Based On A True Story Season 2 Review: More Murders And A Wedding?

We are first introduced to crime-obsessed Ava and former tennis pro Nathan. The couple is struggling to navigate their failing marriage and parenthood when they accidentally befriend a serial killer in Based On A True Story Season 1.

The conclusion of Season 1 sees the two become accomplices as an accidental murder occurs. Based On A True Story Season 2 picks up immediately after, and needless to say, nothing returns to normal.

Carrying the guilt from unknowingly assisting Matt in his killings as well as covering up the murder of Ruby, Ava and Matt seem to be even more disconnected and are struggling to parent their newborn son, Jack.

It doesn’t help that Jack was born right after Simon discovers them cleaning up Ruby’s blood.

This plot point is solved rather quickly when it’s revealed that Simon accidentally killed Ruby, and Matt took advantage of the situation.

This is just one of the many twists that occur in Season 2.

The concept of mending and reconnecting is the season’s thesis, not just with Ava and Nathan but also with Matt, who claims that he has left the Westside Ripper in the past.

This new persona also causes a new development in his relationship with Tory since they decide to plan a shotgun wedding so as not to be able to testify against him.

However, as Based On A True Story Season 2 Episode 8, “This Week’s Guest,” showcases, Tory has her demons to fight.

All of the lead characters want to heal and be better people, which plays into the dramatic irony of the TV show since they all have questionable morals and only attempt to do the right thing when it benefits them.

Leaning into the flaws of both Ava and Nathan is one of the season’s strengths since it showcases their complicity in the crimes, even if they didn’t directly pick up the knife. They have allowed Matt to be free and gain even more notoriety.

The other strength of Based On A True Story is its critique of the current obsession with true crime, which comes to fruition with the reveal of the Copycat Killer.

True crime has become more about the perpetrators and keeping their names in the limelight rather than honoring and respecting the victims. The name of the podcast Ava follows, “Sisters In Crime,” and another called “My Favorite Murder,” further proves what true crime has become and how people have also become desensitized to it.

Not being able to handle not being involved in the true crime community as she had beforehand, she adopts an anonymous persona online not to help people but to gain notoriety, showcasing how far gone she is.

While Nathan doesn’t agree with Ava’s passions, he is also not doing anything to help. Instead, he focuses on his glory days yet again, using his son Jack as an excuse.

He thinks that by keeping Matt “accountable” for his actions, he will be in the clear and based on how the season concluded, that is not the case.

The Copycat Killer is a trope that has been seen before. However, the humor of Based On A True Story and the relatively small ensemble of characters that could potentially be revealed as the killer make for high stakes.

It seemed apparent that it would be Olivia, but the reveal is not one everyone sees coming with Paige, Chloe Lake’s sister. That unpredictability is commendable.

Her motives are what further drive home the previously discussed state of true crime today since she specifically targeted people who benefited and monetized from her sister’s murder.

This was a good twist since it gave Ava and Nathan a moment to realize the consequences of their actions. They thought they were in the clear for a moment, but that couldn’t be farther from the case.

It also shows Matt that he is not invincible and he is not scary or menacing to everyone.

Based On A True Story Season 2 proves to be as strong as its predecessor.

It leans into comedy and absurdity and adds to the conversation regarding true crime. The performances remain stellar, with Toma Bateman standing out as “sober” Matt.

After the conclusion of Based On A True Story Season 2 Episode 8, “This Week’s Guest,” there are still some loose ends. Hopefully, there will be a third season to solve the newest mysteries. Where did Matt take Paige? Will Nathan be found guilty?

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What did you think of this season of Based On A True Story? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Based On A True Story is now streaming on Peacock.

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