S04.E09: Escape From Planet Klongo

[chitowngirl]

Seeking a critical clue, Charles, Oliver and Mabel must infiltrate a film set to get the real "background" on why Sazz was killed.
 

Airs beginning October 22 on Hulu. 
 

Please keep on topic with things that happen in this episode. Spoiler tag things that happen in the final episode.

Edited October 15 by chitowngirl

[peeayebee]

Well, that's an interesting movie title. I'm going to assume it's connected to Project Ronkonkoma that was mentioned in 'Lifeboat.'

[paigow]

EFPK is likely another film that the Sisters directed....

[Quilt Fairy]

Finally, a celebrity this season!

Good on the show for keeping Ron Howard under wraps.

Edited October 22 by Quilt Fairy

[phalange]

I cracked up at Oliver’s “Finally, a celebrity this season.” Also at Bev wondering if the Brothers Sisters are actually twins and the nurse calling Charles, Oliver, and Mabel “a couple of old married men and their caretaker.”

Poor Glen!

I was suspicious of Marshall ever since they didn’t bother verifying his story about doing stand-up the night of the murder. The trio really messed up with that. And now Mabel is alone with him, yikes. Since he stole Sazz’s script, that explains why Bev complained about each version of his script being worse than the last. He was never a good writer to begin with. 

I’m assuming he had to have someone helping him after the murder since he’d need to be able to move Sazz’s body and get the place cleaned up, and of course he was on the other side of the building. So now I’m wondering who would be in on it with him.

[thuganomics85]

Penultimate episode time, so you know what that means!  Revelation time and figuring out at least one of the killers!  And, naturally, it involves Ron Howard!!

Definitely not surprised that Marshall ends up being at least one of the culprits.  The gang was way too easy-going with him before, and I figured that was going to blow back on them.  So, it turns out he was a struggling writer who literally fell into Sazz's car and agreed to be her new protégée in order to get on film sets and whatnot.  But after he screws up (including burning Ron Howard's eyebrows off!), he is replaced by Glen Stubbins.  And not only do we see him finish the job with Glenn, but Mabel finds his original script.  That was actually written by Sazz!  Explains why the rewrites have been so horrible.  I guess that is his motivation for going after her and I'm guessing he also targeted Glen because he recognized him from before.  But it still seems likely that someone else was involved with moving the body and so forth, so I'm curious to see who else will end up being involved.

I liked the various ways the trio managed to audition their way into being background characters.  Oliver got in by actually giving a good exaggerated performance, Charles got in by the casting director just feeling bad for how hard he has fallen, and Mabel's real terrified look over having to act impressed him!

I'm no health expert, but a smoothie with Red Bull and Slim Jims doesn't see healthy, Bev.

Loved the Charles/Oliver scenes because part of me felt like we were actually watching real life conversations between Steve Martin and Martin Short.  They are totally each others' emergency contacts in real life, dammit!  And no doubt have colonoscopies together!

Nurse gets line of the night by referring to the trio as a couple of old married men and their caretaker.  Kind of accurate on some levels!

Finale next week!

[cardigirl]

5 hours ago, Quilt Fairy said:

Finally, a celebrity this season!

Good on the show for keeping Ron Howard under wraps.

Loved that line!  🤣

[cardigirl]

👏 👏 👏

I really enjoyed this episode. I never thought we were going to see Ron Howard, but at last, one of Oliver's stories proves to be true. While I suspected Marshall P. Pope from the first episode, the "why" was more difficult to figure out.

This episode clears up who the shooter was after. I think. Because Marshall had every reason to kill Sazz but not Charles.  As others have guessed before me, the resolution of other plot holes will probably come in a later season. 

At least Glen is freed from seeing rats. RIP Glen Stubbins. 💔

Now all that has to happen is the wedding.  

Edited October 22 by cardigirl

[Irlandesa]

4 hours ago, cardigirl said:

I really enjoyed this episode. I never thought we were going to see Ron Howard, but at last, one of Oliver's stories proves to be true. While I suspected Marshall P. Pope from the first episode, the "why" was more difficult to figure out.

I had read someone suspected Marshall early on this season and it made sense to me more than perhaps any others just because he didn't appear to have a motive. 

I wasn't sure if we were going to see Ron Howard or not.  I figured they probably could get Ron Howard since he seems like he'd be the type up for a fun appearance but then I didn't think he'd appear when we saw him from behind or heard his voice from a distance.  I figured he agreed to record something but not couldn't film.  But then he showed up.

And I know people get really into the mysteries but for me, the thing I love about the show are the scenes like the one in the Chinese restaurant.  It's why, while I enjoyed last season, I didn't like that the group was so separated.

[Chit Chat]

6 hours ago, cardigirl said:

I really enjoyed this episode. I never thought we were going to see Ron Howard, but at last, one of Oliver's stories proves to be true. While I suspected Marshall P. Pope from the first episode, the "why" was more difficult to figure out.

It was a really good episode!  I loved Ron's line "don't ever talk to me about the fishin' hole!!"  

Lots of red herrings this season!  Lots of good theories by everyone here too!  As soon as the guy tumbled into Sazz's car with his papers flying everywhere (and his small frame), there was no doubt as to who that was!  

Oh, Mabel!  Why didn't you keep the script to yourself?  I had a hunch they'd find something in the box of beer!  

[Suzn]

2 hours ago, Irlandesa said:

And I know people get really into the mysteries but for me, the thing I love about the show are the scenes like the one in the Chinese restaurant.  It's why, while I enjoyed last season, I didn't like that the group was so separated.

I have no interest in solving the mysteries.  It is only a framework to support the things I love about this show.  I haven't cared much for this season but this episode was good.  I enjoyed Charles and Oliver in the Chinese restaurant.

[shapeshifter]

8 hours ago, cardigirl said:

Now all that has to happen is the wedding.  

We're still missing the co-conspirator. 
Maybe Loretta? But then why?
More likely Jan?
The bald guy at casting was also on set when the fire incident happened.…maybe a connection?

 

2 hours ago, Chit Chat said:

As soon as the guy tumbled into Sazz's car with his papers flying everywhere (and his small frame), there was no doubt as to who that was!  

I thought it was a woman.
I had forgotten about Marshall, in spite of the lame excuse for the disguise. 
Well done, arc plotters, director, make-up, actor!👏

 

2 hours ago, Chit Chat said:

I had a hunch they'd find something in the box of beer!  

Where did the box of beer come from?
Where did the script come from???

[tennisgurl]

I knew that we should have looked at Marshall harder as a suspect, the trio really should have checked out his comedy night alibi more, but they vibed with him so hard that they passed him right by. Although, I admit that I forgot about him too. No wonder the re-writes of the script are terrible, he wasn't the one who wrote the original script that people actually liked! It feel like we are still missing a few puzzle pieces before the finale though, like what all went down between Marshall and Sazz and how he got her script. 

Seriously, how did I not have him as my number one suspect, he literally admitted to wearing fake facial hair and glasses!

"A couple of old married men and their caretaker" is not a bad way to describe the trio. 

Hot damn, it turns out that one of Oliver's ridiculous name dropping stories was actually true! Not only that, but Ron Howard really does remember Oliver as well! I was unsure whether or not we would get a Ron Howard cameo here, I could easily see him being happy to do a fun cameo in a show like this, but he's presumably a busy man, with his very personal and autobiographical space opera. 

Is Eva lying to Bev about what she's up to and why she's blowing off shooting her scenes? We know that she isn't spending all of her time at billionaire meetings, she's been running around trying to solve a murder.

Edited October 22 by tennisgurl

[cardigirl]

28 minutes ago, shapeshifter said:

Where did the box of beer come from?
Where did the script come from???

Sazz arrived at the opening night party in the last episode of Season 3 with that box of beer. She left it at Oliver's place because she never came back from Charles' place, where she went to get the wine. I guess she had the script in there and was going to tell Charles about it.

The trio took it to the hospital to try to wake Glen Stubbins from his coma with the aroma of beer. When they got back to Oliver's apartment, Oliver mentioned that he didn't want it, so Mabel took it. That's why it was in her refrigerator in the studio apartment where she's been squatting.

[Snazzy Daisy]

The funniest episode this season!

Oliver's celebrity story with Ron-Ron is actually true, not a humble-brag.

Mabel's terrified reaction (as a background actor) is hilariously bad. 🤣

My favorite part is the "emergency contact" conversation between Charles and Oliver. So heartwarming... 💙

[EtheltoTillie]

If you poke at this too long it may fall apart:  Sazz writes a script and no one knows about it.  But this guy finds out about it and decides hey, I want to be a screenwriter so I'll just kill her and these other people and use her script.   Or did he kill them first in revenge and then find out about the script?  But they were already making the movie.  Sazz uncovered that the movie was being made with her script, which she had not revealed to anyone?  So he killed her? 

Huh? 

This is why I never pay close attention to the murder plots in this show.  Now I'm paying more than my usual amount. 

Still, I was excited that they had a cameo by Real Ron Howard (tm). 

Edited October 22 by EtheltoTillie

[peeayebee]

1 hour ago, tennisgurl said:

Hot damn, it turns out that one of Oliver's ridiculous name dropping stories was actually true!

Who knows, maybe they're ALL true!

 

31 minutes ago, Snazzy Daisy said:

Mabel's terrified reaction (as a background actor) is hilariously bad. 🤣

I thought it was pretty good. She looked terrified, though maybe not as if she was looking at a giant monster.

I'm glad Ron Howard appeared. And I loved that he immediately confirmed Oliver's story, esp with the hot-soup mime. "Don't ever mention the fishin' hole" was great.

Two validations for me in this ep: One, that Marshall is the killer; two, that someone other than me thinks that the Brothers Sisters are not identical.

I wonder how Marshall knew that Sazz would be in Charles's apartment. I assume we're going to get a little flashback with Sazz talking to him on the phone as she heads over there, though that wouldn't give him much time to set up in the other apt.

Another question is what was Marshall bugging Sazz about. In an earlier ep, Dr Maggie had said that Sazz was in a difficult relationship. That must have been Marshall. I'm guessing he wanted help getting back into the movies, maybe offering up a spec script (which certainly sucked). 

I don't know if Marshall had put the hidden cameras in the trio's apts or sent the threatening texts. Like others here said, he's got to have an accomplice. However, the nurse said she called Glen's emergency contact, Sazz, and it was a man, so it seems that Marshall has Sazz's phone. (Unless his accomplice is a man.)

I didn't like that the nurse was Irish. What was the point? Just to express offense at the trio bringing beer and corned beef?

Oh, another line I liked was when Charles brought up the trivia about Brazzos getting an Emmy nod for Best Sound.

[Chit Chat]

I'm still holding out hope that Sazz is alive.  Maybe she staged all of this in order to set up the killer and expose him.  A girl can dream, right?  

1 hour ago, tennisgurl said:

Hot damn, it turns out that one of Oliver's ridiculous name-dropping stories was actually true!

Maybe all of his stories have been true, but they're so outrageous that it's hard to believe any of it!!  I'm so glad that Ron Howard made an appearance, and they didn't just film a look-a-like from the back.  Great episode!

[Snapdragon]

29 minutes ago, EtheltoTillie said:

If you poke at this too long it may fall apart:  Sazz writes a script and no one knows about it.  But this guy finds out about it and decides hey, I want to be a screenwriter so I'll just kill her and these other people and use her script.   Or did he kill them first in revenge and then find out about the script?  But they were already making the movie.  Sazz uncovered that the movie was being made with her script, which she had not revealed to anyone?  So he killed her? 

Huh? 

This is why I never pay close attention to the murder plots in this show.  Now I'm paying more than my usual amount. 

Still, I was excited that they had a cameo by Real Ron Howard (tm). 

I think it's that Marshall stole Sazz's scipt (that she either showed him or he found while she was mentoring him) and was able to sell it to a studio.  Sazz found out about it and was calling Bev Melon to report it when Marshall shot her.  Then Glenn recognized him, so he had to get rid of Glenn before he mentioned to the trio that Marshall was Sazz's protege. 

As for Marshall's accomplice (who moved the body), I'm guessing either Christmas guy or Eye Patch guy.  Both had access to the Dudenoff apartment, so could have given the code to Marshall (since that's where the shooter was) and had used the incinerator earlier to cover up Dudenoff's death, so they would have known to do the same with Sazz.  They both were also failed actors, so they could have had some connection to Marshall and he might have promised to cast them in his movie.  And, if they went to the party at the end of season three sans Christmas sweater/eye patch, they might not have been recognized and could have let Marshall know when Sazz was in Charles's apartment.  So yeah, I'm leaning towards Christmas guy (since they've brought up him wanting to be an actor multiple times), but wouldn't be surprised if it was Eye Patch instead.

And OMG, Mabel!  Why would you confront someone who you know killed two people when you're all alone?  I hate when people do that in movies/tv.   

[Chit Chat]

1 hour ago, shapeshifter said:

Maybe Loretta? But then why?

There's still something suspect/wackadoodle about her to me, so I won't be surprised if we find out there's something sinister/weird with her.  I'm not counting on there being a wedding.  

9 minutes ago, Snapdragon said:

Why would you confront someone who you know killed two people when you're all alone?

She didn't know at that moment because her phone was on the bed while she was discovering the script.  Even so, she should've kept her mouth shut until she could figure it out!  Thing is, the killer (I can't keep the names straight) saw the incoming text warning her, so she was SOL. 

[peeayebee]

I guess we can rule out Bev as part of the murder. She was complaining about the quality of the script, so she's seems in the clear.

[AnimeMania]

1 hour ago, peeayebee said:

Two validations for me in this ep: One, that Marshall is the killer; two, that someone other than me thinks that the Brothers Sisters are not identical.

How many Red Bulls and Slim Jims did it take before you noticed?

[Irlandesa]

1 hour ago, peeayebee said:

I didn't like that the nurse was Irish. What was the point? Just to express offense at the trio bringing beer and corned beef?

I think it was also to make it harder for the trio to pretend to be Irish.  Their accents might fool a non-Irish person but definitely not a native.

[shapeshifter]

Maybe Ben Glenroy (or someone else) was with Sazz in the apartment when she got shot, and they got rid of her body because they thought they'd get blamed? 

What's the timing on the shooting and the body burning? Is there enough time for Sazz and maybe an accomplice to go get a replaced shoulder joint and bring it back to burn at the Arconia? Especially if Sazz was wounded enough to leave the blood?
And when did the other cameras get installed? 
Shouldn't Sazz's shooting be on a hidden camera? 

 

2 hours ago, peeayebee said:

I didn't like that the nurse was Irish. What was the point? Just to express offense at the trio bringing beer and corned beef?

Seemed pretty fishy to me, but then she acted genuine. 🤷🏻‍♀️

 

Edited October 22 by shapeshifter

[Affogato]

Mabel’s erotic nonsexuality—it’s the sweaters! Charles did bring corned beef! Also Don’t mention the fishing hole. And he stole the shoes. Burned his eyebrows. 
 

charles loneliness is palpable, there has to be another season to address it. He needs a happy ending. I’m hoping the wedding has drama but ends up happy. I suppose ??? Well, I can hope. When did you grow the beard, Lassie? 
 

Poor Glen, by the way. I like Paul Rudd.
 

 Sazz would have told Marshall everything, so of course he would know about the script to steal it. She was very open.  I don’t understand about the fire stunt, exactly. Why not allow yourself to be extinguished? 
 

i hope Mabel can beat him up. 

Edited October 23 by Affogato

[Affogato]

1 hour ago, AnimeMania said:

How many Red Bulls and Slim Jims did it take before you noticed?

Definitely the worlds worse smoothie. 

[peeayebee]

57 minutes ago, Affogato said:

I don’t understand about the fire stunt, exactly. Why not allow yourself to be extinguished?

I think the thing is, after the fire is put out the stunt person is not supposed to do anything for a bit (30 seconds?) to make sure the fire is completely out. Embers and so forth. So he should have stood by the guy with the extinguisher until he got the all-clear.

[JenE4]

Yay, I called Marshall as the killer in order to get his movie made (and, okay, now Sazz’s movie). Though we literally just saw Marshall kill Stubbs, I’m not going to get too smug yet since we still have an episode to go and there’s always some big twist ending. Maybe Marshall was just fluffing Stubbs’s pillow and he coincidentally passed away. 😀

[roseha]

Well I'll be the first to say that I was wrong thinking that Marshall couldn't or shouldn't be the killer because we had barely seen him for weeks.  I guess that isn't always a requirement in this kind of story.

I was thinking before watching tonight that as it was episode 9, that we were hopefully finally moving towards a resolution of the story and it sure looks that way.  I think the issue for me this season is that so many of the episodes have felt like celebrity-heavy filler.  Especially with the three actors, but also the Melissa McCarthy/Doreen episode which totally stalled the story as well. It did reunite Oliver and Loretta but we didn't need 40 extra minutes for that.

The  friendship scenes between Charles and Oliver towards the end were charming I agree and it was great to see Mabel finally taking charge of the investigation.  Of course now she's in danger but hopefully Marshall doesn't have a weapon on him...or an accomplice hiding somewhere...

I hope this doesn't mean Sazz is dead for sure...striking that Glen is the first character this season to be genuinely dead on camera.  I guess?

I wonder how the Westies and Dudenoff will figure in the final ep or will some of them come back as colorful side characters next year?

 

 

 

[roseha]

6 hours ago, shapeshifter said:

We're still missing the co-conspirator. 
Maybe Loretta? But then why?
More likely Jan?
The bald guy at casting was also on set when the fire incident happened.…maybe a connection?

I noticed him too, if he doesn't figure into the finale that really would seem like a loose end to me...?  But I am wondering how they would tie him in with one more ep to go.

Edited October 23 by roseha

[Yeah No]

5 hours ago, Chit Chat said:

I'm still holding out hope that Sazz is alive.  Maybe she staged all of this in order to set up the killer and expose him.  A girl can dream, right?  

I'm still dreamin' right along with ya! Right now it sure looks like she's really dead but I just feel like a twist is coming next week. Like maybe Dudenoff was murdered after all so he's still the "murder in the building" leaving it open for Sazz to still be alive.

5 hours ago, Chit Chat said:

There's still something suspect/wackadoodle about her to me, so I won't be surprised if we find out there's something sinister/weird with her.  I'm not counting on there being a wedding.  

I won't be surprised either if something happens with Loretta. The wedding already feels doomed somehow. I just feel like something's going to happen to stop it from happening. I hope Loretta doesn't turn out to be the next murder in the building or have something to do with this season's murder. They tend to save next season's murder for the last episode.

36 minutes ago, JenE4 said:

Yay, I called Marshall as the killer in order to get his movie made (and, okay, now Sazz’s movie). Though we literally just saw Marshall kill Stubbs, I’m not going to get too smug yet since we still have an episode to go and there’s always some big twist ending. Maybe Marshall was just fluffing Stubbs’s pillow and he coincidentally passed away. 😀

I'm not quite feeling what we just saw as the entire story with Marshall. We still have an episode to go and there are a lot of things to be wrapped up yet. I considered Marshall much earlier in the season but I didn't like the idea of him as the murderer. It felt too obvious and simple somehow. Him being the entire answer feels less than adequate and anti-climactic. I feel like there are still more layers to this thing that need explaining and another twist is likely in store for us that may tie everything together. This feels too pat and it's still early yet.

Whatever we find out next week might make things look different. I'm still not sold on the idea of Marshall as the murderer, at least not doing it alone. I don't know why either, but I'm allowing for the possibility of something next week making it clearer to me why he is. I get the motive now, I just feel like there's something more here to come. The wedding feels like a way to have a grand "wow" finish to the season with shocking twists still to be revealed. If it's just Marshall and that's that, I'll feel let down to be honest!

What I am struggling to understand is how Marshall stole Sazz's script when she was still alive and passed it off as his own. How did he think he was going to get away with that unless he planned to murder Sazz all along and why did he wait so long if so? Or did he steal it after he murdered her? I'm confused and not remembering everything that happened and when it happened. I'd have to go back and watch previous episodes and right now I don't have the time for that.

13 minutes ago, roseha said:

I noticed him too, if he doesn't figure into the finale that really would seem like a loose end to me...?  But I am wondering how they would tie him in with one more ep to go.

Yeah I noticed that too. I guess we'll find out.

Edited October 23 by Yeah No

[dwmarch]

7 hours ago, Affogato said:

Mabel’s erotic nonsexuality—it’s the sweaters!

And also an impressive collection of really short leather skirts that she somehow always looks cute in, one such example in this episode.

[Jediknight]

Ron Howard was obviously having a blast.  But then again, who wouldn't have a blast working a scene with Martin and Steve?

When it was revealed that Glenn was shot in the head, making him the target, I knew it was Marshall.  Yeah baby.  But who was his accomplice?  And Mabel, you've confronted killers in the past and can fight, but get the hell out of the apartment, leave Marshall alone.  This isn't a situation like last season where the killer was somebody that didn't mean to kill, and it was an argument that got out of hand.

Poor Glenn and his nurse/future wife, Marshall killed him before the wedding.  Marshall's beyond an asshole.

Wouldn't say no to the nurse showing up next season, even just for an episode, she was funny.

2 hours ago, dwmarch said:

And also an impressive collection of really short leather skirts that she somehow always looks cute in, one such example in this episode.

She's Selena Gomez, of course always looks cute in whatever they put her in.

Edited October 23 by Jediknight

[shapeshifter]

11 hours ago, Affogato said:

charles loneliness is palpable, there has to be another season to address it. He needs a happy ending.

I would be satisfied if this scene with Oliver was just what he really needed.

 

11 hours ago, Affogato said:

don’t understand about the fire stunt, exactly. Why not allow yourself to be extinguished? 

Marshall was in a hurry to get his spec script in front of Ron Howard before Ron forgot who he was (stunt guy who allowed himself to be set on fire).

 

9 hours ago, roseha said:

Well I'll be the first to say that I was wrong thinking that Marshall couldn't or shouldn't be the killer because we had barely seen him for weeks.  I guess that isn't always a requirement in this kind of story

Barely seeing the killer who is introduced early in the season is typically how it’s done in murder mysteries I watch; I guess I have a type? Like Murder She Wrote?

 

8 hours ago, Yeah No said:

What I am struggling to understand is how Marshall stole Sazz's script when she was still alive and passed it off as his own

Are we sure Bev Lemon got the script *before* Sazz was shot?
Regardless, maybe when Marshall first fell into Sazz's back seat, he accidentally put her script in with his stuff.
Or on purpose?
Maybe Marshall already knew Ben Glenroy and was a stunt guy too?
The pillow killing didn't look like a mercy killing, but I'd even consider that at this point.
And to file under Life Imitates Art: Maybe Ron Howard wants to direct some of OMITB in real life?

 

1 hour ago, Jediknight said:

Mabel, you've confronted killers in the past and can fight, but get the hell out of the apartment, leave Marshall alone.  This isn't a situation like last season where the killer was somebody that didn't mean to kill, and it was an argument that got out of hand.

However, now that you mention it, we’ve only actually seen Marshall kill someone with a pillow. And he’s pretty petite.

 

1 hour ago, Jediknight said:

Poor Glenn and his nurse/future wife, Marshall killed him before the wedding.  Marshall's beyond an asshole.

The “Irish nurse” is still on my possible accomplice list, along with the bald assistant director guy.

 

Edited October 23 by shapeshifter

[Affogato]

https://apple.news/Ai6QDle1WSya7M_-lq47eOQ
 

apparently Martin Short and Steve Martin share Colonoscopy time!

“In Short's charming 2014 autobiography, I Must Say: My Life as a Humble Comedy Legend, Short detailed this tradition, which happens every other year. He, Martin, Tom Hanks (who also gets mentioned in this ep), and producer Walter Parks get together for a purposeful slumber party at Steve Martin's home. They spend the night playing poker, eating Jell-O and broth, and spending ample time in the bathroom cleansing their systems for the exam, which is scheduled for the following day. In the book, Short clarifies they are not in the same room when the exam happens. But they all drive together to their synced appointments and go out for lunch and margaritas afterward. “

Edited October 23 by Affogato

[Zaffy]

Great episode.
I don't really care about the murderer revelation, what makes me watch this show is its main cast. That scene between the "old married couple" was amazing. Superb acting.

[slowpoked]

I guess all those notes that Sazz had her in apartment about the podcast’s previous season’s plot holes now all make sense - she was writing an OMITB movie, so naturally, she delved into the unresolved issues of S1. Another plot hole (heh) resolved I guess. I always wondered why Sazz had those notes in her apartment that Charles eventually figured out was about their podcast.

[cardigirl]

For all those hoping for a big twist in the final episode, that hasn't been the show's pattern (except for season 2). The killer is revealed in episode 9, and then episode 10 is usually the season's denouement and set-up for the next season. But like many of you, I would love it if there is a final twist worthy of all of our fabulous theories about what is going on. (Still disappointed there wasn't a fabulous twist at the end of season 3.)

While I thought Marshall was the killer from the moment he first appeared, I never thought it was over the script for the movie. Exactly when he stole the script and submitted it as his own, I'm not sure, but it had to be a while before our trio went to Hollywood to meet with Bev. They were surprised to see how far along the movie was when they got there. Heck, it had even been cast.

I doubt that everything will be resolved satisfactorily, but put me in as hoping that Loretta is involved. Ha! 

One other theory. I have some suspicions about Helga. She's a locksmith, which would make it easier for her to access the trio's apartments. Why she would direct them to look at the stunt person from Ronconkoma, I don't know. Maybe she's working on something else, but I think she's involved more. Maybe.

 

 

Edited October 23 by cardigirl

[Affogato]

3 minutes ago, cardigirl said:

Exactly when he stole the script and submitted it as his own, I'm not sure, but it had to be a while before our trio went to Hollywood to meet with Bev. They were surprised to see how far along the movie was when they got there. Heck, it had even been cast.

 

One other theory. I have some suspicions about Helga. She's a locksmith, which would make it easier for her to access the trio's apartment. Why she would direct them to look at the stunt person from Ronconkoma, I don't know. Maybe she's working on something else, but I think she's involved more. Maybe.

Yes, one of the things must have happened. He stole and submitted the script outright under his own name, possibly, or they had talked Sazz into letting them ‘help’ and then killed her and moved into the role of main writer. I’m uncertain of ‘Marshall’s gender at this point, but I’m not sure it matters. 
 

Helga would be in and out of the Dudenoff apartment to take care of the pig, Hammy. It is possible she met Marshall there. Marshall might have gotten access to the apartment in a number of ways, he is a struggling and failed movie person, like the rest of the Westies.  Disposing of Sazz’s body would protect the apartment scam. 
 

Bev in the shed in Paradise and the loaded gun there (which Mabel has) are still outstanding. Was Marshall living there? 
 

 

 

[cardigirl]

Sazz was killed the night before they got the texts about the movie, so she had been figuring things out for a while before her murder. Marshall (or Rex) had to have submitted the script long before Sazz's murder. The movie was at the start filming stage when Sazz was killed.

Somehow, the killer found out she was going to tell Charles a secret and knew she had to be silenced.  The cameras in the trio's apartments would have given whoever installed them intel about what was happening. Maybe they overheard Sazz telling Charles she needed to talk with him about the "sensitive" matter.

If I think too hard about this, my brain hurts. 🤔🧠🤯
 

 

[Affogato]

Was rex/marshall in the classroom the day Dudenoff gave the BS the cameras? Maybe not, but one of the crowd?  Was the script shown to the BS, who got Bev behind the project? Was Bev in Paradise trying to figure out what went wrong? If the BS pushed the script they may bot have known it was Sazz’s script. Sazz, setting up the school, may not have realized about the movie and script until it was well under development. 

Edited October 23 by Affogato

[peeayebee]

11 hours ago, roseha said:

I wonder how the Westies and Dudenoff will figure in the final ep or will some of them come back as colorful side characters next year?

I get the feeling that's it for these characters this season, at least as far as being involved in the murder.

11 hours ago, roseha said:

I noticed him too, if he doesn't figure into the finale that really would seem like a loose end to me...?  But I am wondering how they would tie him in with one more ep to go.

I assume the guy is Ron Howard's assistant director. We saw him handling the scenes in the two movies instead of RH so it would be a surprise when RH showed up at the restaurant. I don't think this bald guy will figure in the murder or anything else.

2 hours ago, shapeshifter said:

Marshall was in a hurry to get his spec script in front of Ron Howard before Ron forgot who he was (stunt guy who allowed himself to be set on fire).

I forgot that Marshall was trying to hand RH his script. I assume it was burned up in the fire when he did so. Maybe this is another reason he wanted Sazz dead, blaming her for ruining his chance with RH, though of course she wouldn't be to blame.  

 

53 minutes ago, cardigirl said:

Sazz was killed the night before they got the texts about the movie, so she had been figuring things out for a while before her murder. Marshall (or Rex) had to have submitted the script long before Sazz's murder. The movie was at the start filming stage when Sazz was killed.

Thanks, I forgot about the timeline, esp that they got texts about film right after Sazz was killed. 

Marshall must have stolen the script from her and submitted it in his name before she was killed, but I don't really see how this would be possible. Sazz certainly would have heard about the production. Is there a reason why she simply didn't speak up? Was Marshall blackmailing her about something? 

I still wonder about Dr Maggie. And Loretta. I feel certain that the marriage will not happen for some reason.

[chaifan]

First off, I truly believe that every actor in Hollywood has instructed their agent to get them a cameo appearance on OMITB.  I love that they got Ron Howard, and that Oliver's story was true.  Charles moving the pictures around in the restaurant was so sweet. 

My big sticking point with Sazz being the intended target is how they're going to plausibly create a situation where the killer knew she'd be in Charles' apartment at that moment.  So, here's my guess...  Marshall knew Sazz would be at Oliver's party.  She told him, he saw an invite, or something of the sort.  Marshall already submitted the script under his name, knew the trio would be getting a call soon, and Sazz would find out, and had to do something about Sazz quickly.  Marshall had set up Dudenoff's apartment as the sniper location, but planned to shoot Sazz in Oliver's apartment.  (This assumes that Oliver's apartment also faces the courtyard.)  Oliver's apartment was wired already because Marshall knew he'd need additional material for the script.  He heard Sazz say she was going down to Charles' apartment, so he took her out there instead. 

It is possible for Marshall to get over to Charles' apartment, remove Sazz's body, etc., but improbable.  I'm with others who think there's still a 2nd person involved.  And things are pointing to Helga, just for reasons unknown.  But someone had to let Marshall into Dudenoff's apartment, so if not Helga, one of the Westies.  And the rest of them are already in enough trouble (assisting D's death, burning his body, social security fraud, rent fraud), so I'm leaning towards Helga.  My other guess isn't the casting guy, but the stunt guy who was in the hallway with our trio at the hospital.  That was a bit random.  But both he and Helga are big enough to move a body.  But then, if my theory of Marshall's original plan (shooting Sazz at Oliver's party) had worked, he wouldn't need someone to move a body.

Oliver & Loretta's wedding...

11 hours ago, Yeah No said:

I won't be surprised either if something happens with Loretta. The wedding already feels doomed somehow. I just feel like something's going to happen to stop it from happening. I hope Loretta doesn't turn out to be the next murder in the building or have something to do with this season's murder. They tend to save next season's murder for the last episode.

I feel the same way.  I don't think Loretta will be the next to be murdered, but I think something will happen to stop the wedding.  Maybe someone is about to do the "if anyone knows why these two should not be married" barging in, they get a few words out, then fall to the floor. 

The bit above about Short and Martin having a colonoscopy party...  this was parodied in the last season of Hacks.  Maybe other holloywood guys are doing it, too, or maybe they took it from Short/Martin. 

I hope someone figures out a way to let Mabel stay in D's apartment.

 

 

[shapeshifter]

11 hours ago, cardigirl said:

One other theory. I have some suspicions about Helga. She's a locksmith, which would make it easier for her to access the trio's apartments. Why she would direct them to look at the stunt person from Ronconkoma, I don't know. Maybe she's working on something else, but I think she's involved more. Maybe.

Good points.

 

9 hours ago, peeayebee said:

I still wonder about Dr Maggie. And Loretta. I feel certain that the marriage will not happen for some reason.

While we're tallying up possible co-conspirators, did we see Tina Fey / Cinda Canning in a significant flashback in the first episode?
ETA: Tina Fey is listed in the cast for this season.

Edited October 23 by shapeshifter

[Affogato]

In Adaptation Charlie Kaufman has a twin brother.  It would be interesting if Rex and Marshall were siblings, not the same person. Maybe Rex collaborated with Sazz and was a good writer and Marshall is not. Just to show there can be some reveals for next week. 

Edited October 23 by Affogato

[ajsnaves]

What if Sazz’s shooter and the person/people watching the trio are not the same? Maybe Marshall shoots Sazz, and runs, leaving her there. Then the seperate individual(s) who is watching this all go down springs into action and disposes of the body and cleans up. If they’re already in the building, it would not take too much time to get the body out. And that person is Teddy Dimas, with Theo’s help. Why do this? Because Sazz’s murder messes up their cleverly planned plot to take down the trio. Teddy did tell Oliver that he was going to fuck him, when he least expects it. And this will be the plot of season 5. 

[Yeah No]

The flashback scenes with Marshall confuse me. We see him killing Stubbins but not Sazz. What we see implies that he had motive to kill Sazz but just as without a body no murder, without seeing him actually take aim and shoot at Sazz, no murder, at least not by him. So that's why I'm still not sold on Marshall as Sazz's murderer and I'm still not sold on Sazz being dead in the first place.

There might be some grander story here that will tie all of this together and it may involve a completely different person killing or attempting to kill Sazz. They may or may not have been involved with Marshall.

[meep.meep]

They mentioned the plot holes from season 1 again - could Marshall be related to Tim Kono?

 

[Yeah No]

47 minutes ago, ajsnaves said:

What if Sazz’s shooter and the person/people watching the trio are not the same? Maybe Marshall shoots Sazz, and runs, leaving her there. Then the seperate individual(s) who is watching this all go down springs into action and disposes of the body and cleans up. If they’re already in the building, it would not take too much time to get the body out. And that person is Teddy Dimas, with Theo’s help. Why do this? Because Sazz’s murder messes up their cleverly planned plot to take down the trio. Teddy did tell Oliver that he was going to fuck him, when he least expects it. And this will be the plot of season 5. 

Teddy would make sense as some kind of kingpin in the building tying together all the notes, the camera and other loose plot holes from all seasons. I fear that his (or whoever's) way of screwing over Oliver might be in the form of harming Loretta and that might be the next "murder in the building". I hate that but it does seem to lead to that. I hope they find another twist.

[Affogato]

27 minutes ago, meep.meep said:

They mentioned the plot holes from season 1 again - could Marshall be related to Tim Kono?

 

I thought of that. It would give them some familiarity with the building.