Based on a True Story season 2 review and ending explained: Is it worth the watch?

Based on a True Story season 2 review and ending explained: Is it worth the watch?

As someone who’s been following this thrilling series since its inception, I must say that the second season of Based on a True Story truly delivers! It’s like a juicy, suspenseful novel that keeps you hooked till the very end. The character development, particularly for our central couple, was exceptional and added depth to an already intriguing plot.


The second season of the series “Based on a True Story” debuted today on Peacock, featuring all eight episodes. I must say, it was an entertaining ride from start to finish! I thoroughly enjoyed the first season and was eagerly anticipating more of the story, given the intriguing cliffhangers from season 1. Let’s dive into my overall review of season 2 and discuss whether it’s worth investing your time. Warning: Major spoilers lie ahead.

Based on a True Story season 2 review and ending explained: Is it worth the watch?

Our thoughts on Based on a True Story season 2

A significant aspect of Nathan’s storyline during the initial season revolved around his self-doubts and professional strife. Despite his past as a renowned tennis player, he now finds it challenging to cope with feeling undervalued. Matt appears to be genuinely empathetic towards Nathan’s situation, showing signs of wanting to be a helpful friend – sometimes in unexpected manners.

Despite everyone knowing Matt, it turns out their friendship held more significance for Nathan than for Matt himself, as demonstrated by the events in Based on a True Story‘s second season. What’s intriguing about what unfolds in the first episode is that some characters and themes have changed roles. In the first season, Nathan was compelled to serve as Matt’s alibi. However, in this new season, he has taken on the role of Matt’s sponsor instead.

Instead of switching from murder podcasts to mommy ones, Ava now listens to both, given that she and her partner have become new parents, welcoming their son Jack into the family. However, even with her fascination for true crime, it’s only a matter of time before Ava returns to her diverse taste in podcasts. That’s what we expect from our girl, indeed!

Based on a True Story season 2 review and ending explained: Is it worth the watch?

Despite the chaos surrounding them, Ava and Nathan’s relationship serves as the core, with its twists and turns this season. However, they manage to navigate their way back to each other, and remarkably, Nathan endorses Ava’s latest obsession. They make an unbeatable duo. Moreover, baby Jack being in the midst of his parents’ turmoil only serves to bring a touch of humor and lightness to this otherwise tumultuous situation.

The social media aspect of the story wasn’t introduced until episode 4, which is halfway through the season. Given that the podcast and Ava’s TikTok account have been significant elements in this show, I found it somewhat unexpected that we delved into these aspects so late in the narrative. However, since the story was primarily character-focused rather than plot-driven, it didn’t impact my enjoyment as much. Still, it came as a surprise to me.

Tory, by the end of season 2, this young woman finds herself in a precarious situation with Matt, facing severe repercussions. It’s evident that he is untrustworthy and only cares about himself. Interestingly, they are now married, and she has gone as far as killing his ex-wife, portrayed by Melissa Fumero from Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Her character, Olivia/Drew, was a fantastic addition to the cast, performing admirably in her role.

Based on a True Story season 2 review and ending explained: Is it worth the watch?

When she kept talking about a horrible ex and that she had a child, I knew she was going to be Matt’s ex-wife. Though I will say I thought she was also the copycat killer, so the show got me there. I do wish that we got a little more backstory between the two. Because she knows he’s a serial killer. It would have been interesting to see how Olivia fell for him, why Matt even chose to get married in the first place, and a little more into her intentions of wanting to prove he is the West Side Ripper. Why now?

Unfortunately, her character was written out too swiftly, which is regrettable since there seemed to be more depth to uncover, particularly concerning her son. The thought of him losing his mother is incredibly sad. Moreover, the fact that Tory took her life is indeed shocking; I wasn’t anticipating such an action from her character. While the series certainly delivered on the unexpected factor, I found it questionable whether it was in line with her character development. Throughout the season, we saw how deeply in love she was with Matt and how devoted she was to supporting him. However, it didn’t resonate with me that she’d resort to killing someone to safeguard him.

Based on a True Story season 2 review and ending explained: Is it worth the watch?

How does the second season live up to season 1?

Onto the true copycat killer, Turns out it’s Chloe’s sister (played by Sara Paxton!), who was one of Matt’s victims in Based on a True Story season 1. What a twist! I think that was really well done and the motives made sense. She becomes ruthless. And what about the Lipinski sisters, the hosts ofSisters in Crime? They literally kidnap Ava and Nathan, like what? All for an exclusive story.

As a devoted fan, I couldn’t help but notice Ava’s necklace bearing a “J” charm, presumably for Jack. It added a sweet touch to her character, yet it became quite evident during the Murder Bunny video recordings. I speculated that this detail might inadvertently reveal her to the sisters and the broader audience. With her occasional head movements causing the filter to slip, I thought someone would connect the dots. However, it seems my concerns were unfounded as no such revelation occurred. It appeared to be a missed opportunity on the writers’ part.

In the finale of the second season, which is inspired by real events, Chloe’s sister took Ava and Nathan hostage. Initially, Matt and Tory were on the run with his son. However, Tory eventually decided to turn themselves in at a police station, taking their child along. Matt’s arrogance led him to disregard this and pursue the copycat killer instead.

Based on a True Story season 2 review and ending explained: Is it worth the watch?

Additionally, he initiates his secret scheme, one he had been preparing since the beginning. He deceives the Bartletts into believing he will surrender, but in reality, he has been manipulating events to frame Nathan for the recent murders. He plants “evidence incriminating” Nathan in a storage locker, collects DNA of victims in his car, and even manages to have Nathan’s fingerprints on the weapon while wearing gloves. The second season concludes with Nathan being arrested, and Matt holding Chloe’s sister captive, threatening that they have much to discuss. Wow!

In summary, I believe that the second season of “Based on a True Story” is robust and certainly worth watching, even though I felt the first season was slightly more intriguing due to its fresh concept. I wished the writers could have delved deeper into the podcast element this time around. However, it seemed to be lacking in that aspect. Nevertheless, it served as a solid continuation of the first season. This season showcased significant character growth for the main couple and introduced some unexpected plot twists. Additionally, the cliffhangers left us eagerly anticipating more. Grade: B.

The first two seasons of Based on a True Story season 2 are now streaming on Peacock.

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2024-11-21 20:58

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