Another murder occurs in the Arconia. Shockingly, it has nothing to do with the gunshot that closed the previous episode. During the promo shoot, Zach and Glen were shot. They were both hospitalized. It's inferred Oliver was the true target. The killer has animosity towards the podcasters. The shot that killed Sazz was meant for Charles. Of course, it wouldn't be surprising if that conclusion was reversed yet again. The season is taking a lot of pleasure out of the ambiguity. It wants to leave everyone continually guessing. Detective Williams has had contempt for the podcasters in the past. She provides a connection to law enforcement now. The trio rely on that partnership. She provides some clues. She also requires more concrete evidence. She can't simply investigate the Brothers Sisters because they have the same shoe that left a print on Dudenoff's window sill. For Charles, Oliver and Mabel, that's all the damning evidence they need. They immediately focus on the directors as their prime suspects. The entire episode is reorientated around how the directors see the world. It's presented as a documentary comprised of found footage. In reality, it reveals just how exploitative this entire production has been. The rights the trio signed away where much more comprehensive than they realized.
At first, the show has to offer a reason for altering its standard production in such a dramatic way. It has taken these kinds of risks in the past. It's nothing out of the ordinary. It's simply a new expression of storytelling that applies to the latest investigation. The Brothers Sisters have always been presented as weird. It was an odd choice to have them as the directors of this project. Their sensibilities don't immediately align with the vision the studio has for the podcast adaptation. Bev wants a commercial success. She's quick to rally the troops and encourage everyone to forge ahead after the shooting. She refuses to let Zach quit. He was shot. And yet, Bev is the most intimidating person he encounters. She needs this film to work more than anyone else. That may suggest some sinister motive. One that drives up publicity for this project. That has yet to be adequately explored. The film was a distant part of this world that didn't connect to Sazz's death. Now, it's a central piece of the storytelling. Trina and Tawny share their experience. It connects back to the residents of the West Tower as well.
The Brothers Sisters were students of Dudenoff's. Everyone in the West Tower reveres him immensely. They also grow secretive whenever his name is mentioned. His influence looms over the building. Because of him, the westies only pay cheap rent for their apartments in a prime location in the city. However, Dudenoff hasn't been in Portugal. He has been cashing social security checks in New York City. He's been here the whole time. Then, it's revealed his body was in the incinerator as well. Sure, the federal investigators probably should have reached that conclusion without the podcasters noting there were two left shoulder joints amongst the ashes. That presents as sloppy police work. That's common in a world where these three amateurs solve murder cases all the time. That's the new normal. Some people are now excited by the prospect they could be suspects. It means they are included in a creative project different from the stressful one they are working on. Just like Marshall, the Brothers Sisters aren't enjoying their time on the film. They took the job only to reconnect with their professor. Now, they have an answer for why he hasn't responded. It's devastating for a moment. And then, they pick up with his advice anew.
Everyone embodies the spirit of just keep shooting. That was the directive Dudenoff gave in class. Trina and Tawny showed the most promise. They followed their dreams. He didn't agree with the path they took. They left New York. They tried to start their careers in Hollywood. It eventually led them back to the city. By then, it was too late to reconnect. He disapproved and now he's dead. He won't be coming back to kick Mabel out of his apartment anytime soon. Someone is still acting as if he is alive. Moreover, the directors aren't the only ones who had hidden cameras within Charles, Oliver and Mabel's apartments. They did so in pursuit of a more interesting story. They found it. They present it in a way that is at times misleading. They also follow the basic structure of storytelling. They detail it in three parts. Everything is broken down to the rudimentary level. It's offered with artful style. It's still the basic take on how to depict a story. It's how the sisters frame their work. They build on Howard being the only one with a camera at first. Then they include their own footage. Part of it is handheld from their perspective. The majority is an invasion of their subjects without their knowledge. The podcasters act differently when cameras are in their faces. They are angry upon learning they've been exploited. And yet, the directors don't hold all the secrets that lurk in the apartments.
Charles, Oliver and Mabel feel the urge to leave the city immediately after the shooting. They fear they are being targeted. Oliver suddenly regrets not asking Loretta to marry him. When he calls, he may already be too late. She no longer shows the same interest and affection as before. Of course, it's hard to make out what that scene should imply. Oliver takes it as rejection. This is just added to his list of regrets. Similarly, Charles remains haunted by the prospect Sazz was killed because of the podcast. He doesn't want to be responsible for the death of his best friend. That continues to feel like a possibility. Moreover, Charles and Oliver don't want Mabel to be the next victim within the killer's crosshairs. They return to the Arconia to investigate. They actually make quite a bit of progress. The reveals here actually work. They don't present as confusing or going around in circles. The season had stalled out previously. Style offers some more substance here. It's still eery once the podcasters receive messages from the killer warning them they are being watched. That came immediately after the camera was found. And so, they have no choice but to leave. That's the only way to keep others safe. That's the end of the documentary. It's not the conclusion of the story. It's just a glimpse into the distress of the moment as detailed by people who have an emotional stake in the investigation now.
