Only Murders in the Building Season 5, Episode 8, “Cuckoo Chicks,” deals the trio a winning hand at Ladies Night and Boys Night, but only after they accept what they need to hear. This episode, written by Kristin Newman and directed by Jessica Yu, hinges on a creative set piece in the velvet room that tees up the season’s final two episodes. Despite the stakes set on that event, “Cuckoo Chicks” relieves some of the pressure from the season and its arcs.
Relatedly, Only Murders in the Building’s expediency to move the plot forward never glaringly conflicts with the characters’ development. The show has struggled with striking that balance in the past. “Cuckoo Chicks” is another example of its positive growth as it continues into its run. This episode puts Only Murders in the Building’s women in front of and behind the camera to produce more than good luck – good, intentional work that pulls everything together.
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Boys Night
The show is aware that Charles and Oliver’s perspectives on what happens when women spend time together are absurd. Therefore, it’s fun and not all that grating to watch Mabel and Detective Williams keep pointing that out. Plus, their deflective comments became a catalyst for deconstruction and introspection throughout “Cuckcoo Chicks.” Charles and Oliver spend the entirety of the episode talking about their feelings and women to great avail. Fostering communication and emotional intelligence shouldn’t be gendered. Even so, society often expects (and critiques) them from women, not men.
So, it’s important — and perfectly Only Murders in the Building to do so through Charles and Oliver at couples therapy — to show men of any age discussing their vulnerabilities. Likewise, it’s refreshing that “Cuckoo Chicks” views therapy through a positive lens. Unsurprisingly, Williams is particularly great at facilitating the conversation, which helps to get to know Dr. Stanley better.
After five seasons, he remains one of the most elusive residents. Consequently, it’s functionally humorous that Dr. Stanley’s apartment is one of the two keys to saving the building. Albeit, “Cuckoo Chicks” doesn’t dive too deeply into Dr. Stanley’s characterization. Still, his intention to connect with his neighbors sets up an optimistic future. It’s only unknown where that will happen.
The men talk for so long that they lose sight of the goal – something they assume the women will do. Only Murders in the Building juxtaposes that lost chance to save the Arconia with their positive personal developments. That character work is a win; “Cuckoo Chicks” works with the rest of the season – the series, even – to earn it. It feels like an emotional success for Oliver to finally be honest with Loretta about not wanting to move out of his, and now their, home.
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Ladies Night
Of course, Loretta knows before Oliver says it. The women of Only Murders in the Building are often one step ahead – think of Sazz! There’s also the reveal that Camila is pulling the strings behind the casino. “Cuckoo Chicks” even puts that into action off-screen, with Loretta filling Williams in at the airport. By the way, the reveal that Loretta is still at the airport – episodes later – is outrageous in the best way. Regardless, this episode playfully unpacks the underestimation of women. Loretta’s plan to act like a medium is mostly successful – Meryl Streep sells every second of it, as she does her disguise at Rainey’s house.
Camila and Nicky’s dynamic is interpersonally interesting and illuminating for the case. Only Murders in the Building keeps providing compelling snapshots of Nicky, and Bobby Cannavale continues to deliver in them every time this season gives him the chance. Similarly, Dianne Wiest is exceptional in “Cuckoo Chicks” – the scene between her and Selena Gomez’s Mabel being the standout. Wiest’s line delivery about the box of clues is crushing, and Gomez gives an incredible supporting performance while Rainey talks about Lester. That scene also does what Only Murders in the Building needs to make the possibility of Mabel and Jay easier to believe. Hopefully, now they will share more scenes and fewer texts.
This episode could make that scene at the card table longer and utilize THĒ there instead of her solely being the catalyst for the invite. Regardless, clues are starting to lock into place. Even so, the best thing about “Cuckoo Chicks” is that it relies on the characters’ communication and trust to get to its latest twist.
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What did you think of Only Murders in the Building Season 5, Episode 8, “Cuckoo Chicks?” Let us know in the comments below!
New episodes of Only Murders in the Building Season 5 stream on Tuesdays on Hulu.
