The Baldwins Almost Succeeded

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As the final episode of The Baldwins season wraps up, one’s thoughts naturally drift to pondering the whirlwind of events just witnessed. It’s not difficult to reflect upon, but rather it’s hard because watching the entire season of The Baldwins feels like a ride through a Hamptons-themed pinball machine. You swiftly glide over the bridge from Manhattan and bounce unpredictably between leisurely beach strolls, children jumping into a shimmering blue pool, scenes of Alec tending to horse manure, and intimate therapy sessions between Hilaria and Alec. You find yourself spinning as the series repeatedly brings up Alec’s trial for accidentally shooting cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, only to be abruptly propelled back towards the bright and bustling world filled with dog-related mishaps and a delightful lunch with Caroline Rhea.

Spare a few minutes to ponder over the characteristics of this particular period – its paradoxes, triumphs, and instances that left you exclaiming, “Hold on a second: Hilaria secretly got a dog and hid it from Alec for two whole days by locking it in her bathroom?

1.
It is a nearly persuasive piece of crisis-management PR.

As a movie critic, I found myself deeply moved by “The Baldwins,” a series that provides an intimate look into the life of Alec Baldwin and his family. The show offers a poignant portrayal of their struggles, particularly in light of the tragic events surrounding Alec’s career after the accident on the set of his movie, “Rust.”

The series sensitively addresses the impact this event has had on Alec, a man with an endearing family of seven children, a lively wife, and numerous pets who seem to multiply faster than they can be counted. Each member of the family brings their own unique charm, from the hearty laughter of the kids to Hilaria’s resilience as she navigates the daily challenges of motherhood.

The show captures the genuine struggles of this family, from the playful squabbles between Alec and Hilaria over home decor decisions to the deep-seated anxiety that lingers in the wake of “Rust.” It’s impossible not to empathize with their experiences, feeling a sense of understanding as I watched them navigate through their trials.

In essence, “The Baldwins” presents a heartfelt account of a family trying to find solace and normalcy amidst adversity. It serves as a poignant reminder that even the most public figures face private struggles, and it’s these moments of vulnerability that make their stories so compelling.

2.
But you can never quite forget that the whole exercise was a wild miscalculation.

In different scenes, there’s a consistent beat, much like the way the narrative unfolds in the series after The Baldwins appear in a deeply emotional segment about Alec Baldwin’s OCD spiraling due to the aftermath of the Rust incident. However, just as we expect a light-hearted interlude, the series abruptly snaps us back to its strange and peculiar nature.

The Rug Affair, for example, represents an uninhibited back-and-forth conflict that spans an entire episode. It showcases Hilaria’s fondness for online shopping, Alec’s determination to visit a brick-and-mortar carpet store, their heated discussions about the correct measurement of rug dimensions, and ultimately, Hilaria secretly swapping the old rug with one that looks like a Ruggable (or similar) once Alec leaves home. During this time, dog trainers arrive to confirm that indeed dogs can be taught not to urinate on rugs. This is also when we discover Hilaria’s brief endeavor to reenact the plot of Beethoven.

The Baldwins delve deeply into 11-year-old Carmen’s passion for skincare, such as using coffee grounds on her father’s face. There are extended scenes featuring Hilaria exercising: yoga, running, weightlifting at the gym, and casually wearing a bikini top while walking. It’s almost irresistible to get absorbed in The Baldwins as a lifestyle series, but due to frequent reminders, marked by the same image of a distraught Alec beside a road in New Mexico, it prevents us from slipping into a complacent state of familiarity.

3.
These two crazy kids do seem to love each other, though.

As a movie buff, it’s not surprising that the rollercoaster ride of love portrayed in “The Baldwins” seems more like a real-life soap opera than a fairy tale. Hilaria, who isn’t actually Spanish but a yoga instructor, and Alec, an A-list actor with anger management issues, seem to have defied the odds and found their own version of happily ever after.

There are moments when Hilaria subtly hints that she truly sees Alec, not just as a father or a celebrity, but as a person. This is evident in her comments about their age gap or his fear of the world. On the other hand, Alec isn’t shy about expressing his admiration for Hilaria, often praising her beauty, especially when she dons her beachy bikini top.

In the end, I must say congratulations to them both. May they continue to navigate their love story, one beautiful moment at a time.

4.
How are we feeling about actual kids on reality shows these days? Yeah, not great!

The numerous lively Baldwin offspring are adorable, full of energy, and far too young to comprehend the implications of being public figures before they can legally drive – or for their emotional responses to their father’s potential incarceration to be broadcast globally. It is unfortunate that, despite Hilaria and Alec appearing as loving and nurturing parents, their children are essentially pawns in a public relations strategy to ensure the Rust shooting incident does not overshadow Alec’s entire career.

5.
Thank God for Baby Baldwin.

In simpler terms, the character being discussed appears very young and her actions suggest she may be a puppet or not truly part of the family. She’s often heard using inappropriate language or making demands. Her presence on the show is somewhat eerie, and even the family members seem unsure about her existence. For instance, she’s given skincare products but doesn’t interact with them, and when Alec asks about a missing shoe, it’s revealed that Baby has it. Only Ireland, Alec’s daughter, refers to Baby by name, possibly because she hasn’t spent much time with her.

6.
All the pets are cursed.

In our household, we cherish our adorable, furry companions – the playful, mischievous pooches that sometimes forget their manners and leave paw prints where they shouldn’t, and the enigmatic, striped felines who perch on window ledges, observing the world with an air of mystery. We always strive for a lively, unpredictable family life filled with laughter and joy. However, whenever one of our pets makes an appearance on screen, it seems to transform our peaceful abode into something eerily reminiscent of a horror movie set.

7.
The Baldwins’ happy ending tells on itself.

As the final chapter unfolds for “The Baldwins“, it’s clear that the storyline is drawing to a close. The trial has ended, children are returning to school, and life is resuming its usual pace for the family. However, the series subtly underscores that Alec’s promises of retirement have been unfulfilled. He’s been offered several movies, as Hilaria cheerfully shares. His IMDb page indicates five projects in various stages of production or pre-production. Soon, he will return to host SNL again. Moreover, Hilaria is writing a book! The show seems to be scripting its own achievements into the finale before it even airs. It appears that Alec’s career has made a comeback, and his wife’s profile is rising further due to increased public attention. Despite the series’ other intentions and the Baldwins‘ genuine emphasis on family, the ending underscores that the most significant aspect is getting Alec back to work. Thus, in eight episodes of “The Baldwins“, we see: mission accomplished.

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2025-04-14 07:54