Episode 7 of Based on a True Story kicks off with Nathan's dreamy escapade, this time envisioning Ruby gracing his doorstep to discuss the podcast. The concept is brilliant—crafting their own medium and charging a monthly subscription. As Ruby begins to "tend to his needs," Nathan's reverie is interrupted by McEnroe's intrusive presence in the same room.
The dream shatters when Ava enters, and Nathan unveils his vision to Matt and Ava. Matt eagerly endorses the idea, even offering his own enhancements for the platform, including a "premium service." He envisions "fresh, exclusive content for subscribers"—in essence, more murders, which he confesses he yearns for. Once again, the Bartletts dissuade him from such a morbid path. However, his thirst for blood clearly outweighs his better judgment. Matt's frustration mounts when Nathan rejects his invitation to "play darts" at their regular bar.
Nathan and Ava's quarrel over McEnroe masks a deeper rift—their faltering marriage. Ava, too, finds herself immersed in a dreamy realm, fantasizing about Ryan in the shower. Tory catches her in this moment and Ava confesses her thoughts. However, her younger sister warns her of the potential perils of such fantasies, given their close proximity in real life.
As Ava shows Ryan a house, he steps into the shower, and Ava confesses her fantasies, feeling both relieved and embarrassed. Ryan, however, washes his hands of any romantic inclinations towards her.
Michelle confronts Nathan about Matt, who Nathan had previously vouched for. Now, Matt has discarded Michelle, labeling her a "dead end." Nathan initially suspects that Michelle is Matt's new target, but soon realizes that she has fallen victim to the Ripper.
In truth, Matt had a cunning plan to delight Nathan with a darting session at the local bar. Their dialogue was oddly riddled with mentions of "sacrifices" and "rectifying wrongs." Matt aimed to ease Nathan's conscience about McEnroe's fate, and further hoped to reignite Nathan's marriage with Ava, but only if the podcast succeeded and he was forced to commit another murder. Nathan, however, saw through Matt's schemes and responded with a furious punch, followed by a desperate attempt to strangle him on the floor.
Upon Nathan's return, Ruby materialized, her presence undeniable. She spoke earnestly about the podcast, cunningly manipulating Nathan's latent interest in her, and succeeded in convincing him to ask Ava to include her. But Ava stubbornly refused, insisting they would address the issue when it presented itself.
Now it was Nathan's turn to wear the blindfold, as he led Ava to the Malibu beach house they had fantasized about. Yet Ava was dissatisfied, her dissatisfaction deeply upsetting Nathan. He expressed his frustration with Ava's fixation on his shortcomings and their dire financial situation, believing these were the reasons for her disdain and weariness with their union. But Ava retorted, arguing that her discontent stemmed from Nathan's lost ambition and his refusal to strive for a better life. As she angrily strode towards the door, she encountered a ghastly surprise: Ruby's lifeless, bloodied body, a "blue dart" piercing her neck, identical to the one Matt had held mere hours earlier. The Ripper had struck again, leaving a trail of terror in his wake.
