Only Murders in the Building: Season 1, Episode 1 - True Crime (2021)

The episode opens with a montage of New York City, showcasing the vibrant life of the city and its inhabitants. We are introduced to three main characters: Charles-Haden Savage, a former television actor; Oliver Putnam, a struggling Broadway director; and Mabel Mora, a young woman with a mysterious past. Each character is shown in their respective apartments in the Arconia, a luxurious Upper West Side building, as they go about their daily routines. Charles is seen rehearsing lines from a crime show, Oliver is dealing with financial troubles, and Mabel is working on a knitting project while listening to a true crime podcast.

As the day progresses, the three characters' paths begin to intersect. Charles and Oliver meet in the building's elevator, where they engage in a brief conversation about their lives. Oliver expresses his frustration with his career, while Charles seems more reserved and focused on his past fame. Mabel, meanwhile, is introduced as a friend of Charles, and she shares her love for true crime stories, which sets the stage for the central theme of the episode.

Later that evening, the residents of the Arconia are alerted to a commotion when a fire alarm goes off. The building's residents gather in the lobby, where they discuss the strange occurrences happening in the building. Mabel, Charles, and Oliver find themselves together again, and they bond over their shared interest in true crime podcasts. They decide to listen to one together, which leads to a discussion about a recent murder that has captivated the city.

The mood shifts dramatically when the trio hears a scream coming from the upper floors of the building. They rush to investigate and discover that a resident, Tim Kono, has been found dead in his apartment. The scene is chaotic, with police arriving and residents in shock. Mabel, Charles, and Oliver are drawn to the mystery of Tim's death, and they begin to speculate about the circumstances surrounding it.

As the investigation unfolds, the three characters decide to take matters into their own hands. They form an unlikely partnership, driven by their shared fascination with true crime and a desire to uncover the truth about Tim's death. Each character brings their unique skills to the table: Charles has experience from his acting career, Oliver has a flair for drama, and Mabel possesses a keen intuition.

The trio begins their amateur investigation by interviewing other residents of the Arconia. They gather information about Tim's life, his relationships, and any potential enemies he may have had. During these interviews, they encounter various eccentric characters, each with their own quirks and secrets. The interactions are filled with tension and humor, as the trio navigates the complexities of human behavior.

As they dig deeper, they uncover clues that suggest Tim was not the person everyone thought he was. They find evidence of his involvement in shady dealings and a possible connection to a larger conspiracy. The investigation takes a toll on the characters, as they grapple with their own personal issues while trying to solve the mystery. Charles struggles with his fading career, Oliver faces mounting financial pressures, and Mabel deals with her own troubled past.

The episode culminates in a dramatic moment when the trio discovers a hidden message left by Tim. This revelation leads them to a shocking conclusion about the nature of his death and the people involved. The tension builds as they realize they may be in over their heads, but their determination to solve the case only strengthens their bond.

In the final moments of the episode, the trio makes a pact to continue their investigation, vowing to uncover the truth about Tim Kono's death. They are united by their shared passion for true crime and the thrill of the chase, setting the stage for their ongoing journey as amateur detectives in the heart of New York City. The episode ends with a sense of intrigue and anticipation, leaving viewers eager to see how their investigation will unfold.

In the ending of "Only Murders in the Building," episode 1 titled "True Crime," Charles, Oliver, and Mabel, three residents of the Arconia, find themselves drawn together by the mysterious death of their neighbor, Tim Kono. They decide to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death, believing it to be a murder. The episode concludes with them forming an unlikely trio, united by their shared interest in true crime, as they begin to piece together clues from their building and the people within it.

As the episode unfolds, we see Charles, a former television actor, struggling with his past fame and current loneliness. He is introduced in his apartment, where he watches a true crime documentary, revealing his fascination with the genre. Meanwhile, Oliver, a once-successful Broadway director, is facing financial difficulties and is desperate for a new project. He is introduced in a lavish but empty apartment, showcasing his extravagant lifestyle that is now at risk. Mabel, a young woman with a mysterious past, is introduced as she visits the Arconia, where she has a connection to Tim Kono.

The narrative takes a turn when Tim Kono is found dead in his apartment, and the building is thrown into chaos. The residents are shocked, and the police are called. Charles, Oliver, and Mabel, each feeling a personal connection to the case, begin to investigate on their own. They share their thoughts and theories, revealing their individual motivations: Charles seeks purpose, Oliver craves a creative outlet, and Mabel is driven by her past relationship with Tim.

As they gather information, they encounter various residents of the Arconia, each with their own quirks and secrets. The trio's dynamic begins to form as they bond over their shared interest in solving the mystery. They discover that Tim had a complicated life, with connections to several residents, leading them to suspect that anyone could be a potential murderer.

The episode culminates in a tense moment when they realize that they are being watched, hinting at the dangers of their investigation. The final scene shows them sitting together in Charles's apartment, surrounded by notes and evidence, as they commit to solving the mystery of Tim Kono's death. Their decision to work together marks the beginning of their journey into the world of true crime, setting the stage for the unfolding narrative of the series.

In this moment, the characters are united by their shared goal, each bringing their unique perspectives and skills to the table. Charles's desire for connection, Oliver's need for a creative spark, and Mabel's quest for truth intertwine, creating a compelling foundation for their partnership. The episode ends with a sense of intrigue and anticipation, leaving viewers eager to see how their investigation will unfold in the episodes to come.

In the first episode of "Only Murders in the Building," titled "True Crime," there is no post-credit scene. The episode concludes without any additional scenes after the credits roll. The focus remains on the main storyline, which introduces the three central characters--Charles, Oliver, and Mabel--as they become embroiled in the mystery surrounding a murder in their upscale New York City apartment building. The episode sets the stage for their budding partnership and the exploration of their individual motivations and backgrounds, but it does not include any extra content after the credits.

In the first episode, we are introduced to three main characters: Charles-Haden Savage, a former television actor played by Steve Martin; Oliver Putnam, a struggling Broadway director portrayed by Martin Short; and Mabel Mora, a young woman played by Selena Gomez. Each character has their own distinct personality and backstory that sets the stage for their involvement in the unfolding mystery.

The investigation is triggered by the mysterious death of Tim Kono, a resident of the Arconia building where Charles, Oliver, and Mabel live. His death is initially ruled a suicide, but the three characters, who share a passion for true crime podcasts, become suspicious and decide to investigate further.

Charles and Oliver meet in the Arconia building while discussing their shared interest in true crime podcasts. They soon encounter Mabel, who is also intrigued by the death of Tim Kono. The three bond over their mutual fascination with the case and decide to team up to uncover the truth behind the circumstances of Tim's death.

As they begin their investigation, Charles, Oliver, and Mabel uncover various clues, including Tim's cryptic text messages and the suspicious behavior of other residents in the building. They also learn about Tim's past and his relationships with other tenants, which raises more questions about the nature of his death.

The Arconia building serves as a central setting for the story, housing the main characters and providing a backdrop for the unfolding mystery. Its opulent yet quirky atmosphere reflects the personalities of its residents and becomes a character in itself, as the trio navigates its halls and interacts with other tenants while piecing together the mystery of Tim Kono's death.

"Only Murders in the Building," Season 1, Episode 1 titled "True Crime," contains several elements that may be considered objectionable or upsetting for children or sensitive viewers. Here are some aspects to be aware of:

1. Murder Theme: The central plot revolves around a murder mystery, which may be unsettling for younger audiences.

2. Death and Grief: Characters express grief and discuss death, which could be emotionally heavy for some viewers.

3. Mature Language: There are instances of mild profanity and adult language that may not be suitable for children.

4. Tense Situations: The atmosphere can be suspenseful and tense, which might be frightening for sensitive viewers.

5. Character Quirks: Some characters exhibit eccentric behaviors that could be confusing or off-putting to younger audiences.

These elements contribute to a tone that, while comedic and light-hearted in parts, also delves into darker themes that may not be appropriate for all viewers.