Based on a True Story S2: 10 reasons to date this serial killer

Bored couple Ava (Kaley Cuoco) and Nathan Bartlett (Chris Messina) made a deal with a devil when they befriended and blackmailed serial killer Matt Pierce (Tom Bateman) and used their insider knowledge of his “Westside Ripper” crimes to boost their true crime podcast in Based on a True Story Season 1. But with Ava and Nathan now preoccupied following the birth of their baby boy, Jack, Matt has to find other ways to amuse himself between podcast “seasons”. 

Matt is keeping those killing urges at bay by attending psychotherapy sessions and exploring “sober living” at a luxury wellness centre in Mexico, along with Ava’s 22-year-old little sister, Tory (Liana Liberato). And as the season begins, they’re taking that secret affair they started in Season 1 public – with an engagement ring. 

Tory, girl! Matt might be the ultimate “He’s a 10, but…” We kind of get why she would fancy him. He’s handsome, charming, employed, he has hobbies and he knows her family. He’s a catch … with just one catch.

Binge Based on a True Story Season 1-2 now.

He’s a serial killer, but…

1. The hottest body he’s buried is his own

Nathan and Ava’s first clue that Tory and Matt are an item comes when Matt sends them a photo of himself relaxing in a hot tub in Mexico, which Ava realises was taken by Tory. It’s a bit of a cheek, considering the fact that Ava and Nathan had to sell their beach house to pay for Matt’s stay in the Humanidad Wellness Center in the first place to “cure” his little addiction to killing people. Still, phwoar! No wonder Tory is ready to get steamy.

2. You’re his type

Tory seems more inclined to look down on Nathan and Ava for “exploiting” Matt for their podcast, than she is to be appalled at Matt for killing more than 27 innocent women. So Nathan tries to point out that she fits Matt’s victim profile: 20-something white women with dark hair. But he only kills the ones he finds attractive. And this is LA, where any man whose “type” is women who’re legally old enough to drink, vote and drive is practically a feminist.

3. He’s put a ring on it

By the time Matt, Nathan and Tory arrive back from Mexico, there’s a ring on Tory finger. Matt calls her his “beautiful, kind fiancée” as he proudly declares their intent to marry in front of her closest family members. Have you or your man done as much? No shilly shallying, either. This couple will make it to the altar before the end of the season. Commitment means something to this lady killer, whether he’s committing a murder, or to a marriage.

4. He’s open with you

When Nathan blunders and asks Tory whether she knows that Matt is a killer, she’s turns it back on him, exclaiming, “I f***ing knew you knew. How could you guys keep that from me?” It seems Matt has told her everything, including his origin story (well, more on that in episode 7). In episode 4, Matt confides in Tory that he feels his life is “meaningless”, and admits that he’s really struggling with sobriety and the urge to kill again. And in episode 5, we see Matt showing Tory a secret message that he’s decoded from a copycat killer. Sharing is caring, guys.

5. He’s in therapy

On that note, there’s no punching walls for this serial killer. Matt enthusiastically tells Nathan about the wonders of rehab, meditation, mindfulness and doing “the work” on healing himself from his “disease”. And Tory insists that Matt “is actively taking steps to change.” Is it working? Well, yes! Matt can proudly stand up and claim that he hasn’t killed anyone for the past 98 days. And he’s learned so many exciting new psychological tools in therapy˙– allowing him to convince Tory that her family won’t approve of their love, because they are bound to project their own disappointments about their life choices onto Tory and Matt.

6. He prioritises your growth

When Nathan still shows signs of fretting over the relationship, Matt tells him, “I love Tory. And if it's better for her to go home and continue her studies... I would never stand in her way.” So Tory packs up her zen retreat outfit and gets back on the path of becoming a lawyer, which is her childhood dream and favourite Halloween costume.

7. He’s daddy material

Ava and Nathan have been struggling to feed baby Jack and are exhausted by his constant shrieking and crying. But the moment Matt picks up the baby, he stops crying. Matt explains to the first-time parents that babies like to be held firmly and gives Ava some useful advice on angling his feeding bottle, which he learned from raising his own son. Let’s hear it for the active dads!

8. He wants to be a better man for you

Matt pleads with Nathan to be his sponsor or coach, telling him, “I need to be better this time. I wanna be the best husband that I can be for Tory, and that means staying sober.” He  attends his group therapy meeting in episode 4, and he admits that he’s upset because someone is doing his “old job”. Then, after the group session ends, he starts the next step of his sobriety journey by discretely trying to help one victim’s surviving family member. Along the way, Matt shares his “triggers” with Nathan: “Being slighted by beautiful women, being treated like I'm invisible, and this one is weird, but... the music of Rick Springfield. There's something about his voice.” Gotta love a self-aware king.

9. He’s good with his hands

Matt not only has a physical hobby that keeps him fit (stalking, killing and burying victims is not a couch potato activity), he has skilled employment as a plumber – a recession-proof trade that AI has shown no signs of being able to take over. He works in a posh area of Los Angeles, too, so the money is great. Still feeling a bit strapped for cash? Not to worry, Matt has a sideline as a true crime podcast producer. So talented. So versatile. 

10. He’s a planner

As much as Matt has to fight his impulsive nature and prides himself on his ability to think on his feet, he’s also shown himself to be capable of thinking years in advance – exactly what you need for planning a life together. In the Season 1 finale, Matt led a zoom conference with serial killers around the US in an effort to find a killer with audience appeal to lead the next season of Nathan and Ava’s true crime podcast. Not only that, he has covered his tracks and prepared for the future. Admittedly he’s done that by working to frame Nathan for the Westwide Ripper murders since Season 1. But we’re all a work in progress, right?

All things considered, you might be tempted to slip him your number. But there’s no need. He probably already has it, along with your address.

Binge Based on a True Story Season 1-2 now