Introduction
“Only Murders in the Building” (OMITB) is a brilliant comedic mystery series that has captivated audiences with its clever plots, witty dialogue, and charming characters. The show centers on three unlikely friends, all residents of the Arconia, a luxurious apartment building in New York City, who share a passion for true crime. When a murder occurs within their building, they decide to start their own true crime podcast, “Only Murders in the Building,” to investigate the crime and solve the mystery themselves.
This unique premise allows for a blend of humor, suspense, and character development that has made OMITB a critical and commercial success. The show’s format allows it to explore the intricacies of human relationships, the complexities of secrets, and the allure of true crime.
This article will delve into the dark underbelly of the Arconia, focusing on the victims and killers across the three seasons of “Only Murders in the Building.” We’ll examine the circumstances surrounding each murder, the motives behind the crimes, and the methods used by the perpetrators. Please note, to ensure a comprehensive experience for the reader, we will dive into the specifics and it goes without saying that it won’t be spoiler-free!
The Tim Kono Case: A Season of Secrets and Deception
The first season of “Only Murders in the Building” plunges us into the heart of the mystery with the death of Tim Kono, a young man found dead in his apartment.
The Victim:
Tim Kono was an enigmatic figure at the Arconia. We learn early on that he was part of a tight-knit friend group, a group that had some darker secrets. He had a mysterious past, and the circumstances surrounding his death were initially shrouded in ambiguity. He was a complex character, and his death unraveled a series of hidden truths, revealing layers of deception and betrayal. We find that he was involved in some underhanded schemes at the Arconia, which led to several individuals having reasons to want him gone.
The Suspects and Misdirections:
As the podcast team began their investigation, the number of suspects steadily grew. We were presented with individuals who had run-ins with Tim, who held grudges against him, or who simply had a motive to see him gone. The list of suspects included the fiery Jan, Tim’s complicated girlfriend; the mysterious Teddy Dimas, owner of a deli that Tim often visited; and even Tim’s close friends. The writers masterfully laid out red herrings that kept the audience guessing at every turn. Suspicions were cast on seemingly innocent neighbors, creating a web of speculation that mirrored the podcast’s own investigation.
The Killer:
The killer was revealed to be Jan, Tim Kono’s girlfriend and a talented bassoonist. Her carefully constructed facade of a charming and unassuming woman hid a dark secret: she was a skilled manipulator and a calculated killer. Jan murdered Tim Kono because he had discovered her secrets, including her involvement in a past crime involving the other members of his friend group.
Jan’s motive was rooted in fear of exposure and a desire to maintain control. Her method of killing was as intricate as her personality. She poisoned Tim with a concoction, and the evidence was deliberately left to mislead the investigators. Jan’s meticulous planning and execution made her a formidable opponent.
The Bunny Folger Case: A Murder in the Arconia’s Heart
Season two brings a new mystery: the death of Bunny Folger, the Arconia’s notoriously grumpy board president.
The Victim:
Bunny Folger was a complex figure. The audience knew her as a formidable presence, often at odds with her neighbors. Her life at the Arconia was marked by routine, control, and a deep sense of loneliness. She was a keeper of secrets, and these secrets ultimately made her a target. Her murder takes place in a brutal and unexpected way.
The Suspects and Wrong Turns:
The murder of Bunny immediately put numerous Arconia residents under scrutiny. The podcast crew, alongside the police, looked at key characters. There was the mysterious Cinda Canning, a true crime podcast celebrity, who seemed to be capitalizing on the death. There was also the return of certain characters from season one, adding a new layer of complexity. As the investigation progressed, the suspects and red herrings continued to mount. The team delved into Bunny’s past, uncovering grudges, financial troubles, and long-hidden secrets that pointed to a vast array of potential culprits.
The Killer:
The killer was revealed to be Poppy White, Cinda Canning’s assistant. Poppy orchestrated the murder to get Cinda off her back and gain recognition for herself as an accomplished podcaster, and, in turn, a way to be free. Poppy’s motivation was driven by a desire for recognition and a desperate yearning to escape her suffocating life.
Poppy’s method was even more shocking, involving a combination of manipulation and the use of a secret passageway. Poppy carefully planned the murder, leaving clues and deliberately manipulating events to ensure that the blame would fall on others.
The Ben Glenroy Case: A Theatrical Tragedy
Season three presents a new challenge, with a murder taking place behind the scenes of a Broadway play.
The Victim:
Ben Glenroy was a famous actor, a demanding and arrogant character with many enemies. His life was a whirlwind of success, but the pressure of his stardom caused him to make some life altering choices. We find that the circumstances leading up to his murder were marked by drama, tension, and volatile relationships, as well as a secret twin brother.
The Suspects and Inaccurate Clues:
The suspects were numerous. Ben’s costars, including Charles, as well as the play’s producers, and even his estranged brother were all possible suspects in the case. The season played with the theatricality of the setting, blurring the lines between reality and performance.
The Killer:
The killer was revealed to be Ben’s personal assistant, Tobert. He secretly filmed Ben and wanted a confession for the abuse that he was suffering. His motivation was driven by a desire for vengeance for Ben’s continued abusive behavior.
Tobert’s method involved poisoning Ben and staging his death to look like an accidental fall. He crafted a plan, planting the seeds of suspicion and subtly influencing the course of the investigation.
Common Themes and Analysis
Motives:
The “Only Murders in the Building” show demonstrates that the motivations behind the murders in the series are often rooted in deep-seated issues. Revenge, jealousy, greed, and the desire for control frequently fuel the perpetrators’ actions. The show reveals that the killers are not always driven by a desire for maliciousness, but by a combination of personal circumstances, social dynamics, and a desperate need for something.
Methods:
The methods employed by the killers in “Only Murders in the Building” are as varied as the motives. Poison, manipulation, and carefully orchestrated plans are often used. The show emphasizes the planning, the deception, and the execution of each murder. The contrast between the killers’ intricate planning and their ultimate actions highlights the show’s attention to detail.
The Role of the Podcast:
The podcast itself plays a crucial role in the investigation. The amateur sleuths use the podcast format to interview witnesses, analyze evidence, and piece together the puzzle of each crime. The podcast is essential to the narrative as it adds a unique layer of storytelling, and the podcast helps provide context, create tension, and keeps viewers guessing, just as the podcast team does.
Conclusion
“Only Murders in the Building” weaves together elements of mystery, comedy, and human drama. The show consistently delights audiences with its clever plots and relatable characters.
This exploration of the victims and killers across the three seasons underscores the show’s ability to create engaging mysteries.
As the show continues, the audience can expect to see more murder mysteries. The charm and entertainment the audience has come to love will be explored further. The series has proven that it’s much more than a simple true crime show and it will continue to leave a lasting impact on fans. The show reminds us of the universal themes of friendship, community, and the human tendency to get involved in our neighbors’ lives. The appeal of “Only Murders in the Building” will continue to grow.
