In the gripping second episode of "The Horror of Dolores Roach," the water supply fluctuates unpredictably, yet Dolores finds solace in her leisurely puffing on joints while indulging in lengthy showers. When she brings the plumbing woes to Luis's attention, he loses his composure, erupting into a furious tirade against the landlord over the phone, revealing a stubborn refusal to settle a hefty debt.
Enter Joy, the proprietress of a nearby laundry, who Luis introduces to Dolores with the intention of securing her a job. Joy, proudly sharing tales of her nine-year-old venture, steers the conversation towards Bridget's salon, where the promise of a fresh start beckons. As Dolores inquires about the beauty haven, she discovers the allure of massage services, eagerly requesting an interview to embark on a career as a massage therapist.
With deft hands that border on magical, Dolores mesmerizes Bridget during a complimentary massage, instantly securing an entry-level position. Her joy, however, is fleeting as Marcie, a client, stumbles upon the scene, dredging up Dolores's past—her incarceration, allegations of possession, and a lengthy fifteen-year sentence. Bridget, shocked, swiftly withdraws the offer.
Outside, Marcie confronts Dolores with a tempting proposition: a lucrative sales job, but at a cost—the sabotage of Dolores's burgeoning opportunity. As a self-proclaimed drug dealer, Marcie hints at seizing Dominic's empire, her plans entwined with questions about Dolores's ex-boyfriend's whereabouts. Tempted though she may be, Dolores declines, determined to forge a new path post-incarceration.
Nellie, the vibrant cashier at Empanada Loca, inspires a new approach, suggesting a vision board to visualize Dolores's aspirations. Luis, privy to this strategy and Dolores's setback, springs into action, advertising her massage therapy services on windowsills.
On Dolores's cozy bed, Caleb, a neighbor, savors a soothing massage, his accolades a testament to her prowess. Her reputation spreads like wildfire, and soon, a line of eager customers snakes around the block, eager to experience her healing touch.
Luis stands firm in his refusal to contribute a single penny towards the rent, forcing Dolores to dig deep into her savings and valiantly shoulder the financial burden. Her demeanor betrays a newfound determination and satisfaction, as if each penny she counts is a victory in disguise. Emboldened by this resolve, she joins forces with Nellie to transform their shared space into a reflection of their creativity and hard work.
Embracing a colleague's sage advice, Dolores embarks on an investment journey, opting to purchase a massage table as a cornerstone of her burgeoning business. The arrival of Jeremiah, the deliveryman, marks a pivotal moment, as he not only assists in the assembly but also offers a sobering reality check about Luis' irresponsible behavior. Jeremiah warns Dolores of the fragility of her endeavor, urging her to devise contingency plans for a future that Luis' negligence threatens to unravel.
The tension escalates when Gideon Pearlman, the landlord, arrives to confront Luis about his delinquent rent. The air upstairs is thick with the sound of their heated exchange, as Luis obstinately refuses to acknowledge his debt, despite owing three months' worth of rent.
Dolores, ever the peacemaker, intercedes, offering to settle the dispute with her own funds. Seeking privacy, they descend to the basement, where Dolores reluctantly hands over $500, only to be met with the shocking revelation that the monthly rent stands at a staggering $11,000. Her eyes widen in disbelief at the enormity of the sum.
Desperate to buy time, Dolores proposes the money as a down payment, which the landlord grudgingly accepts, granting them an extra week. Yet, the weight of the impending debt presses heavily on her shoulders. In a last-ditch effort to sway Mr. Pearlman's opinion, she offers a complimentary massage, hoping to软化他的立场.
But Mr. Pearlman, mistaking her intentions for something more sinister, eagerly agrees, his mind clouded by baseless expectations. Dolores, however, remains professional, initiating a therapeutic massage with practiced precision. As he continues to prattle on, his behavior becomes increasingly unsettling, prompting Dolores to entertain fleeting thoughts of violence, recalling Tabitha's chilling lessons from behind bars.
When the landlord's patience finally snaps, reaching out to Dolores in frustration, she instinctively reacts, turning the tables on him in a sudden display of defiance. The air crackles with tension as their roles reverse, and Dolores asserts herself, refusing to be intimidated.
