Ep 1. Baby

Set in the affluent city of Rome, Baby is a six-part television series that explores the lives of a group of teenagers who embark on a journey of self-discovery, love, and rebellion. The first episode of the series, entitled "Baby," introduces viewers to the world of two high school girls, Chiara and Ludovica, who are dealing with the pressures of their respective worlds.

Chiara comes from a wealthy family and enjoys all the privileges that come with it. She is the envy of her classmates who all want to be her, but underneath the surface, Chiara is unhappy. She is stifled by the expectations of her parents who want her to become a successful lawyer like her father. Chiara's life changes when she meets Damiano, a street-smart boy who doesn't care about her status or her wealth, and who shows her a different way of living.

Ludovica, on the other hand, comes from a working-class family and is trying to find her place in the world. She is a rebellious teenager, who yearns for adventure and likes to take risks. Ludovica works at a local cafe and is drawn to a more exciting lifestyle. She is introduced to Chiara's world when she applies for a job as a babysitter for Chiara's family.

In the opening scene of the show, we see Chiara and Ludovica as they enter the school gates. They are immediately greeted by their classmates who are gushing over the latest gossip in their social circle. The girls navigate through the crowd as they make their way to their class, and it becomes immediately evident that the glitz and glamour of their world are masking an underlying emptiness.

As the episode unfolds, we are introduced to the various characters that make up Chiara and Ludovica's world. We meet Chiara's best friend, Camilla, a spoiled daddy’s girl, who is dating the captain of the football team. We also meet her brother, Fabio, who is studying in the US and trying to make a name for himself. On Ludovica's side, we meet her mother, who, despite the struggles of raising a family on a limited income, still manages to remain positive and cheerful.

As a result of their vastly different backgrounds, Chiara and Ludovica's personalities clash, and we get to see them trying to navigate their new roles as babysitter and employer. Chiara is initially dismissive of Ludovica, who she sees as someone who doesn't belong in her world. Ludovica, on the other hand, is intrigued by Chiara's lifestyle and sees babysitting for her as a way to gain entry into a higher social circle.

The two girls begin to develop a rapport as they spend time with each other while Chiara’s parents are away. We see them bonding over their dissatisfaction with their respective lives, and as they start to open up to each other, we get to see their vulnerabilities and motivations.

The title of the episode, "Baby," refers to the nickname given to Ludovica by her mother, who sees her daughter as her last chance to achieve the dreams that she was never able to achieve. The episode explores the theme of motherhood, as we see how the expectations of their mothers shape their personalities and aspirations.

The cinematography in the episode is stunning. The show is set in Rome, and the beautiful city is showcased in all its glory. From the cobbled streets to the gorgeous architecture, the city’s beauty serves as a backdrop to the girls' journey of self-discovery.

In conclusion, the first episode of Baby is an excellent introduction to the world of Chiara and Ludovica. The show explores the themes of class, motherhood, and identity, and the characters are complex and well-developed. The performances of the actors are outstanding, and the writing is sharp and engaging. Baby is a must-watch for fans of coming of age dramas, and this episode sets the stage for an exciting and captivating journey.