Summary
Note: This article contains several spoilers of The Bladwins episode two.
Spoiler Alert: This article may contain spoilers
In the second episode of The Baldwins, titled ‘It’s Really Complicated’, Alec and Hilaria try their best to parent while Alec’s trial is less than a week away.
The general tone of the episode is both funny and stressful, with the majority of scenes focusing on the light-hearted and wholesome family life of the Baldwins, with a more stressful tone toward the end when discussing how the manslaughter charges have affected Alec.
This episode reveals that Alec will soon be going to New Mexico for his manslaughter trial after cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was fatally shot on the set of Rust in October 2021 when live rounds were fired from Alec’s prop gun.
Meanwhile, Alec and Hilaria are celebrating their 12th wedding anniversary. “Hilaria is the most special person I’ve met in my life,” says Alec.
Hilaria describes Alec as “such a good dad” as the family prepares for their pizza dinner in the Hamptons.
A lighthearted and humorous moment in this episode occurs when one of Alec’s children accidentally drops the pizza on the ground. The same pizza is then eaten by Alec.
Alec remains much the same as he was in episode one: obsessively cleaning up after the kids and emotionally drained by the oncoming trial.
He admits there were times when he didn’t want to get out of bed in the morning, but his family helped him through the tough time.
The looming trial is worsening Alec’s frame of mind. He experiences survivor’s guilt, wishes that he had died instead in the shooting, and has been hospitalized before due to heart issues and fainting.
Hilaria also feels under pressure with the trial, questioning whether she and the kids should attend with Alec. No matter what she does, she feels she will face criticism from the media.
Work opportunities have been fewer since the shooting for Alec. He admits that he has to accept any work now and be less selective. However, Alec does some motion-capture work in L.A.
Some time in this episode is spent on Alec’s acting career, dating back to the early ’80s when he decided to switch from studying law to pursuing acting—a decision his mother was initially unhappy with.
Regarding his career, Alec says his “biggest problem is trying to find time to spend with the kids individually.” His priorities in life have shifted with his marriage and seven children.
At the Hamptons house, Hilaria and her eldest daughter prepare anniversary gifts for Alec. She gives him a St. Michael necklace and a silk scarf featuring his image for their anniversary. In return, Alec gives Hilaria a pearl earrings.
Afterward, Alec and Hilaria share their appreciation for one another, with Alec saying he never had a home for 35 years until he met Hilaria. “When I met Hilaria, I knew I had a home.”
“Faith will guide us out of this dark period,” says Hilaria.
All in all, the second episode of The Baldwins is much the same as the first: a hectic household with hyperactive kids, the everyday life of Alec, and the serious impending manslaughter trial that looms over the whole family. This episode acts as a lull between the pilot episode in New York and the trial in New Mexico.
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.
