Only Murders In The Building Season 5 Episode 1 recap: Why is Nikki Caximlio important?

The highly anticipated season 5 of Only Murders in the Building starts with all the drama, humor, and suspense fans love. From the very first scene, the episode makes it clear that this season is going to be bigger, darker, and funnier than before. And yes, it all begins with something as bizarre as a severed finger inside a shrimp cocktail.

The episode of Only Murders in the Building wastes no time grabbing attention. Mabel discovers what looks like a human finger in Oliver’s leftover wedding shrimp cocktail. Naturally, this makes them question the recent “accidental” death of Lester, the beloved doorman of the Arconia. The police may have closed the case, but our trio smells foul play.

Charles, Oliver, and Mabel are back at it again, their chemistry as sharp as ever. They immediately dive into investigating Lester’s suspicious death, despite knowing how much chaos usually follows them around. Their teamwork and banter remind us why this trio makes the perfect mystery-solving team.

A mysterious woman, Sophia Caximlio, shows up with her own plea for help. She claims her husband, Nikki, a washed-up mobster, has gone missing. She fears something sinister may have happened to him. Sophia’s story pushes the trio deeper into Lester’s case, linking it to mob ties, gambling, and secrets.

At Lester’s memorial in the Arconia lobby, the mix of comedy and emotion is pure Only Murders.

Charles awkwardly tries to count Lester’s fingers by feeling his body, earning glares.

Mabel shares a touching childhood memory of Lester gifting her a drawing pad when her mother forgot her birthday.

The moment shows that Lester wasn’t just a doorman; he was family to many tenants.

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The first big clue in Only Murders In The Building

The trio uncovers a photo of Nikki handing Lester an envelope at Oliver’s wedding, the night Lester died. This clue makes them believe Lester’s death wasn’t an accident at all, but perhaps a mob hit. Suddenly, things are far more dangerous in Only Murders in the Building.

Oliver hilariously refuses to get involved with the mob, recalling a ridiculous story where he once borrowed money from mobsters for his failed musical Newark Newwork. Of course, curiosity eventually wins, and he joins the investigation anyway.

The trio heads to Staten Island to confront Sophia. They arrive at a mansion straight out of The Godfather, only to meet a group of men who seem threatening until they break into song, revealing they’re just fellow podcasters with their own show: classic Only Murders in the Building humor.

Sophia then reveals the truth: Nikki owns a dry-cleaning business in the Arconia and has a bad habit of disappearing due to drugs, gambling, and affairs.

Sophia gives Charles a deck of cards left behind by Nikki. Later, Charles notices one card hides a secret map that only appears when viewed through something red. This leads them to a cleaning closet inside the Arconia with a hidden door.

Inside, they find strong evidence linking Lester’s last moments to Nikki, including the envelope from the wedding. This practically confirms Lester didn’t die by accident; something bigger is going on in Only Murders in the Building.

While trying to retrieve Lester’s hat from the dry cleaner, Oliver accidentally activates a hidden mechanism and falls screaming into what looks like a secret tunnel beneath the Arconia: a perfect cliffhanger ending.

The premiere balances mystery with heartfelt character moments:

Charles struggles with questions about his future and aging.

Oliver continues to crave approval, despite his over-the-top personality.

Mabel seems more grounded than ever, with her life finally showing stability.

These layers remind us why viewers are so invested in them.

Once again, the Arconia proves to be more than just a setting. Its hidden passages, secret rooms, and history make it feel like a living, breathing character. The Staten Island “mob house” acts as a funny contrast, showing the different worlds the trio navigates.

The episode of Only Murders in the Building also reintroduces side favorites:

Randall, Lester’s trainee and the new doorman, seems suspiciously informed.

Howard, of course, is still having cat drama.

Mayor Tilman uses Lester’s memorial as a photo op, adding hints of political intrigue.

The premiere captures the perfect balance of:

Humor (awkward finger counting, podcaster mobsters)

Heart (Mabel’s story about Lester’s kindness)

Mystery (hidden maps, envelopes, and tunnels)

It shows that the charm of Only Murders in the Building is alive and well.

The episode of Only Murders in the Building sets up a season packed with:

Mob ties and Nikki’s shady connections

Secret rooms inside the Arconia

Oliver’s mysterious fall and what lies underground

The unanswered question: What was in that envelope?

Episode 1 of Only Murders in the Building Season 5 proves the series hasn’t lost its spark. With its mix of humor, mystery, and emotional storytelling, it sets the stage for another season full of shocking twists and hilarious surprises. Fans can rest assured; this season is off to a fantastic start.

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