Fans of The Oval have been buzzing about the conversation between Richard and Sam regarding Clarence’s murder. Many are wondering—could Sam be planning to pin the crime on Dale? After reviewing the scene multiple times, the answer seems to be no. Instead, Sam is working to ensure Dale keeps quiet about what happened.

Let’s break it down. When Sam asked Richard if Dale saw anything, Richard confirmed that Dale was there but told the police he didn’t witness anything. Sam’s response? Make sure he sticks to that story. This means Sam isn’t looking for a scapegoat—he’s simply making sure Dale doesn’t talk. Nancy, too, is keeping quiet, as Clarence’s dying wish was for her not to involve the police.

The plan is clear: they’re going to cover up Clarence’s murder. The official story? Clarence was mugged and fatally stabbed. With Sam’s connections, they can make sure Richard avoids prison.

But while Dale may not be a scapegoat, he’s still in a dangerous position. Let’s be real—this guy has the worst luck. He moved to town for a simple job at a pharmacy, only to discover it was a drug front. He went for a casual drink in a parking lot, met someone, and got shot by a jealous ex. He’s constantly caught up in chaos, no matter how much he tries to lay low.

Now, Nancy is sending him to use up credit cards, adding another layer of risk to his already unstable situation. How much more can Dale handle before everything catches up to him?

So while Sam isn’t framing Dale, staying silent is Dale’s only way to stay “safe”—at least for now. What do you think? Is Dale in more trouble than he realizes? Drop your thoughts below!