Only Murders in the Building Podcast Two for the Road (Part 1) w/ writers Ben Smith & Pete Swanson and showrunner John Hoffman
Sep 11, 2024
Join writers Ben Smith and Pete Swanson, along with showrunner John Hoffman, as they dive into the creative process behind crafting captivating narratives. They discuss how casting affects character dynamics, revealing a hilarious plan involving hard-boiled eggs to get Stink Eye Joe to remove his eye patch. Hoffman also shares insights on the return of Detective Williams. The trio highlights the fine balance of comedy and mystery that keeps audiences engaged, peppering their conversation with anecdotes and reflections on the art of storytelling.
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How The 'Brother Sisters' Idea Was Born
- Pete Swanson invented the “brother sisters” gag in the writers' room as a spontaneous joke that stuck.
- John Hoffman called it so stupid it had to be done, and it survived into the episode.
Bringing Back Detective Williams
- The team wrote Detective Williams before and during Dave Einhorn's awards run, then adjusted when she became more in-demand.
- Hoffman praised Einhorn's energy and deliberately made her caring role a new color for the show.
Reflections As A Season Theme
- Writers framed the season around 'reflections' to explore how celebrity portrayals affect the trio.
- They paired caricatured doubles with foil traits to reveal hidden vulnerabilities in the main characters.