Only Murders in the Building Season 5, Episode 9, “LESTR,” is a beautiful and honest reflection of the Arconia’s charms and flaws, making it an ideal penultimate outing for this season. This episode, written by Max Searle & Alex Bigelow and directed by Jamie Babbit, goes behind the eyes (or screen) of a robot to get to the hearts of real people. “LESTR” is the most voice work that Paul Rudd gets, as the ever-present hunk of metal takes an endearing spin.
In tandem, Only Murders in the Building tests out the common (and relevant) theory that humans drive technology’s evil. The robot serves a multi-faceted function in and for the story without ever entering into deus ex machina territory. “LESTR” does the opposite; the robot has been present from the start of Only Murders in the Building Season 5. It facilitates the next phase of the investigation without solving the case. Whether what the trio and their friends discover is believable and sticks the landing is for the season finale to solve.
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Emotionless Robots
It’s clever of Only Murders in the Building to use LESTR to play on the fractures among the residents at the Arconia. Admittedly, it is a bit strange to see Charles be an “emotionless robot,” per Oliver, after the breakthroughs in couples therapy. Then again, it is somewhat believable for Charles’s newfound emotional vulnerability to close off as the Arconia’s doors shut. So, “LESTR” works to pry that side of the character open again. Howard being the key is wonderful. That pairing is more surprising but as delightful as Detective Williams and Mabel. The latter’s team-ups have been consistently great.
Therefore, Williams and Mabel’s heart-to-heart is beyond earned. Their partnership also doubles as a mentorship, making their conversation about problem-solving dynamic. It’s rewarding to watch someone – other than Charles and Oliver – see that Mabel wants to help people. The same is not true for Jay. Unfortuantely, Only Murders in the Building never gives him or a possible relationship between him and Mabel a real chance. The progress at Bash’s house and their exchanged texts don’t amount to much for Jay. He doesn’t receive enough opportunities to show his growth or an effort to do so.
It doesn’t help that “LESTR” brings back James Caverly as Theo Dimas, who has the best and most appealing dynamic with Mabel. Just one interaction between them – for the first time since Only Murders in the Building Season 3, Episode 7, “CoBros” – has more chemistry than Mabel’s few scenes with Jay. Like with Da’Vine Joy Randolph as Detective Williams, this show is better when he’s there.
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Saving the Arconia
This episode, like “After You,” is a real celebration of the ensemble that the show has built over the last five seasons. Since all of the upheaval at the building brings everyone to the lobby, it’s even more odd that this season only features one of the Westies, Vince. Regardless, Richard Kind remains absolutely delightful in Only Murders in the Building. Likewise, it’s great to see Nathan Lane reprise his role as Teddy Dimas. It’s hilarious that Teddy gets out of jail only to get kicked out of the Arconia. Overall, it’s quite moving to see all the residents interacting after Dr. Stanley talks about wanting to get to know his neighbors.
That sentiment folds nicely into Charles and Howard’s conversation – one of the best scenes of the season and maybe even the series. While Charles’s comments pertain to the Arconia’s residents, they also feel relevant to the current moment: “Look, we have done a bad job of checking in with each other in this building. And that’s on us. It’s easy to assume that everyone is just okay, but sometimes they just aren’t. And it’s easy to forget to be a good neighbor.”
Steve Martin and Michael Cyril Creighton’s performances make the uplifting script better. “LESTR” uses that exchange to inspire Charles and Oliver’s much-needed, sentimental scene. It never gets old hearing the characters tell each other how much they mean to one another. It’s then such a treat to see the residents band together for Lester. This episode breaks the pattern of Howard being shut out of the trio’s investigations to great benefit. The robot may be right that humans are capable of malice. With the Arconia on the line, this season’s penultimate episode proves they’re also capable of great kindness.
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What did you think of Only Murders in the Building Season 5, Episode 9, “LESTR?” Let us know in the comments!
New episodes of Only Murders in the Building Season 5 stream on Tuesdays on Hulu.
