"The building always wins."
Only Murders in the Building - Movie Quotes
Memorable Quotes
This sends the investigation into a whole new direction.
— Charles-Haden Savage
Context:
Charles says this numerous times throughout the series, often after discovering a new clue. He delivers it with the same stoic seriousness as his TV character, which provides a humorous contrast to the often chaotic and unprofessional nature of their actual investigation.
Meaning:
This is the catchphrase from Charles's old detective show, "Brazzos." Its repeated use is a comedic runner that highlights his tendency to view their real-life, dangerous investigation through the lens of his fictional TV past. It's both a comfort mechanism for him and a source of gentle annoyance for his friends.
Embrace the mess. That's where the good stuff lives.
— Cinda Canning
Context:
Cinda Canning gives this advice to Mabel and Charles in Season 1, Episode 4, when they seek her guidance on making their podcast. The quote encapsulates the show's own philosophy of finding humor and heart in the messiness of its characters and plots.
Meaning:
This piece of advice from the queen of true crime podcasting becomes a recurring mantra for the trio. It speaks to the idea that truth and creativity are found not in perfect, clean narratives, but in the chaotic, complicated, and messy reality of human lives. It encourages them to dig deeper into the complexities of their cases.
Do I wanna break into a dead guy's apartment and go through all his s***? Sounds like an afternoon.
— Mabel Mora
Context:
Mabel says this in Season 1, Episode 2, when the trio first decides to investigate Tim Kono's death on their own. It's a key moment that solidifies their partnership and sets the tone for their adventurous, rule-bending investigation.
Meaning:
This quote perfectly captures Mabel's deadpan humor, cynical exterior, and underlying investigative curiosity. It establishes her as unflappable and resourceful, immediately signaling that she is more than capable of handling the dark world they are about to enter.
You know, I'm thinking of putting myself out there again. I mean, I slept with a murderer! That is a great story to tell on a first date.
— Charles-Haden Savage
Context:
Charles says this after the events of Season 1, where he discovered his girlfriend, Jan, was Tim Kono's killer. It shows his attempt to move on, using his unique, if unfortunate, experiences as a strange sort of social currency.
Meaning:
This line showcases Charles's awkward charm and his journey toward opening himself up again after immense betrayal. It's a darkly humorous take on his traumatic experience with Jan, reflecting the show's ability to find comedy in the macabre and demonstrating his character's growing resilience.