The seventh episode of Only Murders in the Building's fourth season, aptly titled "Valley of the Dolls," is a masterclass in suspense and narrative twists. After the disorienting camera work of episode six left viewers grasping for stability, this installment restores a sense of normalcy while simultaneously plunging us into a whirlpool of intrigue and suspense.
The episode picks up with our trio of amateur sleuths—Charles, Oliver, and Mabel—on the run, their sense of security in the Arconia shattered by the revelation that they've been under surveillance. The urgency of their situation is palpable as they flee to the only safe haven they can think of: the home of Charles's younger sister, Doreen, in Jersey. But as is often the case in the world of Only Murders, safety is an illusion, and the calm before the storm is always the most treacherous.
Doreen, portrayed by the brilliant Melissa McCarthy, is a delightful addition to the cast. Her eccentricities and the doll-filled environment she shares with her guests provide both comic relief and a sense of the uncanny. The arrival of unexpected guests, including Bev, Eva, Zach, Eugene, and Loretta, adds a layer of chaos to the already tense atmosphere. Each character brings their own set of anxieties and suspicions, making for a combustible mix.
The subplot of Oliver and Loretta's relationship takes a dramatic turn. The breakup text, a result of panic and fear, sets off a chain of events that lead to a confrontation between Loretta and Doreen, culminating in a physical altercation that is as hilarious as it is unexpected. Yet, beneath the surface of this slapstick comedy lies a tender moment of reconciliation and commitment. Loretta's acceptance of Oliver's flaws, symbolized by the doll's bracelet she offers as a makeshift engagement ring, is a testament to the resilience of love in the face of madness.
The mystery of who is cashing Dudenoff's checks deepens as the actors, initially seen as a distraction, prove to be invaluable assets in the investigation. Their murder wall and insights suggest that the threat to the Only Murders gang may have originated much earlier than they thought, potentially dating back to the first season of their podcast. This revelation sends Charles into a spiral of introspection, forcing him to reevaluate everything he thought he knew about the case.
Howard's investigation into the cashed checks leads to a shocking discovery: the Westies, the residents of the Arconia's West Tower, are implicated in Dudenoff's murder. The revelation is met with a mix of disbelief and dread, as the once-safe Arconia is now riddled with suspicion and danger. The Westies, who have been portrayed as quirky and eccentric, are now seen in a new light, their motives and loyalties called into question.
As the episode draws to a close, the pieces of the puzzle are beginning to align, but the picture they form is far from clear. The question of who has been watching the Only Murders gang lingers, casting a shadow over every character and every lead. The tension is palpable, and the stakes have never been higher.
"Valley of the Dolls" is a testament to the show's ability to balance humor, suspense, and character development. It keeps viewers on the edge of their seats while simultaneously inviting us to laugh at the absurdity of it all. The episode is a rollercoaster ride of emotions, leaving us eager for the next installment and the answers it may bring.
In the world of Only Murders in the Building, nothing is as it seems, and "Valley of the Dolls" is a perfect example of the show's knack for subverting expectations. As we await the season's conclusion, one thing is certain: the truth, like the killer, is always hiding in plain sight.