Every Clue to the Killer in Only Murders

Cracking the Case: The Unexpected Twist in ‘Only Murders in the Building’ Season 4

The cozy crime-solving antics in "Only Murders in the Building" have reached a fever pitch in Season 4. The unassuming trio, Oliver, Charles, and Mabel, are neck-deep in another gripping mystery. This time, they’re unraveling the murder of their friend Sazz Pataki. The revelation came in the season’s penultimate episode, pointing the finger at an unlikely culprit—Marshall Pope, the show’s screenwriter, also known as the ex-stuntman, Rex Bailey.

Marshall Pope’s unveiling as the murderer might have blindsided fans. However, the show left a trail of breadcrumbs leading to this unexpected villain without spoiling the surprise. As the season unfolded, viewers who paid close attention could spot several clues about Marshall’s sinister intentions.

The Movie Script Mystery

A central focus of the season was the production of a movie adaptation of the "Only Murders in the Building" podcast. Marshall Pope was heralded as an up-and-coming screenwriter, capturing the essence of the main trio with uncanny precision. Initially grandstanding his expertise as an outsider who studied the podcast, Marshall’s detailed knowledge raised suspicions.

Episodes later confirmed that Sazz Pataki was the real brain behind the movie’s script. Her familiarity with the trio gave the film its authenticity. Marshall’s cover soon unraveled, especially when his subsequent script rewrites were met with disdain. The truth of Sazz’s authorship made Marshall’s previous magical ability to mimic the trio unconvincing.

Eyes Sharp as Knives

Sazz met her end through a precise sniper shot from the Arconia’s shadows. The trio, focused on tracing access points, overlooked the shooter’s required skill level. Earlier, Marshall let slip that his glasses were mere showpieces. His real vision was 20/10, enabling him to act as the ideal sniper. This hint was subtle yet straightforward—sharp eyes for a sharp deed.

A Web of Deception and Strength

Marshall’s facade of a nerdy writer wasn’t just skin deep. He regularly lied about his appearance, crafting a writerly look that misled everyone. His fake beard and unnecessary glasses underscored his propensity for deceit. Yet, more telling was his concealed physical strength. Despite an unassuming demeanor, signs of a workout regimen, including exercise equipment glimpsed in his apartment, suggested a level of fitness necessary to move Sazz’s body from Charles’s apartment without arousing suspicion.

Stuntmen’s Secret Ties

In a surprise return, Paul Rudd played Glen Stubbins, a fellow stuntman who knew Sazz. In a crucial encounter, Glen recognized Marshall, cryptically noting the changes since their last meeting. Their past entanglement hinted at shared history and motives. Unfortunately, Glen never got the chance to reveal more before meeting an untimely demise.

A Meddling in the Mystery

Marshall’s keen interest in the investigation—under the guise of "script research"—was his attempt to manipulate proceedings. He subtly misdirected the trio, steering them away from suspecting a person of his own athletic ability. But in true genre fashion, meddling with murder mysteries typically spells doom for the deceptive. Oliver, Charles, and Mabel, despite hurdles, managed to pinpoint the real evildoer.

With the season’s closing cliffhanger—the unsettling death of Lester, the beloved doorman—the stage is set for further mysteries. As the Arconia’s amateur sleuths gear up for another quest, the Upper West Side isn’t short on secrets waiting in its corners. Each twist leaves fans eager for more while reflecting on the oft-hidden layers in the want-to-be-writer Marshall Pope’s narrative.