It’s only fair to wallow in the old trend of filler episodes, because they significantly reduce the momentum. They rarely advance the overarching narrative in favor of (hopefully deserved) character building. The format has been a part of television for a long time, from anime to sitcoms to dramas and everything in between. While it’s disheartening to watch an episode knowing it’s not going to reveal much, Only Murders In The Building still manages to make its half-hour filler quite enticing. I wish it hadn’t come so late in the season — right after back-to-back brilliant episodes, no less — because the central mystery is in desperate need of continuity with only three episodes left in season two. OMITB’s tendency to cut stories short is, dare I say, its biggest flaw: Oscar (Aaron Dominguez) getting killed, no mention of Rose Cooper’s expensive painting, and still no answer as to whether Oliver is his biological father Will. And now, nothing about Alice’s prolific artwork either? I’m not complaining too much about ‘Flipping The Pieces’ slowing down the pace though, because spending time with Charles, Oliver and Mabel is never boring. As a bonus, Theo Dimas (James Caverly) and Detective Williams (Da’Vine Joy Randolph) are back in the mix instead of more celebrity cameos (not counting Riverdale’s Mark Consuelos, who stars as Mabel’s dad). To get it out of the way, though: Charles and Oliver’s subplot with Det. Williams could easily be pushed into a stray remark. That’s how repetitive it felt watching both men avoid her questions about any additional details about Bunny’s murder. He wisely suspects that they know more than they are letting on. However, they still don’t tell her that someone has been texting them pretending to be her. What gives? After running around in circles, they give her the bloody knife that the killer took from Oliver’s apartment to hack Bunny and then conveniently planted in Charles’ kitchen. Hey, at least Williams can investigate and hopefully find some priceless clues. The essence of “Flipping The Pieces” pulls back the curtain on Mabel’s upbringing and psyche. In flashbacks, we learn that thanks to a mutual affinity for solving puzzles and The X-Files, she had an unbreakable bond with her father. But he was only 7 when he died of cancer, and his diagnosis was kept a secret from her almost until the end. It’s easy to see why Mabel has abandonment issues and why she’s drawn to complex cases — from her Hardy Boys friend group to starting her own true crime podcast (along with fellow puzzle solvers, of course, Oliver and Charles ). She really doesn’t like being kept in the dark. G/O Media may receive a commission 13% discount. Bose Soundlink Flex Party Time Uses “a custom sensor” for amazingly clear sound that will make you feel like you’re in the music itself, it’s easy to recharge and offers up to 12 hours of battery life and can even be used for calls with its built-in microphone. It’s nice to have more information on Mabel since she’s mentioned her father several times in recent episodes. She’s clearly deeply traumatized from his death, so it’s no wonder she blacks out when faced with a traumatic event, like Bunny literally dying in her arms or having to physically defend herself when the Glitter Person attacks her. Luckily for her, Theo was on the same train and manages to get Mabel to his new apartment safely. The two eventually head to Coney Island because Theo picked up the Glitter Person security card that he accidentally dropped while running. Who could realistically work there? I don’t think it’s Alice or Howard, but it could be Jared, aka Nina Lynn’s partner, or Marv. It could also be a suspect we haven’t discussed yet, but now we have to think about who (potentially) needs a second job as lifeguard at this Brooklyn beach. Could it be Detective Kreps? Or even Ursula, aka Arconia’s intestinal milk dispenser? Martin Short and Steve Martin in Only Murders In The BuildingPhoto: Craig Blankenhorn/Hulu Other than that, OMITB doesn’t provide anything too crucial to the case, instead spending time with Mabel and Theo. After initial hesitation and a game of Whac-A-Mole, the two find some common ground. I like this budding friendship, though. it is reasonable. As children of Arconia, they have seen and participated in the drama there. Theo admits that he still feels guilty about Zoe’s death, not knowing if he just slipped or if he accidentally pushed her off the roof. Not to mention both issues with their dad. Hey, at least Mabel convinces him to give Teddy a second chance. Caverly is an absolute delight in this role as always. It makes Theo a sympathetic character worth rooting for, regardless of the circumstances. Gomez digs new depths to Mabel on ‘Flipping The Pieces’. However, did their journey need an entire episode? I don’t think so, especially when the conclusion he jumps to—that he definitely didn’t stab Bunny—is something the audience is firmly aware of. At least Mabel’s reunion with Charles and Oliver at the end was sweet. For now, their problems are on the back burner. And pretty good timing, too, considering the New York blackout teased in the cliffhanger. If the Arcatacombs were a hazard in general, I guess it only gets worse in the dark. Stray Notes:
Who else completely lost it when we still didn’t learn the Glitter Person’s identity after Mabel pushed them out of the way while jumping out of the locker room? Will Da’Vine Joy Randolph finally sing here for a while? Jubilant. Now make the next Selena Gomez, OMITB! “I love creepy comedy, but it’s painful to watch,” said Det. Williams tells Oliver and Charles. I usually enjoy their banter, but this time I agree with her. I know Theo has an ankle bracelet, but how far can he travel with it? It goes all the way to Coney Island. Don’t these have a distance limit? Mabel: “[Lip reading] it always seems so much easier in movies” Theo: “Deaf people can’t write many movies.” So how does the killer know Lucy is a potential witness and that it’s possible blackmail because they’re carrying around a picture of her and Charles? Finally, what are some of the best or worst filler episodes?*Doctor Who, Supernatural, Star Trek, Naruto, X-Files, pretty much every TV comedy, and the CW’s DC Universe are a few (among many others). Personally, Lost is in my top five concerts of all time, but “Stranger In A Strange Land” could be written off. Is Mythic Quest’s ‘Dark Quiet Death’ considered a supplement? If so, it’s one of the greatest in recent memory. Same better call Saul “Bagman”. *Not sure if this invites or merits a full discussion of what constitutes a filler episode, but here we are!
