Only Murders in the Building Official Podcast

S4 E4: The Stunt Man (Part 2)

Hosted by Hulu, Michael Cyril Creighton
Date: September 20, 2024

Episode Overview

This episode of the Only Murders in the Building Official Podcast is a lively, behind-the-scenes exploration of Season 4, Episode 4, "The Stunt Man." Hosts Maggie Bowles and Ryan Tillotson continue their weekly deep-dives by chatting with cast members Jane Lynch (Saz) and Michael Cyril Crichton (Howard), plus showrunner John Hoffman. The conversations unpack hidden details, character development, stunt work on-set, animal costars, and fan theories—providing fans with a unique window into the making of the show’s latest murder mystery.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Glenn Stubbins’ Irish Accent and Paul Rudd’s Performance

[01:14 – 04:12]

• The hosts recall that Glenn Stubbins’ (Paul Rudd) Irish accent was actually Rudd’s own idea. The reactions range from finding the accent questionable (“I was like, this isn’t a real Irish accent,” Maggie, [01:35]) to ultimately loving his comedic performance.
• John Hoffman reveals Rudd’s dedication to the accent:

  “He kept on checking himself. He was working on that Irish accent for the longest time..." ([02:20])

• Rudd, after working on a film in Ireland, wanted to redo his ADR because he improved his accent, but due to timing it was left as-is for comedic effect.

2. Auditioning as Yourself: Michael Cyril Crichton on Howard

[04:17 – 07:28]

• Michael discusses Howard auditioning to play himself in the movie within the show. Instead of casting Josh Gad, Crichton jokes he’d rather see Melanie Lynskey playing Howard in a meta twist.

  “I would have Melanie Lynskey wear a beard...just magical realism.” (Crichton, [04:36])

• For his own audition scene, Michael played it “naturalistically, quote, unquote, as Howard would,” then asked to try “Howard’s idea of naturalistic acting,” which the show used.
• On his transformation:

  “I put on the glasses. The socks and the glasses... There’s also a secret necklace and rings with names on them—Evelyn, Seven, Gravy, Hammy.” (Crichton, [06:29])

• Costume secrets: Michael wears unseen jewelry and animal-themed socks to feel like Howard.

3. Animal Acting: Dogs and Pigs on Set

[07:48 – 13:48]

• Michael provides an affectionate and hilarious account of performing with Gravy the dog and Sprinkle the pig.
• On Gravy:

  “She looked kind of old...but she was such a pro. I was spoiled.” ([08:04])

• On Sprinkle the Pig: First day was also Zach Galifianakis’ first—Michael focused more on pig logistics than nerves.

  “It screams a lot. It’s a screamer.” (relaying Selena Gomez’s warning, [09:24]) “All I could think about was, is this pig going to land where it’s supposed to on the leash?” ([09:58]) “The pig did urinate all over me in the middle of the scene... Do I...say it’s worth it? I would say it was worth it because the scene is great, the pig is adorable.” ([11:24])

• The pig episode was challenging and emotionally draining (he admits he cried from the stress), but ultimately rewarding.

4. Jane Lynch (Saz Pataki) Joins the Conversation

[14:51 – 26:42]

Origin of Saz Pataki

• Jane Lynch shares that writer Kristin Newman pitched the role, and the concept of “Steve Martin’s stunt double” instantly sold her:

  “She had me at the name...I said, of course I would.” (Lynch, [15:04]) “Wasn’t on my bucket list for sure to play Steve Martin’s stunt double.” ([16:03])

Saz and Charles: Character Depth

• This season deepens Saz and Charles’ bond, revealing Saz’s unwavering loyalty and role as Charles’ emotional support system:

  “She lived for him, she lived to support him...he really respected her for that.” ([16:25])

• The show explores touching flashbacks:

  “Anything that he had in this life...that had anything to do with affection and camaraderie...was because of Saz.” ([18:10])

Saz as a ‘Ghost’ and Character Approach

• Lynch describes the emotional resonance of ghost scenes with Steve Martin:

  “It brought us both to tears sometimes how much this woman Saz was just there for him.” ([18:08])

• On getting into character:

  “Just putting on the hat and the glasses and I’m him…the hat and the glasses and the wig.” ([20:25])

Researching the Stunt Community

• Jane admits her knowledge comes mainly from the script and writers’ research—not personal study—but she learned about the close-knit world of stunt performers:

  “It’s a community...they all know each other...they’re very loyal to each other, and great respect for what each other does.” ([21:45])

Reaction to Saz’s Death

• On learning Saz would be killed:

  “As an actor...I was thrilled because I knew that the next season I would have a lot to do...who doesn’t want to be the murder victim?” ([24:26]) “Listen, this is a good thing. We’re going to kill you. What do you have to think about that?...Oh, it’s great.” ([25:03])

Will Fans Solve the Mystery?

• Lynch hints the puzzle is tough but fair:

  “There are twists and turns, like any good mystery...but nothing like, crazy. It all makes sense.” ([25:26]) “I think what [John Hoffman] does...is he starts at the end and then he reverse engineers.” ([25:41])

5. Showrunner & Stunt Team Insights

[22:56 – 23:55]

• John Hoffman describes the importance of real stunt performers’ input, calling out team leader Chris Barnes as critical in creating the show’s on-set stunt culture and realism.
• The creation of "Concussions," a bar for stunt people, is discussed as a fun and accurate detail from stunt folklore.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Michael Cyril Crichton on Costuming:

  “The socks and the glasses...there’s also a secret necklace that I wear. There’s actually a couple of secret pieces of jewelry that I wear this season that no one—I don’t think you’ll ever see them.” ([06:32])

• Jane Lynch on Saz’s Loyalty:

  “She lived for him, she lived to support him, she took care of him...maybe at times, it also kind of bugged him or annoyed him, but...he was as devoted to her as she was to him.” ([16:25])

• On Acting with Animals:

  “The pig did urinate all over me in the middle of the scene. And I was wearing some of my special socks...But...would I say it’s worth it? Because the scene is great, the pig is adorable.” (Michael Cyril Crichton, [11:24])

• Jane Lynch on Being Killed Off:

  “Listen, this is a good thing. We’re going to kill you. What do you have to think about that?...Oh, it’s great.” ([25:03])

Fan Theories & Listener Mail

[27:15 – 31:28]

• Laura B. from Saskatoon suspects Dudenoff is the scratched-out person in the photo.
• K thinks Jan’s outside contact is Cinda Canning.
• Multiple subreddit contributors dissect the recurring “doubles” motif and speculate that perhaps Charles has unknown connections, or that Westies, Howard, or Bev Melon may be deeper players in the murder plot.
• A running suspicion toward Howard is discussed, with one fan questioning his movements relative to the pig’s escape and the building’s layout.
• Theories coalesce around the murder being tied to Charles’ past or someone jealous of his career.

Memorable Moments (With Timestamps)

• Jane Lynch on being asked to play Steve Martin’s stunt double:
  “That’s just weird enough to sound right.” ([16:03])
• Michael Cyril Crichton’s pig misadventure:
  “The pig did urinate all over me in the middle of the scene...I did cry at the end of that day because the big screaming was very unnerving and I was covered in a gerund.” ([11:24])
• Jane Lynch on being the murder victim:
  “I was very flattered that he chose me to be the murder victim.” ([25:00])

Important Timestamps

• Glenn Stubbins accent discussion: [01:14 – 04:12]
• Michael Cyril Crichton on Howard and animal acting: [04:17 – 13:48]
• Jane Lynch on Saz: [14:51 – 26:42]
• Stunt team discussion: [22:56 – 23:55]
• Listener theories: [27:15 – 31:28]

Conclusion

This episode balances silly on-set stories (including animal chaos and costuming secrets) with heartfelt reflections from the cast on their characters’ relationships, the intricacies behind Saz’s arc, and the deep thought invested in each mystery. Jane Lynch’s warmth and wit shine as she describes her journey playing Saz, while Michael Cyril Crichton provides comic relief with animal anecdotes and Howard’s hidden wardrobe. The closing segment collects and scrutinizes fans’ cleverest guesses and Reddit speculation, keeping the series’ tradition of audience engagement alive as viewers race to solve the season’s whodunit.