The Survivor – The episode starts with the Lipinski Sisters (June Diane Raphael and Jessica St Clair) hyping up “Crime Con” in Los Vegas. Nancy Grace, BTK Killer’s daughter, Kelly Rawson, and the “Sisters in Crime” will host symposiums. The Lipinski sisters announce their new “Westside Ripper” installment.

Crime Con – Ava Bartlett (Kaley Cuoco) and Nathan Bartlett (Chris Messina) are there to learn from the Lipinski sisters. Entering the conference room, he sarcastically says more people are in attendance than downloaded their podcast. They discuss Ruby Gale’s (Priscilla Quintana) and Carlos’ (Sebastian Quinn) workout video when the Lipinski sisters introduce Melissa Lake (Ever Carradine), the mother of Chloe Lake (Natalia Dyer). They tell the audience that their main goal is to bring Chloe’s killer to justice. Matt (Tom Bateman) joins the conference. He admits to finding the “murder industry” appalling. Dahlia Stone (Lizze Broadway), the only “Westside Ripper” victim to survive her ordeal, is introduced. Nathan and Ava look over to see Matt transfixed by her.

Dahlia suffered greatly after the terrible ordeal. She denies feeling shame, it is her assailant who should be ashamed. She explains how she looked the monster in the eye and thought, “Not today,” which she contributes to saving her life. Matt appears disgusted when she recalls getting the best of her assailant by kicking him in the groin. She claims he ran away crying. She assures the audience that she would recognize her attacker in an instant.

In the lobby, Nathan tells Matt that he is angry because Dahlia exposed him. Denying the allegation, Matt asks if he looks like someone who makes mistakes. Ava reminds him of their agreement for no more victims. Matt boasts his assailant couldn’t pick him out of a lineup. To protect their serial killer leaves not witness behind podcast angle, Dahlia’s story must be discredited.

Ava and Nathan discuss the hurdles that lie ahead of them at the hotel’s lavish poolside. Spying two young lovers embracing, he reminds her of their visits to Los Vegas. He suggests they continue enjoying the same pleasures. She warns that they are “too married.” Holding out Dahlia’s book signing flyer, Matt feels used by her and the “true crime community.” As he applies sunscreen, she says his victim earned the $100 autograph fee if her story is true. He asks her to put sunscreen on his back but she refuses. Ruby stops by to chat. Matt rudely intrudes on their discussion. Nathan returns with an umbrella drink which Ruby claims as her own. He accuses her of thinking he and Ava are having a three-way with Matt.

Quickly changing the topic, Ruby warns that the “Westside Ripper” will be harmed by Dahlia’s story. She describes the killer as an “idiot” which Matt takes as an insult. When Matt disagrees, Nathan intervenes by mentioning her Instagram post this morning. It takes a second to register before she calls him a “creeper.”

Hotel Room – Nathan and Ava discuss Ruby. Insulted by her “creeper” comment, he sarcastically says Ruby broadcasts her body images worldwide on the Internet. She assures her social media posts represent a fake life. He questions if Simon (Aaron Staton) knows she is with Carlos in Los Vegas. She suggests Simon gets off on watching them on his phone.

Crime Con Lobby – Ruby is shocked Nathan and Ava invited Matt on their trip. Ava claims he wanted to come to Crime Con. With Ruby gone, Ava is joined by Ryan (Alex Alomar Akpobome) who has a “Zodiac” novel in his possession. After a bit of idle talk, they check out the Zodiac exhibit. Shortly afterward, they are getting intimate on a desk. Knocking brings her back to the bathroom. Nathan urges her to hurry so they won’t be late. A short time later, they are in the elevator with Matt. The elevator stops to pick up none other than Dahlia. Matt keeps his eye on his only victim survivor. While checking her makeup, she gets a glimpse of him in her compact mirror. As she turns to look, Nathan blocks her view. He claims to be anticipating her book. She expresses her gratitude as the elevator reaches its destination.

Rooftop Bar – Waiting for the perfect moment, Matt finds some lame excuse to speak to Dahlia. He admits to seeing her at the “Sisters in Crime” conference. He describes her as “brave” for surviving the “Westside Ripper” attack. She assures him that she only did what was necessary to survive. He tells her that he works with victims of trauma before claiming to have donated to her cause, to investigate “The Ripper.” After informing him of California not being a death penalty state, she assures him that life in prison is suitable in the Ripper’s case. As she walks away, he accuses her of swindling money from donors. While she is affronted, her expensive veneers, real estate, and accessories make her story skeptical. He warns she and her family will go down for operating a fraud scheme. He assures her that she isn’t a victim.

He asks what color eyes did her assailant have. Declining to answer, she starts to walk away when she is impelled by an umbrella table. Carlos, Ruby, Nathan, and Ava witness the incident.

 

Based On A True Story Review

 The episode added to the little story. Matt exposes Dahlia as a fraud. There is little information regarding serial killer victim lies. Surely, somewhere along the line, there are a few cases in which victims made up their stores to reap the benefits.

The episode could easily be reduced to 25 minutes and nothing would have been missed. The script goes off-topic too many times to count. The dialogue is at times raunchy.

The episode deserves a 5. Get more Based on a True Story recaps here. Support Reel Mockery by clicking the link. Our onsite advertising builds online brand awareness.