The second season of "Based on a True Story" kicks off with a bang in the episode titled "Liquid Gold," where we find the Bartletts, Ava (Kaley Cuoco) and Nathan (Chris Messina), grappling with the aftermath of their podcast and the murder of Ruby. The episode wastes no time in diving back into the chaos that has become the couple's life, picking up three months after the events of the Season 1 finale.
The episode opens with Ava and Nathan consulting with a specialist about their son Jack's feeding issues. Ava's insistence on breastfeeding despite the challenges adds a layer of domestic realism to the couple's otherwise tumultuous life. This scene is a stark contrast to the flashback that follows, where the couple is seen cleaning up the aftermath of Ruby's murder at their beach house. The juxtaposition of parenthood and crime is a recurring theme throughout the episode.
Simon (Aaron Staton), Ruby's husband, interrupts Ava and Nathan in the midst of their cleanup, leading to a tense confrontation. Ava's quick thinking in the moment saves them, but it's clear that the weight of their secret is taking a toll. The couple's life is further complicated when Ava goes into labor, adding another layer of urgency to their situation.
The narrative then shifts to Nathan's new job as a tennis coach, where he is teaching Jaden (Kingston Rumi Southwick), a young and ambitious tennis player. This subplot serves as a brief respite from the main storyline but also highlights Nathan's attempts to establish a normal life amidst the chaos.
Meanwhile, Ava's obsession with breastfeeding and her reliance on social media for advice lead to some darkly comedic moments, showcasing the couple's struggle to maintain a sense of normalcy. Nathan's suggestion to switch to formula is met with resistance from Ava, who is determined to stick to her guns, even as it clearly causes her distress.
The plot thickens when Nathan receives a photo from Matt (Tom Bateman) in Mexico, where the couple had sent him to a rehabilitation center. The photo reveals that Matt is not alone, as Ava's sister, Tory (Liana Liberato), is with him. This discovery sends Nathan on a mission to Mexico to bring Tory back, setting up a new conflict for the season.
In Mexico, Nathan's interactions with Matt and Tory reveal the complexities of their relationships. Matt's apparent transformation through the rehabilitation process is called into question, as his true nature seems to resurface. Tory's engagement to Matt, revealed at the end of the episode, adds another layer of tension to the story, as the couple must now deal with the fact that a serial killer is about to become part of their family. Back in Los Angeles, Ava's guilt over Ruby's murder manifests in hallucinations, further blurring the lines between reality and her subconscious. These moments are both chilling and poignant, highlighting the psychological impact of the couple's actions.
The episode concludes with a shocking revelation from Matt, who confesses that he did not kill Ruby, but Simon did. This twist adds a new dimension to the story, as it seems that the couple may have framed the wrong person for Ruby's murder. The episode ends on a cliffhanger, with Simon's true involvement in Ruby's death now in question.
"Liquid Gold" is a strong start to the second season, setting up multiple plotlines that promise to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The episode balances dark humor with suspenseful storytelling, delving deeper into the characters' psyches and the consequences of their actions. With the introduction of new characters and the reopening of old wounds, "Based on a True Story" is poised for a thrilling second season.