Episode 2 of Based on a True Story solidifies our apprehension: Matt, the elusive Westside Ripper, has been revealed. Scenes unfold in a supermarket, where Matt is spotted shopping with his son. Nathan, seeking a new toilet installation, calls Matt on that fateful day. It's then, amidst the cereal aisle, that Matt lays eyes on Chloe, and a sinister obsession takes hold. After shadowing her for days, he ultimately takes her life.
The beach serves as a backdrop for Matt's defiant denial. He dismisses Nathan's accusations, his every word a feeble attempt to evade the truth. Ignoring Nathan's inquiries, Matt strides into the sea, leaving Nathan frustrated and defeated. Ava, in hot pursuit, catches up to Nathan, who vomits beside the road, his anger and disappointment spilling out. She fears they've lost their leverage.
What next? Ava suggests they give Matt the opportunity to respond within Nathan's 48-hour ultimatum. Unexpectedly, a video call from Ryan, her affluent client from previous episodes, interrupts their deliberations. He offers a lucrative deal to purchase a house in another locale.
At the Beverly Club, Detectives Peterson and Burrell descend on Nathan with their inquiries about Chloe. He navigates their probing questions with nervous precision. Before departing, they reveal Matt's photo and seek Nathan's contact information.
Nathan and Ava socialize with friends, a welcome respite from their tumultuous situation. Nathan arrives late, his face etched with urgency, and fills Ava in on the police's involvement. Despite her concern, Ava insists they press forward with their scheme. It's a gamble, but the payoff could secure their future. Nathan, however, disagrees, arguing they should bring this information to the police.
As they reminisce about their lives, Nathan's former role as tennis coach is mentioned. The women in the group gush over Mason, the "new hot coach" who offers them pointers during practice. Ava attempts to spin a positive narrative, claiming Nathan voluntarily stepped down. But Nathan speaks the truth, unvarnished. His friends react with nervous energy, vowing to support him by boycotting the club. Deep down, Nathan feels he's failed his family. Overhearing Ava and Ruby discuss Ruby's new beau and the reasons behind her attraction, Nathan's heart sinks even further.
It was in that moment that Nathan realized that if he failed to demonstrate ambition and courage to Ava, she might abandon him as well. With a renewed determination, the following morning, he summoned Matt to a bustling diner. Despite Matt's reluctance and hesitation to accept Nathan's "proposition," Nathan abruptly turned the tables, his steps growing menacing as he started to walk away. Unexpectedly, Matt grasped his hand and conceded, fulfilling Nathan's gamble. Ecstatic, Nathan shared the news with Ava, who was thrilled beyond measure, and they eagerly embarked on an intimate encounter.
However, Ava faced challenges at work as her boss removed her from the Palisades project, the magnificent house that Ryan and she had admired in the first episode. She pleaded to remain, arguing that Ryan intended to purchase the Avondale house, but her boss informed her that it had already been sold. If the situation did not improve, Ava might be relegated back to showing apartments, a significant downgrade in her income.
Unbeknownst to Nathan, Ava had orchestrated the entire plan. She had even scouted an abandoned warehouse as the perfect location for the podcast recordings. Nathan waited eagerly at the warehouse, all preparations in place. Ava, meanwhile, eavesdropped on lucrative podcast deals worth millions. Suddenly, her doorbell rang. It was Matt. "We need to talk," he said, his tone urgent.
