Ep 3. Anna Nicole Smith and Larry Birkhead

In Hopelessly in Love season 1 episode 3, the focus is on the tumultuous relationship between Anna Nicole Smith and Larry Birkhead. Anna Nicole Smith, a former model and Playboy Playmate, became a household name in the 1990s and early 2000s for her larger-than-life personality, tabloid exploits, and highly publicized court battles. Larry Birkhead, on the other hand, was a relatively unknown photographer and Anna's former boyfriend who would eventually play a pivotal role in her life and legacy.

At the outset of the episode, we are introduced to Anna and Larry's relationship, which began in 2004 when they met at the Kentucky Derby. Anna was infatuated with Larry from the start, and the two quickly became inseparable. However, their relationship was far from perfect, and they faced numerous challenges and obstacles along the way.

One of the most significant challenges they faced was the paternity of Anna's daughter, Dannielynn. Throughout Anna's pregnancy and in the months following Dannielynn's birth, there was much speculation about who the father was. Some claimed it was Anna's longtime companion Howard K. Stern, while others suspected it was Larry, who had briefly dated Anna around the time of Dannielynn's conception.

The episode explores the tension and drama that surrounded the paternity battle, which culminated in a highly publicized court case. We see Larry taking a DNA test and anxiously waiting for the results, while Anna grows increasingly desperate to prove that Howard is Dannielynn's father. Ultimately, the truth is revealed, and Larry is confirmed as Dannielynn's biological father.

Despite the paternity drama, Anna and Larry's relationship continued to be tumultuous. They struggled with jealousy, trust issues, and conflicting priorities, with Anna's desire for fame and attention often coming into conflict with Larry's desire for a more private life. We see them navigating these challenges, with Larry trying to be a stable presence in Anna's life while also asserting his own needs and boundaries.

As the episode draws to a close, we see the tragic end to Anna's life, with her untimely death in 2007 at the age of 39. The episode explores the impact of Anna's death on Larry and their daughter Dannielynn, as well as the ongoing fascination with Anna's life and legacy. We see Larry grappling with his grief and trying to navigate his role as a single father to Dannielynn, who has inherited her mother's spotlight and fame.

Overall, Hopelessly in Love season 1 episode 3 offers a poignant and often heartbreaking look at the complicated relationship between Anna Nicole Smith and Larry Birkhead. Through interviews with friends, family members, and insiders, as well as archival footage and reenactments, the episode captures the highs and lows of their love story and provides insight into the larger-than-life personalities at the center of it all.