WARNING! This article contains spoilers for Only Murders In The Building season 2.Fans are devastated by Steve Martin’s announcement that he plans to retire when Only Murders In The Building ends. Of course, fans want to make the most of watching Steve Martin’s last piece of acting and are certainly highly invested in this fast-paced murder mystery show already.
While much of Only Murders In The Building focuses on the latest murder at The Arconia, the underlying theme of friendship makes this murder mystery show “cosy” (as Amy Schumer says). At the heart of the show is Oliver, Charles and Mabel’s unlikely but meaningful connection, which is depicted by some excellent quotes.
“Every Once In A While, You Meet Someone, And Everything Changes."
Detective Kreps
In the season 2 episode "Sparring Partners," fans learn that Detective Kreps’ has some kind of relationship with Cinda Canning, who may be far more dangerous than anyone initially suspected. He explains that when she smiled at him, his whole world turned upside down.
Indeed, this speaks to the massive impact that friendships can have. For example, Mabel, Oliver, and Charles’ lives were so different before they met each other. Their friendship has had a huge impact on their well-being and their lives more generally.
“That’s All We Really Want, Isn't I? More Time With The People We Love.”
Oliver Putnam
When the gang meet for the second time, in a local restaurant following Tim Kono’s murder, they realize they are all listening to Cinda Canning’s podcast and begin getting to know each other. Oliver is uncharacteristically sincere when he explains that while his background in the theater, it is his family who he truly loves.
While this quote is said about family, the sentiment also expands to friendships. Indeed, this insightful sentiment accurately depicts the importance of friendships and the human desire for meaningful connections with others.
“Jeez, Charles. You Need To Get Your S*** Straight.”
Mabel Mora
When Charles visits Jan in jail she convinces him that they are still in a relationship (despite her murder attempt on his life). He eventually shares this information with a disappointed Mabel and Oliver. Mabel, portrayed by actor and musician, Selena Gomez, is especially offended, given Jan murdered her friend.
In this quote, Mabel does something really important, although sometimes difficult, in meaningful friendships – she calls him out. She does not tolerate Charles’ lack of decision-making and inaction and calls on him to do something. Importantly, Charles takes this to heart – he (or, rather, his stunt double) ends his relationship with Jan once and for all.
“Do I Wanna Break Into A Dead Guy's Apartment & Go Through All His S***? Sounds Like An Afternoon.”
Mabel Mora
When the trio first meet and realize they have a shared love of murder mystery podcasts, it doesn’t take long for them to begin investigating the sudden and suspicious death of their former neighbor, Tim Kono. As murder solving amateurs, they begin by searching Tim Kono’s apartment.
Said with humor, this quote speaks to the fun that the trio have together. Although morbid, the trio enjoy spending time with their friends, regardless of what that time together is spent doing.
“I’m A Stranger That Lies To You A Bunch & You're Two Randos That Dragged Me Into A Podcast."
Mabel Mora
During an uncertain and doubtful moment, Mabel undermines her, Charles, and Oliver’s connection and suggests that their coming together is nothing more than a coincidence of little importance. Of course, she is completely wrong, and the three develop a deep and meaningful connection.
While Mabel says these words in anger, this quote actually speaks to the sometimes randomness of friendships. Indeed, it is a complete coincidence that the three form such an important friendship, but they are lucky that this coincidence occurred.
“A Cat Never Really Leaves You, Because They Transmit Parasites."
Charles Haden-Savage
In their quest to identify Tim Kono’s killer in season 1, Charles and Mabel interrogate Howard following the sudden death of his beloved cat, Evelyn. Howard is devastated by the loss of his pet and, while he tries to offer some comforting words, Charles comes out with one of his funniest quotes on the show.
As usual, Charles’ awkwardness gets in the way of his sentiment and the words he comes out with don’t echo his intentions. Nonetheless, the idea that what loved ones leave behind when they keeps their memory alive is certainly a comforting sentiment on death and friendships (feline or otherwise).
“One day, murders are gonna sit by my bed and feed me broth.”
Charles Haden-Savage
At the beginning of season 1, Charles is reclusive and lonely. Above all, he misses his former stepdaughter and feels truly alone. Upon beginning the podcast with Mabel and Oliver, he panics and rants about having only hobbies (in his case, murder) as his only companion.
Of course, Charles has missed that he is in the process of building two lifelong friendships with Oliver and Mabel and, in doing the podcast with them, is resolving his feelings of loneliness. Furthermore, this quotes speaks to the importance of friendships in making life feel meaningful and easier.
“Yes. You Can Stay Here Until Your Email Comes.”
Charles Haden-Savage
In one of the best Only Murders season 2 plot twists, Oliver finds out that his son, Will, may not be his biological son, and he is extremely upset. Following a DNA test, Oliver cannot stand waiting for the results and barges into Charles' apartment, ranting about losing his biological son and dips in the same day, not knowing what to do with himself.
As a true friend, Charles anticipates Oliver’s needs before he asks and invites him to wait with him, knowing exactly what will help Oliver. In a heart-warming moment, Charles offers Oliver some South American salsa (given he cannot bring himself to eat Greek hummus), demonstrating how well he knows his friend.
“What Do Yo Need? A Huge? Personally, I Don't Like Hugs, But..."
Charles Haden-Savage
In this same scene, when Oliver hears a phone notification, Charles knows that his friend needs some . Of course, this notification turns out to be a video Will has sent him of Mabel stabbing someone on the subway – very different from the news he was expecting.
Nonetheless, this quote speaks to selflessness in friendship. Although Charles does not like to hug, he is willing to sacrifice his preference in order to his friend. And, although the news was difficult, the scene ends with a heart-warming, awkward hug between the pair.
“I Don't Want To Live In A World Without Them.”
Charles Haden-Savage
After the murder mystery solving trio identify that Jan is the killer, and she poisons Charles, they do their utmost to stop her attempt at poisoning the entire building using the system of connected fireplaces. Of course, typical of Jan, she threatens to kill them, but Charles, portrayed by Steve Martin, offers his own life to save his friends.
Of course, this is one of the most hilarious moments in the show as, although Charles’ sentiments are pure, the drug affects his speech and no one else has a clue what he’s saying. Nonetheless, this quote speaks to protecting loved ones and the importance of friendships.