Detective Williams in ‘Only Murders in the Building’: Davine Joy Randolph’s Departure

Ayushi S
August 10, 2023

The mystery comedy-drama series “Only Murders in the Building” on Hulu follows Charles, Mabel, and Oliver, three fans of true crime podcasts who team together to solve homicide mysteries in their apartment building. The core trio of the series, which was created by Steve Martin and John Hoffman, frequently collaborates with Detective Williams (Da’Vine Joy Randolph) as they look for information and leads regarding the murder investigations they are involved in. As a result, fans might be surprised to learn that Detective Williams is absent from the first few episodes of the third season of the show. Here is all the information you require if you’re wondering what happened to Detective Williams played by Da’Vine Joy Randolph and whether the actress left the popular comedy-drama series! Spoilers follow!

What Happened to Detective Williams?

The first season of ‘Only Murders in the Building’ features the introduction of Detective Donna Williams. She is the principal detective looking into the death of Tim Kono, who was discovered in the Arconia. Detective Williams meets Charles, Mabel, and Oliver, three true crime podcasters, in the first season. She promptly reopens the case after hearing the trio’s podcast after originally dismissing Kono’s death as a suicide. Ultimately, the group came to the conclusion that Jan Bellows had murdered Kono, and they showed Detective Williams the evidence while simultaneously juggling her wife’s pregnancy.

The group is detained for their alleged role in the slaying of building manager Bunny Folger in the second season by Detective Williams. Detective Williams does, however, caution the group and assist them in establishing their innocence. Over the course of the first two seasons, Detective Williams befriends Charles, Mabel, and Oliver because she respects their efforts in solving cases but primarily sees them as a bother. However, Detective Williams is not present in the first two episodes of season 3 as the group becomes involved in another murder investigation involving actor Ben Glenroy. Instead, Detective Biswas, a colleague of Detective Williams, shows up to take over the investigation.

Did Da’Vine Joy Randolph Leave Only Murders in the Building?

Detective Williams is played by actress Da’Vine Joy Randolph in the television show. In 2013, Randolph made her acting debut on television, and in the first season of the family drama series “This Is Us,” she became well-known for her recurring part as Tanya. Her roles as Poundcake in “Empire” and Veesy in “The Last OG” earned positive reviews as well. Her more recent credits include the critically criticised television series “The Idol,” where she played the character Destiny, and voice work on programmes including “Birdgirl” and “Chicago Party Aunt.” ‘Only Murders in the Building’s’ first two seasons list Randolph as a recurrent cast member.

The first episodes of the third season of the show don’t feature Randolph’s Detective Williams. Since Detective Williams is one of the few recurrent characters and common themes that are carried over from season to season, her absence could give viewers the impression that the actress has left the show. Detective Williams is also one of Charles, Mabel, and Oliver’s most important allies. Thus, her absence creates a significant gap in the narrative.

Randolph, though, hasn’t quit the programme and is anticipated to return for the third season. The presence of Randolph’s Detective Williams in season 3’s promotional materials has already been established. Additionally, the actress is anticipated to make an appearance in upcoming films like “Shadow Force,” “Rustin,” and “The Holdovers.” Because to Randolph’s hectic schedule, the authors probably could only use her character in a few episodes, which resulted in her absence from the first episodes of season 3.