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‘The Baldwins,’ Alec and Hilaria’s TLC show, addresses ‘Rust’ shooting and PTSD

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Alec Baldwin, a three-time Emmy winner, and his wife Hilaria are now part of the prestigious group that includes the Duggars, the Gosselins, and Honey Boo Boo, as they have started a TLC reality show chronicling their daily family life at home.

On TLC, starting this Sunday, “The Baldwins” series delves into the lives of Alec (66) and Hilaria (41), their seven children, and a variety of pets. The series offers an insightful look at their lives in the weeks preceding Alec’s trial for involuntary manslaughter. The opening episode, titled “Along Came Hilaria,” offers a glimpse into the affluent yet turbulent existence of this family, who were already a tabloid sensation even before the unfortunate incident where Baldwin unintentionally shot and killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of “Rust.

From a cinema enthusiast’s perspective, “The Baldwins” often feels like an upscale adaptation of “19 Kids and Counting,” delving into everyday parental responsibilities and the intricate planning involved in shuttling their large brood between their crowded, playpen-filled penthouse in bustling Manhattan and their grand estate in the Hamptons. The series gives a glimpse into the lives of all seven offspring, even featuring the youngest, Ilaria (often referred to as “Baby”), who at one point precariously balances on the edge of a kitchen counter stool. (There’s also a brief reference to their two caregivers.)

2008 saw Alec Baldwin, in the midst of a career rejuvenation following his acclaimed role on “30 Rock,” expressing to The New Yorker his exhaustion with acting (“I yearn to be myself! I long to be me.”). Today, it appears he’s found what might have been an unconscious desire: starring in reality television.

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In the Baldwin involuntary manslaughter case, I found myself on the side supporting the judge who dismissed the criminal charge upon uncovering what appeared to be a deliberate attempt to hide or suppress potentially crucial evidence.

The first episode tackles the “Rust” shooting incident and other controversies that have surrounded the family, such as Hilaria’s habit of adopting a Spanish accent despite her upbringing in Massachusetts, leading some critics on social media to label her as a fame-seeker or gold digger. The atmosphere is similar to a CBS sitcom featuring an older, grumpy husband who reluctantly accommodates his younger wife.

The series isn’t overflowing with major revelations, but it does have some quirky details like Carmen, their eldest child, playfully calling her messy bun a “butt cheek bun” or the fact that Alec has an unexpected allergy to cats, despite owning four. The series also shows a compassionate side of the Baldwin family, as they are executive producers. However, there are still some surprising moments in it.

Here’s a look at the biggest takeaways.

Hilaria claims that Alec has PTSD from the ’Rust’ shooting

The story unfolds during the previous summer, with Alec facing a trial in New Mexico for involuntary manslaughter, potentially resulting in a 18-month prison sentence. Fortunately, the judge eventually dropped the case. However, the upcoming trial was a significant source of anxiety for the family, particularly Alec himself.

Alec’s loved ones have noticed a deterioration in his mental state. Diagnosed with PTSD, Alec expresses thoughts like ‘If something tragic was meant to happen today, then why am I still alive?’ According to Hilaria.

Alec notes that life was completely unlike what it is now following the event, and our lives have undergone a profound change. Our kids have had no choice but to acknowledge this reality. They’ve had to face it, adapt to it alongside us, each in their unique manner.

Hilaria mentions some regrettable insights about ongoing events. Life will now undergo a permanent transformation. Halyna experienced an inconceivably tragic loss, a son lost his mother. The pain we feel from this loss will remain with us forever. This sad event will become a significant part of our family’s history.

Hilaria thinks her Spanish accent makes her ’normal,’ not inauthentic

In the year 2020, a significant stir on social media arose about Hilaria’s portrayal of herself in public for many years. As a result, she felt compelled to clear up misconceptions, revealing that she hails from Massachusetts, her birth name is Hillary, and she does not identify as Latina or Hispanic.

In the middle of their first episode, a debate about Hilaria’s background surfaces, as they discuss their prenuptial agreement during a private conversation. As the discussion deepens, Hilaria starts speaking faster and her accent becomes more pronounced. Alec then interrupts, saying, “Let’s take it easy. You’re speaking English with a Spanish rhythm, which can be tricky for me. Let’s slow down.

Hilaria argues against claims of cultural appropriation regarding her accent, instead viewing it as a testament to her multicultural background, having spent time in Spain and having family members residing there currently. She states, “I believe that growing up bilingual is incredibly unique. I deeply appreciate English, and I cherish Spanish too; when I combine the two, it doesn’t make me any less genuine. Rather, it makes me ordinary.” She explains that learning another language and living in another country will inevitably affect one’s speech, word choices, and mannerisms. “This is normal,” she says. “It’s just being human.

Alec doesn’t comment on his wife’s accent, and the episode skips over more incriminating scenes, such as the controversial “Today” show clip where Hilaria had trouble recalling the English word for cucumber while preparing gazpacho.

Alec has OCD, which makes having seven children and eight pets extra challenging

Previously, Alec has openly discussed his battles with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. However, in “The Baldwins,” we directly observe some of these behaviors as Alec meticulously aligns water bottles, tidies a jumbled mess of swimming goggles, and fiddles with the food in the freezer – all in an unsuccessful effort to control the turmoil in his personal life.

Hilaria points out that people often use the term OCD carelessly, saying things like “I’m so OCD because I love organizing my closets.” However, she stresses that OCD is a genuine and challenging condition.

When the producer observes that it’s “unusual” for someone with OCD to have seven children and eight pets, Hilaria responds by saying, “He made an intriguing decision.

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2025-02-20 20:31

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