After Camila purchases the Arconia, the trio works against a wrecking ball to uncover the truth about Lester’s murder in Only Murders in the Building Season 5, Episode 10, “The House Always….” This season finale, written by J.J. Philbin & Ben Smith and directed by Jamie Babbit, answers all the outstanding questions. Some of the investigation’s conclusions are more convincing and exciting than others. Overall, Only Murders in the Building reaches a satisfying end because of where “The House Always…” leaves the characters. More specifically, the trio’s arcs feature believable progress that aligns with the show’s previous four seasons. All the while, this cozy murder mystery reveals that it’s far from over, teeing up its next investigation and a trip across the pond.
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Who Killed Lester?
The biggest question for this season to answer is who killed Lester. “The House Always…” illuminates the truth pretty early in its runtime. That choice leaves the show plenty of space to reveal why the reveal is far less superficial than it seems. Albeit, it is entirely convenient that Beau shows up at the casino when he does. Also, it’s not surprising to think the show will want to utilize Keegan-Michael Key for more than his character’s self-serving exposition dump in “Silver Alert.” However, this episode takes it deeper as Mayor Beau Tillman crashes out.
He shares that he saw his father get nothing for a hardworking, service job and wanted to ensure the opposite for himself. Lester, who dedicates his life to protecting New York in a way that Beau politically vows to do, verbalizes that corruption at his own peril. Ultimately, Beau’s motivation tracks with the season’s themes and the character’s desires from the beginning. Also, even after seeing Lester’s death through multiple lenses this season, it’s still devastating in this episode. That sentiment showcases the care that Only Murders in the Building puts into everything.
Only Murders in the Building then utilizes concise, detailed flashbacks to hit all the big pieces of evidence in the case. “The House Always…” strikes a balance of showing, telling, and the narrative function of both. Given his secretive efforts and the little screentime, the season finale needs to show Beau at the scene of the crime. Alternatively, it’s better for Jay’s character and his wish for redemption that he tells Mabel the truth. The season comments on greed, selfishness, and power, while also (as the show is wont to do) having hope that people can be better and kinder to each other.
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What Comes Next?
That’s partly why it’s so moving to see the Arconia’s residents rally around each other and the trio after the heartwarming penultimate episode. Because of the show’s work to make the building a character and all those recurring residents in it stand out, “The House Always…” succeeds at making birds stop Beau from escaping a celebratory moment. Even THĒ gives her song more meaning by making it a distraction. Relatedly, this episode makes every resident’s effort to get justice for Lester a direct refutation of Beau’s comments that Lester didn’t have friends, only tenants. They are tenants, but they have become so much more than that over the last five years. No wonder Lester trusted them!
It’s particularly gratifying to see Howard play such a pivotal role in this episode. This season (and Michael Cyril Creighton) does a fantastic job with that character. Howard and Vinny’s relationship is already delightful, so hopefully, a sixth season will give them even more screentime than what they get here.
It’s also rewarding to see Charles walk away from Sofia. That growth is incredible! It’s as incredible as watching Steve Martin pole dance – Only Murders in the Building is a gift. Sincerely, Charles’s arc is so clear and well-done this season. Seeing Mabel and Oliver tell Charles that the power has been inside of him all along is moving. Each of the trio’s arcs has been thoughtful and wonderful to watch. They establish Charles, Oliver, and Mabel on stable ground just for Cinda Canning to die – and revive herself to ensure she’s within the parameters for their podcast to cover her death. It’s outrageous in the best ways. Here’s to a hopeful Only Murders in the Building Season 6 – and a trip to London?!
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What did you think of Only Murders in the Building Season 5, Episode 10, “The House Always…?” Let us know in the comments!
Only Murders in the Building Season 5 is streaming on Hulu.
