The penultimate episode of “Only Murders in the Building” Season 5 just dropped a jaw-dropping twist. Episode 9, titled “LESTR,” premiered October 21, 2025, on Hulu, and fans finally got the answer to one of the season’s most bizarre mysteries: who stole Charles’s finger? The revelation about Nicky’s grandmother (nonna) stealing the finger adds a shocking layer to the already complex investigation—and raises unsettling questions about her motives.
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Only Murders in the Building Episode 9 Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Episode Title | LESTR |
| Episode Number | Season 5, Episode 9 |
| Air Date | October 21, 2025 |
| Streaming Platform | Hulu |
| Finger Thief | Nicky’s grandmother (nonna) |
| Key Discovery | Secret passage in Arconia walls |
| Lester’s Killer Revealed | Still unknown |
| Status | Penultimate episode |
The Finger Thief Revealed: Nonna’s Shocking Crime
Nicky’s grandmother stole Charles’s finger. This bombshell revelation completely reshapes the investigation into Lester and Nicky’s deaths. The question everyone’s asking: why would an elderly woman steal a severed finger?
The episode doesn’t immediately explain her motives, leaving viewers with delicious suspense heading into the season finale. However, the discovery came through an unexpected source—Howard noticed a scuff mark near Mabel’s fridge that everyone assumed came from Robo-Lester. His keen observation matched the marks to a specific mobility scooter, the kind his mother used to own.
This detective work reveals nonna’s presence at crime scenes despite her seemingly innocent demeanor. The mobility scooter evidence places her at locations previously unconnected to her, suggesting deeper involvement in the Arconia’s mysteries than anyone suspected.
For more mystery series breakdowns, check our streaming drama coverage.
Randall’s Wild Chase Through the Arconia
The episode opens with explosive tension when Mabel, Charles, and Oliver discover doorman Randall on bird cam footage from Lester’s murder. Confronted with evidence, Randall initially denies involvement—then bolts, triggering a comical yet suspenseful chase through the Arconia.
Despite the trio’s best efforts, Randall escapes, adding another layer of mystery. Why would an innocent doorman run? The answer connects to Randall’s complex loyalty to his mentor Lester.
Later revelations suggest Randall likely hid the bloody elevator crank after Lester’s death—not as an accomplice to murder, but to protect Lester’s reputation. This protective instinct explains his flight: Randall knew what he’d done looked suspicious but felt honoring his mentor’s memory justified the deception.
The Secret Passage Discovery
In one of the episode’s most significant breakthroughs, Mabel and Detective Williams discover a hidden passageway within the Arconia’s walls while drinking in the underground casino. The clue? A strange footprint on pristine carpet that shouldn’t have been disturbed.
This secret entrance near the dry cleaner where Nicky’s body was discovered revolutionizes the investigation. It explains how the killer moved undetected and why certain alibis seemed impossible. More importantly, it reveals Randall never actually left the building despite social media posts claiming he was in Cuba.
The Arconia’s hidden architecture becomes a character itself—a building with secrets facilitating murder. For fans who’ve watched since Season 1, this discovery validates the show’s consistent theme: the building knows everything.
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Robo-Lester’s Devastating Revelation
Perhaps the episode’s most heartbreaking moment comes from Robo-Lester, the robotic doorman programmed with Lester’s recordings. The robot reveals Lester attacked Nicky because he believed she threatened the Arconia—his beloved building and residents.
This revelation reframes everything. Lester wasn’t a murderous villain; he was a fiercely protective doorman who made a fatal mistake identifying threats. The tragedy deepens: if Lester killed Nicky in misguided protection, who killed Lester?
This question propels the investigation into its final phase. Someone murdered Lester either for revenge or to cover up larger crimes. The killer remains at large.
Charles and Oliver’s Emotional Goodbye
Amid murder mysteries, the episode delivers genuine emotional weight as Charles and Oliver prepare to leave the dying Arconia. Their friendship faces a painful test when Oliver feels abandoned by Charles’s apparent eagerness to move on.
The conversation reveals deeper truths: both struggle with change, and their inability to express vulnerability nearly fractures their bond. Charles’s gesture—convincing Oliver to keep a doorknob as a memento—becomes a symbol of their enduring friendship beyond buildings and podcasts.
This emotional anchor reminds viewers why “Only Murders” succeeds: it balances mystery with genuine character relationships. For more character analysis, visit our TV drama insights.
What Nonna’s Actions Mean
The nonna twist suggests several possibilities:
Revenge Motive: Did she know Lester killed her granddaughter and stole the finger as bizarre retribution or evidence?
Protection: Perhaps she’s shielding someone else involved in the crimes.
Hidden Connection: Her actions might reveal previously unknown relationships between victims and suspects.
The mobility scooter evidence proves nonna possessed both opportunity and ability to move through the Arconia unnoticed. Elderly residents often become invisible to witnesses—a perfect cover for criminal activity.
Setting Up the Finale
Episode 9 expertly positions all pieces for a explosive finale. With nonna exposed, Randall’s motives understood, secret passages revealed, and Lester’s tragic mistake uncovered, one massive question remains: who killed Lester, and why?
The season finale promises answers to mysteries spanning nine episodes while maintaining the show’s signature blend of comedy, heart, and genuine suspense.
FAQs
Q: Who stole Charles’s finger in Only Murders in the Building Season 5 Episode 9?
Nicky’s grandmother (nonna) stole Charles’s finger. The discovery came when Howard noticed scuff marks near Mabel’s fridge matching a specific mobility scooter—the same kind nonna uses. This revelation places her at crime scenes and raises questions about her motives and involvement in both Lester and Nicky’s deaths.
Q: Did Lester kill Nicky in Only Murders in the Building Season 5?
Yes, Robo-Lester’s recordings reveal that Lester attacked and killed Nicky because he believed she posed a threat to the Arconia and its residents. His action was misguided protection rather than malicious murder. However, this raises the bigger question: who killed Lester afterward, possibly for revenge or to cover up the truth?
