Only Murders in the Building Official Podcast – S2 E8 BONUS: "Black Out" Live Reddit Talk
Date: August 16, 2022
Host: Michael Cyril Creighton ("Howard"), Hulu Team, KK, Ryan, and fans
Episode Focus: Behind-the-scenes reflections, spirited fan Q&A, and live theorizing about “Only Murders in the Building” Season 2, Episode 8.
Episode Overview
This special live Reddit Talk episode centers around Michael Cyril Creighton, who plays the beloved Howard on "Only Murders in the Building". With season 2 heading into its climax, Michael joins the hosts and a passionate Arconia fan community for an interactive, upbeat, and revealing conversation. Together, they unpack behind-the-scenes moments, address fan theories about the current murder mystery, explore Howard’s evolving storyline, and speculate about potential suspects, red herrings, and character arcs.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Michael Cyril Creighton Joins Live (02:31)
- Michael reflects on engaging with the show's online fandom:
"I feel so old. I created this account just so I could do this because I only usually lurk." (02:31, Michael)
- He notes that most online chatter has been overwhelmingly supportive, with some fans speculating about his character’s future safety.
Fan Concerns and Howard’s Fate (03:01)
- Many fans note growing emotional attachment to Howard, causing anxieties about his fate:
“They are getting even more emotionally attached, and they think that might be a sign that Howard might be a victim of season three.” (03:01, Host)
- Michael responds, recognizing the tension:
“Interesting, interesting… Yeah, I get it, I get it.” (03:27, Michael)
The Mystery of Howard, Jonathan – and the Sneezes (03:51)
- Fans are suspicious of Howard’s new boyfriend, Jonathan, noting his sneezing; some recall a sneezing sound linked to the killer in earlier scenes and compare the two:
“I’ve been keeping an eye out for people sneezing throughout the series, and I did clock that...” (03:51, KK)
- Michael teases:
“The Internet did that for you… I really hope he's not involved because I like him so much, but I don't know.” (04:21, Michael)
- For Michael, every episode unfolds as if it’s the end of Howard’s story:
“Right now, Howard has a happy ending. You know, we'll see what happens in nine.” (04:35, Michael)
Howard’s Black Eye and Unreliable Narration (05:42)
- Fan asks if Howard’s tendency to faint at blood and his black eye could mean he witnessed something pivotal and is hiding it.
- Michael’s take:
“As far as I’m concerned, Nina Lin punched me. She will cut a bitch.” (06:31, Michael)
- Michael admits that as an actor, he makes choices without knowing all the showrunner’s secrets, highlighting Howard’s sometimes unreliable self-narration.
Hopes for Howard’s Backstory & Personal Touches (07:55)
- Fan asks what Michael wants for Howard’s future or if he’d infuse any personal interests into the character.
- Michael shares:
“I would love to see Howard’s family, where Howard comes from. ... I would like to see how Howard is with dogs.” (07:55, Michael)
- Personal note: Michael is a dog lover and jokes about his dog getting a cameo.
Dream Flashback Episode (09:22)
- Discussing the show’s penchant for flashbacks, Michael dreams of seeing Howard as a kid:
“I always think it would be really interesting to see what Howard looked like as a little kid. Like, I just imagine a tiny kid with those giant glasses on. It makes me laugh so much.” (09:22, Michael)
Yodeling Progress (10:15)
- Michael was nervous when performing the famous yodeling scene but claims he’s since improved and regularly practices while doing chores.
“I’m actually so much better than I was when we recorded it because I’m not nervous. Like, I can easily, easily, while I’m doing dishes or anything, yodel ‘The Sound of Silence.’” (10:15, Michael)
Funniest Cut Line – “Ball Bloodhound” (11:08)
- Michael recounts a deleted funny line:
“Howard said…‘I’m a ball’s bloodhound…gonna find them.’ But it didn’t make it in.” (11:08, Michael)
Dream Yodel Quartet (12:03)
- On starting a yodel quartet with anyone, Michael’s fantasy group includes:
“Madeline Khan—she’d be number one…Shirley MacLaine, Patricia Clarkson, and Margo Martindale. ...We would yodel a lot of Mamas and the Papas, maybe Destiny’s Child, ‘Bills, Bills, Bills,’ ‘No Scrubs’ by TLC.” (12:17–13:06, Michael)
Favorite Filming Memory – Bunny’s Board Meeting (13:38)
- Michael describes an intense day shooting Bunny’s last board meeting:
“Getting to watch Jane Houdyshell and Christine Ko go at it…so it was kind of like getting a front row seat to some really incredible acting.” (13:38, Michael) “It’s a nice group of people…Everybody’s just so great. The group scenes are the best because you have everybody there.” (14:10, Michael)
Community Theories & Whodunit Summit
The Weekly Suspect Debate (16:42)
- KK and Keener (in absentia) present their “Whodunit Summit” picks:
- KK: Detective Kreps, because of suspicious red glitter and odd behavior.
“…My pick for this week, I picked Detective Kreps. And that was solely based on the red glitter that was on his neck, as well as Howard when he bumped into him in the Arconia lobby.” (16:42)
- Keener: Alice, citing her distrust and emotional manipulation of Mabel.
“She just does not like Alice, and she feels like that carried over even though Alice was not in this episode.” (18:23)
- KK: Detective Kreps, because of suspicious red glitter and odd behavior.
Who’s Off the Suspect List? (19:00)
- Hosts debate who could be removed as a suspect:
- Nina Lin is likely off because she just had a baby.
- Howard is “probably clear” given the timeline, but Jonathan remains suspicious due to the “killer’s sneeze.”
Noteworthy Listener Theories (22:26, 24:01)
- Lenora Folger’s “cheese stabbing” at Bunny’s memorial draws suspicion for its odd precision.
- Marv as Alice’s father and possibly faking accents; theories of familial drama.
- Cinda Canning as mastermind/manipulator: Several fans echo the possibility of her sacrificing anything for a good podcast story.
Notable Quotes & Moments
- “She will cut a bitch.” (06:31, Michael, about Nina Lin)
- “I’m a ball’s bloodhound…Gonna find them.” (11:08, Michael, sharing the deleted line)
- “Only allergies in the building.” (20:02, KK, joking about the sneezing subplot)
- “What if Marv is faking a New York accent?” (25:07, Thunder Dave, tongue-in-cheek theory)
- “There are so many theories out there.” (25:28, Host, capturing the episode’s speculative spirit)
Episode Structure & Timestamps
- 00:01–02:31: Welcome and setup; Michael joins the conversation
- 02:31–04:42: Michael responds to fan affection & Howard’s future; Jonathan/sneeze killer theories
- 05:00–07:21: Fan Q&A on Howard’s black eye and unreliable narration
- 07:32–08:41: Hopes for Howard’s backstory and wish list for future storylines
- 08:59–09:22: Discussion of possible Howard flashback episode
- 10:15–10:40: Yodeling performance, skills, and improvements
- 11:03–11:35: Cut jokes and comedic insights
- 12:03–13:06: Yodel quartet dream casting
- 13:19–15:02: Behind-the-scenes stories; Bunny’s board meeting shoot
- 16:42–20:00: “Whodunit Summit” suspect picks and fan responses
- 22:26–26:26: Open fan theories on suspects, favorite moments, and character speculation
Episode Takeaways
- Michael Cyril Creighton offers a charming, candid look at playing Howard and the camaraderie of the “Only Murders” set.
- Fan engagement is high: communities revel in dissecting plot minutiae, swapping theories, and supporting their favorite Arconia residents.
- The show’s appeal lies in its blend of mystery, humor, and character depth—echoed both on and off screen.
- No spoilers are given for upcoming episodes; the debate remains lively and unresolved.
Final Thoughts
This Reddit Talk episode highlights both the tight-knit nature of the "Only Murders" fandom and the playful, collaborative environment behind the scenes. Michael Cyril Creighton’s infectious humor and tender care for Howard shine. The hosts and listeners revel in twisting the show’s clues and misdirections, with theories ranging from the slyly plausible to the delightfully absurd.
For those who haven’t listened, this summary should offer both an insider’s perspective and a true sense of the community-oriented, slightly zany energy that keeps the “Only Murders in the Building” fandom thriving each week.