Season 5, episode 6 of Only Murders in the Building, picks up on the previous episode’s cliffhanger while providing a detailed look into Oliver’s past and upbringing. The main story of this episode centers on Loretta’s return to New York after her apartment burns down. Oliver and Loretta go to Flatbush and infiltrate Lorraine’s open house in search of a bag they presume to be filled with cash. Oliver, between flashbacks of his strict, adoptive Flastbush parents, finds the bag as Loretta connects with Lorraine. Despite their connection, Oliver and Loretta believe the widows to be conspiring. They give chase, with Oliver getting distracted by a theater. The two perform for each other, with Oliver delivering a line he never got the chance to as a child and Loretta giving her cut monologue from her television show. They are interrupted by Lorraine and Sofia, who are revealed to be helping the theater stay afloat. At the same time, Charles, Mabel, and Detective Williams discover that the severed finger is missing. They enlist the help of Althea, with conflict brewing between her and Mabel. They make up and comb through edited security footage, finding out that someone was with Lester when he died and snuck into Charles’ apartment to get the finger. In the final moments of the episode, it is revealed that billionaire Bash owns the security systems at Arconia and has been catfishing Charles on a dating app.
“Flatbrush” is a consistent, solid episode of Only Murders, offering enough mystery to be engaging, sufficient characterization for emotional investment, and ample comedy to maintain its charm. Oliver and Loretta stand out, having both great banter and sweet individual moments. Oliver’s flashbacks were simple and sweet, providing compelling information and adding a tenderness and sensitivity to his character.
Mabel’s storyline is similarly anchored in an interpersonal relationship with a side character. She is insulting and demeaning to Althea during their investigation, and only after some coaxing from Detective Williams does she eventually apologize. Mabel’s apology scene was sprinkled with sweet and comedic bits, with Althea tossing shoes at her. They make up fairly quickly, which worked to establish their friendship for later in the season. Then again, their animosity is told more than shown, as is their supposed deep bond. Their conflict was difficult to invest in since not much of their complex relationship is told rather than seen. Despite their past relationship not being fully felt emotionally, their dynamic going forward seems promising now that they’re friends again. Finally, it was unfortunate how little Charles had to do in this episode, especially as his testosterone-based bit this season has so much comedic potential. His character being reduced to a background bit, however, made sense, as the other characters needed time to shine. Luckily, it was saved at the very end by the reveal that he had been getting catfished. Overall, this was a very sweet episode of Only Murders in the Building, but the show’s struggle to balance all of its characters, bits, and plotlines is becoming increasingly apparent.
Rating: 6/10