DISCLAIMER: This recap of Only Murders in the Building Season 3 Episode 7, “CoBro,” contains spoilers. Proceed at your peril.
Welcome back, Arconiacs! Episode seven, “CoBro,” brings us two mega-star cameos: Matthew Broderick and the great Mel Brooks. Admittedly, seeing Mel Brooks nonchalantly pop up on Oliver’s video call made me squeal with delight. Broderick’s comedic stylings fit perfectly with this show’s whimsical tone. He’s a fantastic guest star, and I hope he returns.
Additionally, Theo and Mabel’s bond is an episodic highlight. He needs to make more appearances and join her for some sleuthing fun. I’d also love to include more Uma in the proceedings. Her curmudgeonly demeanor and no-nonsense bluntness would play off the other prominent personalities so well.
All in all, “CoBro” is the season’s best episode yet, packed with the show’s signature cheeky humor, fun performances, plot twists and quality narrative development.
Ready to delve into “CoBro”? Let’s get to it.
RELATED: Check out our recap for Only Murders in the Building Season 3 Episode 6, “Ghost Light”
We open with Uma (Jackie Hoffman) providing narration for the episode. In a flashback, we see her walking to The Pickle Diner with Bunny (Jayne Houdyshell). Uma reveals she loves “collecting,” aka stealing, items from people because, well, people leave you. She nicks a pencil from Lester and a stray cat toy from Howard. She stores her finds in her closet in Bunny’s old apartment, where she now resides.
When the body of Ben Glenroy (Paul Rudd) fell through the elevator ceiling as Charles (Steve Martin), Oliver (Martin Short) and Mabel (Selena Gomez) watched in abject horror, Uma’s eyes went to the bloody hanky in Ben’s hand. Jackpot!
Later, Uma and Charles chat at The Pickle Diner. She notices he’s alone. They sit together, and Charles tells her about his fight with Oliver and Mabel. Before Uma departs, she allows him to pay for her lunch (and dinner). As she rummages through her purse, Charles glimpses Ben’s hanky. He tries to snag it from her, but she leaves quickly. Meanwhile, Theo (James Caverly) helps Mabel pack up her apartment. I’m happy to see him return. He suggests she chat with Dickie, Ben’s brother and manager, about the case. Theo informs her about the silent auction Dickie’s hosting in Ben’s apartment for the late star’s movie/TV memorabilia.
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Next, Oliver, Donna (Linda Emond) and Cliff (Wesley Taylor) host auditions to fill Charles’ role. News flash: They all stink. Cliff takes the reins and calls a notable contact to help them out. Well, after a bout of nervous dancing. Donna tries to persuade Oliver to bring Charles back, but no dice. Charles stands in an elevator full of bargain bin Charles, where he learns about Oliver’s auditions.
Then, none other than Matthew Broderick waltzes into Oliver’s apartment, blowing all the competition out of the water. Oliver is over the moon. He’s had sex dreams about this. Charles pretends to check Oliver’s doorknob at Lester’s behest, but we all know it’s to check out his potential replacement. Of course, seeing Matthew Broderick doesn’t help his self-esteem. Matthew reminds him that he was too old to play Ferris in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. He was 41 at the time! I’d like to see Charles’ take on it or his audition. I love the Ferris nods in this outing.
Meanwhile, Mabel and Theo attend the silent auction in Ben’s apartment. As it turns out, Theo is a massive CoBro fan. His vast knowledge helps Mabel connect with Dickie (Jeremy Shamos), who’s surprised that she’s an avid CoBro lover. Mabel attempts to ask Dickie about Ben’s phone conversation before he died; however, Dickie brushes her off. He’s disgusted that she would want to capitalize on his brother’s death for her podcast. Of course, we know that’s not the case.
RELATED: Who Killed Ben Glenroy: Our Latest Only Murders in the Building Suspect List
Later, Oliver and Matthew chat about the latter’s character. Matthew claims he has an in-depth acting process that requires extreme rehearsing and detailed research. He wants to live and breathe this part. Charles shuts his window after overhearing Matthew’s singing. He opens his bag of hankies he obtained from the cast. After that, Mabel approaches Dickie and apologizes. He does the same, stating that he shouldn’t have taken his stress out on her.
Dickie explains that he was adopted. His parents thought they couldn’t have children. That is until Ben was born. Since then, Dickie has dwelled in Ben’s shadow. He carefully curated Ben’s acting career and worked to the bone to ensure no scandal could upend it. It’s frustrating fighting tirelessly to protect someone in a thankless position. However, Dickie loves Ben and misses him every day.
Mabel broaches the subject of finding Ben’s real killer. Dickie insists the police incarcerated Ben’s murderer — Gregg, Ben’s long-time stalker. Sure, Gregg kidnapped Mabel and Charles and held them in his basement, but Mabel doesn’t believe he killed Ben. Dickie shuts her down. The case is closed. End of story. Side note: I want that Girl Cop standee situated behind Dickie.
Meanwhile, Charles asks Uma about Ben’s hanky. He needs it for the investigation. However, Uma sold it to some fool for seven grand. It’s out of her hands now (and replaced by cold, hard cash). Oliver struggles to keep up with Matthew’s incessant rehearsing. He video calls the legendary Mel Brooks (no biggie) and asks him about Matthew during The Producers. Was it difficult working with him? Mel scolds Oliver for accepting Matthew’s input. He just opened a Ferris-sized can of worms. Ferris Bueller takes days off, but Matthew Broderick doesn’t. I love this cameo so much. Mel’s the man.
Next, Mabel and Theo return to her apartment to brainstorm. Mabel takes the knowledge from Dickie and applies it to the case. He told her that Ben used to set his watch/clocks 20 minutes fast so he’d always be “fashionably late.” This means Gregg couldn’t have been in the Arconia when Ben died. That’s my girl — always 10 steps ahead. Tobert (Jesse Williams) arrives with his expensive equipment (Cinda Canning isn’t the only one with access to the good stuff). Mabel’s going to start her own podcast.
Theo shows Mabel and Tobert a sketch of CoBro that Ben purportedly drew as a kid. He points to the signature. It looks like the “B” in “Ben Glenroy” is actually an “R,” as in “Richard.” Ben erased the “R.” He took credit for Dickie’s idea and made millions. That’s a motive. Mabel pushes Dickie up the suspect list. He could’ve killed his brother out of unadulterated resentment and envy.
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Later, Oliver is fed up with Matthew’s constant, tireless rehearsing. Enough is enough. Charles barges into Oliver’s apartment again, this time under the guise of checking other parts of resident doors for Lester. Sure, Jan. Charles apologizes for his behavior, which Oliver gladly, quickly accepts. He, too, says he’s sorry. After mending fences with his BFF, Oliver ousts Matthew, giving the role back to Charles. Buh-bye, Ferris.
While recording, Tobert suggests they call Mabel’s new podcast The Bloody Mabel Podcast, which she rejects. Theo writes Tobert a note, saying he can’t figure her out, either. Meanwhile, Charles and Oliver drink Gut Milk in chilled champagne glasses, a classy move for two classy dudes. They reveal they’ve wanted to remedy the situation with Mabel but were too terrified to do so. Perhaps if they bring her some evidence as a peace offering, it’ll help smooth things over. That’s when Oliver shows Charles the scrapbook he stole from Loretta’s apartment. You know, the one full of photos and news clippings about Ben.
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Charles doesn’t believe there’s enough evidence to pin the murder on her. However, Oliver reminds his buddy that he doesn’t have the best track record with girlfriend murderers. Still, they can show Mabel the scrapbook. They practice their apologies in front of Mabel’s apartment door. Unfortunately, a woman with a baby opens it, thinking they’re there to unpack her belongings. Mabel’s already moved out. Uh-oh.
Then, our boys hear the introduction to Mabel’s new show, which she uploaded as an Only Murders in the Building episode. We see other Arconia residents listening to it. Dickie holds Ben’s bloody hanky after purchasing it from Uma. Lastly, Detective Biswas (Gerrard Lobo) calls Detective Williams after listening to Mabel’s podcast. Perhaps it’s time to reopen Ben’s case.
RELATED: Catch up on the Arconia antics with our Only Murders in the Building recaps!
Only Murders in the Building streams new episodes every Tuesday on Hulu.
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What I do: I'm GGA's Managing Editor, a Senior Contributor, and Press Coordinator. I manage, contribute, and coordinate. Sometimes all at once. Joking aside, I oversee day-to-day operations for GGA, write, edit, and assess interview opportunities/press events.
Who I am: Before moving to Los Angeles after studying theater in college, I was born and raised in Amish country, Ohio. No, I am not Amish, even if I sometimes sport a modest bonnet.
Bylines in: Tell-Tale TV, Culturess, Sideshow Collectibles, and inkMend on Medium.
Critic: Rotten Tomatoes, CherryPicks, and the Hollywood Creative Alliance.
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