Unlocking the Secrets Behind the Jaw-Dropping Loretta Twist in Only Murders In The Building, Revealed by the Producer

Warning: Spoilers for Only Murders in the Building season 3, episode 8

Summary

Showrunner John Hoffman delves into the groundbreaking Loretta revelation in season 3 of Only Murders in the Building, unveiling her as the birth mother of Ben's adopted sibling, Dickie.

This unexpected turn sheds light on Loretta's motivations throughout the season, as she made the heart-wrenching decision to relinquish her son for adoption in order to pursue her acting career. Her auditioning for Oliver's play was a desperate attempt to reconnect with Ben, and her possession of a meticulously curated collection of news articles about both him and Dickie reveals her unwavering devotion.

Dickie is the primary suspect in Ben's murder, but instead, Loretta takes the blame and gets arrested, which leads to Oliver suffering a heart attack. The finale leaves Oliver's fate uncertain, and it remains unclear whether Dickie or Loretta is the actual murderer.

Showrunner John Hoffman discusses the significant twist involving Loretta in episode 8 of season 3 of Only Murders in the Building. In Hulu's popular mystery series, Charles (Steve Martin), Mabel (Selena Gomez), and Oliver (Martin Short) investigate the murder of actor Ben Glenroy (Paul Rudd) on the opening night of a Broadway show. In episode 8 of season 3, it is revealed that Loretta Durkin (Meryl Streep), a fellow cast member, is actually the biological mother of Ben's adopted brother Dickie (Jeremy Shamos).

According to Hoffman's interview with The Wrap, conducted in compliance with the WGA strike guidelines, the significant Loretta twist in season 3 of Only Murders in the Building was carefully crafted. Hoffman gives credit to writer Elaine Ko for originating the twist and explains that it was an early idea that played a crucial role in shaping the entire season's storyline. Here is what he said:

The early pitch was instrumental in providing a framework for the entire season. With Meryl Streep being part of our show, we recognized the need to delve deep and present her with a substantial, enigmatic character, one that adds depth and complexity. We reimagined Loretta's story, her involvement in the play, and how her lifelong experiences led her to this point, even though we believed we understood it since Episode 1. This pitch had a profound impact.

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What The Loretta Twist Means For Only Murders in the Building Season 3

The revelation that Loretta is Dickie's biological mother sheds light on certain events that have occurred thus far in season 3 of Only Murders in the Building. In the past, Loretta made the difficult decision to place her son up for adoption in order to pursue her acting aspirations. However, due to her famous step-brother Ben, she was always able to keep tabs on Dickie's life from a distance. When Loretta discovered that Ben had been cast in Oliver's play, she seized the opportunity to audition in hopes of reuniting with her long-lost son. This also explains why Loretta possessed a scrapbook filled with newspaper clippings featuring Ben, all of which prominently showcased Dickie in the background.

In the midst of it all, Dickie has emerged as the primary suspect in Ben's murder due to suspicions that he may have stolen the character CoBro, which he had created. Just when Dickie is on the verge of being apprehended, Loretta, plagued by guilt for implicating him, takes the blame for Ben's murder and is subsequently arrested. This unexpected turn of events causes Oliver to suffer another heart attack. The suspenseful conclusion leaves Oliver's fate uncertain, although it seems likely that the recently reunited trio will once again be separated indefinitely. As Only Murders in the Building season 3 nears its conclusion with two episodes remaining, it remains unclear whether Dickie or Loretta is truly the killer.