The Baldwins offers an intimate and unfiltered look at Alec, 66, and Hilaria Baldwin’s bustling family life. With seven kids, eight pets, and a move to East Hampton for the summer, the episode sets the tone for what promises to be a deeply personal, sometimes chaotic, but ultimately wholesome series.
Episode one introduces us to the hectic Baldwin household in Manhattan, a space described as resembling a ‘toy store’ filled with the laughter and antics of their hyperactive children.
The main event of the episode is the celebration of their son Rafael’s ninth birthday, a heartfelt family moment filled with cake decorating, sibling antics, and playful parental banter.
Alec, known for his OCD, tries his best to keep things organised and clean amid the inevitable mess, while Hilaria embraces the lively chaos.
As the family packs up and heads to their East Hampton home, where Alec has spent summers for over 40 years, the weight of his impending trial looms in the background.
Though the couple tries to focus on their children, the episode subtly reveals the emotional strain they are under.
Alec, despite putting on a strong face, has been diagnosed with PTSD following the tragic Rust shooting. He admits that he sometimes ‘feels happier asleep than awake’, a moment that underscores the personal challenges he continues to face.
Hilaria, ever the supportive partner, stands by him, claiming that while the world may misunderstand Alec, she truly knows the ‘tender and raw soul’ beneath the public persona. She also reflects on how she met Alec at 27, quickly falling in love with the older actor for his humour, kindness, and generosity. Despite their 25-year age gap, their bond remains strong as they navigate the impending trials’s uncertainties together.
One of the standout moments of the episode is the lighthearted debate at the barbers over who is the better driver, Alec or Hilaria, only to have one of their children bluntly interject, “You both suck at driving”.
With the help of two nannies, Alec and Hilaria attempt to maintain some structure in their daily routine, emphasising the importance of raising their children bilingual. “My family speaks two languages,” Hilaria said, ensuring that their Spanish heritage remains a key part of their upbringing.
The first episode of The Baldwins successfully sets the stage for a compelling and deeply personal series. While it doesn’t shy away from the darker realities of Alec’s ongoing legal battles, it focuses on the family’s love, humour, and resilience. Viewers will be drawn to the Baldwin family dynamic, appreciating the balance of lighthearted moments and emotional depth.
Featured Image Credit: TLC.
I am a third-year Politics and Journalism Studies student at the University of Stirling (2022-) and a writer and sub-editor for the Brig for over a year (Nov. 2023-), focusing mainly on political topics.
