Only Murders in the Building Official Podcast
S4 E5: Adaptation (Part 2)
Released: September 27, 2024
Host: Maggie Bowles, Ryan Tillotson (Straw Hut Media)
Featured Guests: Molly Shannon (Bev Mellon), John Hoffman (Showrunner/Co-Creator), Michael Cyril Creighton (Howard)
Episode Overview
This episode dives into Season 4, Episode 5 ("Adaptation") of Only Murders in the Building. Hosted by Maggie Bowles and Ryan Tillotson, it features in-depth interviews with Molly Shannon (Bev Mellon), showrunner John Hoffman, and Michael Cyril Creighton (Howard). The discussion covers the creative process, behind-the-scenes anecdotes, the playful energy of the set, and recurring themes like doubles, imposters, and identity. Notable moments include talk of iconic scenes, Paul Rudd’s comedic genius, and fan theories from Reddit.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Molly Shannon on Bev Mellon and Joining the Cast
[01:25 – 06:54]
- Bev Mellon Character:
- Bev Mellon is described as a “Hollywood producer who wears pink suits—she’s all business, trying to get the life rights to make a movie about the trio’s podcast.” (Molly Shannon, [01:29])
- Shannon based Bev on the “good and lame” versions of hustlers she’s met in Hollywood but says Bev is “a very hard worker… She gets the job done.” (Shannon, [01:59])
- Joining OMITB:
- Shannon reveals her long friendship with showrunner John Hoffman, dating back about 30 years. "We met years ago when I was doing my stage show in LA." (Shannon, [02:48])
- She highlights the joyful atmosphere on set: "It really is like a party off camera, too. It feels like you're at a really fun party..." (Shannon, [03:23])
- John Hoffman’s organizational skills are praised: "He is that involved in everyone… makes them feel as if that is his only thing." (Shannon, [04:28])
2. The Art of ‘Making It Wild’: Comedy, Script, and Improvisation
[06:55 – 09:17]
- Shannon values both preparation and spontaneity on set, crediting her SNL background:
- “It’s so nice if you can kind of make it wild while the cameras are rolling. So that's what I kind of call make it wild.” (Shannon, [07:10])
- Respect for collaboration: “It's a tennis match. You work together. If people are wild with me, I just like being kind of wild.” (Shannon, [07:51])
- Real-Life ‘Bev Mellon’ parallels:
- Shannon recounts a behind-the-scenes incident where she acted “like a producer” in real life, providing advice, which led Hoffman to joke, “See, I really am Bev Mellon in real life.” (Shannon, [08:25])
3. Easter Eggs and On-Set Fun
[09:49 – 13:14]
- Giant Water Bottle Prop: The massive water bottle Bev carries is directly inspired by writer Ben Smith’s real-life jug in the writers’ room.
- "Ben Smith has the largest water jug anyone has ever seen. It’s daunting to everyone." (John Hoffman, [10:10])
- A humorous (cut) bit involved Oliver trying—and failing—to lift the heavy bottle. (Hoffman, [11:20])
- Theming and Doubles:
- The season’s emphasis on doubles, doppelgängers, and reflection is intentional—mirroring identity and self-perception.
- “So much of this season…is set up right in that opening podcasting narration of Charles…is that the me I used to be or the me I want to be remembered like?” (Hoffman, [12:50])
- Recurring motif: twins, mirror images, and doubles appearing across all seasons (e.g., Charles and Saz, Alice’s mirror apartment, Cinda’s minions). (Hoffman, [17:00])
- The season’s emphasis on doubles, doppelgängers, and reflection is intentional—mirroring identity and self-perception.
4. Imposter Syndrome & Identity
[15:09 – 28:39]
- The “movie within the show” theme and recurring impostor syndrome:
- “You’re convinced the voice in your head, the one that says you’re a fraud, is finally gonna go away. Except it doesn’t.” (Michael Cyril Creighton, [15:09])
- Hoffman reflects personally: “I really genuinely think… I don’t even think I have any talent this way…I have nothing to start with." (Hoffman, [15:29])
- Mabel’s big moment—claiming her identity as a podcast producer.
- “I’m a podcast producer. Why is that so scary to say out loud?” (Selena Gomez as Mabel, [24:45])
- Hoffman and guests discuss the universal experience of owning one’s professional identity.
5. Behind-the-Scenes: Photography Doppelgängers & “Wiener to Wiener”
[29:10 – 33:59]
- Filming the chaotic photo shoot with doubles and lookalikes:
- Hoffman aimed for maximal confusion: “For me, there were never enough [doubles]…I genuinely wanted it to be like, just confuse, confuse, confuse as much as possible.” (Hoffman, [29:27])
- Downtown NYC shoot; many friends and family on set created a festive, crowded atmosphere. (Hoffman, [30:24])
- Paul Rudd’s improvisational magic (“Wiener to Wiener” moment):
- “The moment when he comes over and goes, 'wiener to wiener'... That was not planned… Paul Rudd’s commitment… I swear, there was a moment we were going to make out...” (Hoffman, [32:09])
- Marty Short’s reaction and repeated takes made it a set highlight.
- “She is, as an actress…found that character in that way and just the seriousness in her lower register… wiener to wiener was just a perfect read.” (Hoffman, [33:40])
6. Howard’s Ever-Evolving Roles
[21:23 – 24:14]
- Michael Cyril Creighton discusses Howard’s “shameless” tendency to insert himself into every opportunity:
- “He insinuates himself into every possible situation he can get into…become the most important person in the room.” (Hoffman, [21:48])
- “What I love about him is that he is constantly trying to figure out what he’s good at… he is shameless when it comes to inserting himself.” (Creighton, [22:41])
- Comic set additions, like Howard rapidly spouting film terminology (“Comptex, gobo, tweeny…”) were late adds that emphasized Howard’s playful, ever-changing persona. (Creighton, [23:22])
7. Fan Reactions & Theories (Reddit Roundup)
[36:17 – 41:00]
- Fan emails and Reddit theories highlight ongoing speculation:
- The “doubles” theme led to speculation about mistaken identity in the cliffhanger.
- Marshall P. Pope possibly has impostor syndrome/fraudulent background.
- Some fans suspect three killers, drawing inspiration from mirror and double/triple motifs.
- Fun theories about family relationships, Loretta’s motivations, and even a “stunt pig.”
- Engagement with clues, props, and recurring motifs remains high.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On Showrunner John Hoffman's Leadership:
- "[John] makes them feel as if that is his only thing that he has to deal with... That's why the show is so good. It starts at the top."
— Molly Shannon ([04:28])
- "[John] makes them feel as if that is his only thing that he has to deal with... That's why the show is so good. It starts at the top."
-
On Comedy & Improvisation:
- “If you can be a little wild, do it. The cameras are running. Let’s fucking do it. Let’s make it wild.”
— Molly Shannon ([07:10])
- “If you can be a little wild, do it. The cameras are running. Let’s fucking do it. Let’s make it wild.”
-
On Doubles & Reflection:
- “So much of this season is set up…film gives you an opportunity to look at, is that the me I used to be or the me I want to be remembered like?”
— John Hoffman ([12:50])
- “So much of this season is set up…film gives you an opportunity to look at, is that the me I used to be or the me I want to be remembered like?”
-
On the Photo Shoot Chaos:
- “For me, there were never enough [doubles]…I genuinely wanted it to be…confuse, confuse, confuse as much as possible.”
— John Hoffman ([29:27])
- “For me, there were never enough [doubles]…I genuinely wanted it to be…confuse, confuse, confuse as much as possible.”
-
The Iconic “Wiener to Wiener” Moment:
- “That was not planned... Paul Rudd’s commitment… I swear, there was a moment we were going to make out.”
— John Hoffman ([32:09]) - (Maggie and Ryan):
- "In my notes, all I wrote was both of us wrote 'Wiener to Wiener'."
— [33:19]
- "In my notes, all I wrote was both of us wrote 'Wiener to Wiener'."
- “That was not planned... Paul Rudd’s commitment… I swear, there was a moment we were going to make out.”
Fan Engagement and Theories
[36:17 – 41:00]
- Listeners submit theories about themes of doubles, mistaken identity, and possible triple killers.
- Popular speculation around Marshall P. Pope’s true authorship and possible criminality.
- Noted prop details, e.g., sweater matches and water bottles, inspire deeper clues.
- Encouragement to participate in the escape room giveaway and join discussions on Reddit.
Timestamps of Important Segments
- 01:25 – Molly Shannon discusses Bev Mellon
- 02:48 – Friendship and reunions on the OMITB set
- 04:28 – John Hoffman’s leadership lauded
- 07:10 – Shannon’s improvisational philosophy (“make it wild”)
- 10:10 – John Hoffman on the giant water bottle Easter egg
- 12:50 – Themes of doubles and reflections in the series
- 15:09 – Michael (as Howard) on impostor syndrome
- 21:23 – Evolution of Howard's set roles
- 24:45 – Mabel’s breakthrough (“I’m a podcast producer”)
- 29:27 – Filming the “chaotic” photo shoot scene
- 32:09 – The “Wiener to Wiener” on-set moment with Paul Rudd
- 36:17 – Reddit theories discussed by Hannah
Summary
This episode of the Only Murders in the Building Official Podcast gives fans a revealing and humor-filled look behind episode five’s “Adaptation.” The cast and crew share anecdotes about camaraderie and creative flexibility on set, the thoughtful crafting of characters and themes, and the ever-present motif of identity, mirrors, and impostor syndrome. Crowd-favorite moments—like the “wiener to wiener” exchange—are explained with warmth and glee, bolstering the show’s blend of comedy and mystery. Finally, passionate fan engagement and wild theories underscore the show’s interactive and playful spirit.