'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wAARCAAGAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFgABAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQH/8QAIBAAAgAGAgMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIAAwQFERIhMRQiYf/EABQBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAP/xAAWEQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATH/2gAMAwEAAhEDEQA/AMbuN1qJ02orZTlX3AUntdhyAOon8p09XzsODqTjPyEIUVx//9k='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
A new gripping crime drama, Dope Thief Season 1 has landed on Apple TV+, and all we can say is it offers quite an engaging and adventurous story. At the center of the series are two lifelong friends— Ray and Manny in Philadelphia who disguise themselves as DEA agents to rob small-time drug dealers.
However, what was meant to be a minor scheme soon goes out of control as the two unknowingly provoke a powerful drug organization. This puts them in a life-threatening situation, and the duo is expected to take every step with precaution now.
Written for television by Peter Craig, Dope Thief Season 1 follows the story penned down by author Dennis Tafoya in his 2009 novel. The first two episodes came out on March 14, 2025, offering a deep dive into how Ray and Manny end up in high-stakes misadventures.
Keep reading to explore what happened in the first and second episodes!
Dope Thief Season 1 Episode 1 recap: What happened in "Jolly Ranchers"
Dope Thief Episode 1 "Jolly Ranchers" introduces Ray and Manny in the very beginning as the two friends are all set to rob a house by pretending to be DEA agents. Oh, and not to forget that's it's Ray's birthday, and the conmen are expecting a good amount of money and drugs from the house.
As they get out of their car, Manny and Ray fake a drug bust at a suburban house and steal money, guns, and drugs while keeping the youngsters as hostages. Although the conmen end up with a small amount of loot, the friends are happy to at least have something.
Manny hands over the drug to Ray, saying, "candies from babies", to which Ray laughs and replies, "Jolly Ranchers". Manny wishes his best friend a happy birthday as he didn't forget the special day. As they drive away, it's clear that this is just a normal job for them.
Later in the Dope Thief Episode 1, Ray is seen visiting his surrogate mother, Theresa. Ray then notices Theresa has taken some tests, including an MRI; she later tells him that she needs "ten grand". Ray asks if she is sick, but instead of answering his son, she questions how Ray's been gaining houses in cold.
Theresa is unaware that Ray and Manny have been faking to be DEA agents, but she knows that something is definitely wrong. However, being a mother, Theresa can never forget her child's birthday and presents a cupcake and a card with a message "To my boy... I will always love you like my own son".
A flashback from the past shows Theresa celebrating Ray's birthday with a cupcake. Despite being called a "piece of sh**," Ray feels good and blows the candle. Later, Ray meets an old prison acquaintance, Rick, as he joins their crew.
Since Ray and Manny have only been able to make small earnings from their schemes, Rick suggests robbing drug labs in rural areas instead of city dealers for big profits. But in the end, its Ray and Manny who will decide their next robbery.
Before inviting Ray to a "housewarming" party at his house, the two best friends argue over Manny's prioritizing Sherry. However, they soon made up as Manny showed Ray a locket gifted by Sherry, which symbolizes a thief who later becomes a saint.
This way, Dope Thief keeps up with the lighthearted moments in the story. While attending the party, Ray feels left out and leaves early as he hasn't been living a normal life. Later, in the Dope Thief episode, Ray notices a woman named Mina who has been struggling with addiction.
During an AA meeting, Ray opens up about his past and mentions that he has been sober for almost 28 days. However, the memories of a girl named Marletta have been troubling him.
The crew attempts the biggest heist in Dope Thief Season 2 Episode 1
Later in the episode, the crew tries to pull off their biggest heist yet, robbing a drug lab in a remote area. However, they soon get exposed, which leads to a deadly shootout. The most shocking part? Both Rick and Ray are shot, and while trying to save themselves, Rick tragically dies.
Witnessing how dangerous their situation has become, Manny panics while Ray collects the valuables. He also finds some chemicals inside aloe vera bottles and later discovers that Mina's body isn't there.
The building continues to burn, and Ray and Manny use flammable liquid to escape before a massive explosion. At first, it looked like Manny and Ray were out of danger, but their relief was short-lived.
Manny hits a deer while driving, and while placing the animal out of their way, a voice from a walkie-talkie says, "You boys coming back for marshmallows? Let's slow down. Get to known each other..." hinting that the two are being watched as they have unknowingly stolen from powerful and dangerous people involved in the drug trade.
As the first episode comes to an end, Mina is revealed to be an undercover agent who survived the explosion. She tells the investigators about the attack, further putting Manny and Ray in danger. With both criminals and the police after them, their troubles are just beginning.
Dope Thief Season 1 Episode 2 recap: Ray and Manny try to clean up the mess
Dope Thief Episode 2 "Bat Out of Hell" continues with Ray and Manny trying to clean up the mess from their failed heist. The two destroy the evidence and find out that the aloe bottes actually contain liquid meth.
Ray then tells Theresa to leave town for safety, as the drug ring can attack anyone at any time. Later in Dope Thief Episode 2, Ray suspects Rick might have set them up, and the two then begin their investigation.
They follow a lead connected to a group called Eden’s Gardeners, hoping to find answers. However, they again find themselves in a high-stakes situation after stumbling upon a gruesome crime scene with four murdered victims.
Soon, two bikers try to attack Manny and Ray, but they manage to kill them both after a violent shootout. On the other side, the detectives are still working on the case by connecting the crime scenes. Their findings hint that a major drug war is about to erupt.
Later in the Dope Thief episode, Ray's troubles get worse as he receives a call from the stolen phone. The caller explains that they know everything about him and that the mysterious enemy needs blood, not money.
Considering the threat, Ray rushes to find Manny, and while on his way, he ends up in a high-speed chase through Philadelphia. After escaping the danger, Ray meets the lawyer who's handling his imprisoned father's case.
Ray's life gets further complicated when he learns that his father is seriously ill and requires medical help. As the second episode of Dope Thief Season 1 comes to an end, Manny and Ray find themselves in a fight for survival. Both the police and ruthless criminals are behind them, and Ray is also dealing with personal issues.
Trending
Also Read: You: Everything you need to recall from the fourth chapter before Season 5 premiere
Continue exploring SoapCenral for regular updates on TV series, films, and more!
Your perspective matters!
Start the conversation
