."
• Writers and hosts discuss the community’s obsession with "man hands" and the ongoing debate over whether Marv or Ivan could be suspects.

Quote:
“They’re sleuthing the hand. A lot of people are saying Marv or the waiter... Ivan seems to be getting back into the conversation again.”
— Host Steve (01:49)

2. The Writers’ Relationship with Reddit & Fandom

(03:35 – 05:05)

• Stephen admits to lurking and enjoying positive comments, while Ben describes himself as a "dedicated Luddite" using Reddit for the first time during this talk.
• Jokes abound about Ben’s remote life and “manifesto-writing,” adding a light-hearted, self-aware tone.

Quote:
“I’m a pretty dedicated Luddite, so this is actually my first time using Reddit in my entire life.”
— Ben Philippe (04:28)

3. Behind-the-Scenes: Writing for Theo & Deaf Representation

(05:58 – 08:54)

• Discussion of the significance behind Theo's line: "A lot of deaf people don’t get to write shows." The writers explain its meta-commentary on representation and the particular challenges of writing a deaf character as hearing writers.
• They credit Joey (James Caverly, who plays Theo) for shaping the authenticity of Theo on screen.

Quote:
“We were both very cognizant of, like, how much can a deaf person actually glean when reading lips... and pay a little service to the idea that there are two hearing writers working on this and then the larger element of who gets to tell stories.”
— Stephen M. Irwin (06:00)

4. Theo’s Backstory and Living Situation

(08:04 – 09:22)

• Fans ask if Theo still lives in the Arconia; the writers clarify he has his own apartment, a narrative decision reflecting both independence and ongoing paternal influence.

Quote:
“I think his dad got him an apartment in a separate building, maybe in his early 20s as a sign of independence, but also as a way of yielding power over him.” — Stephen M. Irwin (08:18)

5. Notable Details & Easter Eggs

(10:00 – 10:49)

• When Theo shares a subway video with Mabel, eagle-eyed fans spot that the interface mimics Reddit itself—a conscious wink to the online community from the show's design and writing crew.

Quote:
“That was maybe us... paying homage to the community of people who made this show by talking about it so much and taking it to heart.”
— Stephen M. Irwin (10:27)

6. Favorite Scenes to Write & Actor Collaborations

(11:07 – 13:14, 18:25 – 21:01)

• Stephen and Ben reflect on writing Mabel and Theo’s tense yet meaningful interactions, praising Selena Gomez and James Caverly’s on-screen chemistry.
• Both express delight at seeing their material interpreted by the actors, with Stephen humorously recounting his own nervousness meeting Selena Gomez.

Quote:
“Watching Ben Philippe interact with Selena Gomez for the first time—that was a truly special moment in my life.”
— Stephen M. Irwin (12:26)

• Writers highlight the nuances Joey brings to Theo: "There's something really sinister about that [grave robber] character on paper, but Joey adds a layer of softness... he didn't really take full shape in my mind until we saw Theo on set."
  — Stephen M. Irwin (21:01)

7. Crafting the Puzzle Metaphor

(15:20 – 16:43)

• Writers explain how Mabel’s mental state was visualized through the metaphor of a puzzle missing pieces—a central motif for the episode and the series at large.

Quote:
“We wanted to find a way of visualizing it into literal puzzle piece. And that’s sort of what ends up happening in this episode. The metaphor of the puzzle allowed her to put it back together.”
— Stephen M. Irwin (16:03)

8. Shipping Theo and Mabel – Writer and Fan Dynamics

(13:39 – 14:25)

• Hosts educate the writers in fandom lingo, discussing the popularity of “shipping” Theo and Mabel (“Matteo,” “Evil” suggested as ship names).
• The collaborative process means no character is the sole purview of any one writer, though both Ben and Stephen admit Theo is particularly close to their hearts.

Quote:
“It’s way more collaborative than that... For Mark Lee and I, it’s—Theo’s a good boy.” — Stephen M. Irwin (17:54)

9. Writing Techniques, Red Herrings, and Continuity

(24:16 – 32:33)

• Questioned about their strategy for “red herrings,” the writers explain their intent to make every false lead plausible, designing the mystery so every detail truly could point to the killer given the right context.
• The challenge is heightened by a detail-obsessed fanbase who meticulously screenshots scenes for hidden meanings.

Quote:
“Once you have viewers who will take screenshots and zoom, you’re not dealing with just like throwing sitcom gags at the wall anymore. So you have to sort of be aware that you’re writing for very smart people.”
— Stephen M. Irwin (32:07)

10. Actors’ Contributions & Character Flourishes

(26:51 – 29:31)

• The writers praise Martin Short’s deep involvement in creating Oliver Putnam, noting his improvisation and his creation of Oliver’s quirky persona, including a backstory based on Timothée Chalamet.
• They describe the joy and surprise of seeing actors bring unexpected nuance and humor to their roles.

Quote:
“Martin is... so good at making Oliver as amazing as Martin Short actually is, but his own distinct character... He knows that character so well, which is weird for me as a writer, because... the actors... really just—They’ve imprinted on these characters in a really, really amazing way.”
— Stephen M. Irwin (27:33)

11. Inclusion, Authenticity, and Easter Eggs for Fans

(22:52 – 23:16)

• The show makes active efforts to include non-hearing audiences, mentioning that the podcast episode with James Caverly (Theo) is also available on YouTube, accommodating accessibility needs.

Notable Quotes & Moments with Timestamps

• "I have a whole sort of branding strategy planned... Gut Milk Fizz... keto first, then low calorie, then we’re gonna be gluten conscious... a whole thing." — Stephen M. Irwin (02:37)
• "If I only get one pleasurable experience out of two years... it was watching Ben Philippe interact with Selena Gomez for the first time." — Stephen M. Irwin (12:26)
• "I really like Ursula. Other people really like Lester. But for Mark Lee and I, it’s—Theo’s a good boy." — Stephen M. Irwin (17:54)
• "Joey [Caverly] does such a great job of just adding so many layers to Theo... There’s something really sinister about that sort of character on paper, but Joey adds a layer of softness..." — Stephen M. Irwin (21:01)
• "The audience is so invested... you're not just throwing sitcom gags at the wall anymore. You're writing for very smart people." — Stephen M. Irwin (32:07)
• "What would Timothée Chalamet do? What would Timothée Chalamet wear? That’s so, so funny. Makes me look at [Oliver] in a different light..." — Host KK (29:05)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• 00:11 – 03:34 Fan theories & community engagement
• 03:35 – 05:05 Writers’ relationships with Reddit
• 05:58 – 08:54 Writing Theo & representation
• 10:00 – 10:49 Reddit Easter egg in subway video scene
• 11:26 – 13:14 Favorite scenes and actor stories
• 15:20 – 16:43 The puzzle metaphor explained
• 17:07 – 17:54 Writers' favorite characters
• 18:25 – 21:01 On-set contributions from actors, especially James Caverly
• 22:52 – 23:16 Podcast accessibility for non-hearing audiences
• 26:51 – 29:31 Martin Short’s role in shaping Oliver
• 32:07 – 32:33 Writing red herrings for a sharp fandom

Tone & Takeaways

The conversation is quirky, warm, and playful—much like the show itself. The writers and hosts enthusiastically celebrate fan participation, detail the complexities of representing diversity, and give listeners a peek into the collaborative spirit and creative joy that animate Only Murders in the Building. For those seeking clues, heartfelt moments, and insight into the show’s inner workings, this Reddit Talk captures the community magic on- and off-screen.