The Baldwins Season 1, Episode 2:

The Baldwins, Season 1, Episode 2, titled “It’s Really Complicated,” aired on March 2, 2025. It delves deeper into the emotional and logistical challenges the family faces as Alec’s involuntary manslaughter trial looms.

With Alec’s trial for the Rust shooting just a week away, the episode focuses heavily on the emotional strain on the Baldwin family. Alec and Hilaria attempt to maintain a positive atmosphere for their children. However, the looming legal battle is a constant undercurrent. Alec’s struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are highlighted, with Hilaria noting his mental health decline. The episode featured confessional-style interviews in which the couple discusses the impact of the Rust tragedy on their lives. They emphasized that their suffering, while significant, does not compare to that of Halyna Hutchins’ family.

Alec expresses deep distress, stating he is “happier asleep than awake” due to the trial’s weight.

Hilaria explains to the camera that their daughter fears “they” will take Alec away. This raises questions about how the couple communicates the trial’s implications to their children. The episode includes footage of Alec learning about Halyna Hutchins’ death. Many critics have called it tactless and exploitative for a reality show.

The focus on the Rust tragedy is a double-edged sword. It provides raw emotional content but risks appearing self-serving. The Baldwins use the platform to frame Alec as a victim while acknowledging Hutchins’ family’s greater loss. Critics argue this approach lacks authenticity. It feels like a calculated attempt to reshape public perception of Alec’s role in the incident.

During the trial preparations, Hilaria plans an unusual wedding anniversary gift for Alec. She described it as a gesture of love and support during a difficult time. The episode also showcases the chaotic family dynamics, with scenes of the couple managing their seven children and eight pets in their Manhattan apartment and East Hampton summer home.

Alec is shown ordering white gold pearl “Morning Dew” earrings for Hilaria. This highlighted his effort to maintain personal milestones despite the trial. Scenes of the children engaging in typical misbehavior (e.g., screaming, playing on motorized mini-ATVs) are juxtaposed with the parents’ attempts to maintain order. It is often with limited success. Hilaria’s repeated commands (e.g., “wait, wait, wait”) underscore the lack of control in the household.

A notable moment involves eldest daughter Carmen. She is depicted with heavy makeup and cropped clothing at ten years old. It raised concerns among viewers about age-appropriate presentation. Additionally, Carmen’s outburst, including her saying, “Why am I a bitch?” after a sibling dispute. This highlighted the children’s exposure to stress and adult language.

The anniversary gift storyline attempts to humanize the couple. It felt overshadowed by the trial’s gravity. The portrayal of the children, particularly Carmen, has sparked criticism for exploiting young family members for drama. This started potentially alienating viewers who find such exposure inappropriate.

The episode balances the trial’s seriousness with lighter moments of family life. They used the children’s face-painting activities and Alec’s interactions at a horse farm. However, these scenes are often undercut by the couple’s staged conversations about their struggles.

Alec’s comment about finding a “home” with Hilaria is contrasted with his strained relationship with his mother, Carol Baldwin, and his daughter, Ireland, from his previous marriage to Kim Basinger. Some viewers found this dismissive. Hilaria’s fluctuating accent and her history of cultural appropriation (pretending to be Spanish) are subtly referenced. Critics noted her attempts to address past controversies through the show.

The show’s attempt to portray the Baldwins as a relatable, chaotic family is undermined by their wealth, privilege, and the presence of nannies (referred to as “godmothers” by some critics). It made their struggles seem out of touch. The inclusion of Hilaria’s past controversies risked reigniting public backlash.

It remains unclear whether The Baldwins will be renewed for a second season, as noted by Vulture. The show’s negative critical reception, with outlets like The Guardian calling it “a new low for television.” Also, Variety labeled it “inauthentic.” This poses a significant hurdle to renewal.

The heavy focus on the Rust trial in Episode 2 has drawn criticism for its tactlessness. This was particularly noted for including footage of Alec learning about Hutchins’ death. It could further erode audience goodwill. The episode’s failure to balance the trial’s gravity with compelling family content may reduce its appeal to TLC’s typical audience. They expect lighter, family-focused chaos akin to Jon & Kate Plus 8.

Suggestions for a second season include focusing on less controversial figures like the youngest daughter, Ilaria (“Baby”). Or even Hilaria’s yoga practice. Many critics doubt that these could sustain a full season. A spinoff focusing on Alec’s historical ramblings or Carmen and Hilaria’s relationship has been proposed. But the children’s discomfort on camera may limit such plans.

Alec’s ongoing lawsuits against New Mexico prosecutors and other parties related to Rust may keep the tragedy in the public eye. This complicates the show’s narrative of moving forward. Any developments in these lawsuits could force future episodes to address the issue again. This could potentially alienate viewers who find the topic mishandled.

TLC won a competitive bidding war for the series. Warner Bros. Discovery’s chief creative officer stated the Baldwins “needed this show.” However, the negative reviews and viewer backlash may make TLC hesitant to renew unless viewership numbers are strong.

The show’s producers, including Alec and Hilaria as executive producers, may need to rethink their approach to avoid further criticism. For example, reducing the focus on the Rust tragedy and emphasizing more relatable family moments (e.g., the children’s activities without exploiting their behavior) could improve reception. However, the couple’s unlikeability, as noted in IMDb reviews, remains a challenge.

The exposure of the Baldwin children, particularly Carmen’s depiction and the younger children’s swearing, has raised ethical questions about filming. Future episodes may face pressure to limit the children’s screen time or address their behavior more sensitively to avoid accusations of exploitation.

Previews of episodes show Alec and Hilaria attending therapy to process the trial’s aftermath. It suggests a potential arc of redemption and healing. However, their differing opinions on next steps could create compelling drama or further highlight their disconnect, depending on execution.

The episode has been widely criticized for its handling of the Rust tragedy. Vulture noted that it “stumbles in its attempt to show two sides.” The Guardian called it “dreadful” and in poor taste. The focus on Alec’s suffering while acknowledging Hutchins’ family’s greater loss is seen as manipulative. The chaotic family scenes fail to provide the relatable charm expected from TLC.

On platforms like Reddit, viewers express disdain for the couple’s perceived narcissism and the show’s lack of authenticity. Comments highlight discomfort with the children’s exposure. Along with Hilaria’s grating presence, some call the show a “trainwreck” they can’t look away from. However, the children, particularly Ilaria, are seen as a highlight, though not enough to redeem the series.

The episode’s depiction of the children’s behavior and Hilaria’s parenting could fuel further online criticism. The couple’s past scandals (e.g., Hilaria’s cultural appropriation, Alec’s voicemail to Ireland) are frequently referenced on social media. This could limit the show’s ability to attract a broad audience.

The Baldwins Episode 2 attempts to balance the serious implications of Alec’s Rust trial with the chaotic, relatable aspects of raising seven children. It largely fails to resonate due to its tactless handling of the tragedy and the couple’s unlikable presentation. The storylines centered on the trial’s emotional toll, Hilaria’s anniversary gift, and family dynamics for this episode. It highlighted the show’s struggle to reconcile its crisis management goals with TLC’s family-oriented brand.

Moving forward, the show faces significant challenges: negative critical reception, ethical concerns about the children’s exposure, and ongoing public scrutiny of the Baldwins’ past and present actions. For a potential second season, producers may need to shift focus away from the Rust incident, reduce the children’s screen time, and address Hilaria’s controversies more transparently to regain viewer trust. However, the couple’s entrenched public image issues and the show’s inauthenticity may make renewal a risky proposition for TLC.