Episode 2 of The Curse kicks off with a spark of joy. Whitney's pregnancy news floats in the air, unshared yet with Asher, who is destined to rejoice when he hears it. His attention, however, is locked onto Monica at present. The mission is clear - to ensure the damaging interview stays off the airwaves. Asher confronts Monica with evidence highlighting the casino's shortcomings in safeguarding vulnerable gamblers. But when she peruses the document, she dismisses it as mere public information, insisting on security footage to validate the story. Asher claims to have had access to such footage during his employment there, but Monica's hand is forced - either the footage or the interview goes to air.
Asher pleads for a respite, returning to the casino's halls with renewed resolve. He approaches Bill, his marketing friend, but despite his best efforts, the footage remains elusive. However, a plan is hatched for the next encounter, when Randall, their superior, makes his way to the office.
Meanwhile, Whitney graces the presence of James Toledo, the Governor of San Pedro Pueblos, a towering figure in these parts. Whitney's ambition lies in earning his trust and endorsement for their redevelopment project. The Native land is a mosaic of complexities, and to strengthen her case, Whitney extends an invitation to James for an exhibition showcasing Cara Durand's artwork. Cara, an emerging Native artist, remains unaware that her paintings have become the backdrop for Whitney and Asher's staging. James accepts, moved by Whitney's sincerity.
The Siegels gather for dinner with Cara, intending to hire her as a "cultural consultant" for their bid. But when the moment arrives, Whitney thwarts Asher's attempts to broach the subject with Cara, who remains oblivious. The truth surfaces - Whitney and Cara are mere acquaintances, their friendship a mere facade. Cara's disinterest is palpable, and she excuses herself, citing a work emergency. She even asks them to deliver her food to her abode.
The Siegels, though disappointed, find solace in Whitney's revelation. She shares her pregnancy news with Asher, a day after discovering it. His joy knows no bounds, his excitement palpable, yet a tinge of nervousness lingers. He even dares to ask Whitney if she "still loves him." But the overarching sentiment is one of pure happiness, for now.
Our attention shifts to Dougie, on a date in Santa Fe with a woman. Her curiosity piqued, she inquiries about "the accident." Dougie was involved in a gruesome car crash that claimed his wife's life. Another vehicle slammed into them, and though the other driver disregarded a red light, the blame fell on Dougie, for he had exceeded the legal drinking limit.
Deep in denial, he steadfastly refuses any culpability and still yearns for her. After their rendezvous, he insists, almost aggressively, on offering the woman a ride home. She hesitates, sensing his troubled soul, but ultimately succumbs to his offer. A mile shy of her abode, Dougie requests her to retrieve a breathalyzer from the glove compartment. Realizing he's over the limit, he abruptly halts the vehicle and they continue their journey on foot. The subtle hints of his alcoholism and other addictions are unmistakable.
Randall grudgingly agrees to a meeting with Asher, but his idea fails to captivate him. Asher's desperation is palpable as he tries to gain a foothold, but Randall stands firm. As Bill escorts him out, Asher executes Plan B. He claims to have a humorous video to share, but refuses to do so over the phone. To divert Bill's attention, Asher mischievously declares that they are pregnant. The ruse works, and Bill, reluctantly, takes him to his office. Asher cunningly spills a bottle of Gatorade on the carpet and himself, forcing Bill to fetch paper towels.
In the meantime, Asher slyly transfers all the security footage from his computer to a flash drive. As he exits, he encounters Dougie, who is indulging in a Blackjack session, seemingly blowing off steam. Dougie mentions his imminent departure from New Mexico for "another job," momentarily sparking Asher's concern.
That evening, Whitney and Asher attend Cara's bizarre show. Words fail to describe the spectacle; Cara invites guests into a tent, offering them turkey. Whether they consume it or not, she screams, and the guests' turn is abruptly over. James' arrival reduces Whitney to gibberish until she spots Marjorie, Cara's co-worker. Even James is left unimpressed by Cara's eccentric show.
The episode concludes with more evidence that "the curse" remains unlifted. At their gynecological appointment, Whitney and Asher learn that Whitney's pregnancy is nonviable. It's also revealed that Whitney has endured two abortions before. They're advised to try again after six weeks, but both are devastated, sitting silently in the car, unsure how to grapple with the news.
