**Only Murders in the Building Season 5, Episodes 9 and 10 Recap: The intertwined fates of Lester and Nicky**
*Contains spoilers for “Only Murders in the Building” Season 5, Episodes 9 and 10.*
The fifth season of *Only Murders in the Building* plunges Mabel (Selena Gomez), Charles (Steve Martin), and Oliver (Martin Short) into two complex murder investigations within the Arconia: the murders of the doorman Lester (Teddy Coluca) and Nicky Caccimelio (Bobby Cannavale), a Mafia figure who runs the underground lounge and poker games in the building. These two deaths are deeply intertwined, and solving one case draws the trio closer to understanding the other.
Through careful detective work, the team uncovers that Lester himself is behind Nicky’s murder. The fatal encounter unfolds when Lester strikes Nicky in the head with an elevator crank and unintentionally impales him with a meat cleaver during the ensuing fall.
The second episode explores the depth of Lester’s connection to the Arconia and his complicated entanglement with Nicky’s criminal enterprises. While the money Lester earned alongside his wife Lorraine offered a comfortable life, the toll it took on him was immense. Yearning to break free, Lester found himself trapped when Nicky refused to let him exit the deal. Ultimately, Lester takes a drastic step when the opportunity arises—an action that seals both their fates.
Adding another layer to the season’s twists, it is revealed that Nicky recently discovered his wife was having an affair with New York City’s mayor, Beau Tillman (Keegan-Michael Key). Agitated and under the influence, Nicky violently cuts off the mayor’s finger with a cleaver in a moment of rage. This incident sets off a domino effect beginning with Lester hitting Nicky with the elevator crank. The confrontation escalates, culminating in Nicky falling onto Lester, who then unintentionally impales him with the cleaver.
Following this chaotic scene, Lester flees with the severed finger. Mayor Tillman pursues him, leading to Lester being pushed into a fountain—an act that results in Lester’s death.
Meanwhile, billionaires Camila (Renee Zellweger), Sebastian (Christoph Waltz), and Jay (Logan Lerman) grapple with how to handle the fallout. The wealthy trio is determined to keep the two deaths separate to prevent any link back to Nicky’s role in hosting secret games involving the mayor. To maintain their cover, they place Nicky’s body in Sebastian’s cryogenic chamber, temporarily stashing him in a dry cleaning store before disposing of the body a week later.
Their extreme measures stem from a desire to conceal their corrupt dealings with Mayor Tillman, especially since one of them still harbors ambitions to win the casino bid.
In the end, Lester’s involvement in Nicky’s death was unintentional. However, the chain of events triggered by Nicky’s violent outburst leads to a domino effect that claims both their lives. Just as the season closes, another murder victim emerges—setting the stage for a thrilling Season 6.
https://www.looper.com/2010491/nicky-caccimelio-killer-only-murders-in-the-building-season-5-explained/
