Ep 1. The Science of Joy

The Vow is a docuseries on HBO that follows the story of the organization NXIVM and its downfall. In the first episode, titled "The Science of Joy," viewers are introduced to Keith Raniere, the founder of NXIVM, and some of his inner circle of followers.

The episode begins by showing footage of Raniere in a crowded room, giving a lecture on the nature of joy. He explains that joy is not just a feeling, but a state of being, and that it can be achieved through a systematic approach to personal growth.

From there, the episode delves into the story of Mark Vicente, a filmmaker who was one of Raniere's top lieutenants. Vicente talks about how he was drawn into NXIVM and Raniere's philosophy of personal growth, and how he came to see Raniere as a mentor and role model.

We also meet Sarah Edmondson, an actress who was another high-ranking member of NXIVM. Edmondson describes how she was recruited into the organization and eventually came to realize that something was deeply wrong with the group.

Through interviews with former members and investigative journalists, the episode uncovers the ways in which NXIVM operated as a cult, using manipulation and coercion to keep its members in line. Viewers learn about the "Vanguard" and "Prefect" titles that Raniere bestowed upon himself and his top lieutenants, and the ways in which the group used personal blackmail and public shaming to keep members in check.

As the episode progresses, we see Vicente and Edmondson begin to have doubts about the organization and its leader. Vicente becomes increasingly concerned about the group's secretive practices, while Edmondson is confronted with evidence that NXIVM is involved in illegal activity.

"The Science of Joy" sets the stage for the rest of the series, introducing viewers to the key players in the NXIVM story and laying out the ways in which the group operated as a cult. As the series unfolds, we see the gradual unraveling of NXIVM and the impact it had on those who were involved.