Only Murders in the Building Season 5, Episode 5, “Tongue Tied,” makes strides in and out of the trio’s murder investigation. Written by JJ Philbin and directed by Shari Berman & Robert Pulcini, this episode’s explorations at and around the Arconia lead to surprising self-discoveries. Previous seasons may favor one over the other, whether it be character arcs or the murder-mystery plot. “Tongue Tied” is a positive sign that Only Murders in the Building’s latest season can maintain a positive balance even as developments crescendo to new heights.
This cozy series about murders is five seasons into its run, and it’s not treading water. The formula may be familiar — that’s part of Only Murders in the Building’s appeal. Plus, “Tongue Tied” uses that tried-and-true framework to springboard the show to new places, literally and figuratively. This episode builds to a twist that earns its mid-season spot. Only Murders in the Building leaves the characters and the audience on the edge of their literal seats, anticipating more. With the show’s genre and weekly release, it’s a recipe for success.
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The Arconia’s Downstairs
This episode’s exploration of the Arconia’s basement is long overdue. Lester’s unfortunate death and his role at the Arconia open the door for one of the episode’s best elements — exploring the Arconia’s basement. Additionally, it encourages the return of underrated supporting characters, like Vanessa Aspillaga’s Ursula and Anthony Ruiz’s Jose Torres, whom Oliver only knows as Jose the Super. It also invites the introduction of new characters, such as Miller, the trash guy. In turn, this episode begins to address, to an overall benefit, how Only Murders in the Building predominantly features part of the Arconia.
Only Murders in the Building has created a lived-in setting upstairs. The characters, from Bunny and Uma to Teddy and Howard, are fleshed out. The show efficiently contributes to their characterization every time they appear. One of the characters who still feels thin but can be otherwise, given their more consistent appearances this season, is Dr. Grover Stanley. Likewise, it’s odd that this season only features one of the Westies, Vince, (so far) after their resonant introduction in Season 4 and Mabel being their neighbor now.
Therefore, it’s exciting to see the Arconia’s upstairs and downstairs worlds meet with some friction. The meeting, like the scene in the basement, begins an evergreen discussion about support staff and their value. It’s also a great continuation of Oliver’s arc. His desperation to be positively perceived informs his inability to come across as the authentically caring person that Only Murders in the Building has shown him to be. Not to mention, Oliver’s dedication to maintaining a positive public perception hinders him from seeing how much Mabel cares about him and his potential move.
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Moving Out and Moving On
Simultaneously, Howard and LESTR’s dynamic is becoming one of the more surprisingly delightful yet dystopian developments this season. The robot’s death is so well done that “Tongue Tied” all but compels the viewer to rewind the bit to see it again. The timing of Steve Martin and Selena Gomez’s reactions is as excellent as the robot’s distorted voice speeding past them. The bit becomes more hilarious when Howard swiftly mourns and replaces LESTR.
Of course, that’s commentary on a robot’s easily replaceable nature, which is not the same for the real Lester. On the other hand, the sequence is yet another vehicle to showcase how great and integral Michael Cyril Creighton’s Howard has become to Only Murders in the Building. It tracks that Howard only becomes attached to LESTR in response to his exclusion from Charles, Oliver, and Mabel’s friend group. Michael Cyril Creighton plays the dialogue with levity. However, his hurt feelings build on the past, like Mabel sidestepping conversations about “Animal Jobs” last season. Also, Howard’s comments about the trio’s responsibility cohesively fold into those of the service workers at the meeting.
That external pressure is a(nother) reasonable motivation for Oliver to want to move. Even so, he is the same person who makes the point that the Arconia is more than a building but a community. Certain dynamics within that ecosystem remain undefined (Mabel and THĒ), but even those reflect how well the show represents other dynamics this season. The central trio’s evolution continues to be earned and realistic, five seasons into the show’s run. For example, everything around Charles taking testosterone is honest and hysterical. Those hibachi scenes prove that Steve Martin is an absolute gift.
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Uncovering Tommy the Tongue
Those hibachi scenes prove that Steve Martin is an absolute gift. Moreover, his delivery of “Stop slut-shaming me” is a sign that his crown has not slipped. In fairness, Téa Leoni goes all in on the bit, too. She stands toe-to-toe with Martin to somehow make that sequence curious, endearing, and uncomfortable. While so much of the episode’s excellence is in the performances, it’s on the page and behind the camera, too. “Tongue Tied” goes from a line about dirty drinks to reintroducing the mayor. That intentionally pulls the character and his obsession with the podcast back into orbit with a specific context.
Those scenes also give Sofia an empathetic backstory, providing internal conflict for Charles that impacts the case. Interestingly, their conversation about Sofia’s history with people who engage in and support toxic masculinity creates context for her sons’ behavior. Overall, it’s a great balance of character and plot development. All of which leads to the incredible Find My Phone bit that loops Da’Vine Joy Randolph’s Detective Williams back into Only Murders in the Building. Randolph makes a great show greater! How is she not a series regular yet?
Regardless, it’s understandable that the trio flies past Oliver growing up in Flatbush because of the investigation’s rapid developments. That detail feels relevant, given the celebrities’ discovery that everything ties back to someone the trio has known from the beginning. Then again, Charles, Oliver, and Mabel didn’t pay that much mind last season. Either way, “Tongue Tied” culminates with the perfect mid-season cliffhanger — Are Lorraine and Sofia behind it all?
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What did you think of Only Murders in the Building Season 5, Episode 5, “Tongue Tied?” Let us know in the comments below!
New episodes of Only Murders in the Building Season 5 stream on Tuesdays on Hulu.
