‘Based on a True Story’ and Who Really Killed Ruby, Explained

'Based on a True Story' and Who Really Killed Ruby, Explained

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  • What Happened to Ruby in ‘Based on a True Story’ Season 1?
  • It’s a Twist No One Saw Coming in ‘Based on a True Story’

As a seasoned television critic with over two decades of experience under my belt, I must say that “Based on a True Story” has truly outdone itself this time around! The twist in the latest episode was nothing short of mind-blowing and had me scratching my head in disbelief – in a good way, of course.


This delightful dark comedy-thriller on Peacock, titled “Based on a True Story“, seamlessly blends into the current trend of witty whodunit series that satirize our fascination with true crime and podcasting. It cleverly intertwines these interests into a riotously funny tale following a couple anticipating parenthood, navigating life’s hurdles, and unearthing unexpected solutions in the unlikeliest of circumstances. Remarkably, they’ve identified a local serial killer – quite inconveniently, someone they personally know.

Instead of reporting him to the authorities, Ava (Kaley Cuoco), who uncovered the mystery through her detective work, proposes they leverage it. They could create an anonymous podcast featuring the alleged killer and potentially reap significant profits! However, it’s crucial that he agrees to cease his actual killing spree. Contrary to what fans might have anticipated from Season 1, where a character’s death led many to believe the Westside Ripper was responsible, Season 2 offers an entirely different reality than expected.

What Happened to Ruby in ‘Based on a True Story’ Season 1?

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As the latter episodes of Season 1 of “Based on a True Story” unfolded, Ava and Nathan’s (Chris Messina) podcast gained momentum. This was largely due to Matt (Tom Bateman), who orchestrated a daring move that sparked widespread curiosity about their show. Unfortunately, another woman had been murdered, causing an eerie fascination with the tale. Despite keeping their identities hidden to avoid implicating themselves, Ava and Nathan were secretly reaping sponsorship deals.

Meanwhile, Ruby (Priscilla Quintana), who is Simon’s (Aaron Staton) somewhat snobbish companion, begins to grow suspicious. Upon reading a text that implicates Matt in the murder of a woman named Dahlia Stone (Lizzie Broadway), a survivor of the Westside Ripper who had been quite open about her status, she starts piecing together the puzzle. She comes to believe that Matt is the serial killer and deduces that Ava and Nathan are involved with the “Based on a True Story” podcast.

Later, during their dinner at Simon and Ruby’s residence for an auction, Ruby challenges Ava regarding the incriminating burner phone she discovered. To solidify her suspicions, she phoned Matt on the same device and verified he answered. Instead of threatening to involve the authorities, Ruby aims to join the game. She perceives the podcast is gaining traction, and she desires a share of its success. As collateral, she reveals that she took DNA from Matt’s wine glass, ensuring proof should she need to escalate matters with the police. Ava attempts to extricate herself by confessing their involvement in the podcast but claiming Matt is merely a family friend feigning the role of the murderer to aid them financially through this endeavor. However, Ruby remains unconvinced.

In addition to other complications, Ruby and Simon have a heated dispute over Simon having paid Carlos (Sebastian Quinn), her former lover, to leave her. Enraged, Simon slays his own dog, who is actually Nathan’s dog that they were planning to reacquire due to their newfound funds. Matt manages to calm the situation down, but Ava and Nathan face a catastrophic collapse when they learn that their podcast, known for its controversial content, has been taken off Spotify following a Tweet from Jessica Alba accusing the anonymous podcasters of profiting immorally from the deaths of innocent women.

In a turn of events, when Ruby manages to reach Nathan using her charm, he implores Ava to include Ruby in their podcast. However, she strongly objects. To make amends for his wrongdoings, Nathan purchases the dream beach house in Malibu they had long desired. Yet, barely settling in, a knock comes at the door to reveal Ruby’s lifeless body lying on the doorstep, a blue dart embedded in her neck. Now, they are compelled to act swiftly and dispose of the body, as they suspect Matt is responsible for the murder. Unfortunately, Matt refuses to lend a hand. As they conclude scrubbing the kitchen floor clean of blood, Simon unexpectedly arrives and inquires perplexedly about whose blood it is.

Who Really Killed Ruby in ‘Based on a True Story’?

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In Season 1, all indications suggested that Matt was responsible for Ruby’s murder. It seems he learned about her plans and decided to eliminate any potential danger. However, a shocking turn of events occurs in Season 2. After Tom goes to Mexico as Nathan and Ava had arranged to help him manage his violent tendencies, Tom reveals something unexpected to Nathan. He claims that instead of killing Ruby, it was Simon who committed the crime. Enraged, Simon is said to have killed her. Upon leaving the room, Tom took advantage of his skills and hid the evidence. Naturally, this meant he left the body at Nathan and Ava’s doorstep, allowing them to handle the issue.

Upon Simon’s reentry to the room, he is taken aback, puzzling over where Ava’s body disappeared. Interestingly, at the start of Season 2, Ava and Nathan, acting on impulse, deceived Simon by saying the blood was Ava’s, and she was having the baby prematurely. Unbeknownst to Simon, this was indeed the case as Ava was actually going into labor. The urgency of the situation didn’t allow Simon the opportunity to inquire about the excessive amount of blood. In the meantime, Matt secretly staged evidence to implicate Simon in the murder, leading him to prison. However, months down the line, with their child born and Matt residing in Mexico, Ava and Matt are ridden with guilt for having sent an innocent man to jail. Ironically, it was revealed that Simon, in fact, did commit the crime they had tried to protect him from.

When Nathan discovers the facts, he urgently messages Ava to inform her since coincidentally she’s at Simon’s house with him at the moment. He got out on bail, and she felt remorseful and chose to visit. However, now that she’s aware of the truth, she’s terrified for her own safety. She somehow manages to scare him away by accidentally spilling her valuable breast milk onto his ankle monitor. As he’s under house arrest, a police officer contacts him promptly, preventing him from pursuing Ava further.

It’s a Twist No One Saw Coming in ‘Based on a True Story’

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It’s important to note that Matt not killing Ruby doesn’t prove he’s reformed. He’s a ruthless, violent individual, remember. Whether he meant to kill her but was prevented by Simon or had other plans is uncertain. But this event certainly took everyone by surprise, as it was widely believed that Matt was responsible for Ruby’s death. This incident seemed to imply that Ava and Nathan are in over their heads, and it also suggested that Matt may not have honored his commitment to stop killing. This twist in the storyline was quite unexpected and shocking.

As a film enthusiast, unveiling the truth about the situation has eased the burden of guilt I felt towards Nathan and Ava for putting their friend behind bars. Yet, this newfound knowledge casts doubt on Matt’s genuine reform. For those who diligently watched all eight episodes of Season 2, the answer is already clear. At present, it seems that Ava and Nathan may not be the only morally corrupt individuals in our circle of friends. Simon, with his fiery temperament, struggles to maintain control over himself.

Simon appeared to regret his actions and it seems he didn’t intend to harm Ruby. However, taking two lives in one night suggests there’s a darker side hidden within him, filled with anger and malice. His threats towards Ava and her infant child only strengthen this perception, making him comparable to Matt in terms of danger. This seemingly ordinary upper-class man can now be included among the list of murderers featured on the show. Watch “Based on a True Story” on Peacock.

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2024-11-19 19:02