Only Murders in the Building Official Podcast

S4 E9: "Escape From Planet Klongo (Part 2)"

Release Date: October 25, 2024
Host: Michael Cyril Creighton (Howard) for Hulu
Guests: John Hoffman (Showrunner), Ben Smith & Alex Bigelow (Writers), Chris Barnes (Stunt Coordinator), plus cast & crew insights

Episode Overview

This episode takes fans deep behind the scenes of Season 4, Episode 9 of Only Murders in the Building, focusing on the climactic fire stunt, the crafting of "Project Ronkonkoma," and the narrative’s emotional high points. Host Michael Cyril Creighton and his team of contributors interview the writers, the showrunner, and Stunt Coordinator Chris Barnes, highlighting the craftsmanship behind the episode’s signature action moments and exploring the evolving storylines—especially those connected to stuntwoman Saz and the fate of key characters. There’s a special focus on the painstaking work and safety measures behind the now-famous fire stunt, as well as the creative choices shaping the season’s whodunit.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Behind the Fire Stunt: Craft, Safety, & Authenticity (01:19–03:10; 14:28–18:01)

• Setting the Scene:
  Writers Alex Bigelow and Ben Smith discuss researching and scripting the dangerous fire stunt performed by Saz’s protégé, Rex Bailey. Authenticity was a priority: “When we were writing these little scenes, we were kind of looking up... how they would prep... And then to see that stunt happen, it was like the only time I’ve ever seen set—everyone was, like, dead silent and so locked in.” – Alex Bigelow (01:22)

• Production Realism:
  The stunt department heavily influenced the realism, advising on gear and methods, including old-school tinsel and protective headwear—details woven directly into the story. Ben Smith notes, “They were helpful in taking what we’d researched and making it even more authentic.” (02:18)

• Stunts in Practice:
  Chris Barnes (Stunt Coordinator) describes the meticulous preparation: “When you’re setting someone on fire, everything is based on time... you talk with the director, talk to the AD, and figure out how much time you actually have to do this fire.” (14:48)

• Protective Measures:
  On the use of fire gels, Barnes explains: “There are gels that are accelerants ... but you don’t want to get those two confused. The [protective] gels are a barrier ... most everyone is using a form of the original Zeller gel.” (15:20)

• Choosing the Stunt Performer:
  Su Liu handled the fire stunt for Jin Ha’s character, Rex. “Murders... is not a place for people to learn and do their first fire. I don’t know how they’re going to react... Su had reels that were quite impressive. I felt he didn’t need a rehearsal.” – Chris Barnes (18:12)

Memorable Quote

“I honestly couldn’t tell you how many times I’ve been on fire.”
—Chris Barnes (00:02; Recalled at 20:59)

2. The Creation of Project Ronkonkoma—A “B” Movie Within a Show (03:10–06:23)

• Naming the Movie:
  The fake film "Project Ronkonkoma" was originally a placeholder, but showrunner John Hoffman suggested the now-memorable name. “He came in one day and was like, Ronkonkoma. It’s Ronkonkoma. And we were like, of course it is.” —Alex Bigelow (03:27)

• Evolving the Scene:
  Constraints led to creative choices—the stunt needed to be outside and cost-effective. Elements like “a mob story by the waterfront” grew out of practical necessities. (04:00)

• A Real Place:
  “Ronkonkoma” is, indeed, a New York town. “It’s out in Long Island.” —Ben Smith (05:22)

3. The Emotional Payoff: Saz’s Flashbacks and Character Arcs (06:23–08:18)

• Narrative Depth:
  Writers emphasize how the Saz flashbacks provided clues and emotional resonance, with John Hoffman noting, “That energy [Jane Lynch] has—sort of a gust and a real conscientious concern for the work... The opportunity to show Saz in her real work and mentoring... felt pretty great.” (07:19)

• Saz’s Role:
  The mentoring dynamic is highlighted as meaningful both for world-building and for Saz’s character: “Some of her best work is yet to come for us.” —John Hoffman (08:18)

4. Stunt Life: Reality, Family, and Perception (08:30–13:35)

• Stunt Highlights:
  This season included Meryl Streep’s epic fight, a full barroom brawl, and even a hit-by-car sequence. The fire stunt, though, was “the biggest one ... most involved and comes at the most risk.” —Chris Barnes (09:36)

• Stunt Bar Myths:
  The writers’ research apparently nailed the stunt world’s atmosphere: “There is a bar out in California... called Residuals, and you can go in with any residual check and get a beer for the price of that check.” —Chris Barnes (11:13)

• Legacy of Stunt Work:
  All three of Barnes’ sons have become professional stuntmen: “It’s a family business, just like Saz Pataki.” (13:41)

5. Stunt Work as an Art and a Science (21:56–26:18)

• Myths Vs. Reality:
  “People think we’re crazy, people think we’re daredevils... I don’t want the kid that comes up and says, ‘I’ll jump off that roof right now!’ — I’d rather the person who’s cautious and thinks about it.” —Chris Barnes (22:25)

• Acting Skills:
  “Production’s gotten smarter... instead of doubling a cop... they cast a stunt person. Now, acting is one of the bigger tools you can have.” (23:27)

• Favorite Stunts:
  Barnes’ personal preference is for practical “barroom brawls,” but also “water stuff” and reenactments for forensic investigations: “That’s like science... Forensics, right?” (26:13)

6. Plot Twists, Emotional Impacts, and Narrative Retcons (26:51–31:58)

• The Death of Glenn Stubbins:
  Paul Rudd’s character, originally comic relief, is shockingly murdered, giving the episode “real narrative purpose ... his character served more than just a comedy purpose in the season.” — Ben Smith (27:06)

• Connecting to Season One:
  The season references unfinished threads from the series’ debut. Ben Smith reflects on how what seemed like plot holes evolved into meaningful callbacks: “I’d attribute it all to Jan...[but now] we use that as an opportunity to... address those lingering questions.” (29:16–30:33)

• Highlight on Collaboration:
  Alex Bigelow, co-writer on her first episode, and Ben Smith both reflect on the joy and ease of crafting this pivotal chapter.

7. Fan Theories and Community Highlights (32:07–38:37)

• Reddit Theories Recap:
  Maggie & Hannah share elaborate fan theories—from Marshall being a pawn controlled by a mastermind, to Bev hiring him, to the possibility of “doubles” and even misdirection about the true killer. (33:57–36:00)

• Easter Eggs:
  The podcast tips to a visual Easter egg: “Big green screens above the Arconia foreshadowing the set of Escape from Planet Klongo.” (32:43)

• Paul Rudd Gag:
  A fan hopes the show keeps killing Paul Rudd’s characters as a recurring joke every season.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• The Weight of the Fire Stunt:
  “Everyone was like dead silent and so locked in... that was pretty cool because these are the things we’ve been researching for Saz.” —Alex Bigelow (01:22)

• On Double Deaths:
  “I love how they killed Paul Rudd twice... I’m kind of hoping they make it a running gag.” —Brighttop5691, via Reddit (38:22)

• On Being a Stunt Performer:
  “If the biggest fallacy ... people think we’re crazy ... I’d rather the person who’s cautious ... Because most stunts are going to be done a couple times, depending on how big they are.” —Chris Barnes (22:25)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 01:19 – Fire stunt prepping & authenticity
• 03:10 – Origin and purpose of “Project Ronkonkoma”
• 06:23 – Saz’s flashbacks and emotional payoff
• 08:30 – Stunt highlights this season
• 11:13 – Stunt bar lore
• 13:41 – Barnes’ family stunt legacy
• 14:28 – Safety protocol for on-set fire stunts
• 21:56 – Debunking stunt myths; daredevils vs. professionals
• 26:51 – Glenn Stubbins’s fate and narrative decisions
• 29:16 – Revisiting Season 1’s plot holes
• 32:07 – Fan theories and Easter eggs

Final Thoughts

This episode offers a witty but thorough peek into the craft and community spirit that make Only Murders in the Building unique—blending laughter, suspense, and technical expertise. By spotlighting both the peril and the playfulness of stunt work, as well as inviting fans into the theory-crafting fray, the podcast continues to celebrate the collaborative magic behind the Arconia’s mysteries.