The Mind-Blowing Transformations in Dolores Roach That Will Leave You Speechless

Warning: This article contains spoilers for The Horror of Dolores Roach. While Amazon's adaptation of The Horror of Dolores Roach retains key elements from the original podcast, there are significant alterations to the character development and story progression, particularly towards the end. The setting of the story remains loyal to the podcast's first season, focusing on Dolores Roach's misadventures in Washington Heights. Additionally, the show's eight-episode runtime matches the pace of the podcast. Although many characters in Amazon's adaptation share similarities with their podcast counterparts, their narratives diverge slightly. Given the podcast's audio-centric storytelling, the show opts to modify the storyline, incorporating cinematography and bloodier visuals to intensify the drama in Dolores Roach's life. Here is how Amazon's adaptation of The Horror of Dolores Roach deviates from the original podcast.

10 The Podcast Does Not Feature Meta-References To Sweeney Todd

The Horror of Dolores Roach cleverly incorporates meta-references, reminiscent of the original Sweeney Todd stage play. These references become evident as the press compares Dolores Roach to Sweeney Todd due to her cannibalistic crimes. Towards the end of season 1, the show further pays homage to its source material by portraying how Caleb, the podcast producer, rises to fame after sharing Dolores' story. Caleb also expresses his intention to pitch a Dolores Roach TV show to Jason Blum, the renowned producer behind the actual TV series from Blumhouse Studio.

While the initial narrative structure of The Horror of Dolores Roach podcast subtly signifies its inspiration from Sweeney Todd, it refrains from direct references. The inclusion of meta-references in the show adds depth to its overarching themes, shedding light on the exploitative nature of the upper classes who capitalize on the suffering of marginalized individuals like Dolores. It effectively conveys the idea that no matter how hard Dolores tries to survive in her gentrified world, those in positions of power consistently seek her out.

9 Jeremiah Is A Homeless Man In The Podcast

Jeremiah, a character in Amazon's The Horror of Dolores Roach, is a meat vendor who becomes suspicious when Luis, a regular customer, suddenly stops ordering meat from him. Towards the end of the first season, Jeremiah extends a helping hand to Dolores, but tragically loses his life in the process. In the podcast adaptation, Jeremiah is depicted as a homeless man who often sits outside Empanada Loca. Like his television counterpart, he strives to protect Dolores but only realizes something peculiar is happening at the restaurant by the conclusion of season 1.

8 Dolores Roach's First Kill In The Podcast Is Different From The Show

In both The Horror of Dolores Roach's podcast and the show, the central character's initial victim is Gideon Pearlman, the owner of Luis' restaurant's property. Both storylines emphasize his demise after he ventures into the restaurant's basement for a massage from Dolores Roach. However, the significant contrast between the two lies in Gideon's treatment of Dolores. While he displays racism in the podcast, similar to his show counterpart, his behavior is even more appalling in Amazon's The Horror of Dolores Roach, as he attempts to sexually harass Dolores before she reaches her breaking point and takes his life.

7 Dolores' Food Inspector Arc Is More Dramatic In The Show

When the food inspector arrives at the Empanada Loca in Amazon's The Horror of Dolores Roach, Dolores is actively trying to eliminate a private detective she had hired before to locate Dominic. This adds to the show's dramatic and comedic elements as it portrays Dolores' challenges in getting rid of the detective in the shop's basement while Luis attempts to divert the food inspector's attention. In contrast, this same storyline in The Horror of Dolores Roach's podcast is relatively less intense as Dolores isn't attempting to harm someone in the basement when the food inspector appears. Moreover, the food inspector's presence in the podcast is less intrusive, and they avoid entering Luis' basement home.

6 Dolores Roach Is More Cooperative With Luis In The Podcast

In the original The Horror of Dolores Roach podcast, Dolores portrays herself as far more cooperative than her television version when discussing her life with Luis. While the Dolores depicted on Amazon's show reacts with panic upon witnessing Luis' gruesome treatment of her victims, her podcast alter ego insists on witnessing the full extent of Luis' actions. Additionally, in the podcast, she initially expresses greater appreciation for Luis' assistance in disposing of the bodies by incorporating them into his empanadas for his customers.

5 Luis' Backstory Is A Lot Less Shrouded In The Show

4 The Show Changes Details Of Jonah's Fate

Luis reveals his deeply troubling past to Dolores in a poignant scene in The Horror of Dolores Roach on Amazon. It becomes clear that he endured childhood sexual abuse, which had a profound and devastating impact on his overall well-being and contributed to the mental health challenges he experiences today. Although the original podcast features a similar moment where Luis discusses his past upon Dolores' observation of the scar tissues on his body, it differs from the show as the podcast's portrayal only offers subtle hints, leaving listeners to fill in the gaps and piece together the rest of Luis' story.

Jonah meets his demise in both the podcast and the show's finale. However, the circumstances surrounding his death differ slightly between the two versions. In The Horror of Dolores Roach show, Dolores takes Jonah's life after he discovers human flesh stored in the main freezer of Empanada Loca. On the other hand, in the podcast, Jonah ventures into the basement home of Luis and Dolores, inadvertently stumbling upon Dolores' unfortunate victims in Luis' bathroom. Without a moment's hesitation, Dolores approaches Jonah and swiftly breaks his neck.

3 Jeremiah Dies Under Different Circumstances In The Podcast

Jeremiah's character undergoes a significant transformation in Amazon's The Horror of Dolores Roach, and even the circumstances surrounding his death differ from the podcast. Towards the conclusion of the show, Dolores descends into a state of delusion, mistaking Jeremiah for Dominic. Consequently, instead of seeking his aid, she tragically ends up taking his life.

In contrast, the television series presents Dolores Roach as genuinely grateful for Jeremiah's attempts to assist her. When he ventures into the basement to rescue her, she even beseeches him to depart to avoid sharing in the severe consequences of her actions. Regrettably, a violent altercation erupts between Jeremiah and Luis, culminating in Jeremiah's demise at the hands of Luis.

2 Joy Does Not Become Dolores Roach's Victim In The Podcast

By showcasing Dolores's impulsive act of murdering Joy, despite lacking any motive to harm her, The Horror of Dolores Roach on Amazon reveals how Dolores herself has become an integral part of the very problem she seeks to resolve. Initially, Dolores attempted to rationalize her actions by convincing herself that she only targeted those who seemingly deserved it or obstructed her survival. However, by killing Joy, Dolores demonstrates her capability as a serial killer, illustrating her capacity to inflict harm without any justifiable cause. Despite Joy's inclusion as a character in the original podcast, she does not become one of Dolores Roach's victims.

1 Dolores' Ending In The Podcast Is Significantly Different From The Show

In the gripping conclusion of Amazon's The Horror of Dolores Roach, Dolores embarks on a mission to locate Dominic and pay him a deadly visit. The first season concludes with a suspenseful cliffhanger, leaving viewers in anticipation for the upcoming second season. In the podcast adaptation of The Horror of Dolores Roach, our protagonist manages to outsmart the authorities after her escape from Empanada Loca, finding sanctuary among the hidden underground sewers where she joins the ranks of New York's destitute population.