Previously on Only Murders in the Building, the gang turned their attention towards the wives of Lester the Doorman and Nicky Caccimelio after receiving some unsettling news. The investigation into the latest suspects brings them to Oliver’s old neighborhood of “Flatbush.”
The episode marks the return of Oliver’s wife, Loretta Durkin, and boy is Meryl Streep a joy to watch. She seamlessly slots into the series helping with the investigation. It’s fun to see her fully commit to the comedic role and cursing like a sailor. Although she approaches being too over-the-top with her accents, it still adds to the silliness.
Loretta’s presence also helps us explore Oliver as a character. Now that she has appeared, she becomes a more tangible reason for Oliver to consider moving away from the Arconia. Also, she brings another dimension to her husband since he is more open and vulnerable around her. They are such a cute and sweet couple as she encourages her better half to relive a childhood memory.
Only Murders in the Building effectively explores the episode’s running theme of home through various means. The episode reflects a sorrowful state with Lorraine’s void in her life after losing Lester. Their home is a painful reminder of what she has lost. Loretta is in a similar emotional state when a fire breaks out in her apartment. What she loses is priceless due to the sentimental value.
But home can evoke happy thoughts as well. The dive into Oliver’s youth depicts a young boy who felt out of place. That is until he found the stage, and even the verbal description of how alive and comfortable it made him feel puts a smile on your face. Then, there is of course the new life that Oliver and Loretta are beginning together. Loretta didn’t lose everything in the fire, and she can begin again with the strong foundation of her marriage. The theme of home throughout is able to stir up feelings while also tying the multiple storylines together.
While “Flatbush” does an excellent job featuring Oliver’s subplot, it is not quite as effective with Mabel’s. A running arc this season of Only Murders in the Building revolves around the rocky relationship with an old friend Thē. Mabel’s frustrations boil over in a clever way that garners sympathy for Thē. The resulting conversation allows them to be on the same page, but the resolution seems to come rather quickly and conveniently considering the animosity between them.
This week’s episode uses the theme of home to explore suspects, dive into character backstory, and to develop relationships in moving ways. Plus, you can never go wrong with more Meryl Streep.
New episodes of Only Murders in the Building release Tuesdays on Hulu.
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