Season three of Only Murders in the Building concluded with a shocking murder that hits close to home for the show’s trio of main characters. In the season finale, Sazz, portrayed by Jane Lynch, is shot in the chest while in Charles’ kitchen. However, it appears that the intended target was Charles himself, but the assailant mistook Sazz for him. Just before she dies, Sazz desperately tries to write something on Charles’ floor using her own blood.
The announcement of Only Murders in the Building’s renewal for a fourth season has left fans eagerly awaiting answers to the questions raised in the finale. Showrunner John Hoffman has teased that the next season will delve into the repercussions of the trio’s podcast and the unintended consequences of their actions. The exploration of how the world reacts to their podcast and what it means for the characters will be a central theme in the upcoming season.
In addition to Sazz’s murder, the season three finale also revealed that producer Cliff, played by Wesley Taylor, was responsible for the murder of Ben Glenroy, portrayed by Paul Rudd. Ben’s mother and fellow producer, Donna, played by Linda Edmond, had attempted to poison him before the show’s opening night. Hoffman explains that he enjoyed the opportunity to deepen and surprise viewers with the characters of Donna and Cliff. The kiss between the two producers, which initially seemed strange, becomes more significant as their connection is explored further.
Hoffman opens up about approaching Jane Lynch with the news that her character would be killed off in season three. He explains that the idea came from one of the show’s executive producers, Jess Rosenthal, and upon hearing it, Hoffman found it both awful and perfect. He describes Lynch’s reaction to the news as surprisingly positive, with the actress expressing her excitement about delving deeper into her character.
The final moments of the season three finale left viewers wondering about Sazz’s final message as she attempts to write something with her blood. Hoffman reveals that the length of the shot and the letters she writes were intentionally left ambiguous to keep options open for the next season. He hints that Sazz’s message may be related to previous hints she dropped throughout the season, such as picking up ham radio chatter and mentioning something sensitive to Charles.
As for the motive behind the attempt to kill Charles, Hoffman acknowledges that there is much exploration to be done in the next season. Making the victim or murderer personally connected to one of the main characters adds depth to the mystery. The previous ties between Ben Glenroy and the show and Bunny’s conflict with the trio in season two were examples of this. Hoffman sees Sazz’s murder as an opportunity to delve deeper into her character and explore her world of stunt doubling.
Hoffman also praises Paul Rudd’s performance in the season, despite his character’s early demise. He expresses his admiration for Rudd’s portrayal and reveals that he was pleased to see the positive response to his presence in the season through flashbacks. One memorable aspect of Ben’s character was his weekly sewing circle with five women, jokingly referred to as “the five whores.”
The upcoming season of Only Murders in the Building will also continue to explore Oliver’s life on Broadway. According to Hoffman, this decision was made based on the initial premise of the season and the desire to approach it from Oliver’s perspective. The showrunner credits the brilliant writers in the room for the creation and development of the storyline.
In conclusion, the season three finale of Only Murders in the Building left viewers with many questions and theories about the future of the show. With the announcement of a fourth season, fans can look forward to uncovering the mysteries surrounding the murders and witnessing the repercussions of the trio’s podcast. The upcoming season will delve into the deeper connections and motives behind the crimes, while also expanding on the personal lives of the main characters. Overall, Only Murders in the Building continues to captivate audiences with its intriguing storyline, complex characters, and unexpected twists.