‘Only Murders in the Building’ episode 5 review: New character freshens up the dynamics

Delving into tie dye guy.

September 14, 2021

On the previous Only Murders in the Buildings, the newly formed partnership looks to be ending almost as soon as it began. Oliver and Charles discover Mabel’s connection to Tim Kono and are warned by Oliver’s son to stay away from her. Meanwhile, Mabel sets out on a lead on the case but little does she know, she is being shadowed by the sketchy tie dye guy.

Early in “Twist,” we find out the identity of the man who likes wearing bright, multi-colored hoodies. It’s an interesting introduction and he instantly changes the dynamic. He’s someone we can’t completely trust because he initially lies to the protagonists about his motives and what he was up to during the night of Kono’s death. If not a suspect, he’s definitely a person of interest. In addition, through their interactions, he allows Mabel to open up and show a different side of her character: less sarcastic and more affectionate and warm. You’ve never really seen her smile until now.

Having lost trust in their friend, Charles and Oliver decide to tail Mabel. The former Brazos star wrestles with an inner turmoil. On Only Murders in the Building, there are few people he opens up and grows attached to and he’s in disbelief that she would keep secrets after they all agreed to no more lies. It doesn’t help that Oliver serves as the devil on his shoulder getting into his head. He doesn’t want to think the worst of people but a flashback when Mabel dismisses Charles’ ideas about the investigation sticks out and imagine the pairs’ surprise when they see her with tie dye guy.

only murders in the building 5.2 — Photo by: Craig Blankenhorn/Hulu

The long car ride tracking Mabel also provides some of the more humorous scenes of the episode. It allows the two comedic legends to play off each other and improvise. There are some playful nonsensical insults about Long Island that transitions into a silly acapella number that is very Steve Martin and Martin Short. Both actors keep on trying to outdo the other. Moments like these is what I was hoping for considering the talent that was attached.

All the unresolved tension comes to a head in a tattoo shop in Bayport. The truths finally come out and Martin conveys the hurt and disappointment he’s been feeling all episode. There’s no time to deal with the fall out because similar to what Only Murders in the Building has done all season, it drops a bomb right at the end implying foul play in Tim Kono’s murder rather than suicide.

“Twist” has some great comedic moments between Steve Martin and Martin Short but more importantly, it introduces a new character the freshens up the dynamics and continues to build the intrigue behind the mystery.