Welcome Back Meryl Streep!
Meryl Streep, though not part of Hulu’s original cast for Only Murders in the Building, made a memorable return in Seasons 3 and 4. She took on the quirky role of Loretta Durkin, an actress who rekindles her career in Oliver’s (Martin Short) play and even marries him by the end of Season 4.
Now, with Season 5 rolling out, the cast is back from New Zealand. I can’t help but appreciate this show, its mix of intrigue and lightheartedness is just, well, entertaining. Loretta’s return to New York is bittersweet; her apartment has been a site of destruction for nearly five decades. This backdrop of flames adds a layer of drama as Oliver, along with Mabel (Selena Gomez) and Charles (Steve Martin), dive into yet another murder mystery at Arconia while Oliver weighs a life-changing offer. Will he nest in a new space with Loretta?
In the sixth episode, titled “Flatbush,” Loretta takes charge quickly. She helps Oliver uncover the truth behind Leicester’s (Teddy Kolca) death on their wedding night. They discover that the trio inadvertently crossed paths with the widow entwined in the case. Loretta, along with Lorente Kolca (Dianne Wiest) and Sofia Cuccimerio (Thea Leoni), crash an open house to gather clues, raising questions about whether these widowed women might have ulterior motives linked to underground poker games. It’s a curious situation, to say the least.
But, is it really plausible? Although these women might share financial interests, they seem more like friends than conspirators. Sure, there’s a hint of something more—are they even working together on something bigger? It’s hinted they are involved in a production at a local theater, but the details feel a bit hazy for now.
Lorraine speaks poignantly about her late husband, expressing a desire to sell her belongings for just another moment with him. Loretta’s perspective shifts after a heartfelt exchange with Lorraine, finding solace in Oliver’s presence. They share a tender moment, but it’s soon interrupted by the whims of Sofia and Lorraine.
The pursuit of answers surrounding Leicester and Nicky Cuccimelio’s (Bobby Cannavale) deaths continues, with new detectives entering the scene. As for Loretta—will she remain a central figure as the season progresses? There’s this looming question about whether Oliver is genuinely considering an offer for an apartment or if it’s all a ruse. Honestly, I lean toward thinking it’s a misdirection. After all, the show isn’t titled just about Oliver’s house, right?
The first six episodes of Only Murders in the Building Season 5 are available to stream on Hulu, with new episodes dropping each Tuesday at midnight ET.
