Surprising parallels: How Only Murders in the Building is similar to Greek tragedy: A character taking responsibility for a crime.

Greek Tragedy: A Character Taking Responsibility for a Crime in "Only Murders in the Building"The episode of Only Murders in the Building titled "Sitzprobe" not only explores the tension and mystery surrounding the murder of Hollywood superstar Ben Glenroy but also delves into the theme of a character taking responsibility for a crime, drawing parallels with the concept of Greek tragedy.Greek tragedy is characterized by its exploration of moral dilemmas, the inevitability of fate, and characters grappling with their actions and their consequences. In this episode, Loretta, a member of the cast and a long-time acquaintance of Ben Glenroy, reveals a shocking secret to her brother, Dickie. She confesses that she killed Ben by poisoning his protein drink on opening night and pushing him down an elevator shaft during the party afterward. Loretta's confession and her subsequent determination to take responsibility for her actions align with the themes commonly found in Greek tragedy.In Greek tragedy, characters often find themselves caught in a web of their own choices, leading to their ultimate downfall. Similarly, Loretta's decision to take Ben's life stems from her envy and a desire to rid herself of the overshadowing presence of her adoptive brother. This intense envy drives her to commit a heinous crime that ultimately leads to her capture and arrest. Loretta's story mirrors the downfall of tragic figures in Greek tragedies who, driven by their flaws or intense emotions, bring about their own downfall through their actions.Loretta's confession in "Sitzprobe" also aligns with the concept of catharsis, a critical element in Greek tragedy. Catharsis refers to the emotional release and purification experienced by the audience through witnessing the tragic events unfold on stage. Loretta, burdened by guilt and the weight of her actions, experiences her own catharsis by confessing her crimes. Similarly, the audience is left to grapple with their own emotions as they witness the unraveling of the intricate web of secrets and lies.Furthermore, the setting of the episode itself, a theater, draws upon the theatricality and dramatic elements found in Greek tragedy. Just like the grand performances staged in ancient Greek theaters, the sitzprobe rehearsal serves as a backdrop for the unfolding drama. The tension, suspense, and emotional intensity built up throughout the episode mirror the dramatic climaxes in Greek tragedies.The episode also raises questions of moral responsibility and the nature of justice. Loretta's final act of taking responsibility for her actions, despite the pleas of her friends, reflects the ethical struggles often portrayed in Greek tragedy. The belief in the necessity of paying for one's crimes, even at the cost of one's own freedom or life, resonates with the themes of justice and moral agency prevalent in Greek tragedies.In conclusion, the episode "Sitzprobe" of Only Murders in the Building, with its themes of a character taking responsibility for a crime, parallels the concepts commonly found in Greek tragedy. Loretta's confession, driven by envy, echoes the tragic downfall of characters in Greek tragedies who are caught in the web of their own choices. The emotional release and catharsis experienced through Loretta's confession align with the concept of catharsis in Greek tragedy. Moreover, the theatre setting and moral dilemmas posed in the episode reflect the dramatic and ethical elements found in Greek tragedies. Through its exploration of these themes, "Sitzprobe" offers a compelling connection to the enduring legacy of Greek tragedy and its exploration of the human condition.