Episode 2 of *Only Murders In The Building* Season 5 kicks off with a nostalgic flashback, featuring an interview with several doormen hailing from the bustling streets of New York City. The interviewer then makes their way to the Arconia, where they encounter Lester, who regales them with tales of his 32-year tenure as a doorman.
Lester recounts to the interviewer how his initial foray into the role was merely a part-time endeavor, a means to make ends meet while he pursued his true passion: acting. Present-day Lester takes us on a journey through time, narrating how George, the seasoned doorman before him, became his mentor.
Another flashback transports us to Lester's first day at the Arconia. George, with a wealth of experience, imparts wisdom and insider knowledge about each and every resident of the building. Lester fondly remembers meeting Mabel as a tiny tot, accompanying her mother to the Arconia.
A young Oliver also makes an appearance in Lester's recollections, engaging in his inaugural encounter with the doorman as he endeavors to secure an apartment within the esteemed building. Lester shares a hopeful conversation with Charles, then at the height of his Brazzos fame, expressing his own aspirations to make it big in the acting world someday.
Lester's memories also include the serendipitous moment he met his future wife, Lorraine, within the hallowed halls of the Arconia, leading to their union a few years down the line. We witness a youthful Howard diligently caring for his ailing mother, while Lester forms a bond with a teenage Mabel during a festive Christmas, giving her a tour of the building.
As the years roll by, more flashbacks emerge, showcasing Lester's interactions with the diverse cast of residents. One pivotal day, Lester witnesses George receiving an envelope brimming with cash from Nicky, prompting him to inquire about joining in on their clandestine dealings.
After the brand-new automated elevator is installed, a sense of unease washes over Lester as he frets about the possibility of losing his job. Sensing Lester's concern, George steps in and introduces him to Nicky, hinting that Lester could be the one to step into George's shoes once he decides to retire. Nicky, with a sly glint in his eye, tempts Lester with the promise of easy money. The catch? All Lester has to do is quietly allow certain individuals to slip into the building unnoticed.
Time marches on, and George eventually bids farewell to his role, leaving Lester to ascend to the position of head Doorman at the illustrious Arconia. As the years roll by, Lester finds himself continually assisting Nicky, all while the residents of the building gradually age.
One fateful day, Lester musters the courage to tell Nicky that he's ready to sever ties. His children are now in college, and he's amassed a tidy sum of savings. But Nicky, unyielding, refuses to let Lester go and insists that he remain on the job until further notice.
Reluctantly, Lester continues in his role, offering a shoulder to lean on for Charles as his acting career falters and providing solace to Oliver amidst his divorce. Conversations with his wife turn somber as they discuss the string of murders plaguing the building, their worries mounting with each passing day.
Determined to break free from Nicky's grasp, Lester decides to follow in George's footsteps and hires a new doorman to succeed him. He brings Randall on board, laying down the law with unequivocal clarity: steer clear of Nicky at all costs.
The narrative then shifts back to Lester, recounting his tale to an interviewer with a wistful smile. He insists that his story is merely a chapter in the grand saga of the building and its colorful cast of residents. Fast forward to the present, and Mabel, Charles, and Oliver are left reeling in shock as they learn that Lester's death has been ruled an accident...
