I find this story very interesting. I'm glad there's a season 2 so we can see how the trial played out and affected the NXIVM members - those that defected as well as those who still supported Keith Reneire. However, I feel a little voyeuristic and intrusive at times. After Mark finished being on the witness stand and he came back to the hotel room he was so drained and emotional. He said he was just done and I really think at that time they should've stopped filming and given him some time to collect himself. It felt like the film makers were exploiting his pain.
This episode was particularly interesting because it explored the possibility that Keith and his program had positive impacts on people's lives. A couple women who had been in DOS we're interviewed. These women still supported Keith and talked about all the positive things they gained. Thus challenged me to have an open mind and consider the possibility that if these women actively chose to be "slaves" and to obey their "masters", if it really criminal. There were so many people that obviously benefited from Keith's teachings, so it doesn't seem like it was all bad. Even though there may be positive impacts from NXIVM, I get the hebee-geebees from Keith. He seems to love being worshipped and is so smug.
All this lead me to reading the FBI's legal paperwork bringing charges against Keith and some of the trial transcripts. Dear Lord! Just that little bit had me sickened to me stomach. A vile and disgusting, manipulative, cunning little man. Comes out that he really does have a sick and twisted view of sex and loved the game of it. He seemed to get off on the women being uncomfortable and being able to use his influence to control them.
In this episode, I really do appreciate that the film makers took the time to interview people who were still supporting Keith (at least at that time) and to consider the possibility that if they're consenting adults then it might not be illegal. Problem comes in though when they are not consenting, when they are not adults, when they are ordered to give monthly damaging info/naked pics that will be (and was in some cases) released if they disobey or try to leave, when they are directed to groom a "sex toy" for their Grandmaster, etc.