Based On A True Story (S2) is a dark comedy show about obsessive fans of true crimes. So, what happens when an ordinary American couple meets the deadly serial killers?
Instead of running away from the serial killer, the couple, Ava (Kaley Cuoco) and Nathan (Chris Messina) get involved. Is there a way out of the terrible mess created by them?
Based On A True Story – Serial Killer Dark Comedy, It Further Delves Into The American Society’s Obsessions with True Crimes
Spoiler Free Review: Based On A True Story (Season 2/2024) Series
The trailer
{In the First Season} A real estate professional Ava, a once-celebrated tennis player Nathan, and a plumbing contractor Matt embrace a unique chance to benefit from the American enthusiasm for true crime.
The synopsis
In the second season, Ava Bartlett (Kaley Cuoco) and Nathan Bartlett (Chris Messina) are depicted as new parents three months into their parenting experience. Ava is determined to prioritize her family and resist her fascination with true crime, aiming to return to her career as a real estate agent, while Nathan works with private tennis clients in Los Angeles.
However, a recent spate of murders draws her back into the realm she wishes to avoid – could Matt Pierce (Tom Bateman) be the one behind these incidents? Is Tory Thompson (Liana Liberato), now romantically linked with Matt, in jeopardy? For a while, circumstances seem favourable—Ava’s TikTok pursuits and her new friend Drew (Melissa Fumero) provide a refreshing distraction, while Nathan is eager to revive his tennis career and strengthen his bond with Matt—until a threat materializes, quite literally.
The screenplay has many expected twists and unexpected turns
One of the positive things about this series is that its screenplay did manage to surprise us. Of course, the first season had a novelty factor to its story. But, the second season did manage to hold its ground. The American society seemed to be captivated by the true crime tales. And the serial killers are definitely in vogue. Thankfully, it moved away from the podcast theme (Only Murders In The Building series) of its first season.
Moreover, the smooth assassin falls in love and tries to lead a normal life in this drama. While the other silky serial killer is a master of deception. So, it should not come as a surprise, that serial killers hide in plain sight. This morbid humour digs deep into this tragic comedy in thrilling ways, always managing to keep us (the viewers) on tenterhooks. Its writers are certainly expanding the horizon.
Kaley Cuoco leads the ensemble cast with Elan
In the season one, Kaley Cuoco (Ava Bartlett) was pregnant. Even then, her fascination with serial killers was a bit excessive. Now, in season two, with a natural ease, Kelly plays a young mother with a baby. However, she is still captivated by the world of murderers. We liked her screen presence, as she is impressive in both the comedy as well as dramatic scenes.
Chris Messina (Nathan Bartlett) plays her well-meaning yet bumbling husband effortlessly. On the other hand, the slick Tom Bateman (Matt Pierce) portrays the anti-hero deliciously. The real surprise was Melissa Fumero (Drew), her character representation was good. Not to forget Liana Liberato (Tory Thompson), who plays love smitten girl quite convincingly.
The rating
| FM Rating | 3.65/5 |
The conclusion
This quirky comedy-drama is certainly expanding, as more serial killers are joining in. All in all, today on a holiday, it was an enjoyable and thrilling series for a marathon (binge) watch.
Key Details of this dark comedy (S2/2024) series from the USA
| Genre | Comedy, Drama, Thriller |
| Original Language | English (USA) |
| Season | Second (2nd) Season | Season (2) Two |
| Episodes | Eight (8) Episodes |
| Creator | Craig Rosenberg |
| Directors | Alexander Buono, Anu Valia & Jenée LaMarque |
| Cast | Kaley Cuoco (Ava Bartlett), Chris Messina (Nathan Bartlett), Tom Bateman (Matt Pierce), Liana Liberato (Tory Thompson), Priscilla Quintana (Ruby Gale), June Diane Raphael (Romy Lipinski), Jessica St. Clair (Rochelle Lipinski), Melissa Fumero (Drew), Annabelle Dexter-Jones (Serena), Aisha Alfa (Carolyn), Aaron Staton (Simon), etc. |
| Network | Peacock & Jio Cinema. |
Poster: Based On A True Story (Season 2/2024) Series
Spoilers Alert: Summary of Eight (8) Episodes of Season (2) Two
Episodes Summary – 2024 dark comedy series from the USA
Liquid Gold (S2, E1)
Ava and Nathan struggle with parenthood and try to convince Matt to return home; Matt fills in Nathan on the events surrounding Ruby’s death, while Ava does her investigation back at home.
Control F for Murder (S2, E2)
Ava tries to make new friends but gets interrogated; Matt helps Nathan stand up for himself.
Relapse (S2, E3)
Ava investigates a crime scene and runs into an old friend; Nathan takes a risk-seeking redemption.
Y’all Ready for This? (S2, E4)
Ava and Nathan go to a sex party to rekindle their spark. Matt is confronted by a fellow addict.
Double Fault (S2, E5)
Nathan plays a redemption match; Ava and Matt decode a cypher from the new killer haunting LA.
Based on a Drew Story (S2, E6)
Reeling from Nathan’s public embarrassment, he and Ava try to track down Drew; Matt and Tory plan their wedding ceremony; Matt gives into his dark desires.
Shotgun Wedding (S2, E7)
Matt’s past comes back to haunt Ava and Nathan; Ava realizes her obsession has become an addiction.
This Week’s Guest (S2, E8)
Ava and Nathan are on a game show with deadly stakes; Tory and Matt are on the run from the police.
Also, read the FM review of this dark comedy (S1/2023) series
Bonus Links
Check out the FM Series Review of the "Based On A True Story" (Season 1/2023) Series.
And the YouTube short video "Melissa Fumero, detective queen" clip.
The poster and featured images of “Based On A True Story” are credited to Peacock.