Only Murders in the Building Season 5, Episode 6, “Flatbush,” is another strong entry, featuring some of the show’s best character work to date. It uncovers Oliver’s past, heals Mabel’s present, and unravels Charles’s (romantic) future. This episode, written by John Enbom & Jake Schnesel and directed by Shari Berman & Robert Pulcini, does so by relying on its ensemble’s excellent chemistry. There’s the established chemistry that shines with the return of special guest star Meryl Streep opposite Martin Short.
On the other hand, “Flatbush” finally gives Selena Gomez and Beanie Feldstein more to work with in creating a real dynamic between Mabel and THĒ. Much-needed conversations take place as Only Murders in the Building spins its investigation in an expected but earned direction. This episode, like the others this season and the strongest of those in its previous four seasons, really leaves one wondering how this comedy series isn’t rewarded more often.
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Oliver Putnam Lore
For example, just start engraving Martin Short’s name on the Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series – that accolade is long overdue. He is undeniably on another level in “Flatbush.” Short’s range – being a supportive husband, landing the physical comedy, the quiet self-reflection, etc. – is admirable. One of the best bits of the episode is Oliver and Loretta stopping to talk to a man because they care about dogs dying. Short and Streep’s reactions are wonderful, and the addition of the banana is like a cherry on top. Only Murders in the Building truly is one of TV’s best comedies right now.
On the other hand, it’s particularly effective to see new sides of Oliver through the depth and breadth of his and Loretta’s marriage. It’s conducive to the characters and their relationship, given Streep’s brief return. “Flatbush” taps into something rather beautiful when Oliver and Loretta heal something in each other by giving the other the stage to reclaim something from their past.
Everything inside the Mycyn Theatre – in front of and behind the camera – is excellent. The camera sweeping in and up reflects the weight that the space holds for Oliver, while setting up someone watching him and Loretta. The unsaid lines that follow Loretta and Oliver are inherently silly, but Streep and Short’s performances ground them in significance. Getting to know Oliver on this level after four Only Murders in the Building seasons is special. It speaks to the benefit of TV shows having what isn’t a given anymore – time.
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The Innocent Wives Club
Either way, “Flatbush” displays incredible cohesion when the camera pulls back the figurative curtain to reveal that Sofia and Rainey are in the theatre’s gallery. Likewise, it’s endlessly fun to see Meryl Streep flex her impressive comedic muscles when Loretta goes undercover as Emily Lawler. Even then, Only Murders in the Building stays on theme in the innate human connection that Loretta (as Emily) forms with Rainey through loss. The sincerity in Dianne Weist’s performance is wonderful and helps make Rainey feel like a fuller character.
Her back and forth with Sofia, Oliver, and Loretta on stage is pure comedy gold. The timing – Rainey reacting to Oliver thinking she killed her husband, Sofia pulling out her sons’ toy gun, Loretta shielding Oliver – is fantastic.
It’s a whole show on its own, like Mabel and THĒ confrontation that happens to involve an absurd number of shoes. That dynamic needs this conversation. Refreshingly, it goes to some really honest places about mental health and never positions either woman as the villain. That friendship finally finds a backbone in this episode because Mabel and THĒ communicate. Their connection, albeit fractured but healing, feels real, which hasn’t been the case in the last five episodes. Likewise, “Flatbush” paints more complex pictures of Rainey and Sofia (the former more than the latter). They use their money for good – a pitch-perfect juxtaposition to the billionaires.
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Priscilla the Peach
Only Murders in the Building Season 5 has its finger on the pulse with the surveillance at the Arconia. It’s so clever to tie that into Charles’s dating app saga. Mabel immediately stopping Charles from wearing an earring is a shining example of Selena Gomez’s talents being the glue of the trio. It’s such a quick yet lovable aside that exemplifies why this show works. Not to mention, this episode makes the right choice in keeping Da’Vine Joy Randolph around as Detective Williams. Randolph just elevates every scene, whether it be her reaction to LESTR or the swiftness with which she takes Charles’s phone.
Regardless, “Flatbush” earns this reveal with Bash. After all, it’s never a question of if the billionaires will appear in Only Murders in the Building Season 5 again, but how. Clearly, Bash can use technology to his advantage to manipulate Charles. He does it at the dinner party and again, here. Technology’s reach is a casual and pervasive privacy breach. It pairs with the security camera following Oliver and Loretta while the show’s camera pulls out the Arconia’s window to watch the characters from the outside. So, as Oliver plans to move out and Bash is everywhere and nowhere, “Flatbush” ends on a propulsive question about the characters’ home – Will the Arconia ever be the same?
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What did you think of Only Murders in the Building Season 5, Episode 6, “Flatbush?” Let us know in the comments!
New episodes of Only Murders in the Building Season 5 stream on Tuesdays on Hulu.
