Episode 3 of Based On A True Story commences with Matt arriving at the house, cloaked in the guise of inspecting a leak Nathan had mentioned, stemming from the newly installed pipes. Ava allows him in with a tinge of trepidation, watching nervously as he examines the pipes. Her heart pounding within, she edges closer to a knife resting on the kitchen countertop. As she nears, Matt drops the facade. He confronts Ava head-on, revealing that he knows she's the brains behind this podcast. He then escorts her to the warehouse, where Nathan is already waiting. Matt ultimately acquiesces to participating in the podcast (albeit reluctantly acknowledging his identity as the Westside Ripper). However, he insists on a change of venue.
Matt asserts that when the podcast goes live, every iota of audio will be scrutinized, amplified, and dissected. He mentions hearing whispers outside and the distant rumble of railway tracks. Matt suggests a new locale, promising to send the details via their disposable phones. His preparedness and dedication to the podcast seem to surpass even their own. Furthermore, he has cunningly designated Nathan as his alibi, and inadvertently his accomplice, to the LAPD, who have also taken notice.
During a casual outing with Ruby, Ava learns that a renowned true-crime podcast, "Sisters in Crime," is embarking on a series focusing on the Westside Ripper. She urgently messages Matt to expedite the process and soon receives confirmation of the new location - a mammoth, lavish mansion that Matt had once renovated. Before commencing the recording, Matt delves into marketing strategies and ensures the equipment is updated to avoid any half-hearted efforts. He even proposes a title for the podcast, aptly encapsulating the essence of the show.
During the inaugural session, Matt shockingly divulges that he has terminated the lives of over 20 women, the first victim being a mere 18-year-old. The revelation sends shockwaves through the couple. The following day, Matt storms into the club, insisting that Nathan and Ava revamp the first episode, as he was dissatisfied with it. He remakes it for them to hear, but Nathan dismisses his suggestions, albeit realizing that Matt holds all the power. Meanwhile, Matt's son, Ollie, and Michelle's daughter, Gabby, eagerly request a playdate, to which their parents reluctantly agree.
At the bustling club, Michelle, Nathan's colleague, delivered the crushing news of his demotion with a heavy heart. Meanwhile, Ava drifted into a surreal dream, finding herself listening to the podcast with Matt in solitude. In her dream, she spoke fervently about Nathan's vulnerability, fearing that if she closed the podcast's lid, he would crumble, his world shattered. He seemed to have nothing else, a failure etched deeply in his soul. She vowed to remain resilient for him. Suddenly, Matt thrust a knife into her heart, and Ava jolted awake.
When Nathan informed Ava of Matt's proposed changes, she refused to relinquish control. They convened with Matt, hashing out the specifics, but Matt made it abundantly clear that they must adhere to his vision for the recording. He transformed it into a captivating tale, filled with vim and vigor, designed to tantalize the listeners. As the podcast went live, Nathan and Ava awaited the downloads with bated breath. The Sisters of Crime podcast on the same topic had garnered half a million downloads, setting a lofty benchmark.
Later, Michelle approached Nathan at the club, relaying that the police had come calling again, mentioning Matt's name in the process. Nathan immediately became defensive, severing his ties with his once-deemed friend. As the police returned, Nathan pledged to Ava that he wouldn't lie about Matt's alibi. Ava begged him to do so for their future and the unborn child. Nathan's panic was palpable as he struggled to recall the title of the movie Matt had claimed they watched. After the cops departed, Nathan assured Ava that he had guessed it correctly - "Face/Off" - and had stuck to the alibi. As they scanned the downloads, the Bartletts' faces lit up with surprise and joy, seemingly overwhelmed by the positive numbers.
