The opening scene of Bad Influencer unfurls with a woman named BK at a high-end brand boutique, her eyes eagerly scanning the shelves for that perfect Louis Vuitton bag. As she makes her request to the attentive sales executive, an influencer by the name of Pinky strides in, her arrival marked by the return of one of her luxurious bags. The executive's words, however, paint a different picture—Pinky's bag is, in fact, a fake.
In a silent yet determined gesture, BK snaps photos of the contraband bag, her eyes narrowed in discernment. Pinky, offended by the implication, launches into a recording session, intending to post a video online, accusing the store of slander. But BK interrupts with a calm yet firm explanation, revealing the truth about the bag and Louis Vuitton's stringent production standards. The exchange ends with Pinky storming out in a huff.
With a steely resolve, BK heads to the restroom, swiftly changing her attire and returning the ill-gotten luxury garments. Later, she visits her friend's pawn shop, printing the photos she took of the LV bag and putting on her favorite tunes as she sets to work crafting a counterfeit version of her own.
As she delves into her next venture, BK receives a call from her son Leo's school, informing her of his ongoing bullying. Realizing that Leo, on the autism spectrum, requires a special needs school, BK takes him home and begins to crunch numbers—calculating the cost of his admission with a mix of determination and trepidation.
The next day, BK is introduced to Lindiwe by her friend Thandz, who leads her into a circle of wealthy women. BK presents them with her collection of designer bags, claiming they're pre-owned, but in truth, they're fakes meticulously sewn by her own hands. The scene is alive with the intrigue and subtlety of an undercover operation as BK navigates this new social sphere with skill and grace.
As one of the women insists on receipts to authenticate the bags' authenticity, BK panics and scurries away, leaving her in a state of disarray. The woman dials the police, but before they arrive, BK has already fled the mansion, her heart pounding with fear.
That very night, Thandz calls to inform BK that the deal is off and the bags are now in the hands of the authorities. BK's panic escalates to a new level, nearly causing a collision with a stranger's car. Leo jumps out of the vehicle to intervene, saving BK from being hit. However, instead of expressing gratitude, BK angrily speeds away.
Later, BK takes Leo to an astronomy club, where she is surprised to see Themba, the same man from earlier. To her delight, he turns out to be the science teacher. After the session, she enrolls Leo in the club, and Themba learns of her single-motherhood and her struggles to raise her son alone.
As they return to their building, a woman confronts BK about her unpaid debt, warning her about Leo's safety. BK begins to brainstorm ways to sell her counterfeit bags online. She recalls meeting Pinky at the store and decides to reach out to her.
Meanwhile, Pinky visits her boyfriend Mandla to confront him about the fake bag, accusing him of giving her counterfeit products. Mandla dismisses her with a snide comment, saying she doesn't deserve real luxury. Enraged, Pinky keys his car in a fit of rage, ending their relationship.
Soon after, BK messages Pinky with a business proposal. Desperate for money, Pinky agrees to meet her. BK explains that she wants Pinky to use her Instagram following to promote the fake designer bags. Pinky agrees but insists on taking one bag for a trial run.
The two attend an influencer party, where Pinky introduces BK to others in the scene and points out Naomi, one of the top influencers. Naomi admires Pinky's bag and takes a photo of it, convincing Pinky that BK's work is convincing enough to garner attention in the industry.
The following day, Pinky and BK embark on a photo shoot adventure, while BK ventures to Bheki, the man she's in debt to, seeking a 10,000-rand loan. Bheki reminds her of the previous 10,000 she still owes, and her desperation turns into a desperate plea for more time, promising repayment within 48 hours.
Pinky books a lavish hotel suite for the shoot and shares snaps of the plush bag on social media, her vanity on full display. Meanwhile, BK waits anxiously for sales to roll in but becomes increasingly frustrated as Pinky parties instead of nurturing potential customers. Just as things are looking bleak, Bheki and Joyce show up at BK's doorstep to collect their payment.
With Leo left in the care of a neighbor, BK dashes to the club where Pinky is frolicking. There, she confronts Pinky with her claim of being scammed, her words dripping with arrogance. Seizing Pinky's phone, BK hides in the bathroom and threatens to expose her private moments unless she returns the money. Just then, Pinky receives a message from a potential buyer.
BK takes off with Pinky's phone, meets the customer, and successfully sells the bag before returning it. Pinky demands her share of the profit, and the two women clash over the money. But their dispute is cut short when Bheki and Joyce arrive, brandishing weapons and threatening to shoot them both.
Bheki takes most of the money, leaving BK with only 30,000 rand. Pinky is terrified and refuses to continue their partnership. That night, Themba, Leo's science teacher, is revealed to be a police officer investigating counterfeit goods. The episode ends with him texting BK, asking for a meeting.
