The Vow

Series premiere. Mark Vicente and Sarah Edmondson, high-ranking former NXIVM leaders, describe the dream and mission of NXIVM to build a better world. Bonnie Piesse, Mark's wife, tells him she's worried about the organization and Keith Raniere, NXIVM's leader and Mark's mentor. Mark believes there must be a misunderstanding--how could tools to make a better, more ethical world be misused?

After seven years, Bonnie leaves Albany and NXIVM for Los Angeles to make sense of it all. She tries desperately to get through to Mark, who reassures her all is well. Meanwhile, Mark remains loyal to Keith and NXIVM, but a series of phone calls begin to sow doubt within him.

Sarah confides in Mark about DOS, a secret women's group involving "masters" and "slaves." She struggles in her relationships with NXIVM, her husband Nippy, and her best friend. Nippy confronts the organization he's helped grow for 15 years. Sarah and Mark lament how many members they've recruited and question what to do next.

Mark, Bonnie, Sarah, and Nippy strategize with Catherine Oxenberg about how to get her daughter, India, out of DOS, even though she wants to stay. "Jane," a former member and India's close friend, describes the appeal of the organization--and why she left it all behind.

Catherine believes her daughter is in danger and wants her to come home. But she and the former members are unable to get the attention of the authorities so they go to the New York Times. While weighing the pros and cons of going on record, Mark reflects on his time at NXIVM.

When they see no action by the authorities, Sarah, Mark, and Nippy contact additional news outlets to provoke outrage and pressure law enforcement to pay attention. Barbara Bouchey, a former board member and early defector, shares her insight into NXIVM and reflects on her time in Keith’s inner circle.