Exclusive Interview: Sara Paxton Breaks Down That Shocking Season 2 Finale of ‘Based on a True Story’

Season 2 of Based on a True Story raises the stakes with even more twists, tension, and dark humor as Ava and Nathan Bartlett navigate the challenges of new parenthood. Three months in, Ava is determined to focus on her family, curb her true crime obsession, and return to her real estate career, while Nathan builds his private tennis coaching business. But when a string of new murders emerges, suspicions of a copycat killer arise, drawing Ava back into the mystery—could Matt be responsible? And is Tory, now romantically involved with Matt, in danger? For a while, life seems stable: Ava finds distraction in TikTok and a new friend, Drew, while Nathan throws himself into reigniting his tennis career and his friendship with Matt. But the calm doesn’t last, and danger soon comes knocking.

Spoilers Ahead: This interview delves into key moments from Season 2 of Based on a True Story.

A major revelation this season comes with the introduction of Sara Paxton as Paige, the grieving sister of Chloe Lake, the Westside Ripper’s last known victim. In a jaw-dropping finale, it’s revealed that Paige is the copycat killer. Her grief drives her to target those who profit from the true crime genre—a system that she believes glorifies killers and neglects victims, like her sister.

Pop Culturalist caught up with Sara to discuss this shocking twist and what’s ahead.

PC: Joining a cast with a season already under its belt must be an interesting experience, especially on a show with such a distinct rhythm and tonal shifts. As an actress stepping into an established world, particularly with a character connected to someone from Season 1, how does this process differ from your previous roles?
Sara: That’s a great question. I always get nervous when stepping into a situation where everyone already feels like a family. They have their inside jokes, so I was definitely nervous. But they were so welcoming—everyone was incredibly kind to me, and I’m really grateful for that. The nerves disappeared almost immediately. The other actors have such amazing chemistry. Kaley [Cuoco] and Chris [Messina] are constantly cracking jokes, and you can tell they’re genuinely good friends. The warm and welcoming environment made it so much easier for me to make that transition.

PC: Your character serves such a distinct purpose in highlighting the dangers of glorifying killers. While she takes that to the extreme, her actions are deeply rooted in her grief. How did you approach balancing her pain and vulnerability with the darker choices she makes? How were you able to approach this character without bias?
Sara: That’s another great question. I definitely don’t want to approach any character with bias. If you’re judging the character you’re playing, then you’re immediately not fully stepping into their skin. What I love about Paige is that, at the end of the day, her actions are fueled by the grief of losing her sister, which is incredibly relatable. I had empathy for her. That devastating loss of her sister from Season 1, who was murdered in such a brutal way, is what starts Paige on this journey. Not everyone who experiences a horrible, devastating loss goes on a murderous spree, but at her core is that grief. That grief really helped me get into her skin and understand her.

PC: Your performance in the Season 2 finale is incredible, especially as you navigate so many complex emotional beats. One moment, you’re utterly terrifying, and the next, you’re heartbreakingly vulnerable, channeling that grief. There’s so much nuance in the way you tell the story through your eyes and the looks you give Kaley and Chris’ characters. How did you get into that headspace and decide how far to push the performance and when to pull back? It feels like the entire season hinges on the emotional authenticity of that reveal.
Sara: Thank you. A lot of it comes down to the writing, especially when it’s this good. It feels real and true to life, which makes it easier to connect with. I think that’s exactly how she would feel—one moment consumed by the intense grief of losing her sister, and the next overwhelmed with the rage of having the person responsible for her sister’s death in the same room. It’s such a spectrum of emotions, and for me, it was about staying present in each moment. Like you said, it’s about walking that line and finding the balance.

PC: The game that Paige forces Ava and Nathan to play reveals some shocking truths about the true crime genre, particularly how the focus often shifts to the killer rather than the victims. It sparks such a tense and thought-provoking exchange between Paige and Ava. How did you navigate the intensity of that scene, especially with Kaley’s character bringing such a contrasting perspective to the conversation? What was it like collaborating with her in particular?
Sara: Kaley is an amazing comedic actor. Being able to bounce off her energy and work in tandem with her in a scene was incredible. It really makes a difference when the person you’re working opposite is so talented. The same goes for Chris—they both made me better at what I do just by being so great.

You’re right, that was a really heated exchange. I’m a big fan of true crime and have been for a long time, but that scene really made me step back and think about the morality of the genre. It definitely threw me for a loop and gave me a lot to reflect on.

I’m a fan of the show, so reading that script and that exchange, I was immediately invested in the back-and-forth between Paige and Ava. Ava, Kaley’s character, believes these stories help people heal, but Paige isn’t a fan of the true crime genre because of what she’s gone through personally. That contrast really made me pause and reflect—it was such a powerful dynamic to explore.

PC: Annie Weisman, the showrunner for Season 2, is known for engaging in open conversations with the cast about their characters’ arcs. With Matt now having kidnapped Paige, there’s a wealth of story to explore. Have there been early discussions about where this dynamic could lead if the show is renewed for Season 3? Where would you personally like to see her storyline head?
Sara: There haven’t been any conversations yet. I’m really excited to hear where audiences think it might go and what their theories are because I’m just as curious. As an actor, I have two theories. One is that they might team up—I don’t know what that would mean or how it would play out, but it would definitely be fun to explore. The other is that it could turn into a cat-and-mouse game where they’re constantly trying to outsmart each other, which would also be a blast to play. My fingers are crossed that Paige comes back!

PC: Outside of Based on a True Story, what’s next for you?
Sara: My husband is a writer and director, and he has a new movie coming out called Weapons. I have a part in it, and it’s set to release next year.

To keep up with Sara, follow her on Instagram. Season 2 of Based on a True Story is now available on Peacock.

Photo Credit: Colleen Hayes/Peacock