BDE – The episode with Ollie Pierce (Kellen Patino) and Matt Pierce (Tom Bateman) shopping in a supermarket. Matt teases him with “Frootie Monsters.” Ollie readily refuses because his mother labels them “too sugary.” A selection of Pop-Tarts follows a phone call from Nathan Bartlett (Chris Messina) who needs a toilet installed. They schedule the appointment for noon tomorrow before the line is disconnected. He spots Chloe Lake (Natalia Dyer) when Ollie approaches with a box of “Sugar Bombs.” Approaching their vehicle, he notices Chloe and another shopper in a heated argument. A flashback reveals Matt kills Chloe in her apartment.

Secluded Surf Spot – Matt prepares to hit the surf when Nathan approaches. After revealing he knows his true identity, Nathan suggests a proposition to create a podcast. He promises to not tell anyone as long as he doesn’t kill again or attack him. If he doesn’t comply, an automatic email will go to the LAPD. Forensics can match his DNA with the blood-lade bootie secured in the alley at Chloe’s building. Matt considers laughing his threat off but Nathan assures him that the police will arrest him before he emerges from the water. Nathan gives him 48 hours to respond.

On The Interstate – Disappointed with how the meeting played out, Nathan berates himself while hitting the steering wheel. As he throws up, Ava Bartlett (Kaley Cuoco) approaches. She scolds him for the meeting not turning out as they planned. He reminds her of Matt’s 48-hour deadline. Mocking him, she asks if Matt admitted to being the “Westside Ripper.” After realizing Matt never identified as the “Ripper,” she wishes it would have been her at the meeting than Nathan. He claims to have met with Matt to protect her. He suggests going to the authorities. She says they wait until the deadline to see what Matt decides to do. Ryan (Alomar Akpobome) submits a counter-offer of $8.2 million. She agrees to work on it before the call ends.

Beverly Club – Nathan is distracted when a boy asks what are they supposed to do. He says they’re going to play “Three Little Bears.” Michelle (Li Jun Li) and Mason (Belmont Cameli) join him on the court. Michelle informs him that Mason is taking over the lesson. Mason seductively greets him. Nathan asks why. She points out that Detective Quincy Burrell (Miles Mussenden) and  Detective Jessie Peterson (Yvonne Senat Jones) are there to speak with him. Quincy asks if he is familiar with the Westside Ripper. Nation admits to reading about it. Showing him a photo, he asks if he has ever seen her before. When Nathan denies knowing her, Quincy produces a photo of him and Chloe together at a bar. Giving him her card, Peterson says if he remembers anything contact her. Nathan admits he and Matt Pierce are friends.

Simon And Ruby’s Residence – Ava’s “True Crime Club” unites in the backyard. Simon (Aaron Staton) is at the grill while his canine, Duke enjoys a beverage. Simon and Richard (Timm Sharp) discuss Venice’s homeless population. Carolyn (Aisha Alfa) questions why Nathan isn’t there. Ava suggests he got held up somewhere. Paul (Brandon Keener) chimes in on the homeless when Nathan arrives. He tells Ava about his surprise visit from the authorities. He warns her that he got caught up in a lie about not knowing Chloe. He says there was a photo of him with Matt and Chloe. She tries to keep him calm while he frets about a 30-year prison sentence for aiding and abetting. An incoming call from Matt appears on his phone. Ignoring the call, he threatens to go to the authorities tomorrow. He confirms that he is out before stomping off.

Serena (Annabelle Dexter-Jones) explains her “two-for-one” online review conquests. Carolyn asks Ava about her birth plan. Serena reminds her that the baby is due in two weeks. They continue discussing Ava’s impending birth while Richard and Simon talk about racism in school. Simon and Ruby adopted Duke from Nathan and Ava. Envious, Simon calls Duke. Ruby suggests Mason coach more “Live Ball.” Ava announces Nathan’s plan to step down as director because he prefers working with the juniors. Frustrated, Nathan is tempted to reveal his firing but chalks it up to “middle-ageism” instead. After assuring them he will be okay, he berates himself in the bathroom. Ava and Ruby watch a video of sexy boxer, Carlos (Sebastian Quinn) sparring. Nathan approaches as Ruby admits to being attracted to go-getter Carlos who isn’t flabby like Simon. She says his parents own their fancy home.

Local Diner – In disguise, Nathan meets with Matt. After a Harry Potter spiel, Matt questions Nathan’s commitment because he took a long time to contact him. Nation informs him about the detectives coming to his workplace. He says they have footage of them together and him with Chloe. The news pleases Matt.

Ava’s Work – Richard asks how Nathan is doing. Ava tells him that Nathan has a habit of bottling up his feelings. He informs her of the Palisades’ owners requesting she be replaced because she has set on it for six weeks. She stresses the difficulty of getting offers for the Palisades that is overpriced. She informs him of the $8.5-million offer on the Avondale Property which was sold this morning. He extends an offer for apartment real estate.

Local Diner – Matt asks if he told anyone else about his recent revelation. Nathan denies telling anyone, including Ava. Matt questions why he is accusing him of killing Chloe. Nathan chalks it up to the blood, the booties, and the scratches before asking if he is considering his offer. Matt warns it won’t end well for him. He suggests other ways to save his marriage. Standing up, Nathan reminds him of Dahmer dying in county lockup soon after he was admitted. Matt grabs his hand to prevent him from leaving. He agrees to accept his proposal only if they continue to “throw.”

Real Estate Office – Ava is shuffling through the apartment listings when Nathan approaches. He informs her of Matt accepting their deal. Her excitement quickly transitions to being aroused. They get intimate on her desk.

Bartlett Residence – Nathan sets up the podcast when Ava reminds him of the 1pm meeting. She tells him to not forgot to push “Record.” Nathan is at the warehouse preparing everything for Matt’s arrival. Leaving the house, Ava opens the door to see Matt standing in front of her. He accuses her of putting Nathan onto him as the “Ripper.”

 

 Based On A True Story Review

Not a horrible episode, although it almost felt as if most of it was just “fluff” to drag out Matt’s agreement to the proposed deal. It should have been apparent that he would eventually agree. Because of this, I would give the episode a 5. Despite the lower rating and the “fluff” concept, I couldn’t help but appreciate learning more about the characters. Ruby’s affair, Matt’s son, Nathan’s fragile ego, and Duke possibly once belonging to Nathan were all extremely interesting. With Matt agreeing to the podcast and the staging area prepped, it’ll be interesting to see how things shake out from here.

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