Episode 1 of "The Baxters" kicks off with a heartwarming scene, where the Baxter siblings—Luke, Kari, Erin, and Brooke—gather to celebrate Mother’s Day with their beloved mother, Elizabeth Baxter. The family reunion is almost perfect, marred only by the absence of Tim, Kari’s husband, who couldn't make it due to an unexpected, last-minute academic conference. On the surface, the Baxters appear to be the quintessential picture of familial bliss, a household that many envy and aspire to be a part of.
The narrative then shifts focus to Tim Jacobs, a university professor and Kari's devoted husband. Kari, a thriving businesswoman who runs a successful interior design firm, is deeply in love with Tim. However, little does Kari know that her seemingly perfect spouse has been carrying on a clandestine affair with Angela, a student at his university. Tim frequently sneaks away from his academic duties to spend time with Angela, betraying the trust and love of his wife.
Dirk, one of Tim's unsuspecting students, takes a moral stand and informs Kari about her husband's infidelity. He provides her with an address, revealing that Tim is at the Silver Lake apartments with another woman. Kari, desperate for answers, tries to call Tim but finds his phone switched off. Further investigation reveals that Tim isn't staying at the hotel where he had made reservations. Heart pounding, Kari drives to the given address and witnesses Tim with Angela, shattering her world into pieces. She drives away, her heart shattered by the betrayal of the man she thought loved her unconditionally.
Returning to their home, Kari is plunged into a wave of nostalgia, reminiscing about her college days when she first met Tim. They shared a bond rooted in religion and intellect, qualities that drew Kari to him. Their relationship blossomed from casual strolls and coffee dates to something more profound and official.
The next morning, Tim returns home, hoping to smooth things over with Kari. But she, too hurt to face him, locks herself in the bathroom. Taking the hint, Tim begins to pack his bags, preparing to leave. As he makes his exit, Kari confronts him, asking if he's in love with Angela. Tim, unable to meet her gaze, nods in affirmation. Kari, still clinging to a shard of hope, suggests they can work through their issues, but Tim is unmoved and continues on his path of self-destruction.
Tim lays the blame squarely on Kari, accusing her of lacking support and being excessively engrossed in her family affairs, to the extent that she barely spares any time for him. Having made a definitive decision, Tim returns his ring and formally requests a divorce from Kari. Judging by his actions, Tim seems indifferent to the prospect of salvaging their marriage.
In distress, Kari reaches out to her mother, asking if she can come over and stay with her for a few days. Sensing an underlying issue, Ashley is convinced that something must have transpired between Tim and Kari. Eventually, Kari unburdens herself, revealing that Tim has been unfaithful to her with another woman named Angela. Seeking solace, Kari turns to her parents and sisters, asking them to pray for her and to refrain from harboring hatred towards Tim. Although John urges Kari to file for a divorce, she makes it unmistakably clear that she is not inclined to end her marriage with Tim.
Deeply religious, Kari believes that abandoning her marriage would be unwise. She is hopeful that Tim is merely confused and that with God's guidance, their marriage can be repaired. Ashley Persuading Kari to give up this marriage was met with Kari's fierce rebuttal. Kari accused Ashley of having no right to judge her, especially since Ashley herself is neither a good mother nor a good daughter. As the episode draws to a close, Ashley encounters Ryan, a former NFL superstar and an old flame of Kari's. In a fit of emotion, Ashley informs Ryan that Kari's unscrupulous husband has been sleeping with another woman.
