As the fifth chapter of "Dying For Sex" unfolds, Molly Kochan, portrayed by Michelle Williams, ignites a spark in her neighbor, played by Rob Delaney, within the confines of an elevator. Their encounter escalates into privacy, culminating in separate rooms, each enveloped in their individual climaxes. Molly meticulously conceals her medications, ensuring they remain undisclosed.
Her neighbor, opening up about the past three months' strangeness, wonders aloud if Molly is gaining anything meaningful from her current lifestyle. Molly cherishes the intensity of his desire for her, reflected in his gaze. Their conversation shifts to another friend of Molly's who finds joy in embodying the role of a human dog. The neighbor confesses his own turmoil, detailing years with a partner who ultimately betrayed him. Their attempt at an open relationship merely served as a pretext for mutual cruelty; he even contracted an STD as a result. He reveals a lifelong solitude, noting that their encounters have bestowed upon him a novel sense of fulfillment. Concerned for Molly, he inquiries about her well-being, yet she deflects the conversation.
Meanwhile, Nikki Boyer, played by Jenny Slate, prepares for an early wake-up to accompany Molly to her chemotherapy session. She informs Sonya (Esco Jouley) of a necessary tooth extraction, regretfully canceling her plans to escort Molly to the next appointment. Molly suggests her mother, Gail (Sissy Spacek), take her instead. As Molly recounts her troubled past, including sexual abuse by her mother's boyfriend at the tender age of seven, and her mother's subsequent breakdown and rehabilitation attempts, it's evident that their relationship has been rocky. Consequently, Molly rarely communicates with her mother. Spurred by the gravity of her cancer diagnosis, Molly decides to inform Gail immediately. Gail vows to arrive promptly.
Later, Molly engages in playful antics with her friend Pet (Conrad Ricamora), who embraces the human dog fantasy. He extols her as incredible and expresses a profound sense of being cared for. Pet confesses a long-held, unspoken desire – he wishes to be urinated on. Molly requests time to ponder this revelation.
Nikki and Molly welcome Gail and the foster dog she brings along. At the clinic, Gail shares tales of her four foster dogs, expressing unwavering optimism in her battle against cancer. She reproaches Molly for delaying the revelation and learns that Molly hadn't disclosed her condition to anyone. Gail admits to contacting Steve (Jay Duplass) to comprehend what had transpired, revealing her awareness of Molly's sexual quest. They reminisce through old photographs during Molly's chemotherapy session, but a snapshot taken by her abusive boyfriend disrupts the mood. Gail emphasizes that the past is not Molly's fault and seeks forgiveness.
Upon Sheila's arrival, Gail unveils her initiative to organize a meal train with Molly's city-dwelling cousins, sparing Molly the worry. Steve's arrival is met with Molly's displeasure. Noah (Kelvin Yu) attends to Nikki post-dentist, still under the influence of anesthesia. When she receives messages purportedly from Molly, Noah gently corrects her, clarifying they aren't from her. Steve spends time with Molly, Sheila, and Gail, mentioning that their marital status technically allows Molly to remain on his insurance.
This episode paints a vivid picture of human complexities, love, loss, and the resilience amidst adversity.
Steve confides that he's seeing someone who is presently with them, yet he hesitated to introduce her, fearing it might seem odd. Beth (Katie Lee Hill) then joins their circle. The nurse, Alfredo De Guzman, gently informs Molly that she has exceeded the visitor limit. Undeterred, Molly brings Pet into the fold, announcing that she too is in a relationship. With charm and persuasion, Molly convinces Gail to accompany Sheila to visit Ruby, while Steve and his newfound love depart, disturbed by Pet's presence. Molly whispers to Pet that she senses she's ready for new experiences.
Later, in an unexpected twist, the dog catches Molly in an act of urinating on him, just as Gail enters the scene, horrified by the spectacle. Molly defends her actions, claiming she's exploring and hasn't settled on her preferences yet. Pet, grateful for the evening, reveals he was unaware of Molly's cancer battle until now. Gail, noticing chemo traces on him, warns Pet accordingly. Molly nonchalantly suggests they Google it, sending Pet into a sudden panic.
Nikki approaches Noah, requesting her phone back. After returning it, Nikki discovers a flurry of missed messages from Molly and scolds Noah. He suggests she needs a break, but Nikki insists she just wants to be with Molly, regardless of his presence. They both acknowledge their mutual discomfort around each other. Noah laments how challenging their situation has become.
When Guy arrives to assist Pet with removing his collar, Gail tries to entice him to stay for coffee, during which Guy learns about the urine incident and Molly's cancer diagnosis. In a private moment, Gail wonders why everything must be shrouded in secrecy, believing she's aiding Molly, who disagrees. Molly asserts she's on a journey of healing and must ensure Gail doesn't resort to drugs and self-harm. Fed up with her mother's guilt trips, Molly confronts her about spiking her drink, something she kept silent about, enjoying the secret bond it created with Gail. Molly admits she liked feeling chosen and having something her mother didn't know about. Gail pleads for forgiveness, even if insincere, and Molly urges her to forgive herself instead.
After Gail's departure, Guy awaits Molly's return inside. With a heavy heart, she finally confides in him that she's battling stage four breast cancer. Molly suggests they call it quits, but Guy responds with resilience, teasing that she can keep kicking him where it hurts.
