The trio face off against a collection of individuals who deceive, manipulate and threaten as second nature - a Hollywood cast and crew.
In the moments before her death, Sazz called Bev to warn her about a problem with the movie. She wouldn't get into specifics over the phone. Bev hasn't responded until now. She chased down that lead to ensure nothing would derail production. This proves that Sazz knew about the movie before the podcasters did. They hadn't yet signed their life rights away. That didn't matter to Bev. She was already moving fast with this project. She needs a hit after passing on Barbie. She's desperate. She's reckless too. The podcasters don't think she is the killer though. It's incriminating to find her at Sazz's trampoline park. Everything pointed to that destination for insight further into Sazz's life. Charles, Oliver and Mabel don't even look around. They just hear Bev's story. She has an alibi. It's still incredibly convenient. At times, the show introduces characters solely to put them in awkward situations where they look guilty. This is absolutely one of them. However, it doesn't immediately seem like Bev's innocence is proven. Her behavior can't easily be explained. She provides a gun. That will have to be a meaningful clue at some point. Otherwise, this was one big distraction.
Bev's inclusion does turn the focus back to the movie set. It suggests the killer is someone in the cast or crew. Bev isn't the only one who needs this project to work. It serves as Marshall's big break as a screenwriter. He admires the podcast because it is three amateurs who always stumble into success. That's the formula. Seeing the three of them work is the best insight in how to develop the characters on the page. He is eager for the opportunity. Everyone has notes. They express their opinions. Changes have been made to the source material. Marshall still feels a connection to the podcast. He's stressed and nervous. That's entirely because he feels like an imposter. He literally wears a fake beard and fake glasses to seem more like a writer. That provides him with the confidence to deliver the script. Even then, people have their concerns. Charles and Oliver take it personally when they object to how they are described in the directions. They want to prove that their essence has not yet been truly captured. It's more accurate than they are willing to admit. Plenty of people understand precisely who these three are. That's why they have developed a loyal fanbase.
Charles, Oliver and Mabel develop a product that people want to invest in. Their personalities shine throughout the production. They aren't the best. Detective Williams is always annoyed when she has to rely on them to close murder cases. She sees their value now. She's given the gun for further analysis. Meanwhile, the podcasters believe they have found a lead on the mysterious footprint in the window of Dudenoff's apartment. That belongs to the killer. It has to match someone on the set. They get involved with production solely to advance their investigation. They are technically associate producers. They can have as big a role as they want. They could offer notes. They could use this opportunity to obtain more success. That's what Bev wants for Mabel. She sets up a meeting to sign her to a deal to develop more projects. Mabel doesn't know what she has done to deserve this paycheck. She fought for her worth. She doesn't have a job. Life feels aimless for her. Those are her insecurities. They don't come through the podcast like Charles and Oliver's do. She projects confidence. People are inspired by her. Marshall certainly is. However, he too provides valuable insight into what is feasible within this investigation.
The timeline Charles, Oliver and Mabel have is completely wrong. It's not possible for the shooter to kill Sazz and clean up the crime within twelve minutes. That's seemingly all it took to make this happen. It eventually dawns on Charles that two people were targeting Sazz. That makes it seem far more coordinated. It implies Sazz was silenced. She was the true target all along. Charles doesn't feel secure in anything the team has developed with this case so far. Every element keeps shifting. At first, they were convinced someone in the West Tower was responsible. Now, the focus shifts to the film set. Everyone there acts crazy and absurd. It's party of the characterizations of the piece. It's not exactly subtle. It's not quite rewarding either. It highlights the Brother Sisters as the new suspects. They have a bold vision for the film. They are in sync a lot of the time. They have the strength to move Oliver around with ease. He doesn't have the physique of an Olympic athlete. He continues to be delusional and insecure. That's a one-note character trait lately. He talks about his relationship with Loretta without actually doing anything about it. It's a distraction more than anything else. That robs the character of agency and the narrative of purpose. And so, the mystery persists. Clues are teased. And yet, the trio are nowhere closer to the truth. They just have more theories. It will work out in the end. That's the formula. It's not offering something new that surprises the audience. The familiarity is great. It's just not as bold as it once was.
