Ladies and gentlemen, grab your popcorn and buckle up because we’re diving deep into the darkly humorous abyss of Based on a True Story, a series that blurs the lines between satire and sinister in such a delicious way, it’ll leave you questioning your moral compass while simultaneously spitting out your drink from laughter. Yes, you read that right. A show that combines the chilling essence of a serial killer narrative with the chucklesome charm of a sitcom. Is it possible?
Meet Tom Bateman, who portrays Matt, also known as the Westside Ripper. This isn’t your typical serial killer role, oh no. Bateman, with his mysterious allure and unpredictable nature, brings a satirical edge to a character who could easily belong in a horror flick. Except, in Based on a True Story, the horror is laced with hilarity, creating a unique blend that is as intriguing as it is entertaining. Bateman shares, “To be playing someone who does these terrible things is interesting because it does bring up a moral dilemma.” Yet, it’s the comedic swing that allows for a “lightness of touch and a sort of parody to it.”
The plot thickens when Ave (Kaley Cuoco) and Nathan (Chris Messina), a married couple on the brink of financial and marital collapse, stumble upon Matt’s secret. Instead of running for the hills or, you know, contacting the authorities, they decide to exploit this discovery for their own gain – by starting a true-crime podcast with Matt as their star guest. It’s twisted, it’s morally ambiguous, and it’s absolutely brilliant.
Bateman revels in the freedom his role offered, saying, “There were almost no rules for me on set.” This unpredictability is what makes his character so compelling. One moment he’s disarmingly charming, the next, downright terrifying. It’s this volatility, coupled with Bateman’s British charm hidden beneath an American accent, that anchors the show’s dark comedy.
Filming on the iconic Universal Studios lot was a dream come true for Bateman. “To drive through those gates every morning and see those sets – you know, they made Psycho there and Jurassic Park there. It was a sort of pinch-me moment,” he says, emphasizing the surreal experience of working in such a historic setting.
The dynamic between Bateman, Cuoco, and Messina is described as “unusable magic,” with the trio constantly trying to make each other laugh on set. This chemistry translates beautifully on screen, providing a foundation for the show’s comedic elements to thrive among the darker themes.
Creator Craig Rosenberg and executive producers Jason Bateman and Michael Costigan have concocted a series that doesn’t just entertain but also probes deeper into society’s fascination with true crime. Rather than making bold statements, ‘Based on a True Story’ invites viewers to question their own voyeuristic tendencies.
As for the finale, it leaves the audience at the edge of their seats. Bateman teases, “It’s a cliffhanger of ‘Oh God, what are you going to do?’” With Ava and Nathan now complicit in Matt’s crimes, the door is wide open for a season two that could delve even deeper into the moral complexities of their situation.
In a world where the lines between right and wrong are increasingly blurry, ‘Based on a True Story’ serves as a mirror to our own twisted curiosity. It’s a show that dares you to laugh in the face of darkness, challenging your perceptions of morality, entertainment, and perhaps, even yourself.
Related posts:
‘Based on a True Story’ Star Tom Bateman on Playing a Satirical Serial Killer: “It Does Bring Up a Moral Dilemma”
Based on a True Story (TV series)
Kaley Cuoco, Chris Messina star in ‘Based on a True Story,’ a tale of a killer idea that goes awry – Metro Philadelphia
