Caution: The following article contains plot spoilers for Based on a True Story season 1.
Right from the start, Based on a True Story managed to stun both its audience and characters with a clever plot twist that promises to pave the way for another season of the Peacock series.
Ava and Nathan, the main characters of the dark comedy that premiered on June 8, decided to jump on the true crime bandwagon and start a podcast with the help of a serial killer named Matt. However, things took a shocking turn in the season 1 finale when they tried to distance themselves from Matt and discovered Ruby's lifeless body on their doorstep.
Instead of assisting his fellow podcast cohosts in disposing of the body, Matt, also known as the West Side Ripper, opted out. Despite this setback, the couple, who were anticipating the arrival of their first child, found a way to bury Ruby's body, which ultimately brought them closer together. However, their troubles weren't over yet, as Simon, Ruby's husband, unexpectedly arrived at their home and caught them cleaning up her blood. Ahead of the series debut, creator Craig Rosenberg hinted at the inspiration behind the show's campy true crime theme.
"I was inspired to create this show by the true crime phenomenon that has swept across America over the last decade, with podcasts, documentaries, and fictional shows based on true stories dominating the culture. Murderers have become celebrities and celebrities have become murderers, and it fascinated me. I envisioned a relatable married couple whose youthful dreams were unfulfilled and saw the true crime craze as a chance to save their marriage and change their lives. Our story of fame, ambition, aspiration, and murder takes place in Los Angeles, the city where everyone wants to be famous, providing a vivid backdrop for the narrative."
Cuoco stood by her character's decisions in getting involved with Matt, citing the common occurrence of people making desperate choices in dire situations. She believed that the storyline was believable and highlighted the characters' descent into a bad place, placing them on par with the killer by the end. On the other hand, Messina gained a better understanding of the public's fascination with true crime through his role and enjoyed the challenge of unraveling the puzzle of how people ended up in such situations and how they could be saved.
Scroll down to find out what questions still need to be answered after the season 1 finale of Based on a True Story:
Credit: PEACOCK
'Based on a True Story’ Burning Questions After Season 1 Finale: Was the West Side Ripper Caught? How Did Ava and Nathan Deal With [Spoiler]'s Dead Body?
The opening moments of Based on a True Story managed to leave both the audience and the characters stunned by the unexpected plot twist, setting the stage for an exciting second season of the Peacock series. However, be warned that this article contains spoilers regarding season 1.
Ava and Nathan, both struggling financially, decide to venture into the world of true crime podcasts with the help of Matt, a charming serial killer. However, things take a gruesome turn in the season 1 finale when they attempt to sever ties with Matt and are confronted with the appearance of a dead body.
Matt, also known as the West Side Ripper, declined to assist his podcast colleagues in getting rid of the corpse. However, the couple, who is anticipating their first baby, found a solution to bury Ruby's body and rekindled their bond. Nevertheless, Ava and Nathan encountered another predicament when Ruby's spouse, Simon, arrived at their residence and caught them scrubbing the bloodstains off their floor. Before the program's debut, Craig Rosenberg, the creator, hinted at the inspiration for the quirky true crime show.
"I was inspired to create this show by the true crime phenomenon that has taken over America in the last decade. From podcasts to documentaries to fictional adaptations of real cases, true crime has become a dominant force in our culture. It's turned murderers into celebrities and even seen celebrities become murderers themselves," he stated in a press release last May.
Rosenberg went on to explain that he was particularly drawn to the idea of a relatable married couple whose dreams had fallen short and who saw the true crime trend as a chance to turn their lives around and save their relationship. The setting of Los Angeles, a city known for its obsession with fame, provided the perfect backdrop for exploring themes of ambition, aspiration, and murder.
Cuoco defended her character's decisions in getting involved with Matt by stating that it happens all the time. She found it believable because they were in a desperate situation and made a ridiculous choice out of desperation. However, this choice ultimately led them to a very bad place. Cuoco believes that by the end of it, they are just as bad as the killer. Messina, on the other hand, gained a better understanding of the public's interest in true crime through his role in the series. He sees the addiction to shows like Dateline and enjoys figuring out how people end up in these situations and how they can be saved.
Scroll down to find out what questions still need to be answered after the season 1 finale of Based on a True Story:
Credit: PEACOCK
Will Matt Be Outed as the West Side Ripper?
The police never identified the plumber as the culprit even after their extensive investigation into the murder of Chloe (played by Natalia Dyer). Despite promising not to take another life, Matt was responsible for Dahlia's death and also killed Ruby.
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How Will Ava and Nathan Deal With Ruby's Dead Body?
They transported the corpse to Nathan's workplace to inter it in a pit that would soon be covered by a construction team. But while they were tidying up their abode, Simon unexpectedly barged in on them. It's uncertain if he knows about Ruby's vanishing or if he'll scrutinize the conduct of Ava and Nathan.
Credit: PEACOCK
Is Tory in Danger After Her Hookup With Matt?
In the season 2 finale, Matt's true identity as the West Side Ripper was revealed to the audience, but not to Ava's sister Tory, who had slept with him. Now, with Matt's dangerous fixation on murder and his complicated relationships with Ava and Nathan, Tory may be in grave danger.
Credit: PEACOCK
Which Serial Killer Will Be the Next Subject of Their Podcast?
The fate of the podcast featuring Ava, Nathan, and Matt is uncertain. Although it experienced a brief stint of triumph, the tweet from Jessica Alba caused their true crime kingdom to crumble. The three hosts attempted to find alternate means of sharing their episodes, but their unity was compromised when Matt proposed involving another serial killer to contribute to their content. Currently, he is in the process of conducting interviews with potential new partners via Zoom.