Episode 5 of "Only Murders in the Building" delves deeply into the multifaceted tapestry of love, showcasing three distinct hues through the lenses of Oliver, Charles, and Mabel's emotional landscapes. Their paths intertwine at Charles' doorstep, where he confesses his hesitance in confronting Joy about the lipstick mystery, two days' worth of suspense weighing heavily on Mabel's mind. She's poised for a date with Tobert, insisting he holds a "promising clue" they must dissect. Meanwhile, Oliver's evening is set with Loretta, within the confines of her cozy apartment.
Charles, finally mustering the bravery, broaches the subject with Joy, only to find her walls of indifference towering. She retreats into her vast aquarium, evading his questions, leaving Charles to ponder if he's doomed to repeat history with another potentially deadly dame. Just then, Sazz Pataki (the irresistible Jane Lynch) sashays in, Charles' stunt double and a welcome distraction with her enchanting guest appearance. She's been summoned as his understudy for the play, arriving at a pivotal moment.
Joy storms out, her heart heavy with Charles' accusations, abandoning their planned cake-tasting excursion. Left with Sazz, Charles grapples with the possibility that Joy could indeed be the killer, fearing he's fallen prey to a recurring nightmare – "MGDS," as Sazz aptly terms it: Murderous Girlfriend Derangement Syndrome. Through a lightning-fast round of questions, Sazz uncovers Charles' true fear: not Joy herself, but the prospect of joy, of embracing happiness once more.
Joy's return finds Charles offering an apology, but it's she who takes charge, unraveling the lipstick enigma. She reveals she was indeed in Ben's room that fateful night, summoned by Howard's urgent message of a "cosmetic crisis." This revelation aligns with Kimber's account of Ben's desperate attempt to conceal a "vibrant red blotch" on his face, inadvertently dropping the lipstick in the process. Charles' doubts dissipate, for he was the one who left that mark, a punch to the face etched in his memory.
This segment ties intimately to Loretta's assertions, which we shall delve into later. However, the skies above Charles' romantic endeavors remain ominous, as Joy's dismay escalates upon discovering that everyone except her was privy to the lipstick incident. Charles, inadvertently, chooses the most ill-timed moment to break the news of his accidental marriage proposal, driving Joy to terminate their engagement and storm out of the apartment, leaving him to rue his poor timing.
Meanwhile, Mabel and Tobert embark on a more traditional dating excursion. Tobert confesses his genuine desire for a genuine "date" date with Mabel, devoid of any ulterior motives or leads. He confides in her his suspicions about Jonathan, Ben's understudy and Howard's lover, though his evidence is scarce. Their suspicions are inadvertently confirmed later that night when they catch Jonathan in a clandestine meeting with Dr. C, Ben's physician. Despite their clumsy revelation, Mabel promptly adds Jonathan's name to her "murder mystery" board, fostering a bond between them. Their night culminates in a passionate kiss, leading seamlessly into an intimate encounter.
Oliver and Loretta's rendezvous, too, stumbles out of the gate, plagued by mutual awkwardness stemming from their lack of recent dating experiences. Their rustiness is palpable, as if each step feels like navigating unfamiliar terrain. As the evening wears on, they gradually shed their inhibitions, finding comfort in each other's company. Loretta's anxiety inadvertently transforms the cuisine into a challenge, leaving Oliver with a missing tooth after a fateful bite. Yet, amidst the chaos, a spark of connection flickers to life.
She promptly whisks him away on a cruise, weaving into their voyage a cherished family ritual. She recounts how, upon shedding each tooth, her mother would embark on a cruise with her, casting the tooth overboard amidst a whispered wish. "Tooth Ferry," she whispers, evoking a nostalgic childhood charm that resonates deeply. As they indulge in a languid, weed-fueled evening imbued with romance, Loretta confesses her feelings of misfortune, convinced that she's under a curse, lamenting the protracted wait for her debut break.
She unveils a backstage altercation with Ben on opening night, where he branded her as "obsessed" and "unworthy" of sharing the spotlight. This revelation inadvertently sheds light on Charles's impulsive punch, a response born of protectiveness. Amidst these newfound insights, Loretta's suspicion of being the author of the "f*****g pig" graffiti on the mirror grows stronger.
Intriguingly, she divulges that Ben's own brother and manager, Dickey, harbored disdain for him. Unable to contain his emotions any longer, Oliver surrenders to the moment, pressing a passionate kiss upon her lips. Their night of intimacy culminates in their return home, where they share a profound connection.
As Loretta retreats for a shower, Oliver's curiosity leads him on a furtive exploration of her room. To his utter astonishment, he stumbles upon a comprehensive diary nestled on the bookshelf, a tangible testament to Loretta's all-consuming obsession with Ben. It's a trove of photographs, newspaper clippings—a veritable playbook straight out of a twisted fan's fantasy, reminiscent of the eerie stalker from episode two. The discovery serves as a jarring revelation, painting a complex portrait of Loretta's hidden desires and struggles.
