Ep 8. The Wound

In The Vow season 1 episode 8, titled "The Wound", we see the aftermath of a pivotal moment in the series - the reveal that Keith Raniere, the leader of the self-help organization known as NXIVM, was engaged in sexual relationships with several of his female followers, including actress Allison Mack. This information has sent shockwaves through the group, and in this episode we see how different members of NXIVM are reacting to the news.

At the center of this episode is Sarah Edmondson, one of the most high-profile defectors from NXIVM. She has just undergone surgery to remove a brand that was forcibly applied to her by the organization, and is grappling with the emotional trauma of what she has experienced. We see her discussing her feelings with Mark Vicente, another former member of NXIVM who has also left the group. The two of them reflect on the profound sense of betrayal they feel towards Raniere, who they had placed so much trust in.

Elsewhere, other members of NXIVM are grappling with their own feelings about the revelations. Some are still firmly in denial, insisting that the stories about Raniere's misconduct are lies spread by the media. Others, however, are starting to question the core tenets of the organization for the first time. India Oxenberg, the daughter of Dynasty actress Catherine Oxenberg, discusses her growing realization that many of her beliefs were shaped by NXIVM's teachings, and wonders how she will be able to recover from the experience.

We also see tensions start to rise within the group as different members react to the news in different ways. There is a sense of unease as people begin to realize that they might not be on the same page as those around them. Additionally, there is a growing sense of paranoia about who might be informants for the authorities or working against the goals of the group. As the episode goes on, it becomes increasingly clear that the revelations about Raniere's misconduct are shaking the very foundations of NXIVM.

Overall, "The Wound" is a highly emotional and tense episode that delves deep into the psychological aftermath of the revelations about Keith Raniere. We see how different members of NXIVM are struggling to process the news in their own ways, and how this is putting a strain on their relationships with each other. At the same time, we see how the organization itself is starting to unravel as people begin to question whether the group's goals are truly benevolent. With the end of the series in sight, it is clear that the events of this episode will have a lasting impact on all those involved with NXIVM.