Only Murders in the Building Season 5 Episode 9 Review: LESTR

On Only Murders in the Building Season 5 Episode 9, “LESTR,” the Arconia’s robotic doorman gets involved in the investigation, and we see him go about his day, venturing out into the world and into resident’s apartments, doing his job.

L.E.S.T.R. ends up being the perfect way to get a piece of intel that we wouldn’t have gotten any other way.

Well, Randall could’ve shared it, but considering he is a suspect, it would have simply looked like he was trying to blame someone who isn’t able to defend themself against the accusation on account of, well, being dead. 

Trying to solve two murders in the finale would be a lot for Only Murders in the Building to juggle, so it’s a relief that we learn that Lester killed Nicky now. Spacing out the reveals allows the show to give each its own moment, and we get to see how the knowledge affects people.

L.E.S.T.R. playing the footage in the lobby of the Arconia has the unexpected result of uniting the residents. They want to make sure Lester’s (brutal) act isn’t for nothing by finishing what he started: saving the Arconia from the billionaires.

Since our trio formed, they haven’t exactly been well-liked by their neighbors, which is understandable. One murder in the building is bad enough, but when it spawns a podcast and more bodies keep dropping, it’s easy to blame Charles, Oliver, and Mabel.

Now up against a hard deadline, our trio has the support of the Arconia. Hopefully, in the finale, we see some of the building’s residents continue to help Charles, Mabel, and Oliver out.

A last supper scene is nice, but it would ring a little hollow if there weren’t any follow-up in the next episode.

Howard’s weird relationship with L.E.S.T.R. has been played for laughs, and their moments together have been funny. But, it was starting to be a little much, turning Howard into a punchline and not really a person.

Thankfully, Only Murders in the Building realizes this and gives Howard a chance to explain what’s going on with him, and why he’s been clinging to things that cannot give him what he’s been looking for.

Howard’s chat with Charles offers insight into what’s going on with him, but it also gives Charles the nudge he needs to stop withdrawing from his friendship with Oliver. 

With one episode left, our trio still has to solve the mystery of who killed Lester. It wouldn’t be too surprising if we found out that one of the billionaires made a deal with Nicky’s family, and that’s why Nonna stole the finger from Charles’ apartment. 

The billionaire trio meeting Nicky’s family wouldn’t be too outside of the realm of possibility, especially considering the secret passage between the secret gambling room and Nicky’s dry cleaning business.

Billionaires like to outsource their dirty work, so maybe that’s what happened with Lester’s murder. What’s your theory?

Stray Thoughts

• I am becoming emotionally attached to L.E.S.T.R. and his little animated face but not in a weird way.
• I just want the little robot to feel joy and be accepted.
• Theo’s “I know what building I’m in” is such a good line.
• Mabel and Detective Williams have a wonderful relationship; here’s hoping we see more of it.
• Jay, either step up and be a good guy or go away.

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New episodes of Only Murders in the Building air Tuesdays on Hulu.

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