As the premiere episode of "Dying For Sex" unfolds, Molly Kochan (portrayed by Michelle Williams) struggles to recall the name of the man she shared an intimate encounter with. She internally urges herself to stay focused on Steve (Jay Duplass) as they sit in a counseling session. Steve confesses that their sexual activity has waned over the years. Dr. Anne (Lisa Strum) inquiries if their sex life halted after Molly's breast cancer diagnosis. Molly silently desires Steve to desire her, insisting that she still craves intimacy with him. Steve, however, suspects it's merely a side effect of the medication keeping her cancer at bay.
The hospital's call delivers grim news about Molly's hip biopsy, prompting her to ponder on sex even more as she wanders into a convenience store. Nikki Boyer (Jenny Slate), on her way to a rehearsal, offers Molly a ride. As Molly lights a cigarette, Nikki notices her distress.
Molly unburdens herself, revealing that the pain in her hip stems from cancer. Two years have passed since her diagnosis, and she has adhered strictly to the doctor's orders. She laments the unfairness of her fate, just as she was getting accustomed to her new breasts. Molly is convinced she's on the brink of death, the cancer having spread to her bones, rendering it incurable. Nikki, understandably freaked out, fails to calm the bodega manager (Carmine Famiglietti), who initially mistakes her for being intoxicated and asks them to leave. He reluctantly relents, allowing them to stay as long as they remain quiet.
Molly shares that she learned of her cancer's recurrence during a couples therapy session, yet she didn't feel sad. Instead, she envisioned herself as a seven-year-old girl dancing, a memory tinged with resentment towards her younger self for the choices that led her to this point. Molly resents the simplicity of her relationship with Steve, feeling like he's the caretaker and martyr, while she's the helpless patient – a dynamic that bars any physical intimacy.
Nikki suggests that Steve's aversion to touch might stem from his own issues. Molly reminisces about a lover from her 20s who made her feel unparalleled pleasure, expressing her fear of dying without experiencing such intimacy again. Dr. Anne spots them and summons Steve. Nikki attempts to conceal Molly, but to no avail. Steve rushes over, prompting Nikki to usher Molly away.
At Nikki's apartment, Noah (Kelvin Yu) arrives, eager to kiss Nikki. Molly learns that Nikki has moved in with him, living in a state of sin according to conventional norms. Nikki declares her love for Noah, though Molly reminds her they've only just met. Molly ignores a ringing phone, and Nikki excuses herself to prepare soup, ultimately breaking down in tears.
Over soup, Nikki tells Molly about a kids' production, and their conversation steers towards Steve's book, a Pulitzer finalist about climate change. The shared vulnerability deepens their bond, painting a vivid picture of Molly's emotional turmoil and her fight against the relentless march of time and illness.
Steve arrives at the doorstep, yet Molly remains reluctant to engage in conversation with him. Nikki graciously introduces Molly to Noah's daughter, Winter (portrayed by Emiko Dunn), who ultimately persuades Steve to enter. Steve's subsequent distress appears to ignite a spark in Molly. Later, at their home, Steve informs Molly that the hospital has requested her to meet with a palliative care social worker. He confiscates her soda, claiming to prepare her some juice. Molly casually mentions their past intimate encounters, to which Steve responds by asserting his newfound priority: keeping her alive for as long as feasible. Molly, undeterred, attempts to arouse him, initiating oral sex but halts abruptly as Steve begins to weep. Confused, he inquires about her intentions. Steve expresses his discomfort, considering her recent ordeal. Molly reveals that her mother's boyfriend forced her into oral sex when she was just seven years old, and she believes discussing it now makes it okay. Steve reveals he has a CNN interview in ten minutes, one that cannot be rescheduled. Molly wonders if he knows anything about her situation and asks if he might secure an interview with a family featuring a baby. She muses whether Steve will be the last face she sees before her demise.
Dr. Pankowitz (played by David Rasche) engages in a discussion with Molly and Steve at the hospital. Molly questions the purpose of their visit, while Steve suggests discontinuing Tamoxifen due to its harsh side effects. Molly reminds Steve that her life and impending death are her decisions, emphasizing her desire to experience life fully. In her meeting with the palliative care social worker, Sonya (Esco Jouley), Molly adamantly declares that she doesn't need this conversation. Sonya clarifies her role as a provider of psychological support and pain management, believing everyone has a bucket list. Molly grows agitated, insisting she's too young for this and that it's unfair. She confesses she's never experienced an orgasm with another person. Sonya reassures her, mentioning they have solutions for her list. To Molly's surprise, Sonya reveals a fondness for leather and bondage, explaining it's an intensely fulfilling experience. Molly admits that such activities intrigue her. Sonya encourages her to explore this world if she so desires.
Sitting alone outside, Molly awaits Nikki's arrival. She confides in Nikki, asserting she believes she has just ended things with Steve, telling him she doesn't want to die by his side. Instead, Molly expresses her desire to pass away with Nikki, who readily agrees. A brief altercation between Nikki and a stranger draws Molly's attention. As Nikki drives away, Molly catches a glimpse of Steve exiting the hospital, leaving a complex tapestry of emotions in his wake.
