Only Murders in the Building(Season 4): Here’s how the episode 7 unfolded

Episode 7 of Only Murders in the Building Season 4, titled Valley of the Dolls, offers viewers a blend of humor, tension, and quirky charm as Mabel, Oliver, and Charles seek safety away from Arconia. After the trio received ominous messages in Episode 6’s cliffhanger, they flee to the home of Charles’s sister, Doreen, located in Long Island. The introduction of Doreen, played by comedic powerhouse Melissa McCarthy, injects fresh energy into the show, marking Season 4 as one of the most star-studded yet.

Only Murders in the Building(Season 4): 7th episode explained

Doreen’s house quickly becomes a key set piece for the episode’s unfolding chaos. The eccentricity of her character is highlighted by her massive collection of dolls, which range from delicate porcelain figurines to life-sized mannequins. In a moment of comedic awkwardness, one of these dolls bears a striking resemblance to Loretta (Meryl Streep), much to Oliver’s discomfort. The strained relationship between Charles and his sister is also explored, with a backstory that reveals Charles may have been responsible for a childhood accident that created distance between them. 

While Doreen’s home provides temporary sanctuary, the trio’s hopes for safety are dashed when an unexpected visitor arrives the next morning. Bev Melon (Molly Shannon), thanks to Howard (Michael Cyril Creighton) leaking their location, confronts Charles with a pressing question: Are the Brothers sisters the killers? Bev, the ever-efficient manager, is concerned about whether to fire them or spin the narrative to keep them employed.

The tension increases when the actors, left behind in the Arconia, also arrive at Doreen’s. Mabel attempts to assure them that they are not in danger, but the situation becomes more serious when Zach Galifianakis reveals a bullet wound, proving otherwise. Mabel, realizing the gravity of the situation, allows them to stay on the condition that they give up their phones to maintain the integrity of the safe house.

To add to the growing list of uninvited guests, Loretta makes a sudden appearance, catching Oliver in an unfortunate situation with Doreen that looks far more compromising than it actually is. Loretta’s arrival, after being informed by Howard as well, fuels further complications, highlighting Howard’s knack for unintentionally creating problems. The comedic misunderstandings and character-driven humor in this scene epitomize the show’s ability to balance suspense with levity.

Unlike previous episodes, Valley of the Dolls takes a step back from the core murder investigation, focusing more on character dynamics and interactions in this unusual setting. The shift works well for the series, allowing audiences to enjoy the hilarious exchanges and unexpected scenarios, all while keeping the central mystery simmering in the background.