The second-to-last episode of the fifth season of “Only Murders in the Building” delivers a thrilling experience. The Arconia’s fate hangs in the balance as Camila White (played by Renee Zellweger) plans to transform the building’s secret casino into a tourist attraction. The residents must band together and think creatively to avert this change, relying on both their wit and the digital archive of Lestr, a robot replacing Lester (Teddy Coluca). This episode also brings two previously missing characters back into the spotlight: Theo (James Caverly) and Teddy Dimas (Nathan Lane).

Teddy had been absent since Season 2’s “Sparring Partners,” where he revealed to Oliver Putnam (Martin Short) that he is the biological father of Oliver’s son, Will. Theo last appeared in Season 3’s “CoBro,” where he assisted Mabel Mora (Selena Gomez) in investigating the murder of Ben Glenroy (Paul Rudd) and helped her with a move. But they aren’t the only familiar faces making a return in Season 5.

Season 5 extensively revisits Lester’s past, showcasing characters who have either passed away or departed from the series. Episode 2, “After You,” brings back several fan favorites. This flashback episode sheds light on Lester’s mob connections and reveals that Oliver, Charles-Haden Savage (Steve Martin), and Mabel Mora have been intertwined for much longer than they realized. A younger Teddy is seen clashing with Oliver over plans to incorporate puppets into their Broadway show. Meanwhile, Sazz Pataki (Jane Lynch), Charles’ endearing stunt double who died in Season 4, is seen exchanging playful banter with him about an upcoming role.

Since much of Season 5 flashes back through the life of Lester, we get to see characters who have either shuffled off their mortal coil or have left the series over the course of its run. During Episode 2, “After You,” a whole bunch of favorites turn up. Since the episode looks back over many years to figure out how Lester developed mob ties and how Oliver, Charles-Haden Savage (Steve Martin), and Mabel Mora have known each other for longer than they thought, this makes perfect sense. We see a younger version of Teddy, who is fighting with Oliver about his plans to add puppets to their upcoming Broadway show. Sazz Pataki (Jane Lynch), Charles’ lovable stunt double who died back in Season 4, is seen bantering with him about an upcoming part. 

All of the other characters who have been murdered in the Arconia appear except for Ben. Bunny Folger (Jayne Houdyshell), who was murdered in Season 2, pops up, and Tim Kono (Julian Cihi) is seen as a rebellious teenager before his death in “Only Murders in the Building” Season 1. Will the Season 5 finale give us more guest stars? Keep your eyes peeled during next week’s episode.