'The Baxters' Season 2 Review: Ashley Baxters' character development shines in Prime Video's faith-infused series
LAS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: After much effort, the screen adaptation of Karen Kingsbury's best-selling novel, 'The Baxters', has finally made its streaming debut on Prime Video, spanning three seasons.
The show's narrative is as seamless as butter: the Baxters, John Baxter (Ted McGinley), and Elizabeth Baxter (Roma Downey) navigate life's obstacles with their adult children, all while maintaining a strong faith.
Where the first season of the series focused primarily on Kari Baxter (Ali Cobrin) as she discovers her husband Tim Jacobs' (Brandon Hirsch) infidelity, the second season explores other characters in greater depth.
LightWorkers Media, Will Packer Media, and Haven Entertainment produce the show, which has Roma Downey, Will Packer, Kevin Mann, Brendan Bragg, and Jaime Primak Sullivan as executive producers.
Despite facing numerous delays following its production in 2018, the series was not released until Prime Video stepped in.
The family in 'The Baxters' is too good to be true
In the straightforward yet intricate world of Baxters, children try to overcome obstacles while parents serve as pillars of support, guiding them to live by their religious values.
From the outset, the show presents an idyllic family that seems to be going through their difficulties but is supported by one another.
While the families do offer support to one another, the portrayal in the series often veers towards an idealized depiction that feels somewhat disconnected from reality.
Elizabeth and John, as the heads of the family, often come across as lacking in chemistry and rely heavily on clichés and biblical phrases, resulting in an exaggerated portrayal of a long-term marriage.
Even their picture-perfect home appears untouched by the stresses of everyday life and the family embodies an idealized version of family life, shaped mostly by optimism and religion, adding to the sense of unreality.
It is nearly impossible for people to harbor resentment and maintain such a sterile atmosphere in real life.
The storyline feels scattered at times for 'The Baxters Season 2'
Season 2 showcases the talents of filmmakers Tony Mitchell, Alex Zamm, and Rachel Feldman.
While they effectively propel the story forward, there are moments where the writing feels disjointed.
For example, Ashley Baxter (Masey McLain) undergoes significant character development throughout the series. However, there are instances where she appears concerned about Ryan Taylor (Jake Allyn) dating Kari due to her past involvement with him.
What makes things more murkier is she is also dealing with her complex relationship with Landon Blake (Orel De La Mota).
Moreover, it's worth noting that the season lacks a compelling overarching struggle for the family to overcome, making it seem more like a collection of discrete issues rather than a seamless story.
The second season offers a great deal of character development
Season 2 has many excellent qualities, such as the progressive development of various characters and their opportunity to ultimately take center stage.
Ashley's storyline is more defined as she delves into her complex connection with Landon.
Furthermore, Luke Baxter's (Josh Plasse) and Reagan Decker's (Cassidy Gifford) dilemma of having a sexual relationship before marriage feels authentic, as both struggle to strike a balance between their beliefs with their desires.
The series also conveys the encouraging message of being hopeful in the face of adversity.
The characters engage in debates, face temptation, make mistakes, and are given opportunities for redemption, ultimately making the plot optimistic and underscoring themes of forgiveness, redemption, love, and faith.
This faith-based approach places the series squarely within the expanding genre of Christian dramas.
The run time of an average 20-minute episode also acts as a positive aspect for the second season of the series.
'The Baxters' is now streaming on Prime Video