Ep 5. First Children
- May 10, 2009
In the fifth episode of season 2 of Tracey Ullman's State of the Union, titled First Children, Tracey Ullman takes on the personas of several prominent first children, including Donald Trump Jr., Chelsea Clinton, and Ivanka Trump.
The episode explores the unique experiences and challenges faced by those who grow up in the political spotlight, often under intense scrutiny from the media and the public. Ullman expertly embodies each character, flawlessly mimicking their speech patterns and mannerisms to provide a hilarious and insightful look at their lives.
In one segment, Ullman appears as Ivanka Trump, showcasing the first daughter's love of fashion and her attempts to maintain a balanced schedule as a working mother. She pokes fun at Ivanka's carefully curated Instagram image, with a tongue-in-cheek portrayal of the first daughter posing for selfies with construction workers in hard hats.
Later, Ullman dons a smart suit and blonde wig to embody Chelsea Clinton. She captures Chelsea's measured and serious demeanor in interviews, but also plays up her more playful side, as seen in a scene where she's caught snacking on hot dogs at a baseball game despite her vegan diet.
Donald Trump Jr. also gets the Ullman treatment in this episode, with the comedian taking on the younger Trump's Brooklyn accent and slicked-back hair. She skewers his attempts to prove himself as a competent businessman and his love of hunting, with a sketch that sees her hunting a wild boar while wearing a Playboy bunny costume.
Throughout the episode, Ullman highlights the absurdity of the first children's lives, while also acknowledging the immense pressure and scrutiny they face. She's unafraid to poke fun at their personal lives and public personas, but does so with a light touch that avoids crossing into mean-spirited territory.
First Children is a standout episode of Tracey Ullman's State of the Union, offering a fresh and hilarious take on the lives of those who grow up in the White House. With her expert impressions and sharp writing, Ullman delivers a witty and insightful look at the challenges and absurdities of life in the political spotlight.
