Summary
Justina Machado is great in the titular role, bringing charisma and relatability to her character. Again, audiences can’t help but sympathize with her situation. Unfortunately, the jump from masseuse to a violent attacker seems a little forced and is a bit of a reach overall.
We recap the Prime Video series The Horror of Dolores Roach Season 1 Episode 2, “This Building’s Gonna Be the Death of Me,” which contains spoilers.
The second installment, “This Building’s Gonna Be the Death of Me,” continues the story of Dolores’ (Justina Machado) life now that she is out of prison. After gaining shelter, Dolores attempts to get a job, although her criminal past seems to get in the way.
Meanwhile, Luis (Alejandro Hernandez) fights his landlord over unpaid rent.
The Horror of Dolores Roach Season 1 Episode 2 Recap
Dolores spends her days smoking joints and taking long showers, although the water abruptly cuts out from time to time. She’s managed to find free shelter with her old pal Luis, but the place comes with its problems.
And Dolores is still frightened by the outside world; she hides out in Luis’ basement, avoiding this strange new world.
She updates Luis on the plumbing issue, and he flies off the handle, arguing with the landlord on the phone. Luis owes his landlord a lot of money but refuses to pay him. Next, Luis introduces Dolores to Joy, the owner of a local laundromat. Luis hopes Joy can give Dolores a job.
Joy discusses her nine-year-old business and mentions her half-sister Bridget’s salon. Dolores asks about the salon and discovers that they perform a massage service. She asks to interview for a masseuse position at Bridget’s salon.
What happens at Dolores’ job interview?
Dolores gives Bridget a free massage to prove her silky skills. Bridget is impressed with Dolores’ magic hands and offers her a job on the spot. Dolores is ecstatic, but her dreams are quickly dashed. A customer called Marcie notices Dolores in the salon. She comes over and straight away mentions Dolores doing time in prison, bringing up the possession charges and her fifteen-year stint in jail. Bridget takes back her offer immediately.
Outside, Marcie catches up with Dolores. She offers her a better-paid job instead. Marcie purposely ruined Dolores’ chances so she could offer her this sales position.
Dolores is interested and asks what Marcie is selling. Of course, she is a drug dealer.
READ: Is The Horror of Dolores Roach based on a true story?
Marcie mentions taking over Dominic’s business, although she doesn’t know where Dolores’ ex-boyfriend is now. Dolores is tempted by the job opportunity but turns her down, hoping to go straight now that she is out of jail.
Back at Empanada Loca, cashier Nellie suggests they make a vision board to help manifest Dolores’ dreams. Luis sees these plans and hears of Dolores’ failed job interview.
He decides to advertise Dolores’ massage business in his shop window.
Who is Dolores’ first customer?
It may be illegal, but Dolores soon gets her first customer. A neighbor called Caleb receives a massage on Dolores’ bed. He loves the experience and even tips Dolores for her expert skills. Word of mouth helps spreads the news of Dolores’ talents, and she has customers queuing around the block.
Dolores counts her stacks of money and tries to pay her way, but Luis won’t accept any rent. For once, Dolores feels empowered and proud of her achievements. She then redecorates her bedroom with Nellie.
The co-worker suggests that Dolores actually buys a massage table, and she agrees to this investment opportunity.
Delivery man Jeremiah helps Dolores carry and unpack the new massage table. He mentions his concerns about Luis and his business. Jeremiah warns Dolores that the business won’t last long she needs other options.
Who is Gideon Pearlman?
Upstairs, Luis argues with his landlord, Gideon Pearlman (Marc Maron), who has come to discuss rent. Luis refuses to pay his landlord, even though he owes three months’ rent. Mr. Pearlman is desperate for the payments and has also found Dolores’ massage poster. He worries that Luis has a sex worker starting her own illegal business on his property.
Dolores tries to defuse the situation, stating that she has cash she can pay the landlord. They go down to the basement to count the cash privately. Dolores offers him $500, but Mr. Pearlman says that he actually needs 11k a month.
Dolores is horrified by this unattainable fee.
The Horror of Dolores Roach Season 1 Episode 2 Ending
She offers the money as a deposit. The landlord says that this will buy them an extra week, but he needs the money else they will be evicted from the business and the apartment too.
Dolores fears that this amount of rent is unachievable, so she offers Mr. Pearlman a massage, hoping to change his mind.
Mr. Pearlman accepts the free massage, thinking that he is about to receive a sexual favor instead. Dolores begins the massage. Mr. Pearlman won’t shut up, though, and soon starts to act rather creepily.
Dolores contemplates killing him, remembering what Tabitha had taught her in prison about the best way to kill someone from behind.
Growing tired of the massage, the landlord makes a move, placing a hand on Dolores. She decides to fight back and attacks Mr. Pearlman.
What did you think of The Horror of Dolores Roach Season 1 Episode 2? Comment below.
