Parenting Tips from “Only Murders in the Building” S5 E4, “Dirty Birds”

Each Tuesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. In this episode, we get our first look at Ben's backstory. Would you be surprised to learn that he, too, had a Bad Dad? Mentioned: Actors Carrie Preston (as Ben's mom, Emily; she's Michael Emerson's wife in real life) and John Gries as that bad dad.​Next Tuesday, we'll continue with season 3, episode 21, "Greatest Hits," and we'll follow that up with the season finale, "Through the Looking Glass," next Wednesday. Tomorrow, we'll continue with our discussion of a newer show, Only Murders in the Building.

Here's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week.Catherine's library find is a podcast, recommended to her by a library coworker, called If Books Could Kill. Mentioned: Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother, The Anxious Generation, Blink, He's Just Not That Into You (and its movie version).​Terri's random recommendation, speaking of books, is the Barnes & Noble premium membership, which gets you lots of discounts and the all-important tote bag.Bonus content: Dancing with the Stars week 4, "Disney Night."​In the archives, we checked in on an episode from 2022 on future planning for young adults.Next week's lineup: Lost S3 E20, "The Man Behind the Curtain," on Tuesday, October 14Only Murders in the Building S5 E7 on Wednesday, October 15Weekly roundup on Thursday, October 16Until then (and anytime you're in need), the archives are available.

Every Wednesday, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property, and currently, that's Only Murders in the Building. This week's episode took a Lost turn by showing us flashbacks from Oliver's formative years in Brooklyn. Plus, Meryl Streep returns, after a fire in Loretta's apartment that is hand-waved away much too quickly. We're sure it will be back.Next Wednesday, we'll continue with season 5, episode 7. We'll be back tomorrow with our weekly roundup.

Each Tuesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. In this episode, we finally find out how Locke's dad got to the island, and what's going to happen to him there. Since he's one of Lost's many Bad Dads, it's not going to go well.​Next Tuesday, we'll continue with season 3, episode 20, "The Man Behind the Curtain." Tomorrow, we'll continue with our discussion of a newer show, Only Murders in the Building.​This episode was recorded in front of a live audience ... of dogs.

Here's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week.Catherine's library find is a parenting book that at least acknowledges how tough a road some of us have. It's called Advanced Parenting, by pediatrician Kelly Fradin, MD. Mentioned: Library patron reviews of Deadpool vs. Wolverine; the 2005 movie Just Like Heaven.​Terri's random recommendation is Solitaired, your source for a quick, brain-building game whenever you need a little break from your work. Mentioned: one sec.Bonus content: Dancing with the Stars week 4, "TikTok Night."​In the archives, we checked in on an episode from 2019 on parenting independent kids (titled "Grow Up! No, Don't!").Next week's lineup: Lost S3 E19, "The Brig" (and DWTS chat on YouTube after the show airs) on Tuesday, October 7Only Murders in the Building S5 E6, "Flatbush," on Wednesday, October 8Weekly roundup on Thursday, October 9Until then (and anytime you're in need), the archives are available.

Every Wednesday, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property, and currently, that's Only Murders in the Building. This episode gave us the (brief) return of Da'Vine Joy Randolph's Detective Williams, and a further justification for tracking family members on their phones. Mentioned: The official OMITB podcast.Next Wednesday, we'll continue with season 5, episode 6, "Flatbush." We'll be back tomorrow with our weekly roundup.

Each Tuesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. On this episode, we question the healthcare facilities available on the island, as well as the need for yet another hour of TV reminding us that people keep lying to Jin.​Next Tuesday, we'll continue with season 3, episode 19, "The Brig." Tomorrow, we'll continue with our discussion of a newer show, Only Murders in the Building.

Here's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week.Catherine's library find, Carrot Creatures: Make Your Own, came from the children's department, but we have concerns. Mentioned: So You Want to Be a Chef and The Jazzy Vegetarian.​Terri's random recommendation is our coverage of the current season of Dancing with the Stars, recorded immediately after the episodes air on Tuesdays and available on YouTube. Here's week 2, "One-Hit Wonders Night."​In the archives, we checked in on an episode from 2019 on parenting hotlines we could use.Next week's lineup: Lost S3 E18, "D.O.C." (and DWTS chat on YouTube after the show airs) on Tuesday, September 30Only Murders in the Building S5 E5, "Tongue Tied," on Wednesday, October 1Weekly roundup on Thursday, October 2Until then (and anytime you're in need), the archives are available.

Every Wednesday, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property, and currently, that's Only Murders in the Building. Last week, we complained about the schtick level, and now we have issues with the plausibility level, as the trio laughably escapes the billionaires' attention in the Velvet Room and then falls for an obviously bad business deal without a second thought. Mentioned: "Which of the Pickwick Triplets Did It?" (the patter song from season 3). Next Wednesday, we'll continue with season 5, episode 4, "Tongue Tied." We'll be back tomorrow with our weekly roundup.

Each Tuesday, we discuss an older entertainment property, and currently, that's Lost. On this episode, we identify with Desmond's struggles to both predict the outcomes of his actions and bear the responsibility of keeping Charlie alive.​Next Tuesday, we'll continue with season 3, episode 18, "D.O.C." Tomorrow, we'll continue with our discussion of a newer show, Only Murders in the Building, season 5, episode 4, "Dirty Birds."