English Web Series The Baxters

The directors of this web series are Rachel Feldman, Tony Mitchell, and Alex Zamm. The producer is Roma Downey Roma Downey is a Northern Irish actress and produc >> Read More... , Jessie Rosen, Will Packer, Kevin Mann, Brendan Bragg, and Jamie Primak Sullivan. The production companies for this web series are LightWorkersMedia, Will Packer Media, Haven Entertainment, and Amazon MGM Studios. The cast includes Roma Downey, Ted McGinley, Ali Cobrin, Masey McLain, Josh Plasse,Reilly Anspaugh, Emily Peterson, Cassidy Gifford, Jake Allyn, Orel De La Mota, Loren Escandn, Jake Farree, Jaclyn Chantell, Alexa Sutherland, Asher Morrissette, Brandon Hirsch, Taylour Paige, Kai Caster and Eve Sigall.

Plot

The web series “The Baxters” has been inspired by the book “Redemption” by Karen Kingsbury. This series revolves around the lives of a seven member family and the ways they navigate through life with, and sometimes without religion. The family includes the married couple John and Elizabeth Baxter, and their five grown up children; Kari, Ashley, Luke, Erin and Brooke. The Baxters are the type of family that look perfect from the outside, with their picture-perfect grown-up kids who look like they would be the type of kids who score the highest in their academic tests and exams. They seem like a happy family that values family time and takes time to play board games, go on family trips and joyfully sing together. And most of all, they prioritize religion and would take the time to pray together. However, behind this perfect facade there are shortcomings and flaws, and each of them are battling with demons. For instance, Kari’s husband is having an affair. And what makes it worse is that this affair is with one of his students. He tells Kari that he is happy with this other woman, Angela, and wants to leave Kari. Kari reminds him of the promise he kept to God but Jim says that God understands that people are not perfect. Many other problems also arise, along with their flickering faith in God.

Star Performance

Ali Cobrin has performed exceptionally well and her character Kari, really stood out, of all the characters.

Analysis

Although this American web series is faith based, unlike most faith based shows, this one was realistic. It shows how, despite being very religious, sometimes even the most spiritual people can stray away from their faith. It is a good attempt at showing that people can be finicky, leading them to walk away from God, but God himself never abandons them despite their lack of or loss of faith in him. This web series deals with real-world issues where religious people, particularly Christians, sometimes question their God. The theme of family is powerful, where family will support you through thick and thin. However, we also see how over-reliance on religious oaths can lead to refusing to accept a harsh reality, which can wreck a person. Just like what happened with Kari, where her husband was seeking a divorce from her but she clung on to her faith in God, and Jim, believing that they would still make it together and that there still is a chance for the two of them. She compromises her self-respect and dignity in the name of faith as she believes that this complication in her marriage is a test sent by God. At times, it feels as though the family is overly optimistic and lacks practicality. All of the cast members have performed well. This show will be a breath of fresh air for religious people who long for a break from all the anti-Christian and anti-secular trending shows that disparage Christians and their religion. This norm nonchalantly floods Netflix and numerous platforms. Now regarding the pacing of this show, some episodes are too rushed, a slower pace would improve these episodes. And, of course, some plot twists are too predictable.

What’s There?

• This faith-based film is quite realistic and shows real-world issues.
• It shows how over-reliance on religion can sometimes lead to naivety and wreck a person.
• It also shows how religion can help people overcome emotional hurdles and reminds them to be kind even during times of temptation.
• The complex relationship between people and their faith is portrayed well.
• This show is a gold mine for those religious people who long for a show that understands their faith and struggles.

What’s Not There?

• Some of the episodes are too fast paced.
• The show has some predictable plot twists.

Verdict

The Baxters is an excellent Christian-faith themed web series suited for those who are devoted to Christianity. Even atheists who are secular enough to understand such a show and the struggles that come in-between a person and their faith can watch this. This show has scenes that are not child-friendly.