More murder and a new baby further complicate Nathan and Ava’s life. However, the pair continue to thrive in chaos. Based on a True Story Season 2 is on the same level as the first.
It’s deviously fun with a thrilling premise and plenty of ridiculous comedy.
This season finds Nathan, Ava, and Matt attempting to change their ways. Nathan wants to embrace his darker, more primal instincts. Ava wants to be a good mom but not lose herself.
Matt just wants to cure his need to kill.
These attempts at change present a lot of difficulty for this trio, especially Matt. He decides to not kill but that doesn’t mean the murders stop. A new killer takes the spotlight.
Much of Based on a True Story Season 2 revolves around the mystery of the Copycat Killer. Who are they? And what’s their beef with Matt?
In Season 1, we discover that Matt’s the killer by the end of the first episode. Then, the show follows as Ava and Nathan fall deeper and darker into his misdeeds. Season 2 allows Nathan and Ava to play detectives.
Matt, Ava, and Nathan are all trying to be the good guys for once.
A theme of Based on a True Story is trying to fight the urge to do bad but the ego and a desire to feel important overrides logic and morals.
The second season adds Tory as a main character. She’s oddly naive and trusting but also a fun addition to the mix. Tory doesn’t completely feel necessary but she also doesn’t detract from the series.
She adds just enough change to keep Based on a True Story exciting but doesn’t outshine the three leads.
Matt and Tory aren’t the most convincing couple, and maybe that’s the point because Matt is incapable of true love, but she becomes an unpredictable new variable. This creates a bit of an unexpected additional edge to this Peacock original.
Hopefully, if Based on a True Story has another season it leans into Tory’s potential as a wild card factor. Her purpose remains unclear but that can make her more intriguing in a future season.
Chris Messina’s Nathan becomes the standout character in Season 2. He takes a supporting role to Ava and Matt in Season 1. He’s supporting and preventing their chaos.
He continues this in Season 2 but finds a way to create his own intrigue and identity. Nathan is the most layered character of the season.
His flaws stand out but so do his love and compassion for his wife. Then you find yourself empathizing with him in a way that viewers may find difficult with Matt and Ava.
Nathan is easier to love as a character than the serial killer and true crime junkie. This makes him become the sacrificial lamb by the end of the season. It’s devastating but fitting.
The series allows the leads to drive the story but it’s fascinating how Nathan takes the lead while acting as a supporting player in this story. This choice offers a fascinating look at how being the side character in one’s life can manifest in negative and positive ways.
Nathan does many hazardous things that come back to haunt him by the end of Season 2. He also proves that he is an extremely loving partner. With the finale twist, we’ll probably get to know Nathan even more in a potential season 3.
And the show is better for it.
Based on a True Story Season 2 is just as good as the first season. If you loved that one, the love should remain but it won’t likely convert new fans. A solid season that shows this TV series could get stronger if it continues.
Based on a True Story Season 2 is available to stream on Peacock.
