Surprising parallels: How Only Murders in the Building is similar to Hamlet: Characters questioning their choices and motives.

In the episode "Sitzprobe" of Only Murders in the Building, there are several moments where characters question their choices and motives. This theme of self-reflection and uncertainty is reminiscent of William Shakespeare's iconic tragedy, Hamlet. Hamlet is a play centered around the titular character's introspection, as he grapples with his own choices, motives, and the moral implications of his actions. Drawing parallels between Sitzprobe and Hamlet provides a fascinating exploration of complex characters and their internal struggles.In Hamlet, the eponymous protagonist constantly questions his choices and motives, often torn between avenging his father's death and the morality of revenge. Similarly, in "Sitzprobe," Loretta, the director, finds herself reflecting on her life choices when faced with a health scare. This moment of introspection prompts her to confess her lies to her brother, Dickie. Loretta's self-doubt and soul-searching evoke Hamlet's famous soliloquies, where he contemplates the nature of life, death, and one's purpose.Loretta's confession also parallels Hamlet's distress over his familial relationships. In Hamlet, the title character grapples with the betrayal of his mother's hasty marriage to his uncle, who usurped his father's throne. Loretta, too, reveals a strained relationship with her brother, Ben, who she ultimately admits to murdering by poisoning his drink and pushing him down an elevator shaft. This shocking revelation showcases the depth of her internal conflict and the distorted choices she made.Mabel and Oliver, the two other main characters in Only Murders in the Building, also go through moments of self-reflection and questioning their motives. Mabel's confession to Oliver about taking something from his apartment without permission demonstrates her struggle with trust and the moral implications of her actions. Oliver, on the other hand, questions his role in the investigation and the motives behind his decision to revive the podcast.In Shakespeare's Hamlet, the characters have an intricate web of relationships, with secrets, lies, and twisted motives fueling the narrative. Only Murders in the Building mirrors this complexity through its characters, each harboring their own secrets and motives. The revelation of Loretta's guilt exposes the hidden layers of her character and challenges the audience's perception of her.The exploration of motives and choices in both Sitzprobe and Hamlet raises fundamental questions about moral responsibility, guilt, and the consequences of one's actions. The characters in both works are haunted by their decisions, grappling with their inner turmoil and the external pressures placed upon them.Furthermore, the use of theatrical elements in Sitzprobe further connects the episode to Hamlet. The sitzprobe rehearsal serves as a backdrop for the characters' internal battles, mirroring the theatricality and introspection prevalent in Hamlet. The performance of the song by Charles, with its lyrics alluding to potential guilt among the characters, echoes Hamlet's play-within-a-play, which Hamlet uses to expose the truth and reveal the characters' true natures.Overall, the episode "Sitzprobe" of Only Murders in the Building shares thematic similarities with Shakespeare's Hamlet, specifically in terms of characters questioning their choices and motives. Both works delve into the complexities of human nature, showcasing the internal struggles, moral dilemmas, and the consequences of one's actions. Through introspection and self-reflection, the characters reveal a deeper understanding of their motives, highlighting the timeless theme of self-doubt and the existential quest for meaning.