In the seventh episode of Only Murders in the Building Season 3, "CoBro," our
trio of amateur detectives continue their investigation into Ben Glenroy's
murder, while also navigating the complexities of their personal
relationships.
The episode opens with the return of Jackie Hoffman as Uma, a quirky and eccentric neighbor who has become a fan favorite. We also see a flashback of Bunny's friendship with Uma, highlighting the theme of loneliness that has been prevalent throughout the season.
As Charles finds himself alone after the breakup of his throuple, he seeks solace in Uma's company. During their conversation, Uma reveals that she has a habit of stealing things, driven by a deep-seated need for connection and security.
Meanwhile, Mabel is busy packing up her apartment, preparing to move out of the Arconia. With the help of Theo, a fellow resident, she discovers a potential lead in the case: Ben's brother, Dickie.
Oliver, on the other hand, is struggling to find a replacement for Charles in their podcast. His producer, Donna, suggests that he mend his relationship with Charles, but Oliver refuses to grovel. However, Cliff, the building's eccentric superintendent, has a surprise up his sleeve: he has managed to secure Matthew Broderick as Charles's replacement.
Matthew Broderick's arrival causes a stir among the trio. Charles is shocked to learn that he has been recast, and Oliver is both excited and intimidated by the legendary actor. Broderick's intense commitment to his role, reminiscent of his iconic performance in Ferris Bueller's Day Off, both impresses and frustrates Oliver.
Upstairs at the CoBro auction, Mabel encounters Dickie, Ben's brother. She questions him about the phone call Ben received the night he died, but Dickie shuts her down, accusing her of exploiting Ben's death for her podcast. However, after a heartfelt conversation, Dickie reveals that Ben was always the star of the family, and that he often had to clean up after Ben's messes. This revelation sparks a new theory in Mabel's mind.
Mabel discovers that Ben's watch, which indicated the time of his death, was actually set an hour ahead. This means that Greg, the original suspect, could not have been the killer. With this new information, Mabel and Theo delve deeper into the case, uncovering a shocking truth about Dickie.
Meanwhile, Charles tries to retrieve a handkerchief that Ben had when he died, hoping to use it as a peace offering to Mabel and Oliver. However, Uma has already sold the handkerchief to a collector.
Oliver, struggling to cope with Matthew Broderick's intense acting style, seeks advice from Mel Brooks. Brooks, in a hilarious cameo, offers Oliver some words of wisdom and encouragement.
As the episode draws to a close, Mabel and Oliver discover that Dickie was the one who paid for the crime-scene handkerchief. This revelation suggests that he might have been involved in Ben's murder.
The episode ends with a cliffhanger as Mabel releases a new episode of her podcast, revealing her groundbreaking discovery about Dickie. The police, having reopened the case, are now hot on Dickie's trail.